Sumowax was arguably Bumble and bumble's most arduous birth of all and the brainchild of Laurent Philippon, Bb. Editorial Stylist and a Parisian with endless curiosity. It all started when he became enthralled with the part hairdressing played in ancient Japanese sumo wrestling rituals, where wax is melted in iron cauldrons, applied and then cooled to set glossy, black helmets of hair. The contemporary commercial equivalent from Japan proved a pale, greasy (and stinky) imitation, so we set about finding the right blend of waxes to do Laurent's bidding. Two years later Bb. hit the mark and the wax was cast. As Bumbleananda once said, 'Patience is more a matter of discipline than virtue. As such, the rewards are even sweeter.' Heavyweights Harrison Ford and Sylvester Stallone love it; at the other end of the scale is fan Calista Flockhart.

Microcrystalline Wax: structure, firmness Beeswax (Cera Alba): Moisture balance Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil: Conditioning, sheen Hydroabietyl Alcohol: Hold Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Body, shine Lanolin: Shine Lanolin Wax (Lanolin Cera): Conditioning, moisture Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil: Gloss, sheen

Anytime; after Prep or Tonic Lotion, (wait until dry) before styling. Spread a dime-sized dab or two onto palms, rub briskly together to warm and soften, or heat by holding a blow-dryer to the mouth of the jar and skimming the top layer. Evenly coat fingers and hands and lightly spread through hair. Sumowax first + Gloss after = softer hold