How to Use Wax on Your Hair

Co-authored by Kana Ishii and Amber Crain

Last Updated: September 18, 2022 References

Hair wax is a versatile styling product that can create a wide range of looks. It will hold almost any hairstyle in place, and can create messy bedhead looks, spiky styles, and neatly groomed sleek looks. You can also use it to create volume, texture and definition. The key to using wax is starting with a pea-sized amount and building on it from there. Always apply it to dry or damp hair, since it doesn’t mesh well with wet strands.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Wax to Hold Your Style

1
Start with dry or slightly damp hair. Use wax on dry hair to hold your style in place or define certain pieces. To create a sleeker style with similar holding power, slightly dampen your hair first. You can spritz a bit of water onto your hair with a spray bottle for this.^{[1]
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- Do not use wax on wet hair.^{[2]
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2
Comb out your hair thoroughly. Before you begin applying product, use a comb or brush to work through any knots. Comb your hair out straight. Wax tends to work best for those with straight or slightly wavy hair; it may clump when applied to curly hair.^{[3]
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Scoop a pea-sized ball of wax into your palm. Don't work with more than that at a time, or you'll have trouble distributing it properly. You can always layer more wax on later, if desired. Wax is a very buildable product.^{[4]
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- For sleeker styles, use a wax with shine. Otherwise, go with a matte finish.
4
Warm up the wax in your palms. Wax starts as a solid product. Rub your palms together as though you were washing your hands. This makes the wax warm, pliable and easier to work with. Distribute it evenly on your palms until it looks transparent.^{[5]
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5
Brush the surface of your hair with your palms. The goal is to apply a thin layer of wax on the surface of your hair from root to tip. Do not run your fingers through your hair at this point. If you need more wax for longer hairstyles, rub another pea-sized amount between your palms and distribute it.^{[6]
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- If you want to change your hair directions, apply styling wax on the roots, not the ends.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kana Ishii
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 22 December 2021.}
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Style your hair into the desired look. You can style it in any way you want, but wax works especially well for messy, bedhead looks, spiked styles, and slick, neatly groomed looks. At this point, you can run your fingers through your hair to create messy style, or comb it into place for a sleek look.^{[8]
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Use a small amount of wax to tame any flyaways. Dab a tiny amount of wax on your fingertips and carefully push the flyaways into place. The wax will hold your style, but if you want extra hold, use a small amount of hairspray to fully set it.^{[9]
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Use wax to restyle your hair later. Because of its buildable nature, wax can be used to rejuvenate your style later in the day, or even to create a totally different style for a night out. Apply a small amount of wax to the areas you want to redefine and style, then use your fingers to sculpt your hair into place.
- You can even use wax to restyle after hitting the gym – just make sure you apply new layers of wax to damp or dry hair.^{[10]
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9
Shampoo well to thoroughly remove wax. Wax is great for holding your hairstyle in place, but getting it out of your hair can take a little extra effort. Shampoo twice or use a high quality clarifying shampoo to ensure you remove the product completely from your hair after using it.^{[11]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Spiky Style

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Start with dry hair or slightly damp hair. To create spikes with wax, apply it to dry hair for a softer looking spiky style. Use it on damp hair to create a bolder, more defined spiky look.
2
Rub a pea-sized amount between your palms to warm it up. Pick up a pea-sized dollop and rub your hands together vigorously. The wax will get warm and become transparent, making it easier to apply and work with. Be sure your hands are coated evenly with the product.^{[12]
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3
Work the wax into your hair starting at the nape of your neck. Put both hands on your hair at the nape of your neck. Smooth the wax over the surface of your hair first, moving your way up to the crown and forehead. Then work your fingers through your hair to start separating it into spikes.^{[13]
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Use your fingers to pull your hair upward. Gently pull up on your hair with your fingers. You can tousle it a bit as you do so to create messy spikes. The wax will hold the hair in this position.^{[14]
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Add a little more wax to define particular pieces. Create texture and add definition by isolating particular pieces with the wax. You can twist the spikes upward using your thumb and index finger to make them even more defined. Adding more wax will provide stronger hold, as well.^{[15]
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Spray with hairspray to lock in the look, if desired. Wax will hold your spiky look well, but for extra hold, spritz a light layer of hairspray over the style. Carry the wax with you if you want to restyle or rework your hair later that day or night.^{[16]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating a Tousled Look

1
Start with dry, combed hair. For bedhead styles and messy looks, wax works best on completely dry hair. Let your hair air dry or blow dry it before you start applying product. Comb through it to remove any tangles.^{[17]
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2
Warm a pea-sized amount of wax between your palms. Even if you have long hair, start with a pea-sized amount and work your way up to more, if needed. One of the great things about wax is how buildable it is, so start with a small amount first and work in stages.^{[18]
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Run your fingers through your hair to tousle it. Distribute the wax evenly through your hair with your hands. Use your fingers and palms to scrunch and tousle it. Once the wax is in your hair, do not try to run a brush through it again. Use your hands for styling from here on out.^{[19]
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4
Apply another pea-sized amount to create additional volume. Warm another pea-sized dollop of wax in your palms and then apply it the exact same way as before. Tousle liberally and fluff your hair to create additional volume. You can repeat this again, if you still haven’t reached your desired amount of volume.
5
Use a small amount to add definition and texture to particular pieces. Put a small amount of wax in your palms, then rub them together. You can then run your hands through to define particular sections for a piecey, textured look. Tame flyaways the same way. Twist the ends of your hair into place to emphasize the tousled look.^{[20]
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Community Q&A

Question

Does wax turn hair white?

Community Answer

No, wax should not affect your hair color at all.
Question

Can I use hair oil after using hair wax?

Community Answer

It's not a good idea. The wax alone should provide you with shine, if that's what you're after. If you simply want to apply oil to moisturize your hair, the wax will unfortunately block the oil from penetrating. Using both may clog your pores and create a greasy buildup on your scalp.
Question

How do you use beeswax on natural hair?

Community Answer

It's used very similarly to regular styling wax. You can apply it to freshly combed natural hair to help you style it a particular way; it will provide medium to strong hold. Beeswax can also be used on natural hair to create and style dreadlocks. Separate your hair into sections (the size of the sections depends on how large you want your dreads to be). Pick up the beeswax with your fingers (a bean-sized amount for each dread is typical) and use it to twist the sections into dreads. Make sure you coat each dread in the wax. Use the beeswax every other day or so to touch up your dreads and keep the hair soft.