A clean, well-held hairstyle can change how a man looks and feels for the entire day. Yet with hundreds of waxes, clays, pomades and sprays on the market, picking the right product for your hair type is not easy. This guide, based on the hands-on experience of Roywax, a men's hair styling shop in Me Linh, Hanoi, Vietnam, walks you through how to choose and use hair wax and hairspray like a professional barber.
1. Know your hair type first
Most men fall into one of three groups. Thick, coarse hair is strong and hard to control; it tends to stand up on its own and needs a high-hold product to stay in place. Fine, thin hair is soft and flattens easily; heavy products weigh it down, so lightweight clays or pastes combined with a volumising spray work best. Medium hair is the easiest to style and works with almost any product.
Your scalp matters too. If your scalp gets oily quickly, choose a matte, water-based or clay-based wax so your hair does not look greasy after a few hours. If your scalp is dry, a product with a light shine can make the hair look healthier.
2. The main types of men's hair wax
Clay: high hold, low shine and a natural, textured finish. Great for side parts, quiffs and textured crops.
Paste: softer than clay and easy to spread, with medium to high hold. A good choice for beginners.
Pomade: medium to high shine, ideal for classic looks such as the slick back and the pompadour. Water-based pomades wash out much more easily than oil-based ones.
Fibre and wax: flexible hold that lets you restyle during the day, perfect for messy, lived-in looks.
You can browse a full range of men's hair wax (sáp vuốt tóc nam) at Roywax, where each product lists its hold, shine level and recommended hair type.
3. Popular waxes worth trying
Among premium options, Kevin Murphy Rough Rider is a favourite for thick hair thanks to its strong hold, matte finish and pleasant scent. By Vilain Gold Digger is known for creating volume and sharp texture without making the hair feel heavy. For a broader comparison, see this ranking of the best men's hair waxes, updated from real customer feedback.
4. Why hairspray completes the look
Wax shapes the hair; hairspray locks the shape in. In hot and humid climates, a light layer of spray after styling keeps the hair in place through wind, sweat and humidity. A volumising spray applied to damp roots before blow-drying also adds noticeable lift to fine hair.
A product many barbers recommend is Butterfly Shadow hairspray: firm hold, quick drying, no white flakes, and it washes out in one shampoo. More options are available in the hairspray (gôm xịt tóc) collection.
5. A salon-style routine you can do at home
Step 1: wash your hair and towel-dry it until it is about 70 percent dry. Step 2: spray a little volumising spray at the roots. Step 3: blow-dry in the direction of your desired style, lifting with your fingers or a round brush. Step 4: take a pea-sized amount of wax and warm it between your palms until it softens. Step 5: work it from roots to tips, focusing on the top and fringe, then use your fingertips to create texture. Step 6: finish with a light mist of hairspray from 20 to 30 centimetres away.
For a detailed, illustrated walkthrough of popular styles, read this salon-standard men's hairstyling guide.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is using too much product at once, which leaves the hair greasy and flat; start small and add more if needed. Applying wax to soaking-wet hair dilutes it and kills the hold. Spraying too close creates stiff, shiny patches. Finally, always wash styling products out before bed; leaving them in every night can clog pores and lead to dandruff and an itchy scalp.
7. Buy genuine products
Counterfeit waxes and sprays are common and can irritate the scalp or damage the hair. Always buy from a trusted retailer with clear product origins. Roywax distributes authentic Kevin Murphy, By Vilain and Butterfly Shadow products, ships nationwide across Vietnam, and helps customers choose the right product for their hair type.
8. Quick FAQ
Is it bad to use wax every day? Not if you use a genuine product in moderate amounts and shampoo every evening. A conditioner or hair mask once or twice a week keeps the hair from drying out.
How long does a tin of wax last? With daily use, a standard tin of around 60 to 100 grams usually lasts two to three months, depending on hair length and thickness.
Can I use hairspray without wax? For short, fine hair and simple styles, yes. For styles that need a defined shape, wax is still the key step before locking it in with spray.
Roywax, Me Linh, Hanoi, Vietnam. Open 08:00 to 22:00. Website: https://roywax.com/
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