- in Beards by Jason Hall
6 Best Mustache Waxes Reviews - Style Your Stache Like a Pro
Most people think that the only use for a beard wax is for that handlebar curly mustache look.
That is not true!
Do you find it hard to style your mustache?
Are your whiskers not in check and go haywire?
Want a neat looking mustache?
Mustache wax is probably the product you're looking for.
Quality waxes hold your style, control your mustache, and have a great scent.
In this article I'll go over everything you need to know about mustache wax and what to look for before buying your wax. I'll also review some of the most popular best mustache waxes out there.
Top Picks
What Is a Mustache Wax?
Mustache wax is a stiff, thick pomade that holds your mustache hairs in place.
If you think that your mustache hairs don't need any "holding," just think of what they go through in a normal day.
Your mustache gets jostled when you eat, when you take a sip of water, when you nuzzle your dog or cat, and when you kiss your significant other. It also just gets in your mouth because this is the way it grows.
This can be pretty annoying and on top of that your stache will look like a mess.
A wax will help controlling your mustache and keep it healthy.
Can I Use a Beard Oil Instead?
The main purpose of beard oil is to nurture and hydrate your facial hair and skin. It can also make your beard or mustache more manageable.
But It's certainly not meant for styling. If you want to style and hold your mustache beard oil is NOT what you need.
Can I Use a Beard Balm Instead?
They have some similarity. Both usually contain beeswax as the main ingredient, and the packages sure look a like.
But the overall goal of the two is different.
You can think of beard balm as the love child between mustache wax and beard oil. It's meant to condition your facial hair and skin, while giving you some hold. It has ingredients such as jojoba or argan oil, essential oils, shea or cocoa butter, and beeswax for hold.
The ratio of ingredients in a balm is the opposite of the ratio of ingredients in mustache wax.A balm has more oils and butter, while stache wax contains a higher percentage of beeswax (or pine resin).
If you've got a mustache that needs some serious styling help, it's better to choose the wax.
A mustache wax helps controlling your stache. It's not meant to replace beard balm or beard oil.
Why Do You Need a Mustache Wax?
It may sound like an overkill or a bit intimidating, but a mustache wax has many benefits.
It's definitely not a must and you'll be able to live without it. But I'm sure that once you start using it you'll appreciate it.
Here are some of the benefits of using a wax:
Controlling Your Mustache
Wax helps you control the direction of your whiskers.
Hair grows downward, once it gets to a certain length, it can easily get in your mouth or onto food or drinks. That can be annoying.
When you apply a mustache wax, you can comb the hairs in the direction you want, keeping them out of your food or mouth.
Styling Your Mustache
Mustache wax lets you style your facial hair pretty much any way you'd like.
Much like beards, there's a variety of different mustache styles. If you're going for the Dali, the handlebar, the imperial or any style that requires brushing and holding the hairs up or down, you'll need a wax to keep them in place.
Keeping Your Mustache Healthy
Besides the ingredients that are responsible for hold, a wax contains other ingredients that can help keep your mustache healthy.
As your mustache grows and gets longer, it becomes more prone to breaking and damaging. A quality wax will nourish and nurture your mustache all day long.
What to Look for When Buying a Mustache Wax
With so many mustache waxes out there, how can you know if you're buying the best one for your needs? Here's what to look for.
Natural Ingredients
I always recommend to use 100% natural products, this is especially important when using a mustache wax because your going to apply it on your nose and mouth area.
Some waxes contain petroleum jelly, which is in fact, Vaseline a popular product that is used for dry skin, burns and more. It's considered safe for use and shouldn't be a deal breaker.
Make sure there are no parabens or other chemicals and go for organic and natural ingredients, especially if you have a sensitive skin.
The Right Hold
The most important and crucial factor for every mustache wax is its hold.
If it has a non existent hold then it's not worthy to be called a wax.
Different waxes provide different hold, you need to pick the one that is right for you and your style. There are basically 2 types of waxes:
As a thumb rule: Stiff texture => strong hold. Soft texture => light hold.
If you need to control your mustache and keep it at bay you will probably want a soft one. If you're looking for a wax to style your mustache for a contest you need to pick a wax with a stiff texture.
Scent
Depending on the essential oils they contain, different waxes have different scents.
This might not seem like a big deal, but your mustache is located right under your nose, so you will smell the wax pretty much all day.
If scents can be a problem for you make sure to pick a scentless wax.
Packaging
Typically, mustache waxes come in one of two different types of packages:
If you like to carry your wax with you, sticks might be a better choice, they're usually smaller. Otherwise it doesn't really matter which one you pick.
6 Best Mustache Waxes - Reviews
I want to note that I there isn't single product the can take the title as the 'best wax' - as mentioned above it depends on your needs and style.
Nevertheless I tried to rank the products by objective parameters and for each product I outlined who it'll be best suited for.
SPECS
IN A GLANCE
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Can You Handlebar Secondary is for those who need a long-lasting, strong hold.
In fact, the wax's durability and strength might be its downfall for some. Since it is so hard, it can be difficult to coax the wax out of the packaging and to your mustache. (After you get used to it, it's ok though).
It comes in a 1 oz stainless steel tin and pocket-proof BOPP labels. So you can be sure it's very well built.
INGREDIENTS
The ingredients in the wax are completely natural and include: Beeswax, Lanolin, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E. There is no petroleum in the wax and it's fragrance-free.
But, just because it doesn't contain added fragrance doesn't mean the wax is scent-free. It does smell like beeswax. Depending on your preference, the smell is going to be great or disgusting.
Note: This wax is not vegan.
USAGE
This wax is great for daily use, and will help with training your mustache.
Before you can use the wax, you need to warm it up to body temperature, so that it's soft enough to manipulate and apply.
This is where people often have difficulty. The hardness of the wax means it can take some time for it to get up to temperature.
Once you do get a small amount of the wax out of the packaging, apply it to the mustache starting in the middle and working your way to the ends of the mustache. You can use either your fingers to apply the wax or work it into the hair with a comb.
This wax has a very strong hold and you can be sure it'll last for the day.
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
Secondary Mustache Wax works best for guys who want extra hold.
If you want your handlebar or other style to last all day, or just looking for a wax that will help with training your mustache and keep it out of your mouth this is the wax for you.
Note: If you think it may be too strong for your taste, you can try 'Primary', which is the weaker version. << Click here for details >>.
SPECS
IN A GLANCE
GENERAL OVERVIEW
There's a great story behind FireHouse Moustache Wax.
The founder - a fireman, continuously searched for a quality wax, he did found a few, but they just stopped manufacturing them.
His goal was to create a wax with a strong hold that is easy to apply. He used his fellow firemen to test different waxes he made on his own.
The result: a great mustache wax, one of the best.
This wax is soft and yet it has a strong hold. It's designed to keep you mustache at its best even under different weather conditions such as, extreme humidity, heat, wind and more.
The product is handmade and tested by John himself.
INGREDIENTS
The ingredient list is a secret and not published.
The product is 100% natural.
USAGE
This product is easy to apply and use. The great thing about it is that it gets stiffer as time passes, because of the interaction with air.
You will need to heat it up a little before using it.
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
FireHouse Moustache Wax is best for those who look for a handmade high quality wax.
This wax will handle humidity, heat, sweat and even physical work or sports. If you're an outdoor man it will probably work great for you.
It has a woodsy, smokey scent so if you're into scents you will definitely like it.
Bonus: John donates 25 cents for each product bought, if you like to give here's another opportunity to do so.
SPECS
IN A GLANCE
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Wild Willie's 'Stache Wax is another great mustache wax, made in USA and using only all natural ingredients.
Like its competitors, Wild Willie's wax contains beeswax as the primary ingredient (and pine resin as well). Unlike its competitors, its focus is on conditioning and softening the skin and hair, as well as providing some hold.
Although the product claims to be able to shape and hold styles such as the Fu Manchu and the handlebar, it doesn't provide all-day hold. You might find yourself having to reapply the wax at least once throughout the day.
INGREDIENTS
This wax is rich in natural ingredients:
Beeswax, Pine resin, Sweet almond oil, Shea butter, Tea tree, Cedarwood, Rosemary.
It contains a variety of softening and conditioning ingredients. Along with the usual suspects, like Shea butter, almond oil is great conditioning and tea tree oil helps protect the skin from dandruff.
USAGE
You'll need to heat up the wax before using it. A hair dryer is the quickest way to soften up the wax. Point the hair dryer at the package for about a minute, until the wax is soft and pliable.
It provides a light hold, if you want your style hold for long you'll need to use more wax than usual.
The mix of essential oils in this wax provides a great mild pine aroma.
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
Ideal for guys seeking moderate hold and some softening and conditioning functions.
It provides a moderate hold, but might not be strong enough to hold curlicues or handlebars for an entire day.
SPECS
IN A GLANCE
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Made in West Virginia, Mountaineer Brand Mustache Wax comes in 2-ounce tins and is available in two scents:
1. Cedar & Fir needle.
2. Citrus & Spice
Although some people don't mind the scent or note that it fades after a few minutes, others find it overpowering. One of the biggest complaints about the scent is that it can change the taste of food and drinks.
It's a great bang for the buck, the price is great for the amount of product you get.
INGREDIENTS
Mountaineer Brand wax is made from all natural ingredients, including:
Beeswax, Almond oil, and Coconut oil. It also contains scented oils for fragrance.
While the Almond oil and Coconut oil help moisturize the hair and skin, they also give the wax a softer consistency, making it not so ideal for holding sculpted mustache styles.
USAGE
This wax is great for daily use it has a strong hold which can last whole day.
It has a clear color, making it OK to use on mustaches of all different colors. The wax doesn't leave white flecks in dark whiskers and won't make blonde or red mustaches look too yellow.
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
Best suited for guys who are looking to style their 'staches and tame unruly facial hair.
SPECS
IN A GLANCE
GENERAL OVERVIEW
I love Fisticuffs and Grave Before Shave brand.
Rich Cigar scent with Vanilla. This wax scent is unique and creative to say the least. The question is how does it feel when it's under your nose all day long?
As usual it's very personal, but it looks like it's pleasant and not overpowering.
The wax has a medium hold, don't expect it to hold your stache when it comes to crazy styling.
INGREDIENTS
The ingredients in the wax are completely natural and include: Beeswax, Tee tree oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, Essential oils, Petroleum jelly, Pine Sap.
Note that this product is not 100% natural, as it contains Petroleum jelly.
USAGE
This wax is great for daily use, the ingredients are great and will definitely keep your mustache in check and healthy.
It doesn't feel greasy, but it can be a bit hard to spread on the mustache.
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
If you love a unique scent, and you're looking for a light wax with a not too strong of a hold this might be a great choice.
It will help tame and control your mustache but don't expect to do major styling with this wax. If you're an outdoor guy that spends his days out side in the heat this probably won't be the best choice for you.
SPECS
IN A GLANCE
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Woodsman Mustache Wax by The Bearded Bastard is another stiff type of wax, designed to shape and mold your mustache into a variety of styles. The wax is handmade in Austin, Texas, and is all natural.
The natural fragrances include extracts and essential oils that give the wax a woodsy, piney, and cedar-like scent.
Depending on your preference and tolerance for fragrance, you might find the scent pleasant or overwhelming and irritating.
INGREDIENTS
The ingredient list includes Beeswax, Lanolin, Natural fragrances, Cocoa butter, and Jojoba oil.
USAGE
Although the wax is stiff, you don't need to spend a lot of time warming it up before use, which is good news if you're in a hurry. Rubbing the wax between your fingers should be enough to warm it up.
Since it does have a decent amount of hold, the wax works best for styles that need to stay in place all day. It might be overkill if you're just looking to keep your mustache looking neat and tidy and don't want to shape it.
WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
Ideal for those who want a wax that provides all-day hold.
If you're bothered by strong scents or don't want to smell like a forest, it's best to leave this one behind and go for a different wax.
Wrapping Up
Picking the right mustache wax depends on your style, goals, and preferences.
It might take a bit of trial and error to find the wax that works best for you. Keep in mind that you might want to use one type of wax on some days and a different kind for special occasions. There's no one-size-fits-all wax, even for the same mustache.
Enjoy the trial and error and the experience this is a great way to get to know yourself and your preferences.
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