How To Make Mustache Wax: Simple Recipes That Work

Finding the right mustache wax can be difficult. Some products make your mustache firm, while others make it softer and more manageable. And your chances of finding a product that’s made exclusively with natural ingredients are slimmer than finding a needle in a haystack. Not to mention that the price of high-quality mustache wax can be pretty steep.

That’s why many mustache-sporting men decide to make their own wax. Making your own product is not that difficult, and it offers you the liberty of including only the ingredients you want and making larger quantities of wax at a smaller price.

Read on to learn how to make mustache wax, what ingredients you should use, how to mix the ingredients to make a high-quality wax, and more.

Top 3 DIY Mustache Wax Recipes

These three recipes range from maximum hold for handlebar mustaches to medium hold for everyday styling. Each uses the "parts" measurement system, so you can scale recipes up or down while maintaining perfect ratios.

Wax Recipe #1 - I can stab you with my mustache (maximum strength)

Best for: Handlebar mustaches, elaborate styles, all-day hold

This high-wax formula creates a rock-solid hold that keeps even the most ambitious mustache styles in place from morning to night.

Ingredients:

  • 3 parts beeswax

  • 1 part carrier oil (jojoba or coconut recommended)

  • 3-5 drops essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Set up double boiler - Add 2 inches of water to the larger pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.

  2. Melt base ingredients - Place beeswax and carrier oil in the smaller pot. Stir continuously until completely melted and combined (about 5-7 minutes).

  3. Add fragrance carefully - Remove from heat and wait 1-2 minutes. Add essential oil drops one at a time - start with 3 drops and test the scent before adding more.

  4. Pour and set - Transfer to shallow tins immediately (this formula hardens quickly). Let cool for at least 1 hour before touching.

  5. Test consistency - If too hard, remelt and add 0.25 parts more carrier oil. If too soft, add 0.5 parts more beeswax.

Pro tip: The 3:1 ratio creates firm hold. Warm thoroughly between fingers before applying, or it won't spread properly..

Wax Recipe #2 - Do I like woods? I smell like one! (medium strength)

Best for: Daily wear, professional settings, natural mustache styles

This balanced formula delivers reliable hold with a masculine, outdoorsy scent profile that's subtle yet distinctive.

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts beeswax

  • 1 part carrier oil (sweet almond or grapeseed)

  • 2-3 drops cedarwood essential oil

  • 2-3 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Prepare double boiler - Bring 2 inches of water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low.

  2. Combine base - Add beeswax and carrier oil to the top pot. Stir until fully melted and blended (about 6-8 minutes).

  3. Layer your scents - Remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes. Add cedarwood first, stir well, then add sandalwood. This layering creates depth.

  4. Container and cool - Pour into tins and let set for 1-2 hours at room temperature.

Why this works: The 2:1 ratio provides medium hold - firm enough to style but flexible enough to reshape throughout the day. The woodsy oils complement each other without overwhelming.

Wax Recipe #3 - Fresh and bold (medium strength)

Best for: Warm weather, energizing morning routine, lighter mustache styles

This refreshing formula combines reliable hold with bright, uplifting citrus notes perfect for everyday wear.

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts beeswax

  • 1 part carrier oil (jojoba works best with citrus)

  • 4 drops sweet orange essential oil

  • 2 drops lemon essential oil

  • 2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat water - Boil 2 inches of water in your double boiler, reduce to medium-low.

  2. Melt wax blend - Combine beeswax and carrier oil in the top pot. Stir until completely liquified (about 6-8 minutes).

  3. Build scent profile - Remove from heat and wait 2 minutes. Add oils in order: orange (base note), lemon (top note), sandalwood (grounding note). Stir between each addition.

  4. Set properly - Pour into containers and cool for 1-2 hours undisturbed.

Scent note: Citrus oils fade faster than woodsy oils. Use this batch within 4-6 months for best fragrance, though the hold remains effective longer.

Universal Tips for All Recipes

  • Grainy wax? You cooled it too fast - remelt and cool slowly at room temperature

  • Too sticky? Add more beeswax next batch

  • Won't hold? Increase beeswax ratio or ensure you're using pure beeswax

Pro tip: For smoother texture and easier application, add 3-4 drops of beard oil to any recipe during the cooling phase (when mixture is still liquid but off heat).

Storage: Your wax can last 12-18 months in shallow tins stored in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.

Skip the DIY? We've Got Premium Options

Making your own wax is rewarding, but sometimes you need professional results immediately. The Beard Struggle's Mustache Wax offers strong yet flexible hold, nourishing ingredients, and expertly crafted scents - no melting or mixing required.

Must-Have Ingredients for Homemade Mustache Wax

Creating quality mustache wax requires just three core ingredients. Master these basics before experimenting with additional components.

Beeswax: The Foundation of Hold

Beeswax is non-negotiable - it's what gives your wax its styling power and keeps your mustache in place all day.

What you need to know:

  • Quality matters - Use pure, cosmetic-grade beeswax for best results

  • Color is irrelevant - White, yellow, or any shade in between works equally well

  • The ratio determines strength - More beeswax = stronger hold, less beeswax = softer texture

  • Melting point - Beeswax melts around 145°F, so low heat is essential

Where to buy: Health food stores, craft stores, or online. Look for organic, filtered beeswax.

Carrier Oils: Moisture and Workability

Carrier oils soften the beeswax, making it spreadable while nourishing your mustache and skin underneath.

Top carrier oil options:

Jojoba Oil

  • Most similar to your skin's natural oils

  • Lightweight, non-greasy texture

  • Best for: All mustache types, sensitive skin

Coconut Oil

  • Solid at room temperature, melts easily

  • Natural antibacterial properties

  • Best for: Firm wax formulas, tropical scent lovers

Sweet Almond Oil

  • Light texture with subtle nutty aroma

  • Rich in vitamin E

  • Best for: Softer waxes, moisturizing formulas

Argan Oil

  • Luxurious feel, adds natural shine

  • High in antioxidants

  • Best for: Premium batches, dry or coarse hair

Avoid: Petroleum jelly works but isn't natural. Stick with plant-based oils for healthier mustache care.

Essential Oils: Scent and Character

Essential oils transform basic wax into a signature grooming product with personality and therapeutic benefits.

Masculine/Woodsy scents:

  • Cedarwood - Warm, grounding, classic masculine aroma

  • Sandalwood - Rich, creamy, sophisticated (pairs well with everything)

  • Pine - Fresh, forest-like, energizing

Fresh/Citrus scents:

  • Sweet Orange - Uplifting, cheerful, not too sharp

  • Lemon - Clean, bright, morning-friendly

  • Bergamot - Citrus with floral notes, sophisticated

Herbal/Minty scents:

  • Peppermint - Invigorating, cooling (use sparingly - it's strong)

  • Eucalyptus - Medicinal, clarifying, antimicrobial

  • Clary Sage - Herbal-minty, calming

Usage guidelines:

  • Start with 3-5 drops per batch - you can always add more

  • Test scent before pouring by placing a tiny amount on your wrist

  • Citrus oils fade faster than woodsy oils

  • Never use fragrance oils - they're synthetic and can irritate skin

Pro tip: Layer scents for complexity. Use 60% base notes (sandalwood, cedar), 30% middle notes (lavender, pine), and 10% top notes (citrus, mint).

Optional Add-Ins for Advanced Batches

Once you've mastered the basics, experiment with:

  • Shea butter - Adds extra moisture and creamier texture

  • Vitamin E oil - Natural preservative, extends shelf life

  • Castor oil - Thickens formula, may promote hair health (use 10-20% of oil blend)

Complete Your Mustache Routine: Products to Pair with DIY Wax

Your DIY wax works best as part of a complete grooming system. Here are the essential products to combine with your DIY wax for optimal results.

Beard Oil: The Pre-Wax Foundation

Apply beard oil before using mustache wax for better results and healthier facial hair.

Why pair them:

  • Oil moisturizes and softens hair, making wax easier to work through

  • Prevents the drying effect of beeswax on skin

  • Creates a protective barrier between skin and styling products

  • Reduces itchiness and beard dandruff

How to use together:

  • Apply 3-4 drops of beard oil to damp mustache after washing

  • Let absorb for 2-3 minutes

  • Apply your DIY wax for styling

Want to learn more? Check out our guide on How to Properly Apply Beard Products for detailed application techniques.

Beard Balm: For Full Beard Styling

If you have a full beard along with your styled mustache, beard balm keeps everything cohesive.

Key differences from mustache wax:

  • Softer hold than wax - better for beard length

  • More moisturizing properties

  • Covers larger surface area efficiently

  • Won't make your beard stiff or crunchy

Application strategy:

  • Use beard balm on your full beard first

  • Finish with mustache wax for targeted styling on upper lip

  • This two-product approach gives you control and definition

Learn the difference: Our Beard Cream vs Balm vs Butter guide explains which product works best for your needs.

Beard Wash: The Essential Foundation

Beard wash is crucial as clean facial hair holds wax better and looks more polished.

Why regular washing matters:

  • Removes old wax buildup that prevents fresh application

  • Keeps pores clear and skin healthy

  • Prepares hair to accept styling products

  • Prevents product buildup that makes mustaches look greasy

Washing routine:

  • Use beard-specific shampoo 2-3 times per week

  • Rinse thoroughly - leftover product blocks wax absorption

  • Pat dry gently, never rub aggressively

  • Apply products while hair is slightly damp

Beard Brush: Your Styling Partner

A quality beard brush is essential for applying and distributing mustache wax evenly.

What it does:

  • Spreads wax uniformly through mustache hairs

  • Trains hairs to grow in your desired direction

  • Removes tangles before wax application

  • Distributes natural oils from skin throughout hair

Best practices:

  • Brush mustache before applying wax to detangle

  • Use brush during wax application to shape

  • Brush daily even on non-wax days to train hair direction

Beard Straightener: For Unruly Mustaches

If you have curly or wavy facial hair, a heated beard straightener helps before applying wax.

When to use:

  • Curly mustaches that won't stay styled with wax alone

  • Creating sleek handlebar mustaches

  • Taming flyaways before important events

Technique:

  • Straighten first on low heat

  • Let hair cool completely

  • Apply wax to hold the straightened shape

Safety tip: Always use heat protectant oil before straightening. Check out How to Straighten a Curly Beard for detailed instructions.

Style Your Mustache Your Way

The difference between average mustache wax and exceptional wax comes down to ingredient quality and proper ratios. These three recipes give you proven formulas for different hold strengths and scent profiles, but feel free to adjust based on your mustache's thickness, length, and styling needs. 

Make small test batches first to dial in your preferences before producing larger quantities. Store finished wax in cool, dry places, label containers with dates and ingredients, and remember that homemade wax lasts 12-18 months when stored properly.

And if DIY isn't your battle to fight, warrior, The Beard Struggle is here with products that are ready for action.

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