Plain and simple: using one of the best hair wax sticks is the quickest, easiest way to nail that elusive, slick-back look you’ve been trying to pull off for ages now. Powered by natural waxes and moisturizing oils, just a few swipes will tame those pesky flyaways, add shine, and deliver long-lasting hold.
“They’re super easy to use and can make any updo sleek and snatched by controlling and sculpting the baby hairs along the entire hairline,” says Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist at Salon SCK. “You can also use them to smooth hair along your part, making it look a lot cleaner and sleeker.” When you’re shopping, consider your wax-type preferences (vegans may want to avoid beeswax), plus any added perks like conditioning or pollution-defending oils, as well as the size and shape of the stick.
After testing, our top pick is the Tigi Bed Head Hair Wax Stick, which locks hair in place while still being hydrating and non-greasy, and remains a longtime hairstylist favorite. We also found options ideal for curls and loose baby hairs.
The best hair waxes, at a glance
When testing the best hair wax sticks, we considered ingredients, product claims, size-to-cost ratio, finish, and hold. We spoke to Glamour editors and contributors with different hair types and professional hairstylists who rely on hair wax for a variety of styles to determine which products stood out from the rest. The ones that made the list slicked hair back without feeling greasy or weighing strands down.
Best Overall: Tigi Bed Head Hair Wax Stick
This no-frills pick is a favorite among editors and professionals. “Simply put, this is a cult classic—beloved for taming strays and flyaways without greasy residue. I also love its semi-matte finish,” says bi-coastal hairstylist Cherin Choi. “Tigi is an iconic wax stick for precise touch-ups and clean edges.” Toth adds that this is the exact stick he used during his teen years. It’s spiked with castor oil to hydrate and further cut down on frizz, all while the beeswax and Japanese wax make for a long-lasting hold with just the right amount of pliability. The subtle lavender scent makes for a divine finishing touch. Pro tip—for an extra sleek, shiny effect, gently warm the wax with your hair dryer.
Testing notes from Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs who has fine, curly hair.
“This hair wax stick’s broad surface smooths back big patches of frizz in seconds. I like that it doesn’t leave my hair feeling sticky or glue-y, dries quickly, and my hair looks more put together in little time. My only note is that because it’s close to a stick of deodorant in size, it’s too bulky to throw in a small bag for touch-ups. But for an easy, get-out-the-door slick-back, it’s perfect,” says Griggs.
Best for Flyaways: Kitsch Hair Wax Stick
Flyaways, be damned—Kitsch’s stick is the real deal. Whether you’re going for a sleek half-up-half-down, a French braid, or a polished pony, this TikTok-viral stick keeps those frizzy, floaty strands in check. Toth is also a fan of this formula, which combines conditioning castor oil with arrowroot extract and rice bran wax (read: it’s totally vegan) for all-day hold without greasiness—resulting in a product you’ll reach for again and again.
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Annie Blackman who has long, medium hair.
“The wide surface area of this hair wax makes tackling swathes of flyaways super easy. I love a kinda-messy bun, but this wax is key to keeping things business in the front and boho in the back. A little goes a long way, so no need to use a heavy hand when swiping,” says Blackman.
Best for Slick Backs: GrandeHAIR Slick Back
Nothing beats a clean, chic slick-back—seriously, it’s the easiest way to look like you have your life together. This stick is a shortcut to exactly that, no matter your hair type or skill level. Thanks to the infusion of castor, grape-seed, and sacha inchi oils, you can bet your bottom dollar that the finish stays smooth and flexible—never sticky or crunchy. And, of course, it’s easy to use: swipe the thin side for precise detailing around your hairline or part, then flip to the broad side for sweeping strokes that keep the rest of your style sleek and in place all day.
“I love wearing my hair in a half-up, half-down style, so I always have a wax stick on hand to keep flyways at bay. I love carrying it around because it’s super hydrating on my strands and very compact—easy enough for me to throw in my work bag. I like that it slicks down hair in just 1-2 passes, and never makes me look greasy,” says Kilkeary.
Best for Thick Hair: Not Your Mother’s All Eyes on Me 3-in-1 Hair Wax Stick
You’ll get plenty of bang for your buck (and bang for your bangs) with this hardworking drugstore gem. Spiked with argan oil, squalane, and raspberry oil, it offers a nourishing trifecta that conditions as it smooths frizz—whether your hair is fine, thick, or somewhere in between. The lightweight texture allows you to use it on both damp and dry hair without weighing down strands, and the sweet berry scent adds a fresh, fruity finish.
Testing notes from Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle who has long, coarse hair.
“Flyaways are the bane of my existence. They always show up on my photos and because my hair is coarse and dark. I like to use this thicker stick because it’s able to slick back large sections. It doesn’t leave it overly greasy or shiny either,” she says.
Best for Fine Hair: R+Co Dart Stick
As you well know, fine hair is especially prone to oiliness, so finding a wax stick that nails the balance between sleek and non-greasy is no small feat. Luckily, R+Co’s Dart Stick does exactly that. We love that this stick also lends itself to creating textured looks—just apply in circular motions and tousle where you’d normally brush back for an easy, punk-ish vibe. Nourishing jojoba extract, castor oil, and candelilla wax steer the ship while the bright, spicy fragrance seals the deal.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Calle.
“I’ve mastered a slick-back ponytail thanks to this R+Co hair wax stick. I have a ton of baby hairs at the front and side of my face, and this stick keeps them in place,” she says.
Best for Frizz: Emi Jay Angelstick
You might know Emi Jay for its fabulous hair accessories, but ICYMI, it makes some pretty spectacular styling products too—namely the Angelstick, a go-to favorite of Kilkeary’s. The formula is vegan and buildable, which is especially clutch for curly and wavy hair textures that often need a bit more hold. The payoff? Longer-lasting styles, softer strands, and that gorgeous contrast between bouncy curls and sleek, frizz-free smoothness.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary.
“This angelstick is velvety soft and makes my hair look and feel frizz and flyaway-free. It’s easy to use and a little of it goes a long way, so you won’t have to worry about making multiple passes when slicking your hair down. I like that it’s non-greasy, and leaves hair soft and fresh all day,” she says.
Best for Baby Hairs: Briogeo Hair Styling Sleek Stick
If you love a super-clean style—whether that’s braids, a sleek pony, or a claw-clipped updo—baby hairs can feel like your biggest nemesis. But before you get too worked up, remember they can actually be a blessing in disguise and look seriously cute when styled just right. This smoothing stick promises 24-hour hold and even shields strands from environmental aggressors (thanks to yuzu oil), while plum oil and a vitamin complex work behind the scenes to promote healthier-looking hair over time. Whether you smooth your baby hairs back or give them a subtle shape, you’ll be an instant inductee into the fan club.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Blackman.
“This small-but-mighty wax stick packs a punch. The balm does a lot to smooth my plentiful fine hair without weighing it down, and it smells pretty good too. Just don’t try this for a slick back look, because things end up looking a bit too oily. That’s why the size of this stick makes it perfect for on the go touchups, rather than a full fledged sleek style,” says Blackman.
Best Hold: Nexxus Strong Hold Hair Wax Stick
For an on-the-go wax to take you from dawn to desk to date night, this Nexxus stick is your girl. We’re talking 48 hours of frizz control, 72 hours of humidity defense, and super smooth glide.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Blackman.
“This is the first hair wax stick I ever tried, and it became an immediate essential,” says Blackman. “It’s not stiff or overly shiny, and it upgrades any and every claw clip look from errand-running flustered frizz to full-on chic.”
Frequently asked questions
Is a hair wax stick better than gel?
According to Choi, hair styling waxes, hair gels, and pomades are all effective tools for slicking back hair, but they offer different perks. “While wax sticks are a fantastic tool for taming, shaping, and creating sleek finishes, I also want to highlight that gels and creams can sometimes be even more effective depending on hair type and desired result,” she says. “A wax stick gives portability and precision, while gels or styling creams often provide broader coverage, humidity resistance, and longer wear.” Choi adds that in luxury styling, she actually likes to combine a wax with a gel or pomade.
Should you use a hair wax stick on wet or dry hair?
Toth prefers to use hair wax sticks on dry hair to maximize hold and longevity. However, each product’s instructions will specify whether it can be applied to wet or dry hair while still maintaining the integrity of the wax.
Do I need to wash my hair after using a hair wax stick?
“You will probably want to wash your hair after using a hair wax stick because your look will be stuck with product buildup until you wash it,” says Toth. “Like any other snatched style, it won’t reset to a different, more natural look unless you wash out the excess product.”
Is a hair wax stick better than hairspray?
Although they share the goal of keeping hair in place, hair wax sticks and hairsprays serve very different purposes. “Generally speaking, a hair wax stick is more deliberate than a hairspray. Both have a strong hold, but it’s easier to use a hair wax stick along a specific localized area while hairsprays are often used a bit more delicately across the entire mane,” Toth explains. “As you layer the products, wax will eventually look greasy or chalky depending on the brand and hairspray will eventually look completely wet.”
How do you remove hair wax?
According to Toth, the best way to remove hair wax is with a shower and a shampoo. A high-quality wax will wash right out, while something of lower quality might leave behind some sticky residue.
Can you use a hair wax stick every day?
“Absolutely, you can use hair wax sticks every day, whether it’s for ponytails, sleek buns or clean hair parts,” Toth says. “I use them on braids, too. Sometimes the shorter hairs protrude out of the braid or bun, and a hair wax stick is just the tool to smooth out those messy flyaway hairs.”