The best hair wax for men: our top 8 hair essentials

If you read our

fairly thorough guide

to the hair products available to men at the moment, or our

Groom 101: fundamentals of haircare

, you'll be familiar with the kinds of styling products on the market. Amongst these, hair waxes are an important category, albeit one that's a little difficult to pin down. Hair waxes are something of a catch-all product, sitting somewhere in between

clays

,

creams

, and

pomades

, and often possessing properties which span these boundaries. In this article, we've put together some handy information on what waxes are, how best to use them, and we've included a list of products that we believe to be the best hair wax for men.

What is a hair wax?

Hair waxes typically act a little like hair clays or pastes, but typically speaking, are lighter, slightly more fluid, and easier to apply. Either due to a higher oil or higher water content, they're usually softer than clays, offering a lower level of hold, but with a greater degree of remouldability.

Waxes often have a low to medium shine, which means that in most cases they normally avoid the 'wet look' that can come about with pomades and gels. Instead, non matte-waxes usually impart a shine that enhances the natural colour of your hair, and when used in small amounts, creates contrast and texture which can work really well in relaxed as well as formal hairstyles.

Best hair wax for men

• American Crew Fiber

• Hawkins and Brimble Hair Moulding Wax

• Hanz De Fuko Hybridized Wax

• Fudge Matte Hed

• Recipe for Men Bionic Sheen Wax

• Hanz De Fuko Sponge Wax

• Redken Brews Men's Wax Pomade

• KMS Hairplay Dry Wax