Product test
Reviewing the new Ghd Duet Blowdry
by Natalie Hemengül
How a hair wax stick saved my yoga session
13.3.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
You know those unruly hairs that tickle your face in the worst moments? I find them particularly annoying when I’m working out. A modest-looking wax stick has come to the rescue and promises to provide «super hold».
I want to relax when I’m doing yoga. But just one downward dog in, strands of hair are already flopping into my face. They’re too short and keep slipping out of the tight bun I usually tie for this kind of activity. There’s only one thing for it: a strong hairspray or the Matomage Hair Styling Stick by Japanese brand Utena. It’s a handy hair balm that’s popped up on my Instagram and Tiktok a few times.
It claims to tame frizz, fringes and those short, wild antenna-like hairs most people get. According to the manufacturer, the stick consists of vegetable wax and non-sticky powder. Silicones are said to keep the hair supple, while camellia oil, argan oil and baobab oil bind moisture in the hair. The product’s available in «regular» (pink) and «super hold» (turquoise). My hair’s definitely a case for the latter.
What the wax stick does
The longer strands are kept in place really well. They stay put throughout all the downward dogs I do in my yoga session. Even an exercise involving me pressing my head onto the mat in a kind of headstand way didn’t upset my strands. At the end of the lesson, it’s only my stubborn baby hairs that are curling around my hairline like two little devil horns. I can live with that, but it may mean the stick’s too weak to tame curly or frizzy hair.
The day after, it’s easy to style and tie up your hair again. Which is great news if you’re a bit lazy when it comes to washing your hair. Unlike a stubborn hairspray, the wax is easy to comb. However, it does make your hair look greasy, but that’s to be expected. I occasionally wipe the stick with a sheet of kitchen roll to get rid of the dust it’s picked up from my hair.
In a nutshell
Simple solution for on-the-go
I’ve grown fond of this stick. It’s dinky and handier than a hairspray. Why? Because it’s easy to apply, fits into your handbag or sports bag and does its job without diffusing suffocating clouds of sticky mist. The Hair Styling Stick reliably tames and cares for your hair, which means you don’t necessarily have to rinse it out the following day. However, if you have hair with a strong structure, such as curls, you’re probably better off using a good hairspray. I, for one, am definitely keeping this little helper in my sports bag from now on.
Pro
- small, lightweight, handy
- cares for and tames hair reliably
- easy application without residue
- easier to comb out than a hairspray
Contra
- potentially not strong enough for curly hair
- contains silicones I generally prefer to avoid
- the wax collects dust
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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