The slick-back, a look that was once synonymous with curly hair and natural textures, has become one of the most popular styles. Take a scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you’re bound to see loads of sleek ponytails, tight low buns and smooth middle-part styles. The secret to achieving one of these trendy hairstyles isn’t a tub of gel and a soft-bristled brush. It’s hair wax sticks. Designed to work like your go-to deodorant, hair wax sticks have become the gold standard for creating a super smooth look that stays put all day.
The idea of sliding a stick of wax onto your strands may sound off-putting, but with nourishing formulas and enriching ingredients, they are a great alternative to sticky gels and hairsprays. There’s never been a better time to add a wax stick to your collection, so we chatted with two hairstylists to learn more about the trendy product. Ahead, see their application tips and the best hair wax sticks to try right now.
Featured experts
- Chris McMillan is a celebrity stylist
- Olya Ludina is a stylist at IGK Salon in New York City
What is a hair wax stick?
“A wax stick is exactly what it sounds like—a stick of wax designed for hair styling,” says Chris McMillan, celebrity stylist. Olya Ludina, a stylist at IGK Salon, adds that the product mimics a deodorant stick and is helpful for creating sleek ponytails, slicked-back buns, updos and more. “The stick formulation allows you to smooth flyaways easily and adds a strong hold to your style,” she says. While gels and mousses are commonly used to slick back the hair, a wax stick can be a good alternative. Ludina explains that many gels contain alcohol, which can dry out the hair. Contrarily, wax sticks are formulated entirely from wax and often include nourishing ingredients.
How to use a wax stick
By default, wax sticks are incredibly easy to use and don’t require other tools to create a sleek look. Unlike gel, you don’t need a brush to ensure the product works. The stick format glides onto the hair, smoothing and slicking back loose strands. Even better? It’s fast and works for almost every hair type. “Wax sticks can be used at the roots to smooth frizz or for your baby hairs and edges. You can even use it throughout the mid-shaft of the hair to tame flyways,” says McMillan.
The convenience of wax sticks makes them ideal for daily use. However, Ludina says that the product can start to build up in the hair fast. To ensure your hair is at its healthiest, she recommends regular shampooing to decrease the amount of leftover product. “A lot of people use wax sticks to mask dirty hair, but it will always work better on dry, clean hair,” she says.
Wax sticks to try
