10 Best Hair Waxes For Women In 2024, Hairdresser-Recommended

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Bob, braid, quiff, pixie, textured lob—create any hairstyle with these hair waxes.

Image: MomJunction Design Team

Hair wax is a must-have for women who want to keep their hair in place throughout the day. The best hair waxes for women are a style supplement as they provide nutrition to the hair, and you don’t have to worry about combing or fixing it frequently. However, you must select the right hair wax for your hair type from the numerous options available in the market. This post brings you some of the best hair wax products for women known for their proven efficacy in helping you make sleek hairstyles. Bring home a results-driven one that’s perfect for you, and keep trying new hairstyles.

In This Article

10 Best Hair Waxes For Women

1. Best Versatile: Paul Mitchell Firm Style Dry Wax

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4.4

The Dry Wax from Paul Mitchell is a versatile product that works effortlessly no matter what your hair’s texture or natural flow is. Considered as one of the best hair styling waxes for women, it molds, bends, and raises your hair, giving you the control you seek.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2.83 x 2.83 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains emollients and softening agents
  • Gives you the flexibility to set your hair as desired
  • Free of harsh chemicals
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Gluten- and paraben-free
  • Vegan
  • Celebrity-endorsed

Cons

  • May feel sticky
  • May be hard to wash

Review:

A user writes, “I’ve relied on Paul Mitchell Firm Style Dry Wax for years. It works well on my thick, short, layered hair, and tames flyaways. It is easy to apply and holds well without stiffness. However, it does not come with instructions, so I had to look up videos.

protip_icon Quick tip
Work the wax between your hands to warm it up and bring it to a workable consistency before applying it to your hair. Do this to avoid shabby wax clumps on the hair.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The 1,493 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.

2. Best Glossy Finish: Aveda Anti–Humectant Hair Wax

Give your hair a perfect glossy finish with the anti-humectant Hair Wax from Aveda. This sculpting wax provides a glossy finish. It is resistant to water and moisture, ensuring your hair stays in place even in humid conditions.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2.46 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 0.1 Ounces

Pros

  • Infused with the goodness of castor oil and rice bran oil
  • Keeps hairstyle intact
  • Prevents frizziness and flyaways
  • Tames curls
  • Suitable hair wax for long hair
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • May give you greasy hair
  • Might have a liquid consistency

Review:

According to a tester, “Aveda’s Anti-Humectant Hair Wax has been my hair’s good companion, offering lasting frizz control and shine. A little goes a long way, though too much can make it greasy.”

3. Best Non-Greasy: Redken Pliable Paste

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4.4
Water Wax from Redken Image: Redken

Redken’s water-based wax adds gloss to your hair and doesn’t leave any messy, ugly residue on your palms or hair. It keeps your hair moist and is quite easy to clean. This hair wax is an affordable product and can be shampooed out easily. You can use this hair wax for updos and braids too.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.92 x 2.92 x 2.9 inches | Weight: 7.1 Ounces

Features:

  • Infused with the goodness of hydrogenated castor oil
  • Easy to apply and does not leave any residue on your hands
  • Gives your hair the wet look to make you look fresh
  • Can be shampooed out easily

Pros

  • Infused with hydrogenated castor oil
  • Easy to apply
  • Leaves no residue on hands
  • Gives a fresh and wet look to the hair
  • Easy to remove by shampooing

Cons

  • Hold may be lighter than expected
  • Consistency may be a bit thin

Review:

A user states, “I’ve found the Redken Pliable Paste to be a pleasant surprise. It gives my hair a natural lift and tames even stubborn strands. While not the strongest hold for longer hair, it offers a fresh, non-stiff, and natural finish.

Paul Mitchell Firm Style Dry Wax
Best Versatile
Aveda Anti–Humectant Hair Wax
Best Glossy Finish
Redken Pliable Paste
Best Non-Greasy
Hair Type All All Normal
Dimensions 2.83 x 2.83 x 1.4 inches 2.46 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches 2.92 x 2.92 x 2.9 inches
Weight 3.2 Ounces 0.1 Ounces 7.1 Ounces
Rating
Reviews1,4937264,636
Price$20.0$48.5$22

4. Best For Improving Texture: Tigi Bedhead Manipulator

With Tigi’s Bedhead Manipulator, you can experiment and play with your hair to get that precise contrarian, who-cares look without much effort. Spike it, style it, and of course, flaunt it. Included among the best hair waxes for women’s short hair, it could be the perfect product for creating sleek hairstyles effortlessly.

Pros

  • Fiber-forming wax improves your hair texture
  • Works for different styles
  • Adds shine to hair
  • Ideal hair wax for volume
  • Protects your hair from frizz and humidity
  • Ideal for short to medium hair
  • Holds well and gives you a thicker-looking hair
  • Has a refreshing fragrance
  • Comes in a handy jar

Cons

  • Wax might be slightly dense
  • Hold may not last all day

Review:

A reviewer says, “Tigi Bedhead Manipulator has been my favorite since I was 14. It gives me textured hair without stiffness and tames my wavy hair. Even in humidity, the results-driven product keeps my style intact and manageable.”


5. Best Convenient-To-Use: Paul Mitchell Spray Wax

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4.2

If you want your hair to have flexibility, then Paul Mitchell’s hair wax spray is an ideal option to consider. It contains beeswax and sunflower seed oil and is a comfortingly non-oily formula. You may use this expert-recommended natural wax to add definition for styling all kinds of hair lengths.

Hair Type: All, especially fine to medium | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 7.44 inches | Weight: 4.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-oily and easy to apply
  • Gives your hair a nice satin finish
  • Controls frizz
  • Free of parabens and gluten

Cons

  • May be difficult to remove the wax from hair
  • May leave wax build-up in the nozzle

Review:

As per a user, “Paul Mitchell Spray Wax is my styling staple. While it delivers control and volume for defined styles, it can sometimes clog the nozzle. However, it is non-greasy, and a little goes a long way for depth and hold.

protip_icon Quick fact
As per a study, hair waxes that contain propolis, a natural substance produced by honeybees, and Eruca sativa are said to promote hair growth (1).

6. Best Smoothening: Avlon KeraCare Styling Wax

Manage the unruly hair strands and irritating frizziness with Avlon’s KeraCare styling wax stick. It gives your hair flexibility and smooth texture while styling. If you are looking for the best hair wax stick for flyaways, this one here makes a suitable choice. Moreover, this wax stick for hair is known for its proven efficacy and is ideal for day-to-day use.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 4 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Pros

  • Infused with the goodness of castor seed oil
  • Controls frizzy hair and flyaways effectively
  • Provides a solid hold
  • Ideal for creating special style effects like spikes and waves
  • Dairy-free

Cons

  • May have a strong smell
  • May feel slightly sticky

Review:

A tester writes, “Avlon KeraCare Styling Wax Stick tames flyaways, offers a sleek look, and has a subtle scent. A small amount works wonders, but the smell could be overpowering for some.

7. Best For Quick Application: SexyHair Style Play Dirty Dry Wax Spray

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4.4
SexyHair Style Play Dirty Dry Wax Spray Image: Sexyhair

The SexyHair Style Play Dirty dry wax spray allows you to style your hair creatively. This wax hair spray from SexyHair offers medium hold and separates hair for easy styling. This is a great product for women with thin hair as you can get impressive hair bounce and dimension with this spray. It is easy to apply, and you need to spray it into your dry hair to hold it in place or add texture.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.77 x 6.85 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Dairy-free formula
  • Provides a shiny finish to your hair when applied
  • Best hair wax for thin hair
  • Not tested on animals

Cons

  • May not be suitable for wet hair
  • Excess spray may make your hair look oily

Review:

A reviewer says, “I fell in love with the SexyHair Style Play Dirty Dry Wax Spray after my stylist used it on me. It has a beachy coconut fragrance and effortlessly holds my thick hair without the sticky or heavy feel.

8. Best Fragrance: Tigi Bed Head Hair Wax Stick

Tigi Bed Head Hair wax stick molds your hair to create different textures while leaving no sticky residue behind. This hair molding wax contains beeswax, Japan wax, Rhus succedanea fruit wax, and castor oil. Further, you can use this hair wax for bob cuts and style your hair to perfection and achieve that sleek, well-put look.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.77 x 3.94 inches | Weight: 2.57 Ounces

Pros

  • Adds a firm, long-lasting hold and gives you frizz-free hair
  • Has a pleasant lavender fragrance
  • Convenient to use and easy to wash off
  • Alcohol-free
  • Great hair wax for short hair

Cons

  • May not work well for thick hair
  • May make the hair feel greasy

Review:

A user writes, “I discovered the Tigi Bed Head Hair Wax Stick when I needed to manage chemically damaged hair. It tamed my unruly strands, offering a strong hold. It may seem a bit greasy.


protip_icon Quick fact
Some evidence reveals that castor oil can promote hair growth under certain circumstances (2).

9. Best Chemical-Free: Wicked Texture Wax from Giovanni

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4.3
Wicked Texture Wax from Giovanni Image: Giovanni Store

Style your hair the way you want with Wicked Texture Wax from Giovanni. This hair pomade for women is suited for both damp and dry hair. It’s 100% color-safe, and ingredients like peppermint and lavender nourish your hair.

Hair Type: Dry,Damaged,Color Treated | Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 2.36 x 4.33 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Formulated using plant-based natural ingredients
  • Free of harsh chemicals
  • Easy to apply and washes out easily
  • Paraben- and sulfate-free
  • Not tested on animals
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Quantity offered may seem small
  • May not be suitable for finer hair

Review:

A reviewer states, “I used Giovanni’s Wicked Texture Wax before silk pressing, achieving both shine and hair control. The subtle sparkle suited my gray hair, however the scent is not my favorite. Nevertheless, its texturizing results were impressive.

10. Best For Shine: Goldwell Creative Texture Gel Wax

Besides giving your hair a smooth texture, this gel wax gives you exceptional shine. If lustrous hair is what you are looking for, this might be the right hair product.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.77 x 6.46 inches | Weight: 5.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Infused with the goodness of bamboo proteins
  • Non-sticky, easy to apply, and leaves no residue behind
  • Free of sulfate and gluten
  • Protects the hair from color fading and heat

Cons

  • Quantity may not be sufficient
  • May have a watery consistency

Review:

A tester mentions, “Goldwell Creative Texture Gel Wax enhances my hair texture and adds a touch of smoothness to my wavy hair. However, its scent might feel strong at times.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Types of Hair Wax

There are many different types of hair wax, depending on your hair length, type, and the specific result you are seeking.

Gel wax

If your primary aim is to tame your hair, you should go for gel wax. It is ideal for people with high volume hair. Even for those with short hair, gel wax is a match if you intend to give it a sharp look.

Fiber wax

If you have soft hair, fiber wax is what you need to give it that dynamic look. If you are trying to amp up your hair, grease wax can help. It provides a unique, glossy, and wet look to your hair and goes well with both tomboyish and feminine styles.

Dry wax

Dry wax, also known as grey or mat, is your friend if your objective is to increase the volume of your hair. It helps if you want to create that feathery, velvety effect.

How To Apply Hair Wax?

You can apply the wax when the hair is dry or damp. You only need a little bit of wax, regardless of how long or voluminous your hair is. If you are applying on wet hair, be gentle as you apply it along the length of your hair. If you are applying on dry hair, warm the wax on your palm and apply it on the ends. Remember not to exert too much force. Go for curls and twirls as per your requirement.

How To Choose The Right Hair Wax?

Before you choose a hair wax, you need to understand your skin. You need to make sure that you don’t have a skin condition or an allergy to any particular product. And if you have sensitive skin, choose a product with natural ingredients and do a patch test before using it.

The type of wax you need depends on the length of your hair, its volume, the type of hair, and whether it’s ruffled or undisturbed. For instance, if you have naturally curly hair, you should buy a hair wax for curly hair formulated to suit your specific hair type.

Once you have a clearer picture of your hair, you should go for a cosmetologist-approved wax that’s best suited for the look you have in mind.

Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says, “Always select the right shampoo to clean up the residues of waxes or other styling products. Use an alkaline shampoo to remove residues and an acid shampoo to treat the hair after using such products. If you use hair wax daily, complement the two shampoos with a light conditioner. Also, consult your hairstylist to choose the right product for your hair and create the desired look.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between hair wax and hair gel?

Gel can come in many forms, whereas wax is always solid. Hair wax gives you more freedom to experiment and play with your hair, unlike hair gel, which could be sticky, limiting in its usage. Moreover, a gel is easy to clean compared to hair wax, which needs thorough rinsing.

2. Is there anything I should do before waxing my hair?

Do look at the ingredients to know if something will cause an adverse reaction. Read the instructions to know whether the wax is right for your hair type. Start by doing a patch test. Before you apply, clean your hair to get rid of any other product.

3. How often should I use hair wax?

Applying hair wax daily to your hair is not recommended. You should limit the use of wax to special occasions or when absolutely needed.

4. Should I apply wax after shampoo?

It is not necessary to wash your hair before applying wax. However, wax used on clean hair gives better results.

5. Is wax good for thin hair?

Yes, wax can be used for thin hair. Just keep in mind that you should start with a small amount and do not use it frequently.

6. Is it okay to sleep with wax in my hair?

Leaving wax in your hair overnight can severely damage your hair. It can mix with the sebum and sweat produced by your hair, which will ultimately lead to dandruff, an itchy scalp, and cause various other hair problems.

7. How should I wash my hair after waxing?

You can start by applying conditioner to your hair, which will soften the wax for easy removal; then wash it off after a few minutes with lukewarm water. Apply a generous amount of your regular shampoo and rinse it off with lukewarm water, and then again apply conditioner to avoid drying. Make sure you rinse your hair after applying the conditioner.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag is a beauty and fashion enthusiast who inspires readers through her insightful posts. She has compiled a list of the best hair wax products for women that not only provide nourishment but also keep hair in place all day long. Poulami discussed each recommended product in detail, talking about its ingredients, efficiency, safety, and more. She also provided information on how to apply hair wax and the factors that you should consider when selecting one.

The Bottom Line

To maintain bowl hygiene after each use, you must purchase the best toilet bowl tablets. Place them into your toilet tank for automatic cleaning every time you flush. It effectively cleans and rids stains with each use, preventing you from scrubbing the toilet bowl. It is also durable and economical as they last for extended periods. But before you choose the ideal one for your toilet, choose one that is eco-friendly, easy to use, and with an attachment type that is suitable to your toilet. We recommend the Vacplus Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets, which offer easy, long-lasting maintenance, and the Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, which removes tough stains and limescale and minimizes odors. You can also consider the Dude Deodorizing Toilet Freshener, which helps maintain germ-free toilets while leaving behind a pleasant scent.

Infographic: How To Wash Your Hair After Applying Wax?

To keep your hair healthy and lustrous, wash the wax out of your hair properly. Follow the steps in the infographic below to ensure that all of the wax is removed. If you’re having trouble getting all the wax out, try using a stronger or clarifying shampoo to cleanse your hair thoroughly. Remember to take care of your hair to maintain its health and appearance.

Hair Wash Tips To Follow To Remove Wax Row-28 content team (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Preparation and evaluation of a hair wax containing propolis and Eruca sativa seed oil for hair growth
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5157003/
  2. Preclinical study on the hairgrowth and regeneration of external use lotions containing castor oil (Ricini Oleum) in rabbits
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294629024_Preclinical_study_on_the_hairgrowth_and_regeneration_of_external_use_lotions_containing_castor_oil_Ricini_Oleum_in_rabbits

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Alexandro Vasquez
Alexandro VasquezHairdresser
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja.

Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Poulami Nag
Poulami NagMA, PG Dip.
Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Wedetso Chirhah
Wedetso ChirhahMA English
Wedetso Chirhah holds a masters degree in English Literature from Mangalore University and has over 13 years of experience in content. He has written content for more than 15 B2B websites and edited school books before joining MomJunction as an editor.

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