Mustache Wax - The Scrum Way

You might be wondering what scrum methodology has to do with mustache wax. This article is a takeaway from a conversation that I had with someone about making my own mustache wax. I was explaining that it took me over a year to get a recipe that I liked, and the response was Peter, you must be a very patient man.

When I started growing out my handlebars, I found that I needed a product to help with the hold. I bought a few different products online to try out. Unfortunately, the temps get quite high here, and I was losing hold when I stepped out into the midday heat. Going to a stronger hold meant melting wax with hair dryer before applying it. That was a little much for me.

I had been reading about DIY beard balm so I decided to try making my own mustache wax. I knew that I was not going to get it perfect on the first attempt. There were too many variables. I put together a plan to make a batch, wear it for a few weeks, and make small adjustments to each batch. My first batch was essentially my MVP, and each iteration was a sprint.

My first batch was not great. It was easy to apply, but the hold was not great. With each sprint, I researched ingredients, swapped out ingredients, and adjusted ratios. Each batch was incrementally better than the previous one. After about a year, I wound up with the recipe that I wear today. I have a product that softens between my fingers, has a smooth texture without being grainy, has a bit of tackiness without being sticky, and holds up to the Mojave sun.

The only thing that I'm missing is a subtle scent. I have not seriously attempted any scent yet. I suppose I'll save that for another year.