Everything You Need to Know About the Hair Color Wax Trend

There’s a new way to color your hair and it doesn’t involve any commitment or chemicals — we’re talking hair color wax. Sure, the newest hair color trend is a little messy. But it’s gentle, safe and doesn’t contain any of the harsh ingredients found in regular hair dyes. The best part: it washes out easily in the shower. We got the 411 on how, when and why to apply hair color wax.

“Hair color wax is a temporary type of hair color for people who want to experiment with fun, vibrant shades but also want to avoid chemicals and damage,” says Sha-Raya Hutchins, a New York City-based hairstylist. The perks go beyond not bringing on damage. “They deposit color onto strands which then easily comes off when you wash your hair with clarifying shampoo,” explains Danusia Wnek, a chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “These waxes do not penetrate into the strand as permanent hair color does, making them gentler.” While every formula has a slightly different ingredient list, “they are generally made of beeswax or a hair wax component, water, alcohol and color pigments,” Hutchins explains.

How should you shop for hair color wax?

“Shopping for hair color wax can be a little tedious, as sometimes you have to try out a few to see which brand takes to your hair texture,” Hutchins says. “Different brands of hair wax have different consistencies, so you really need to read reviews and figure out which brand works best for you.”

Generally speaking, you’ll want to check the (typically short) ingredient list. Beeswax is the top ingredient in hair color waxes that helps the color stick so make sure that’s on the list. Color choice is a big (and fun!) part of the shopping process. There are tons of fun, bold colors to play with and try, especially since you aren’t making a big time commitment.

Hutchins’s favorite hair color wax is Mofajang, as she feels that the colors are super bold and vibrant and it dries and sets better than other waxes she has tried. “It’s also not as messy as some competitors and lasts longer.”

Here are a few top sellers, including Mofajang:

How do you apply hair color wax?

Always be sure to read the instructions on your hair color wax packaging before applying and start with damp, freshly washed and conditioned hair. The application is super easy: divide hair into sections and apply it (with gloves on, of course) to each section — no mixing required. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way. You can always go back in and add a little bit more if the color isn’t as strong as you hoped; just wait at least 15 to 20 minutes for it to set. While you can use it on wet or dry hair, Hutchins feels that it sets better on wet hair. And unlike permanent hair dye, it shouldn’t be rinsed after application.

In terms of different hair types, “hair color wax can definitely be used on natural hair — it should be used as your wax or gel for your hair,” says Hutchins. She suggests washing and conditioning hair as normal and using your go-to leave-in conditioner or curl cream, then replacing any gel or wax products with hair wax instead. “I typically twist the hair using the wax as my styling gel and allow it to dry for an hour or so to prevent it from bleeding,” she says. “After that you can apply a light oil to your hair, untwist and go.”

Does hair color wax stain clothes?

The short answer: yes! Wnek suggests either wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wrapping yourself in an old towel. “The pigment from these types of products can really be messy,” she explains.

Is hair color wax good for your hair?

Hutchins believes that it’s good for your hair because it gives you color without all the damaging chemicals. “If brands could come up with an alcohol-free hair wax, it would be even better,” she says. “But hair color wax isn’t damaging and it washes out pretty easily.”

How long does hair color wax last vs. regular hair dye?

Hair color wax can last anywhere from one to two weeks depending on how often you shampoo. “It fades out on its own mostly but washing speeds it up, especially with clarifying shampoo,” Hutchins says. Regular hair dye can last a few months; it also depends on how often you wash your hair or allow it to get wet.

What’s the best way to remove hair color wax?

The easiest and quickest way to get rid of hair color wax is with clarifying shampoo. “It will not come out by just rinsing with water,” Hutchins says.

What are the pros and cons of hair color wax?

Just like any beauty product or treatment, there are upsides and downsides to using hair color wax, especially when compared to traditional hair color. Hutchins shares her thoughts:

Pros:

• The temporary color. “The fact that you can try any color you want with no commitment is great — it literally washes right out,” Hutchins says. “When it comes to traditional hair dye, you have to commit for at least a month.”
• The lack of damage. “Hair wax isn’t damaging to your hair and doesn’t alter the texture of your hair,” she says. “Regular hair dye can leave your hair very dry and cause breakage.”

Cons:

• The mess. “Some brands never fully dry, so you could potentially be ruining a shirt or bonnet because it may continue to bleed everywhere,” Hutchins says.
• The potential lack of color payoff. “Occasionally a hair color wax doesn’t really show up on your hair and can leave you feeling like it was a waste of time to use,” Hutchins says.