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The tail end of “Movember” or “No Shave November” looms, so it’s as good a time as any to think about what comes next. If you’ve spent the past month curating new facial hair or a mustache, and if you think it looks good (bonus points if your partner agrees), then caring for it has got to be a crucial next step. Even if you’re a seasoned facial hair vet and have been sporting a ‘stache long before Ryan Gosling rocked one in The Nice Guys, a refresher helps. This is where one of the very best mustache waxes goes a long way.
But first, what is mustache wax? And why do you need it? The best mustache waxes are part of a growing subset of men’s grooming categories, like the best ball deodorants, that take an overlooked category and get ultra-specific (and high-quality). Mustache wax is nearly exactly what it sounds like: A balmy wax that can be worked onto your fingers and then worked down to the root of your mustache to provide a styling hold and moisture (not unlike beard balm, of course). Some also have a consistency closer to that of a cream or a beard butter.
You’ll find it delivered most commonly in small circular tins, which makes for easy transport and beard care on the go. Common ingredients include beeswax and shea butter for moisture, among others. And like a pomade, you’ll see various beard and mustache wax and balm products labeled according to the amount of “hold” they provide your facial hair.
“Whether you’re going for a laid-back vibe or a more sculpted look, the right hold is key. But remember, comfort is king. A wax that’s too stiff or sticky can be a real downer,” says Faiysal Kothiwala, Chief Bearded Officer of men’s beard care brand The Beard Struggle. Those moisturizing elements are vital, Kothiwala says. “Conditioning is not just for the hair on your head. A good wax can keep your mustache soft and healthy.” Kothiwala adds that well-groomed facial hair, like a well-tailored suit, simply begets more confidence.
It’s more important than ever to consider adding a mustache wax to your medicine cabinet, as the facial hair style itself comes back into vogue, Kothiwala notes. “Fashion is a spinning wheel, and the mustache is having its moment once more. It’s a nod to the past with a modern twist,” he says.
The style has made a comeback thanks in no small part to what Kothiwala calls “famous faces” that tend to turn heads. “That kind of visibility can really set a trend,” he adds, noting that the pandemic inspired many to experiment with facial hair trends and styles.
Harkening back to “Movember,” Kothiwala notes that the mustache stands for something beyond just leading man-inspired style, calling it with “grooming with a cause.” A few key pillars should guide the application and continued use of your mustache wax, Kothiwala adds, including proper scent (since it’s right under your nose) and natural ingredients, which are gentle on the skin. “If you’re struggling to apply the wax, that’s a no-go. The ideal wax should be a breeze to work into your mustache,” Kothiwala says.
Below, the products you’re going to swear by to keep your follicles in check.
There’s plenty to love about this multi-use mustache wax, also perfect for taming your beard. There’s the all-day hold, the use of softening shea butter, and a massive array of signature scents. Plus, the packaging stands out nicely on your bathroom counter.
This product, from a brand approved by NBA star and noted beard-haver James Harden, boasts a stronger hold than other medium-hold products, so it’s useful if your ‘stache is somewhat longer. It’s also formulated with essential oils and natural ingredients like beeswax, all the better for a soft finish.
If it’s a rich scent you seek, as our friends at The Beard Struggle recommend, then Live Bearded has the mustache wax for you. Notes of vanilla and leather characterize this finely tuned mustache wax, which is made with lanolin and jojoba oil for plenty of softness and follicle nourishment.
What’s manlier than a mustache? How about a cigar and a dram of whiskey? Oh, and how about a strong-hold mustache wax (aptly named Fisticuffs) to keep your mane tamed? For good measure, the tin is pretty cool, too.
There are some grooming tasks you simply can’t do while on the run, like shaving. But taming your mustache is a bit easier while multitasking—if you make good use of this compact, pocket-sized option from theStubblery. The Cedar scent is a fine finishing touch.
If you’ve had a ‘stache for a while and are truly serious about it, perhaps it’s time to level up with Death Grip. This wax features an extra-strong hold, and the brand even recommends using it in combination with a hair dryer if your mustache is expert-level. Either way, the tin is about as rugged as it gets in the world of men’s grooming.
A mustache wax needs to strike the right balance, offering hold without sacrificing moisture. And Mountaineer Brand hits the mark in a few key areas, moisturizing the skin underneath and providing style points in spades. It’s also handmade in West Virginia for a domestic purchase you can feel good about.
There’s something pleasingly vintage about using a mustache wax, in the same way you might dress up your next suit with a waistcoat. And the vintage look and feel of Clubman’s mustache wax packaging is but one thing to love. Better still is the fact that you can select a shade that matches your ‘stache, perhaps to fill in small areas or touch up gray hairs, all with the benefits of a styling wax.
A natural look, not too overdone and not too loosey-goosey, seems to be the sweet spot for taming your mane. You can make this beard wax work for your upper-lip whiskers as well as the rest of your mane, featuring a formula that dials in lanolin and beeswax for softness, easy application and control.
Not to be confused with the British movie series of the same name, a premium approach is still the name of the game with this “Holy Grail” mustache wax. Designed to retain the shape of your mustache all day long, the natural formula incorporates ingredients like vitamin E extract for added nourishment.
Perhaps Anthony’s ultra-premium offerings are already part of your grooming routine (a wise call if so). This Hair and Beard Tamer is another worthy step up when it comes to taking care of your newly-minted (or long-standing) mustache. The key? Aloe vera for softness, U.S.A.-made production and cruelty-free ingredients.
Whether your mustache is part of a glorious full beard or a free-standing monument to stylish facial hair, many products that work wonders for a hearty mane can come in handy elsewhere. Every Man Jack’s recently launched Small Batch collection focuses on refined, stellar scents (the orange, black pepper, and cypress notes of this Hinoki Spice option, in this case), as well as quality ingredients. You’re guaranteed a smooth finish and softness right down to the last follicle, beard and ‘stache very much included.
The right mustache is about more than just the right wax. Small tools can also go a long way, which is precisely what you’re getting with Goodline. It’s helpfully available right at CVS, and this sensitive skin formula is bolstered by the inclusion of a useful, miniature styling comb.
What’s more rough-and-tumble than a mustache? Perhaps a flannel shirt, leather boots, and whiskey. Yes, whiskey, like the scent Suavecito used for this all-day-hold, TSA-compliant wax for truly “suave” facial hair.
I just talked about making the rest of your favorite beard care products work for your ‘stache, and at least for this author, Duke Cannon’s beard balm really has it all. There’s softness and texture, a rich bourbon-infused scent, and Duke Cannon’s well-reviewed mark of quality. That’s the kind of reliability your beard and mustache can both use.
