Your Complete Guide to Mustache Wax: How to Use and Where to Buy

Mustaches are back! Everyone’s rocking a bit of upper lip fuzz, whether it’s a full-on handlebar, chevron, or the in-vogue beardstache. But as with every new facial hair trend, it’s all about proper care and grooming. 

While beard oils and waxes are extremely popular, the classic mustache wax receives much less attention. However, it should be front and center – your essential product for achieving a mustache with shape and definition. 

Here’s everything you need to know about taming your upper lip – get your mustache wax ready. 

In this guide:

• What is Mustache Wax?
• How To Use Mustache Wax
• Where To Buy Mustache Wax
• Best Mustache Wax For a Handlebar
• Mustache Wax Tips
• Beard Sorcery’s Handmade Mustache Wax

What Is Mustache Wax?

Heard of beard balms and oils? Well, mustache wax isn’t so different. It’s a sort of pomade or gel that holds the stubborn, bristly hairs together, letting you recreate your favorite style. Usually sold in a small tin or tube, you apply it directly to your mustache hair.

Different mustache waxes contain their own blend of ingredients. Some are waxier, others contain lots of oil – and a fair few are fragranced. Here’s a quick overview of the possible ingredients:

• Beeswax. The magic ingredient – it provides the hold necessary for creating structure. You can thank beeswax for everything from handlebars to the walrus. It’s also not too greasy.
• Jojoba Oil. Cultivated for the O’odham nation of Arizona, jojoba oil is rich in vitamins C, B, and E. It rejuvenates and moisturizes the bristly hair.
• Argan Oil. Coming from Morocco and Algeria, the local people relied on this nutty oil for centuries as a moisturizer. The oil protects against pollution, UV rays, dry air, and breakage. 
• Coconut Oil. Some brands rely on coconut oil as the carrier – it’s a common option for adding moisture and diminishing frizz. It’s just a little cheaper than the alternatives.
• Shea Butter. Made from the African shea tree, this ivory-white moisturizer softens your beard and soothes the underlying skin, preventing dry skin accumulation. It also acts as a natural protective barrier. 
• Essential Oils. Each brand includes its own combination of essential oils. Popular options include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, sandalwood, cedar wood, and citrus oils. 

How To Use Mustache Wax

Too many men don’t know how to use mustache wax. Either they slather it on, creating a greasy appearance, or they fail to rub it gently into the hair to get an even covering.

If you’re new to all things mustaches, here’s a quick guide:

1. Don’t Use Too Much

A little bit of mustache wax goes a long way. For most mustaches, use your thumb to scrape a small amount of wax from the tin. It should be fairly hard in its cool form – that’s the beeswax.

Follow these estimates:

• Short Mustache (just covers the upper lip): Use a small pea-sized amount to tame and shape.
• Medium Mustache (extends slightly beyond the lip): Apply a pea to an almond-sized amount for control and a natural hold.
• Long Mustache (extends far beyond the lip, potentially styled into curls): Use almond to hazelnut-sized amounts, depending on the desired style and hold.
• Handlebar or Styled Mustache: Apply an additional small amount to ensure a strong hold and definition, focusing on the tips.

Remember: it’s easy to add but impossible to subtract. You can always apply a little more if necessary.

2. Warm It Up

You’ll need to warm up the wax before you can apply it. Some people prefer to do this before step 1, while others rub it between their fingers or palm for heat. The alternative is to either use a hair dryer on the tin (not for too long), place it in a warm location, or (if it’s especially stubborn) simmer in water for a minute or so.

3. Apply Evenly

Put the wax onto your mustache and begin to gently roll and rub it into the bristles between your index finger and thumb. Start in the center and work outwards. Think of it as pinching the hairs. 

Don’t apply too much pressure – you can damage your mustache hair, leading to patchiness. 

4. Shape and Sculpt

Now comes the fun part. You mold and sculpt the mustache to your desired style. Whether you’re going for a Fu Manchu, the wacky Dali, or just a classic Chevron, your mustache wax provides a solid hold. Take your time to master the art of sculpting. Keep a picture of your desired result in front of you as you work.

Where To Buy Mustache Wax

With mustaches being a comeback kid, it’s less a question of where to buy mustache wax and more of what’s a sign of good quality.

The first place to start is the ingredients list – some brands stuff their waxes with cheap ingredients and lackluster essential oils that can irritate your skin. Worse! Poor-quality oils can turn rancid on your face. You want an oil that provides a steady hold, nourishes your bristles, and moisturizes the underlying skin. 

We advise exclusively opting for a Beeswax base. You’ll also want a healthy combination of carrier oils. The best mustache waxes include Virgin Argan Oil and Pure Jojoba Oil. Some brands also go the extra mile with a whole selection of oils, such as Vitamin E Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and Hempseed Oil. Oh, and Shea Butter is another must, adding to the hold and moisturizing properties.

Finally, there’s the decision to go fragranced or non-fragranced. Because it’s not applied directly to the skin (like beard oil), it’s usually not as much of an issue. But for people with extremely sensitive skin, it’s best to be on the safe side. 

Best Mustache Wax For a Handlebar

Most mustaches let gravity do its thing. From the walrus to the Chevron and Pencil, mustache wax is mostly applied to soften the hair and soothe the skin. Plus, a little added hold doesn’t go amiss.

When it comes to the gravity-defying handlebar mustache, however, a firm-hold wax is essential. You should look for mustache waxes containing a high concentration of beeswax – it provides the steady hold necessary for maintaining those signature curls.

Look for waxes that also include shea butter or jojoba oil to add moisture without compromising the hold. We actually designed our Magical Mustache Wax with this exact combination of ingredients – 100% white beeswax, shea butter, jojoba oil, and much more. It’s an all-natural formulation guaranteed to keep your mustache’s shape all day. I mustache you to try it!

Mustache Wax Tips

Knowing how to apply mustache wax is only half the battle. Mastering the art of mustache wax takes a little more practice. Follow these tips and avoid these blunders:

1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair. Apply wax to already dirty hair won’t produce the best results. It makes it harder for the wax to hold. Instead, thoroughly clean your mustache and let it dry. 
2. Comb Through. Once you’ve applied the wax, use a fine-tooth comb to distribute it evenly through the hair. It helps remove any clumps of wax and lets you shape more easily. You can even use the comb to help achieve your preferred style.
3. Reapply as Needed. Working in hot and humid environments can melt the wax. If necessary, apply a small amount for extra hold – particularly for challenging styles. 
4. Wash It Out at Night. When you get home, wash the wax out with a gentle cleanser or beard shampoo to prevent product buildup. Leave it in too long, and you can clog your pores.
5. Experiment with Different Amounts: Every mustache is unique, and the amount of wax you need may vary based on thickness, length, and desired style. Start small, then gradually increase until you find the perfect balance for hold without stiffness.

Beard Sorcery’s Handmade Mustache Wax

Good enough for the dwarves, our Dwarven Artificer Magical Mustache Wax should be your go-to mustache taming product. Formulated using all-natural elements, our Beard Sorcerers worked hard to find the right combination of ingredients to nourish the skin and hair without sacrificing the all-important hold.

Too many brands claim to be all-natural yet use petroleum jelly as their base. (To the dungeons with them!) We’re different. All our ingredients are natural and chemical-free – and handmade in Longmont, Colorado.

The Dwarven Artificer fragrance is a striking fusion of sandalwood, rich smoky oud, zesty Italian bergamot, and a dash of warm spices. Unlock legendary mustache style with Beard Sorcery’s Dwarven Artificer Mustache Wax—crafted from all-natural ingredients for unbeatable hold and nourishment.