The 10 Best Mustache Waxes
The mustache is making a comeback. Whether its the crumb-dusting centerpiece of an epic beard or a standalone masterpiece, the handlebar mustache has a bright future both in and outside of hipster havens like Portland, Oregon. And a great way to tame said mustache is with a strong hold mustache wax.
Mustache wax — most people have heard of it but many don’t know what it’s for, what it’s made of, or how it even works. Mustache wax is typically made from beeswax and some other ingredients such as petroleum jelly, lanolin, or other carrier oils to style and hold the mustache hairs in place. If you’re just starting out and you’re on the hunt for a medium hold wax to tame your budding mustache, then look elsewhere.
We believe the best mustache wax should be firm, tacky enough to hold the mustache hairs together, and long-lasting. There’s nothing worse than slapping on a healthy dose of mustache wax only to have your handlebars drooping an hour later. The best mustache waxes provide a firm hold that need very little maintenance throughout the day once applied. True firm hold mustache waxes are few and far between, but luckily we’ve rounded up the ten best. Each one — from the best strong hold mustache wax to the extra tacky — are truly the best on the market.
What Is Mustache Wax
If you’re reading this article, then you probably already have some idea of what mustache wax is, and you’re on the hunt for the best one. If so, then read on. For those with a curious mind, mustache wax is, depending on the brand, a mixture of waxes, resins, carrier oils such as coconut oil or jajoba oil, and essential oils designed to hold the hairs of the mustache in place and away from the mouth.
The wax provides the needed hold, the carrier oils render the mustache wax pliable enough to remove from the tin and spread evenly across the mustache, and the essential oils provide scented mustache waxes with their scent. Additional ingredients may include butters such as shea nut butter or cocoa butter, and/or lanolin — all of which make the mustache wax more spreadable while keeping the hairs healthy.
Types Of Mustache Waxes
There are strong hold waxes, medium hold waxes, all-natural waxes, and petroleum based waxes flooding the market. The type of mustache wax your mustache requires very much depends on the length of your mustache and how you plan to style it. After all, the best mustache wax for someone looking to style a six-inch handlebar probably isn’t the best mustache wax for someone who has only a month of mustache growth and is looking to keep stray hairs out of their mouth. For the latter, a medium hold wax should do the trick.
The Best Mustache Wax
There is more to the best mustache wax than the amount of reviews of said mustache wax on Amazon. Amazon is a great place to learn from actual users of a particular mustache wax, but marketing dollars definitely play a role in the visibility of a men’s grooming product. Some of the best products in America can sometimes be hidden between the fluff and drivel of modern media. And this includes mustache wax. Read on for our list of the ten best mustache wax products on the market today.
Peckerhead Mustache Wax
Best Strong Hold Mustache Wax
We get it. A firm-hold mustache wax is harder to find than a gas station on a midwest road trip. Most mustache wax brands promise an all day stiff hold, but fail to deliver. Rest assured that your handlebar mustache will keep it’s shape well after quitting time thanks to Peckerhead’s super tacky, stiff-hold concoction. Its made from petroleum-free, all natural ingredients — locally-harvested beeswax, pine resin, and lanolin — that deliver the firm, all-day hold you’ve been searching for without the greasy feel of many oil-based formulations.
Whether you’re looking to keep whiskers out of your mouth while you devour a plate of hot wings or sport a professional-grade handlebar mustache, Peckerhead Mustache Wax will provide the tacky, stiff hold you need, and make a bold statement while doing so. – Buy It
Can you Handlebar Secondary Mustache Wax
Most Versatile Mustache Wax
Can You Handlebar has been around for a while, and their professional-grade, firm hold Secondary Mustache Wax ensures that they’ll be around even longer. Much like Peckerhead Mustache Wax above, Secondary provides a stiff-hold for advanced styling and a subtle sweet sent of beeswax.
Its all natural, petroleum-free ingredients include local Michigan beeswax, lanolin, castor oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. Secondary will keep the whiskers out of your mouth and, if you use enough, will hold a handlebar all day and most of the night without the need to add more wax. But don’t take our word for it. Buy your own tin of the stuff and it will last at least several months with regular use. – Buy It
Woodsman Mustache Wax
Best Scented Mustache Wax
Hands down the best smelling mustache wax in the game — if a scented mustache wax is what you’re after — is Woodsman Mustache Wax by The Bearded Bastard in Austin, Texas. Once you open the tin, you literally smell a camp fire blazing in the distance — but don’t worry, the scent wears off to acceptable levels soon after you apply it to your soup strainer.
It’s a bit softer to handle than, say, Peckerhead Mustache Wax or Secondary Wax, but produces a nice firm hold shortly after applied. It’s all natural, petroleum-free ingredients are overshadowed only by it’s amazing scent and unique cedar wood labels. If you’re contemplating Woodsman, we say go for it. Every mustachioed gentleman should try it at least once in their lifetime. – Buy It
Firehouse Wacky Tacky Moustache Wax
Best Wax For Dark Mustaches
Ah yes, the infamous Wacky Tacky by Firehouse Moustache Wax. Wacky Tacky is a different beast altogether. While many reviews online by customers have said that this mustache wax is rather hard to remove from the tin, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wacky Tacky is actually quite softer — think petroleum jelly — in the tin than most firm hold mustache waxes on the market, but that doesn’t affect it’s performance on your crumb duster.
Following application, the wax sets a firm hold that we’ve found lasts for many hours. It’s dark in the tin, and is therefore best for darker-colored mustaches. Keep this in mind when you make your purchase. Also keep in mind, that there is no actual list of ingredients on the tin itself. Most reviews assume its a beeswax and petroleum jelly mixture, but we can’t be so sure about that. Until an ingredients list is released, we can only ponder. But Wacky tacky surely works, and that’s a good thing. – Buy It
Death Grip Moustache Wax
Competition Grade Mustache Wax
The name says it all. Death Grip Moustache Wax is a seriously-firm mustache wax, and, the brand says, an award-winning competition-grade product. Its definitely stiff in the tin, but not like you think. It’s consistency is similar to that of a thick, sticky pine sap.
Before applying it, warm it thoroughly with a hair dryer, or warm the tin with hot water, or else you won’t be able to apply it to your mustache without ripping out your hairs. Ingredients include lanolin, beeswax, and pine gum rosin — the latter of which renders Death Grip literally the tackiest mustache wax in existence. – Buy It
Fisticuffs Strong Hold Mustache Wax
Here’s another wax for those that prefer their mustache to be scented. It’s Fisticuffs Strong Hold Mustache Wax, and, while strong hold may be bit of a stretch for this one, it does offer up a medium hold that is not only best for shorter face mirkens, but is also still much better than countless other products on the market that fail to deliver any hold whatsoever.
You can use this one in your beard too as a beard wax, and , thanks to a a variety of scents via the inclusion of essentials oils, you won’t need a beard balm to go with it. Ingredients include Beeswax, Tea tree oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, Some essential oils, Petroleum jelly, and Pine Sap. – Buy It
Wild Willie’s Stache Wax
Another firmer hold mustache wax worth mentioning here is Wild Willie’s Stache Wax. It is hands down this author’s favorite in terms of scent, which can be described as your favorite aftershave. The scent, however, isn’t overpowering once applied to your lip rug, where it will provide a good half a day’s worth of hold if applied correctly.
We’re firm believers that a mustache wax doesn’t need an armload of ingredients to be effective, and Wild Willie’s limits it’s ingredients list to 7 natural ones: Beeswax, almond oil, shea butter, pine resin, and several essential oils. – Buy It
Stache Bomb Stache Wax
Stache Bomb Stache Wax was inspired by the mustache wielders of yesteryear who rode motorcycles across the country, who flew planes in World War II, or those hipsters who prefer to drink cheap craft beer from a can. I recently had the chance to use Stache Bomb Stache Wax, and it served it’s purpose well.
Warming the wax in your pocket prior to use is the way to go here, but don’t expect an all-day hold. Frequent touch ups will be necessary, especially if you’re not sporting a handlebar. For handlebar mustaches, it will provide the hold you need if you use enough of it and is a good mutache wax to try. The fancy, vintage-inspired artwork featuring busty mascot Stache Bomb Stacy straddling a bomb on the can is also a well-enough reason to order yourself a tin. That, and the pine scent. – Buy It
The Bearded Goon’s Ridiculously Strong Beard and Mustache Wax
Your hard-to-manage beard and mustache would surely benefit from a dollop of the Bearded Goon’s Ridiculously Strong Beard and Mustache Wax. Made from a handful of the core mustache wax-making ingredients — coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter — The Bearded Goon’s Wax also features tree resin for an all-day strong hold for serious handlebar msutaches. Plus it smells of bergamot and vanilla, making your facial hair masterpiece smell wonderful. – Buy It
Mountaineer Brand Mustache Wax
Mountaineer Brand is handmade in West Virginia with all natural ingredients because, well, like most consumers, people don’t want to put unnatural chemicals near their mouth. I’ve got a full beard and any time I eat a sandwich or hot wing, i’m also eating a mouthful of mustache at some point. All natural is good, and most (not all) waxes on this list use all natural ingredients like Mountaineer Brand, who also promises an excellent hold. Ingredients include beeswax, almond oil, coconut oil, and some essential oils to provide a subtle yet natural scent of fir needles and cedar wood. – Buy It
Mustache Wax, Beard Wax, Beard Balm: Know The Differences
There are many key differences between mustache wax and other beard products such as beard balm and beard wax. The primary reason, however, is that mustache wax is really the only product meant for your mustache. We don’t consider the opposite true. This author has used mustache wax on his beard on numerous occasions for shaping and maintaining stray hairs when beard wax just couldn’t do the trick. Sure, you could slather beard balm or beard oil onto your mustache on any given day that it begins to feel dried out, but the best mustache waxes should be able to take care of that problem on their own via lanolin or other carrier oil.
Without the fluff and drivel, here is a breakdown of each:
Mustache Wax
Mustache Wax is a firm, wax-based grooming product meant to hold the hairs of the mustache in place, out of the mouth, and in the wearer’s preferred style. Typically, the easier it is to remove from the container, the less hold it will have on your mustache.
Beard Wax
Beard Wax is softer than mustache wax, but firmer than beard balm (at least it should be.) It is also wax-based and is typically used to style the beard and to help it keep its shape. If you’re like me, you would use a strong hold mustache wax sparingly on your beard and skip the beard wax altogether.
Beard Balm
Beard Balm is the softest beard product of the three and, although it is typically also wax-based, balm contains more carrier oils such as coconut oil, jajoba oil, olive oil, etc for nourishing a longer beard. Once your beard grows out quite a bit, it may begin to feel dried out and coarse. Beard balm helps in this capacity, and may help with styling the beard to some degree.
For most, sporting a mustache happens only during No-Shave November, but a month’s worth of hair growth needs nothing to manage it and can barely be spotted in a crowd of men. For others, a sporting a spectacular mustache is is part of their everyday lifestyle. If you’re just beginning to grow a mustache, chances are good that it won’t grow in all spectacular and well-groomed on its own. That’s where a solid can of mustache wax comes in handy. For all of you Mustachioed gentlemen sporting an upper lip full of awesome, here are the ten best mustache waxes on the market, complete with some pretty awesome packaging.
True Wax Mustache Wax
Created by mustachioed gentlemen Trevor Ward and Joshua Weir, True Wax Mustache Wax is crafted from 100% pure beeswax and sinus-clearing pure clove oil, along with some other “classified” ingredients that are kept secret to prevent imitation. The best reason to buy a can of True Wax Mustache Wax is the can itself, which features a 19th century bare knuckled boxer with an awesome mustache looking to go fisticuffs with whomever is willing. BUY IT
Man’s Face Stuff Moustache Wax
Awesome retro styling and superb packaging aside, Man’s Face Stuff is a quality mustache wax for beginners or those with a full blown Mo. Along with an unscented wax, these waterproof mustache waxes come in a variety of pleasant flavors including “All Nighter”–”notes of fresh pipe tobacco and sweetened coffee.”, “Stiff Breeze”–”a crisp, bracing scent of a classic men’s cologne without feeling harsh.”, “Red Hot”–”scented with all-natural cinnamon, bay, and tagetes oil for a slightly sweet, spicy smell.”, and “Ginger Dandy”–a good balance between ginger and peppermint. BUY IT
Stache Bomb Stache Wax
Stache Bomb Stache Wax was inspired by the mustache wielders of yesteryear who rode motorcycles across the country, who wore a monocle, or those hipsters who prefer to drink cheap craft beer from a can. I’ve never actually used Stache Bomb Stache Wax, but the fancy, vintage-inspired artwork featuring busty mascot Stache Bomb Stacy straddling a bomb on the can alone is enough to make me start. That, and the manly pine scent. BUY IT
Woodsman Mustache Wax
This is the second time that Woodsman Mustache Wax has appeared on GearMoose, and for good reason. The can itself is topped with a branded cedarwood label, while the wax inside smells of rich Texas Cedarwood, Sandalwood, and Pine Needles. It provides not only an amazing hold, but it also conditions your mustache thanks to a petroleum-free concoction of Beeswax, Lanolin, Cocoa Butter, and Jojoba oil. They have some other cool stuff too so check out their website here. BUY IT
Moustache Wrestler Mustache Wax
Most mustache waxes are either petroleum-based or crafted from beeswax. Moustache Wrestler Mustache Wax uses neither, and instead offers an all natural, handmade alternative to other waxes on the market, complete with sustainably grown sandalwood oil from Australia. It also features an old school mustachioed wrestler from around the year 1900 who is sporting a wax belt buckle while assuring you that he’ll tackle even the toughest of your stache hairs with a smile on his face. BUY IT
Firehouse Moustache Wax
Being a firefighter by trade, I couldn’t help but include Firehouse Mustache Wax on this list. Since firefighters aren’t typically permitted to wear a full beard for safety reasons, most everyone of them sports a mustache at some point in their career. Fighting fires in the scorching heat and humidity of the summer months can be tough on a mustache, which is why Mississippi Firefighter John Pitts designed this wax to withstand both. Available in light, dark, and wacky tacky. BUY IT
Damn Handsome Moustache Wax
If you took the time growing an awesome mustache, you might as well take care of it. Proper mustache treatment is essential for any man sporting the Mo, and a good place to start is with a can of Damn Handsome Moustache Wax. Each tin is handcrafted and hand poured from hops, vegetable waxes, mango, and shea butter for added control, strength, and conditioning, with scents of cedar and sage thrown in for good measure. It will leave your mustache feeling smooth and looking dapper. It can also be used as a lip balm during the dry winter months. BUY IT
Mr. Bumgrope’s Fat Spatula Moustache Wax
Mr. Bumgrope’s Fat Spatula is another vintage-inspired mustache wax on this list featuring a mustache-clad tough guy branded onto the lid. While the name is a bit silly and in no way rolls off of the tongue easily, it is quite a functional can of wax. Its a mixture of 100% natural beeswax and organic extra-virgin raw Samoan coconut oil that not only spruces up your mustache and makes it smell of delicious coconut, pine needles, and rum, but can also be used to tackle other manly chores around the house such as lubricating a stuck chainsaw or treating your favorite pair of leather boots. BUY IT
Fat Jack’s Tash Wax
We don’t know who Fat jack is, but he must’ve had one helluva stache to make his own stache tash wax. Tongue twisters aside, Fat Jacks is a cool name, on a cool can, and is priced at only a few bucks—making it an ideal styling solution for mustaches on a budget. Its made from cosmetic grade beeswax, white soft Paraffin BP, virgin olive oil, and is available in unscented and mint flavors. BUY IT
Mustache Pete’s Mustache Wax
Known as “The Dapper Man’s Best Friend”, Mustache Pete’s Mustache Wax is best applied right before you doing all of those awesome things that men did back when men were men and wore mustaches while they drag raced their ’55 Chevy hot rods and smoked camel cigarettes. The can boasts vintage-inspired artwork, while the wax inside is crafted from locally harvested and triple filtered beeswax that smells of the sweet pipe tobacco your grandfather used to smoke while twirling his mustache. BUY IT
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