When it comes to men’s grooming, few things have the power to elevate your look like a good hair wax. Whether you’re aiming for that effortlessly messy texture, a polished side part, or something gravity-defying and bold, the right wax can make all the difference. But with shelves full of products promising everything from “matte perfection” to “all-day hold,” how do you actually choose?

Fear not—Clothes Make the Man has done the heavy lifting. We’ve sifted through the shelves, read the reviews, and tested the top contenders to bring you six of the best hair waxes available right now in the UK. From budget-friendly high-street heroes to salon-approved staples, there’s something here for every hair type, style, and budget.

Let’s break it down—product by product—so your grooming game is as sharp as your wardrobe.

1. Fudge Urban Matte Wax

Finish: Matte | Hold: Medium–strong

A cult classic praised in Mankind’s top‑8 list (“Fudge Matte Hed”)  , this wax delivers flexible control and natural texture without shine. Ideal for messy, tousled styles or slicked‑back looks. Very budget‑friendly

2. L’Oréal Men Expert Slick Wax Pomade 75 ml

Finish: Mild glossy | Hold: Medium

This Amazon seller fave offers creamy ease of application and soft grooming. Mentioned by British GQ among clay‑alternative products  . Great for everyday clean styles, with easy re‑working.

3. TIGI Bed Head Stick Wax

Finish: Natural glossy | Hold: Medium

Recently highlighted by FashionBeans   as “best for everyday use.” Heat‑resistant, stays put without crunch—perfect for neat, polished looks that still feel natural. Also excels as a touch‑up wax stick.

4. VO5 Styling Wax 75 ml

Finish: Gloss | Hold: Strong

Combines gel’s slick texture with wax’s malleability. Ideal for slicked‑back, polished styles that still need a firm hold. Highly rated and wallet‑friendly.

5. Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Spiking Wax

Finish: Matte | Hold: Strong

For seriously stubborn or gravity‑defying looks. Perfect for spikes, faux‑hawks, or any style that demands extreme stay‑power. A UK favourite under £6.

6. Slick Gorilla Cream Styler

• Finish & Hold: Matte finish with extra-strong hold—ideal for defined styles that stay put.

• Why it stands out: Designed for heavy-duty yet natural styles, it thickens and textures hair without greasiness

Each wax here nails its niche—so your choice should hinge on the look, hold, and ease-of-use you’re after. Pick one, master your technique, and let your hair become part of your personal style statement.

Let me know if you want a tailored pick based on your hair type or if you’d like styling tips!

In the summer months particularly,more and more couples are opting for a smart-casual dress code. Google searches for ‘casual wedding’increased by 40% over the last quarter – a trend whichhas been replicated every summer for the past fiveyears1. But how casual is too casual? M&S Menswear Director, Mitch Hughes shares tips for balancing comfort and polish to nail this famously perplexing dress code.  

Think about the venue 

Start by considering the venue the couple have chosen.While a polo shirt might be acceptable for a laid-backbeach wedding, this may not be appropriate for a religious venue. Always research the venue – they often feature images and photos on their website which could help you narrow down your choice of attire. It’s also important to consider the weather, as Mitch explains:  

“At an outside ceremony or reception, you can be baking in the sunshine. So, it’s important to choosenatural, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk blends.” 

Linen is your best friend 

A linen suit is always a classy alternative to a traditional suit or tuxedo. The fabric is much more breathable, and it offers a more casual vibe. But there are some things to consider: 

“Concerns about creases often put people off wearing linen. However, I tend to think if you leave the house mostly wrinkle-free, any creases you acquire during the day are completely acceptable – it’s part of linen’s beauty. Linen suits are also incredibly versatile. While a linen suit looks great with a shirt, a simple white T-shirtcan bring a level of sophistication to your look without being overly formal.” 

Experiment with colours and patterns 

A more casual dress code can allow you to be more experimental with colours and patterns:  

“If you are attending a wedding with a relaxed theme or dress code, this can be an opportunity to be playful with your attire. Beige, tan, or even a slate grey are less traditional colours that work well. A pastel tone like soft green, blue or coral is also worth considering if you want to stand out.” 

Dare to jean 

Whether jeans are wedding-appropriate is an incrediblyhotly debated topic. Mitch believes it can be possible to make denim work, if the dress code allows:  

“Unless the couple have expressed otherwise, a pair of smart, dark coloured jeans can fit the bill for a ‘casual’ dress code. Pair them with a white, tailored shirt and stylish blazer to give off an effortless but put-together look. If you’re not sure jeans are appropriate, a light chino is an easy-going alternative.” 

Don’t neglect accessories 

Accessories have the power to bring an outfit together and elevate your look and sunglasses are, of course, a summer wedding staple: 

“Sunglasses instantly make you look – and feel – cool.Inject some fun into your outfit with a pair of coloured frames or lenses. You could even match them withother accessories such as a pocket square, belt or tie to being a sense of cohesion to your ensemble.” 

Complete the look with the right shoes 

Whether or not you’re a dancer, most weddings involve being on your feet for long periods of time so if the dress code allows for a smart pair of trainers, go for it.Equally, if you’re not ready to ditch your formal shoes, loafers are a more comfortable twist on the classic dress shoe, as Mitch explains:  

“A white trainer may seem a strange choice for a wedding but paired with chinos or even a linen suit can work well and look suitably elevated. Play around with your trouser silhouette. Try a wider leg suit trouser thatsits stylishly over your trainers. If trainers feel toocasual, you may find a pair of classic loafers in suede of leather look more natural with a more casual suit.”

It’s been super hot of last and many people  are dehydrated and don’t even know it, says Sarah Jefferies from Emergency First Aid At Work Course

A leading health and first aid educator is warning that dehydration often shows up in subtle ways that are frequently missed.

Health Expert Sarah Jefferies, from Emergency First Aid At Work Course says:

“We tend to associate dehydration with feeling thirsty or lightheaded – but by the time you’re noticeably thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Some of the earliest signs are surprisingly easy to overlook.”

The lesser-known symptoms of dehydration include:

• Irritability or mood swings – Dehydration can affect the brain and make you more short-tempered or anxious.
• Bad breath – Saliva has antibacterial properties, and dehydration reduces its production, causing odour.
• Craving sugar or salty snacks – When hydration is low, your body may misfire hunger signals to compensate.
• Dizziness when standing up – A drop in blood pressure due to low fluid levels can cause postural dizziness.
• Dry eyes or blurred vision – Lack of fluid can affect tear production and eye lubrication.
• Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine – A classic but often ignored sign, especially if bathroom trips are infrequent.

Jefferies continues:

“Dehydration doesn’t just affect athletes or people working outside. Office workers, commuters, and even children in school are at risk. Staying properly hydrated is a simple but critical step in avoiding everything from headaches and fatigue to more serious heat-related illnesses.”

The hidden culprits in your diet

As well as not drinking enough water, some common foods and drinks can actually contribute to dehydration:

• Salty snacks and ready meals – Excess sodium pulls water from your cells and increases fluid loss.
• Caffeine-heavy drinks – Coffee, energy drinks, and some teas can act as diuretics in high quantities.
• Alcohol – Especially during warm weather, alcohol speeds up fluid loss and impacts electrolyte balance.
• High-protein, low-carb diets – These can increase your water needs, especially if you’re cutting carbs heavily.
• Fizzy drinks and sugary treats – These can spike blood sugar and lead to increased urination and fluid loss.

Top tips to stay hydrated during warmer months:

• Carry a refillable water bottle and sip regularly – don’t wait to feel thirsty.
• Eat water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and strawberries.
• Limit dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol, especially in the sun.
• Be extra mindful if you’re taking medications that affect fluid balance.

Additional images

Engin Akyurt

KOBU Agency

Nigel Msipa

Jacek Dylag

Spotlighting a bold new silhouette, Dickies, the world’s leading workwear brand, introduces the 247 Work Pant with a campaign led by diverse musical voices who reflect its versatile spirit. Launching first with content from Ezra Collective and Diego Naska, the creative captures a day in their world, unfiltered and in motion. From morning coffees to late-night studio sessions, the content offers an inside look at their routines and passions. Whether they’re working, creating or just living, the 247 Work Pant moves with them. Built to keep up, wherever the day goes.

“The campaign leans into real stories and creative communities, showing the 247 work pant in action across different moments and lifestyles.” said Filip Elerud, Global Brand Marketing Director. “It’s about versatility, ease and staying true to the brand’s workwear roots while evolving with a new generation.”

The 247 is a lighter take on Dickies’ iconic work trousers, engineered for round-the-clock wear in enzyme-washed 8.3oz cotton twill. Drawing inspiration from heritage styles like the 874 work pant and Double Knee, the collection updates these classics with a softer fabric and added phone pocket, built to meet the demands of modern life from morning to after hours.

247 continues Dickies legacy of durable and functional design, capturing the honest pace of life in the moment.