Flyaway hairs and frizz can be a constant battle, especially in hot and humid weather. Achieving a sleek, polished look, whether it's a slicked-back bun or a smooth ponytail, often requires a multitude of hair products. However, a new hero has emerged in the world of hairstyling: the flyaway hair stick. This article delves into the benefits, uses, and top picks for hair wax sticks, offering a comprehensive guide to achieving your sleekest hairstyles yet.
Hair wax sticks have gained popularity as a convenient and effective solution for taming flyaways, smoothing edges, and creating sleek styles. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski have seemingly mastered the art of the slicked-back look, and hair wax sticks are often cited as their secret weapon.
Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City, notes that "Wax sticks can also be used as a final touch to tame flyaways and frizz for hair down hairstyles." The appeal lies in their mess-free application, travel-friendly size, and ability to provide a strong hold without leaving hair feeling stiff or crunchy.
Hairstylists recommend three main ways to use hair wax sticks:
Quia Querisma, a textured hair expert and hairstylist based in Dallas, advises, "Start with a small amount, and add more until the desired look is achieved. You can always add more, but if you overdo it right out the gate, you'll need to shampoo sooner than you've planned."
Read also: Causes of Flyaway Hair
For fine hair, Cavalcante recommends using your fingers for more control: "Instead of applying the stick repeatedly, use your fingertips to take a small amount of product and apply it to the trouble areas. Additionally, use a thin comb, eyelash brush, or toothbrush to shape the hair as desired, rather than relying solely on the wax stick."
The Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Sleek Stick combines the benefits of a hair mask with the staying power of a wax. Cavalcante praises its blend of B vitamins that "work together to promote healthy-looking hair," making it a favorite for pulled-back styles on all hair types.
Angela Trakoshis, a shopping market editor, raves that it's "the only hair wax stick that works for her," especially for creating slicked-back updos between hair wash days.
The R+Co Dart Pomade Stick stands out with its fragrance-forward formulation and vegan ingredients. Cavalcante recommends it for its staying power, non-greasy finish, and ease of use. Its mini version is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor relies on it for "taming the flyaways of a bouncy blowout" or "pushing my hair back for a rigorous workout."
Read also: Lasting Hair Graft Results
The Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick is a long-standing favorite for its soft, matte finish that adds texture and hold without stiffness. It works well on all hair textures and can be used to create texture or tame edges and flyaways.
Senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen, who has "a ton of hair breakage from hair dye," considers it "non-negotiable when I'm slicking my hair back (and taming flyaways in general)." She appreciates its wet-looking, shiny finish that doesn't get crunchy or flaky.
The Sauce Beauty Guacamole Hair Wax Stick offers a lightweight formula that doesn't leave a shiny, sticky finish. It's gentle on fine, thin strands and has a delicious fruity fragrance.
Women's Health commerce editor Jasmine Gomez swears by Red by Kiss hair's wax stick as "her at-home beauty secret weapon". "I have stubborn edges that frizz up constantly, and this wax stick helps me comb them down into cute baby hairs," she says. It's infused with castor oil, shea butter, and olive oil to offer some hydration and a natural sheen to your hair.
Hairstylist Foster describes hair wax sticks as solids made from some type of wax, while hair gels and pomades have a wet texture and consistency that have a weaker hold, and can cause blown out or flat ironed textured hair to revert back to curly or coily. Gels are messy and require our fingers to apply. Plus, hair sprays have a wide applicator that can’t target specific areas. That’s where hair wax sticks will be helpful, as they offer precise application without creating a helmet-like feel.
Read also: Customizing Your Hair Oil Blend
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., notes that you can find some dry scalp and eczema relief in wax sticks made with oils because they have emollient and occlusive properties. Emollients help soften the hair, while occlusives prevent water loss in your hair strands. However, women with other scalp issues take note: wax sticks' oils can contribute to existing bacteria and yeast growth, which can aggravate your scalp acne (yup, it’s a real thing!) or dandruff.
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