Mustache Wax: What You Need To Know

There are few grooming products as intensely masculine as mustache wax. Even if you only whip it out for those special occasions, it’s just fun to know you own some. 

For some mustachioed men, there’s really no substitute. It provides exactly the right amount of hold they need. 

Applying it isn’t tough – there are plenty of awesome tutorials out there showing you exactly how to do it in the most effective way possible. 

But there are still so many questions on mustache wax out there that just haven’t been answered.

We’re going to address those questions right here and right now. 

Let’s get to it. 

Note that the products discussed in this article may not be suitable for your individual circumstances. If you have any queries or concerns regarding their suitability, seek professional advice. 

1. Are Beard Wax And Mustache Wax The Same? 

Beard wax and mustache wax are very similar. They both usually contain beeswax as their core ingredient, as well as possibly petroleum jelly and various essential oils and carrier oils. 

Both beard wax and mustache wax could potentially do what you need it to do.

What’s more important is ensuring that the product you choose has the correct hold and strength for your specific purposes. 

Both mustache wax and beard wax typically have a medium-to-heavy hold and will be better suited to men looking to style more heavy-duty styles such as Handlebars. 

Men looking for a lighter hold would be better off going for mustache or beard balm. 

2. How Often Should You Apply Mustache Wax? 

In general, mustache wax is usually applied once a day. It generally has a strong hold and a little bit goes a long way. 

As with any grooming product, use the minimum amount necessary to get the job done. It’s cost-effective. 

But it also gives your mustache a break now and again. It doesn’t need to be weighed down by mustache wax all the time.

There are a few instances where you may need to add a little more wax during the course of the day. Particularly windy days can lead to stray mustache hairs sticking out. A light touch-up would be reasonable. 

3. How Long Does Mustache Wax Last? 

The effects of the average mustache wax will usually last between 4 and 8 hours. It will depend on the strength of the wax, as well as what you do during the day. 

It also depends on how complex the style you’re looking to keep in place will be. If you’ve got a particularly difficult one, mustache wax will find it harder to keep in place for prolonged periods of time. 

But overall, 4 to 8 hours for the average mustache is a pretty good bet. Ultimately, a decent mustache wax should be expected to last you the majority of the working day with the possible allowance of one top-up. 

Some men love it because it means you get more for your money. You’ve got a bit of leftover mustache wax you can use for styling the next day. 

4. What Should You Do If Your Mustache Wax Doesn’t Hold? 

If mustache wax doesn’t hold your mustache in place, combing beforehand, as well as choosing a stronger wax should help. 

There are many possible reasons for mustache wax not holding. One could potentially be your mustache itself. 

Unclean and poorly groomed mustaches are more difficult to style and keep in place no matter how strong the wax may be. 

Wash and dry the mustache prior to applying the wax. In addition, the basic snipping of stray hairs will also help keep the mustache tidy and easier to style. 

Combing beforehand will do the same. It’ll detangle the deeper hairs within the mustache and make it lay neater and flatter before applying the mustache wax. 

5. Does Mustache Wax Go Bad Or Expire? 

Yes, mustache wax does eventually go bad and expire. Although it will usually have been used up before it ever becomes a problem, a clear indicator would be the mustache wax cracking and becoming brittle. 

It can be difficult to know when exactly the product “expires” once it’s been opened, but be sure to check the product casing to look for any specific indication or expiry date.

6. Can Beard Balm Be Used As Mustache Wax? 

Beard balm should not be used as a substitute for mustache wax because they don’t do the same thing. Mustache wax has a stronger hold and will be more effective for heavy-duty styling. 

Beard balm does have some hold, but not as much. It is better for light styling.

While mustache wax usually has beeswax as its core ingredient, beard balm will often contain creamier ingredients. Eg. fruit and nut butters such as shea, aloe, or cocoa. 

Using a bit of both is quite a common technique. For example, when styling a Handlebar, beard balm could be used for the majority of it. 

However, to really get the twists in at the end and keep them that way, the strength of mustache wax would be better. 

But if you aren’t looking for anything too complex and simply want something to keep stray mustache hairs at bay, beard balm will most likely be enough for your needs. 

But at the end of the day, mustache wax and beard balm shouldn’t be seen as interchangeable because they’re very different products. 

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, this wasn’t meant to be a step-by-step tutorial on how to use mustache wax. 

Hopefully, at least some of these answers will help you use mustache wax in the best and most effective ways possible. 

Enjoy.