Could hair wax be your short crop’s new best friend?

With celebrities like Ruby Rose and Lily Collins flaunting ultra chic, short hairstyles, more women have recently been inclined to opt for the chop. And while it seems like short hair would require less maintenance than long hair, it can actually be just as tricky to style. But don’t worry: that’s where hair wax steps in.

We know what you’re thinking: isn’t hair wax for men? Yes, but it’s also the perfect styling product for women, too! When dealing with short hair, a strong-hold product that doesn’t weigh it down or make it look crispy can yield perfect results. But although women’s hair wax has been on the market for years, there’s not much information out there on how to use them to style short crops like a pro – until now. So read on to find out which salon-worthy looks you can create using this ingenious hair product, and exactly how to use it.

What does hair wax do?

Thanks to its ointment-like consistency, hair wax can help to style, define and control without having a hardening effect on your locks. With the staying power of a gel – minus the stiff texture – hair wax helps to keep individual strands in place while also leaving them pliable, which allows for restyling throughout the day.

Some wax products even contain ingredients to help add sheen and tame frizz, as well as style. For thick, dry-looking locks that need a shine boost, the VO5 Classic Styling Soft Moulding Wax (£2.99*) or the TIGI S-Factor Creamy Molding Wax (£17.45*) are ideal, as they can help tame pesky frizz, and achieve long-lasting definition and shine without leaving behind a sticky residue.

How to use it

Whether you’re using a stick or tub formula, when it comes to hair wax, a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly. Warm a small amount between the palms of your hands before applying it to your hair. If you have thin hair, start with a pea-sized amount – you can always add more wax later on if your hairstyle needs more hold.

One of the best things about hair wax is that it’s pretty versatile; you can use it on damp or dry hair. To create a long-lasting, natural look, apply it to damp, towel-dried tresses so that the product gets absorbed as your hair slowly dries. Distribute it through your locks using either your fingers or a comb. Alternatively, you can use hair wax on dry hair to retouch or restyle your ‘do throughout the day.

What styles can hair wax help create?

Bouncy bobs 

If you have short, fine hair that’s lacking volume, work a very small amount of wax into your roots, then blast your hair with a hairdryer, like the Toni&Guy Daily Conditioning Dryer. The combined power of the two styling tools will lift your hair at the roots, providing glamorous volume.

Choppy pixie crops

If effortlessly chic, just-rolled-out-of-bed hair is what you’re after, then hair wax will be your go-to product. Distribute the wax through your hair before twirling individual strands around your fingers to help create a softly-tousled, undone look without the use of curling tongs.

Wavy lobs

A sophisticated style favoured by celebrities such as Emilia Clarke and Rachel McAdams, the wavy lob is one of the hottest hairstyles of 2016, and it can easily be achieved using hair wax. After lightly curling your hair, use your fingers to run some wax through the waves, separating them as you go.

Short curls

If you don’t like the stiff-looking effect that some curling mousses create, then opt for hair wax instead. To help keep your natural curls looking springy, lightly coat them with a smooth wax. This can help retain their bounce, without losing their flexible texture. 

So, what do you think – could hair wax be your short crop’s new BFF?

*RRPs are Unilever suggested retail prices only, it is at the discretion of the individual retailers to set the actual price.