Pardon Me While I Sport Supermodel Buns All Summer Long—8 Sleek Products That Make It Effortless
There is genuinely no hairstyle that is more effortlessly stylish or adaptable than the classic slicked-back bun. It’s my go-to solution for greasy hair on day four, humid or rainy weather, and any event where I want to look particularly put-together. After all, a super-sleek bun is foundational to the "model off duty" look for a good reason. This low-maintenance style exudes automatic sophistication. Now that I’ve persuaded you to embrace this look all summer long (if you weren’t already a fan), let me suggest an essential product you must have: a hair wax stick. While some devoted fans of slicked-back buns may argue for a combination of products—like leave-in conditioner, gel, and hairspray—to achieve a perfectly sleek appearance, I assure you that for those who prefer simplicity, a wax stick paired with a quality boar-bristle brush will do most of the work. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the top hair wax sticks that the Who What Wear team has ever tested, along with shopping and application advice from celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. Whether you use them to control flyaways, smooth edges, or create a polished updo, these small but powerful sticks will serve you well.
**The Best Hair Wax Sticks, at a Glance**
- **Best Overall:** Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick
- **Best for Oily Hair:** Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax
- **Best for Frizz:** Not Your Mother's All Eyes on Me 3-in-1 Wax Stick
- **Best for Fine Hair:** Emi Jay Angelstick Hair Smoothing Styling Stick
- **Best Budget:** Kitsch Hair Wax Stick
**The 8 Best Hair Wax Sticks of 2025**
- **Best Overall:** Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick
**Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick**
- **Pros:** Provides strong hold and brushes out easily, leaves no tacky or white residue, silicone-free
- **Cons:** Some users wish it was a larger size
- **Key ingredients:** Yuzu extract, plum oil, castor oil, vitamin B complex
- **Size:** 0.5 ounces
This wax stick is my favorite for slicked-back styles. Although it’s small at half an ounce, its size makes it ideal for addressing specific areas around the hairline. The hold is remarkable (I seldom need to touch up throughout the day, though I always carry it with me just in case), and it brushes out easily if I want to extend the wear between washes. True to Briogeo’s philosophy, it prioritizes hair health: infused with nourishing oils, plant-based waxes, and antioxidants, it keeps my hair looking glossy in the long run.
**Customer review:** "I love this styling stick! It’s very smooth without an oily feel and works perfectly! I have tried many and keep coming back to this one. I've purchased it three times already."
**Best for Oily Hair: Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax**
- **Pros:** Soft-matte finish with no residue, brushes out easily without buildup
- **Cons:** Some users dislike the strong floral scent
- **Key ingredients:** Coconut oil, castor oil, rice-bran wax, candelilla wax
- **Size:** 2.33 ounces
Rubenstein regards this Nexxus product as her favorite. "It leaves no residue or waxy feeling, has medium hold, works exceptionally well, and can be built up for more grip or an overall slick appearance," she notes. It offers a more matte finish, which is ideal for days when my greasy hair needs no extra help.
**Customer review:** "This is the first wax stick that has worked for my crazy curly hair. It prevents flyaways at the back of my neck and keeps the hair around my ears in place. It’s clear, leaves no residue, and holds without stiffness. I love this wax stick!"
**Best for Frizz: Not Your Mother's All Eyes on Me 3-in-1 Wax Stick**
- **Pros:** Offers smooth application, provides extra UV protection
- **Cons:** Some users find it leaves hair greasy
- **Key ingredients:** Argan oil, squalane, raspberry oil, castor oil
- **Size:** 2.4 ounces
This hydrating stick comes highly recommended by WWW assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert. It smooths her curls exceptionally well, and the formula infused with argan oil and squalane is deeply moisturizing, which also combats frizz. Notably, humidity has no influence on this affordable ($13) choice.
**Customer review:** "I absolutely love this wax stick. As a college athlete, I use it for myself and my teammates to create slick backs. I start with gel, then use
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Pardon Me While I Sport Supermodel Buns All Summer Long—8 Sleek Products That Make It Effortless
In this article, the editors of Who What Wear reveal the top hair wax sticks they have tried, along with shopping advice and application tips from a celebrity hairstylist.