Choose hair color wax if you want to style and color at the same time, need precise placement on short or textured hair, or want color on a beard. Choose hair color spray if you want quick coverage over long hair, soft streaks or dipped ends, or color on a finished updo. Wax is worked in by hand and adds hold and texture. Spray is misted on and covers a large area fast. Both are temporary and are designed to wash out.
Wax vs spray at a glance
| Point | Color wax | Color spray |
|---|---|---|
| How it is applied | Rubbed between the hands and worked through the hair | Sprayed on from a distance |
| Control | High. You place it strand by strand | Lower. Needs shielding for precise areas |
| Speed on long hair | Slow, and uses a lot of product | Fast |
| Styling effect | Adds hold, definition and texture | Can leave hair feeling dry or stiff |
| Best hair for it | Short hair, curls, coils, braids, beards | Long, straight or wavy hair, updos |
| Mess | On your hands. Wear gloves | Overspray on skin, clothes and surfaces |
| Transfer once dry | Can rub off when touched | Can rub off and flake as dust |
What is hair color wax?
It is a styling wax or clay with pigment mixed in. You scoop a little, warm it between your palms and work it through the hair, where it coats each strand and holds the style. Because it is a wax, it gives definition to curls, twists and short textured cuts while it colors them.
What is hair color spray?
It is pigment in a sprayable liquid. It dries quickly as a thin coat on the surface of the hair. It adds no real hold, and it is the faster way to cover a lot of hair or to color a style that is already finished.
When is wax the better choice?
- Short hair. A small amount covers it, and the wax styles it too.
- Curly and coily hair. Wax defines the curl pattern, and many people find it shows well on dark, textured hair. Test first.
- Braids, twists and locs. You can coat individual pieces.
- Beards and mustaches, if the product is described as suitable for them.
- Precise color blocking, where you want clean edges without masking.
When is spray the better choice?
- Long hair, where wax would take a long time and a lot of product.
- Streaks, dipped ends and soft fades.
- Finished updos, braids and buns that you do not want to disturb.
- Stencilled designs.
- Fine hair, which wax can weigh down.
How do you apply color wax?
- Do a patch test as the label directs, and a strand test for color and wash-out.
- Start with clean, dry or slightly damp hair, as the product instructions suggest.
- Put on gloves and cover your shoulders.
- Scoop a small amount and rub it between your palms until it is soft and spread thin.
- Work it through one section at a time, from roots to ends, smoothing each strand between your fingers.
- Add more in thin layers for stronger color.
- Shape the style with your fingers, then let it dry completely before touching.
A wax for hair and beard
The Uexim washable temporary hair color wax gives temporary, one-time color that washes out, and the listing says it works on hair and beard and is easy to apply by hand. It comes in 40 g and 120 g sizes and in a range of colors, including red, blue, green, gold, gray, white, orange, purple and black. Color availability varies by size, so check the variant selector.
How do they compare for washing out?
Both are made to come out with shampoo. Wax is oilier, so it may need two rounds of shampoo, worked in well before adding much water. Spray usually lifts with a normal double shampoo. In both cases, light, bleached or porous hair can keep a faint tint from strong shades. A strand test beforehand is the only reliable way to know.
What do both have in common?
- They are temporary colors and are not sold as lighteners.
- They can transfer to clothes, pillows and furniture.
- Rain and sweat can make them run.
- They should be washed out before bed.
- The label's directions and warnings apply. Keep both away from the eyes.
Can you use both together?
Yes. Use wax for defined, textured sections or a beard, and spray for a wash of color over the lengths or for accents on top. Apply the wax first, let it set, then spray.
Frequently asked questions
Which shows up better on dark hair, wax or spray?
Many people find wax gives more opaque color on dark hair, because it is applied thickly and directly. Results vary by product and shade. Test first.
Does color wax damage hair?
It is sold as a temporary color that washes out. It can feel drying, so condition after washing. Check the product label for its ingredients.
Which is less messy?
Wax keeps the mess on your hands. Spray drifts, so you need to cover more of the room.
How long do they last?
Until you wash your hair. Both are meant for a day or an evening.
The bottom line
Wax for short, textured hair, beards and precise, styled color. Spray for long hair, streaks, ends and finished styles. Test a strand either way.
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