We live in a time when men’s hair products are more abundant than ever before—and that’s fantastic because finding the right product can make a world of difference in how you look and feel. When it comes to styling hair, one product I find myself reaching for over and over again is hair cream. It’s versatile, easy to use, and perfect for those who want a natural, well-groomed look without too much fuss.
In this post, I’ll share with you the best hair creams for men that I’ve personally tested. My goal is to help you discover the one that best suits your hair type and styling needs, whether you’re aiming for sleek and professional or casually tousled.
Before You Buy: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Hair Cream
Not all hair creams are the same, and depending on your hair type and the look you’re going for, some may work better for you than others. Here are a few things I learned to consider when picking the right hair cream.
1. Hold & Shine
When you’re picking a styling product, two terms you’ll hear often are hold and shine. Hair creams are usually on the lower end of the hold spectrum, meaning they offer flexibility and keep your hair from feeling stiff. If you’re after a natural look, cream is the way to go. The shine tends to be more moderate, providing a healthy finish without looking too glossy or greasy.
2. Type
There’s a lot of variety in how hair creams are marketed—some are called grooming creams, others shaping or molding creams. In my experience, they all offer similar results: light hold and medium shine. It’s more about personal preference and hair type when it comes to picking between them.
3. Know Your Hair Type
This is a big one. You want a cream that complements your hair type. If you’ve got thicker hair, you’ll need a cream that can handle the volume without weighing it down. If your hair is fine, look for something that adds texture and body without making your hair feel greasy. I’ve found that most creams work well on a range of hair types, but it’s always good to match the product to your needs.
4. Ingredients
I always check the ingredients in any hair product. Natural oils like jojoba or coconut oil are a huge plus, as they keep hair moisturized and healthy. Avoid products with heavy synthetic oils or parabens—those can clog pores and lead to build-up, which I’ve found is especially problematic if you’re prone to dandruff or scalp irritation.
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5. Scent
The fragrance of a product can make or break the experience for me. The best hair creams don’t have overpowering scents, instead using natural oils to offer a light, pleasant fragrance. You want something that smells fresh but not overwhelming.
The 7 Best Hair Creams for Men (Based on My Experience)
1. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream
This one has been a game-changer for me, and it’s a favorite for good reason. The tea tree oil does wonders for keeping my scalp healthy, and it has the added bonus of fighting dandruff. This cream also includes castor oil, which helps with moisture, and while it does contain alcohol, it’s paraben-free.
I love how lightweight it feels—it doesn’t weigh my hair down, and it gives me a firm hold without making my hair look stiff. Plus, the scent is masculine and refreshing, although some might find it a bit strong.
Pros:
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Lightweight, non-sticky
- Firm, but flexible hold
Cons:
- Can be a bit greasy on longer hair
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight styling cream that provides a natural hold, Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream is hard to beat.
2. Bumble and bumble Grooming Cream
If you’ve got thick or curly hair, this is one of the best creams I’ve tried. It smooths and tames frizzy or wavy hair, providing just enough hold to keep your style intact without losing that natural bounce. It’s especially great if you’re dealing with a lot of volume, as it keeps everything looking sleek.
The natural ingredients, like jojoba and sweet almond oils, make it a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. The texture is smooth and easy to apply, though it does come at a higher price point than some other creams.
Pros:
- Excellent for thick, curly, or frizzy hair
- Lightweight with a natural hold
- Full of natural, skin-friendly ingredients
Cons:
- A bit pricier than others
Bottom Line: Bumble and bumble’s Grooming Cream is a top pick for those with unruly hair. It’s worth the investment if you need something that works all day long while keeping your curls or waves in check.
3. Baxter of California Cream Pomade for Men
Baxter of California is a brand that really understands hair care, and their Cream Pomade for Men is a fantastic choice, especially if you’ve got wavy or curly hair like mine. What I love about this cream is how it offers a light hold without weighing my hair down. The finish is so natural that most people can’t even tell I’ve used any product.
It’s packed with natural ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and glycerin, which make it super moisturizing. It keeps my hair soft, smooth, and frizz-free while still maintaining that slightly tousled, carefree look that I aim for.
This cream works great for adding depth to wavy hair or taming unruly curls. If your hair is on the thicker side, though, you might need a little extra help to keep everything in place. For those of us who love premium products and a light, moisturized hold, this one is tough to beat.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients
- Keeps hair healthy and natural-looking
- Ideal for wavy or curly hair
Cons:
- May not be strong enough for thick hair
Bottom Line: Baxter of California Cream Pomade is a must-have for men with curly or wavy hair who want a natural, effortless look with a light hold.
4. Axe Natural Look Hair Cream
I know Axe has been a staple in the grooming routine of many guys since high school, and while their classic scent isn’t as present in their Natural Look Hair Cream, they’ve really stepped up their game with this product. It has a woodsy, fresh scent that’s subtle and pairs well with any hairstyle.
This cream provides a light to medium hold, which keeps your hair soft and manageable, even if it’s curly or frizzy. It also adds a little thickness, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking for volume. One thing I like is that it doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue or clumps in the hair.
Axe’s cream is thicker than some others I’ve tried, but a small amount is all you need to style your hair. Plus, it contains tea tree oil, which is great for maintaining scalp health, even though there’s a bit of alcohol in the formula.
Pros:
- Provides a natural look and light hold
- Adds volume without grease
- Contains tea tree oil for hair health
Cons:
- Not ideal for more complex hairstyles
- You need to be careful with how much you use
Bottom Line: Axe Natural Look Hair Cream is a solid option if you want a natural, low-maintenance style. It offers a good balance of hold and volume without making your hair look over-styled.
5. D:Fi D:Struct Pliable Molding Creme
If you’re looking for a stronger hold, the D:Fi D:Struct Pliable Molding Creme is a great option. It adds volume and texture to my hair without the crunchy, stiff feel of gel. The matte finish is subtle and natural, giving a more laid-back look, which I really appreciate when I’m not going for a high-shine style.
It works best when applied to dry hair, and it won’t leave behind any residue or unwanted shine. This is great if you want your hair to look natural without feeling weighed down by product.
One thing to keep in mind: this crème has a bit of a sticky feel, which some might not love. However, it more than makes up for it with its strong hold and natural look. And despite having some alcohol and parabens, it’s also water-based and includes castor oil, which is fantastic for keeping hair nourished.
Pros:
- Adds volume and texture
- Strong hold with a natural look
- No residue or shine
Cons:
- Stickier texture than some other creams
Bottom Line: If you need a product with serious hold but still want your hair to look natural, D:Fi D:Struct Pliable Molding Creme is a fantastic choice. It adds great volume and texture without feeling heavy.
6. Challenger Blue Matte Styling Cream
Many men, myself included, prefer a natural matte finish, and the Challenger Blue Matte Styling Cream delivers just that. What I love about this cream is its versatility—it works well with a variety of hair types and gives a great hold without any shine, which is perfect for casual, everyday looks.
It combines the best aspects of wax, fiber, clay, and paste, giving it a unique texture that holds your style in place all day without the flakiness of some pomades or the clumping you might find with clay-based products. It also rinses out easily with water, which is always a plus when you want a hassle-free hair routine.
The scent is subtle, clean, and fresh, and it won’t overpower you throughout the day. I find it works best when applied to damp hair and left to dry naturally or set with a blow dryer.
Pros:
- Medium to firm hold that lasts all day
- Water-soluble and easy to wash out
- Subtle, fresh scent
Cons:
- A bit stickier than other creams
Bottom Line: If you’re after a matte finish with a firm hold, Challenger Blue Matte Styling Cream is a great choice. It’s versatile and leaves your hair looking natural without the shine.
7. Krieger + Sohne Premium Forming Cream
Krieger + Sohne prides itself on creating strong products for men, and their Premium Forming Cream is no exception. This cream offers a firm hold without making your hair feel stiff or crunchy. It’s perfect for both sleek, well-groomed styles and messier, more casual looks.
One thing I like about this cream is that it has a non-greasy formula, leaving my hair feeling soft and natural all day. It works equally well on both short and long hair, and the matte finish gives a polished, yet understated look.
The inclusion of tea tree oil, which is great for scalp health, is another win for this product. It’s paraben-free and even comes with a satisfaction guarantee, so there’s no risk in giving it a try.
Pros:
- Natural finish with a firm hold
- Works well for both short and long hair
- Paraben-free, with tea tree oil for scalp health
Cons:
- The scent might not be for everyone
Bottom Line: Krieger + Sohne Premium Forming Cream is a strong, versatile product that gets the job done. Whether you’re going for a sleek look or something more casual, this cream won’t disappoint. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking for a matte finish with added hair health benefits.
Applying hair cream: The basics (A simple, illustrated guide)
Applying hair cream is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tips and tricks to make sure you get the best results. Here’s a breakdown of how I apply hair cream for a style that looks natural and stays in place.
1. Know your hair type
Your hair type might influence the way you apply hair cream, but generally, creams work well on almost all types of hair. Personally, I’ve found it especially helpful for longer or curly hair, as it enhances my natural waves without weighing them down.
2. Damp or dry hair?
I’ve tried using hair cream on both damp and dry hair. While many creams are designed to work best on damp hair, I’ve found that some work just as well on dry hair. It’s worth experimenting to see which method works best for your look.
3. Start with a little
When it comes to hair cream, a little goes a long way. I usually start with a small, pea-sized amount and add more only if needed. Too much product can leave your hair looking greasy, so it’s better to build it up gradually.
4. Warm it up
Rubbing the cream between your palms is a simple trick to warm it up. This makes it easier to apply and spread evenly through your hair.
5. Apply and distribute evenly
Once the cream is warmed up, I use my fingers to work it through my hair, starting from the front and moving toward the back. Make sure you cover all areas, including the sides and back of your head, for an even finish.
6. Dry and style
If I’ve applied the cream to damp hair, I’ll either use a hairdryer for a softer finish or let it air dry for a more natural texture. A comb can help you shape your style, or you can use your fingers for a more textured, tousled look.
Hair cream vs. other styling products
There are plenty of other styling products out there, and while hair cream is one of my favorites for its versatility, here’s a quick comparison of how it stacks up against other products:
Cream
- Shine: Most creams provide a medium shine for a natural look.
- Hold: Typically lower hold than pomades or waxes, but enough to maintain shape without stiffness.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, taming frizziness, or adding texture to fine hair.
Gel
- Shine: High shine, giving hair a glossy, sleek appearance.
- Hold: High hold, perfect for more structured styles but can leave hair feeling stiff.
- Best for: Short to medium hair, slicked-back or spiked styles.
Pomade
- Shine: Offers a medium to high shine, ideal for a polished look.
- Hold: Medium hold, flexible enough to restyle throughout the day.
- Best for: Slick styles like pompadours or side parts, thick or curly hair.
Wax
- Shine: Medium shine but varies depending on the brand.
- Hold: Medium to firm hold, ideal for combed styles.
- Best for: Short to medium hair; not ideal for wavy or curly hair.
Sea Salt Spray
- Shine: Low to no shine, providing a natural matte finish.
- Hold: Light to medium hold, perfect for textured, messy styles.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, creating beachy waves or adding volume.
Clay
- Shine: Low to matte finish, making it great for natural-looking styles.
- Hold: Firm hold that adds texture and control.
- Best for: Thick, wavy, or curly hair, adding volume without shine.
Paste
- Shine: Medium shine, adding a healthy finish without being too glossy.
- Hold: Medium hold that’s flexible and easy to restyle.
- Best for: Almost any hair type, offering flexibility for both messy and polished styles.
The how & why of choosing these products
When it came to picking the hair creams for this list, I focused on a few key factors. User reviews played a big role, but I also considered each product’s versatility, hold, and shine. I wanted products that could work for different hair types and styles while delivering solid results. It’s not rocket science, just a matter of finding what works and sticking with it.
Conclusion
So, what’s your go-to hair cream? Have you tried any of the products on this list? Whether you’re new to hair cream or a longtime user, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know what’s worked for you, and feel free to drop any recommendations!
