As summer approaches, having a reliable hair cream that keeps your style in check becomes especially important. I’ve tested dozens, from high-shine slick-back products to natural, flexible formulas, and let me tell you—there’s a real difference when you find the right one. The Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream stands out because it gives a classic, polished look without any greasiness or stickiness, even in hot weather.
What impressed me most is how it adds body to fine hair and holds like a wax, but feels light and alcohol-free. Plus, it’s easy to use after shampooing—just a dime-sized amount, and you’re good to go. After thorough testing, this cream offers the perfect balance of shine, manageability, and health, making it a versatile choice for everyday styling. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for a natural, sleek look that lasts all day.
Top Recommendation: Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream for
Why We Recommend It: This product excels because it provides a high-shine, slick-back finish with light hold, unlike heavier pomades or less versatile creams. Its alcohol-free formula prevents dryness while adding extra volume to fine hair. Compared to the others, it balances shine and manageability better—no greasiness or residue, and it’s easy to style after shampooing. Its classic look and healthy feel make it the best choice I’ve tested.
Best hair cream gq: Our Top 5 Picks
- Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream for – Best for Shine
- Cremo Hair Styling Cream 3.4 Oz – Best for Volume
- Marc Anthony Thickening Styling Cream for Thin Hair – Best for Thin Hair
- Elegance Hair Cream 8.45 Oz Nourishing & Moisturizing – Best for Damaged Hair
- Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream 4oz, Light Hold, Low Shine – Best for Frizz
Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream for
- ✓ Easy to spread and style
- ✓ High-shine, classic look
- ✓ Alcohol-free and healthy for hair
- ✕ Not strong hold
- ✕ Requires reapplication for long days
| Hold Strength | Light hold comparable to hair wax |
| Shine Level | High-shine finish |
| Residue | Non-sticky, non-greasy formula |
| Hair Type Compatibility | Suitable for all hair types, adds body to fine hair |
| Ingredients | Alcohol-free formula |
| Application Method | Use a dime-sized amount after shampooing |
Opening the jar of Brylcreem 3-in-1, the scent hits you first—a clean, slightly sweet aroma that instantly makes you think of classic barbershop vibes. The cream itself is smooth and silky, with a light, almost whipped texture that feels luxurious between your fingertips.
As soon as you scoop out a dime-sized amount, you notice how easy it spreads. It glides effortlessly through your hair, giving you that satisfying feeling of control without any tugging or pulling.
The high-shine finish is immediate, and you can see your hair instantly transform into a sleek, polished style.
What really sets this apart is how manageable it feels. It offers a light hold that keeps your style in place without feeling stiff or crunchy.
Plus, the shine stays consistent all day—no dullness or greasy look, even after hours.
Since it’s alcohol-free, your hair doesn’t dry out or get flaky. It adds a nice bit of body, especially if your hair is fine or thinning, without leaving behind any sticky or greasy residue.
It’s perfect for quick mornings when you want to style and go, giving that classic slick-back look effortlessly.
Overall, Brylcreem makes styling simple and fuss-free. It combines the best of wax and pomade into a lightweight cream that leaves your hair healthy, shiny, and easy to manage.
Whether you’re going for a sleek formal style or a more relaxed look, this cream handles it all with ease.
Cremo Hair Styling Cream 3.4 Oz
- ✓ Natural, effortless look
- ✓ Easy to restyle
- ✓ Non-greasy shine
- ✕ Slightly pricey for size
| Hold Strength | Medium hold with flexible control |
| Styling Flexibility | Suitable for all hair types, can be applied to dry hair for textured look |
| Application Method | Reactivatable by adding to unwashed hair |
| Finish | Medium shine, non-greasy appearance |
| Size | 4 oz (113 grams) |
| Product Type | Hair styling cream for men |
Ever get tired of your hair falling flat just when you think you’ve nailed the look? I’ve been there, frustrated with products that either leave your hair greasy or don’t hold at all.
That was until I tried the Cremo Hair Styling Cream in this 3.4 oz jar.
This cream feels really smooth when you scoop it out—almost like a silky balm. It spreads easily through dry hair without any tugging or pulling.
I noticed that you don’t need a lot to get the job done, which makes it last longer than you’d expect.
The medium hold is just right for a casual, natural look. It allows you to restyle your hair throughout the day without it turning crispy or greasy.
I especially liked how it gave my hair a subtle shine, making it look polished but not overly greasy.
What really surprised me is how flexible it is. Want a textured, slept-in vibe?
Just apply it to dry hair and tousle away. Need to reactivate your style later?
A quick run-through with your fingers and it’s back to looking sharp.
Plus, it’s super convenient for travel. The compact size fits easily into a bag or pocket, perfect for touch-ups on the go.
Overall, this cream offers a professional-grade finish that’s easy to manage and versatile for all hair types.
Marc Anthony Thickening Styling Cream for Thin Hair
- ✓ Adds instant volume
- ✓ Lightweight and natural finish
- ✓ Easy to style and rework
- ✕ Needs heat for best results
- ✕ Small bottle, runs out fast
| Product Volume | 4.93 oz (138.2 g) |
| Main Active Ingredients | Biotin, Polymers, Phytokeratin |
| Application Type | Cream for styling and thickening |
| Suitable Hair Types | Thin, fine, straight, wavy, colored |
| Formulation Standards | Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates |
| Usage Recommendations | Apply to damp hair, style with heat or air-dry |
The first time I squeezed this cream into my palm, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt, almost like I wasn’t adding anything at all. But as I started applying it to damp hair, I was surprised by how evenly it distributed, coating every strand without weighing it down.
It glided smoothly from roots to tips, and I was impressed by the instant boost in thickness I saw right after blow-drying. Flipping my head over for volume, I could feel my hair lifting at the roots while still feeling soft and natural.
The shine and movement it added made my thin strands look fuller and healthier.
What really stood out was how well it reinforced my fine hair, giving it a plump, voluminous look without feeling sticky or greasy. Plus, I loved that I could style it with heat or air-dry for different effects—no fuss, no heaviness.
The scent is subtle but fresh, making the whole experience pleasant.
On days I want a bit more body, I just apply a small amount and blow-dry upside down. It’s straightforward, and I don’t need to worry about buildup or stiffness.
Overall, this cream makes styling quick, easy, and effective—perfect for anyone tired of flat, limp hair.
Elegance Hair Cream 8.45 Oz Nourishing & Moisturizing
- ✓ Lightweight and non-greasy
- ✓ Natural, flexible hold
- ✓ Provides environmental protection
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ May need reapplication for extra hold
| Formulation Type | Cream-based styling and nourishing formulation |
| Size/Volume | 8.45 ounces (approximately 250 ml) |
| Hold Level | Natural, flexible hold suitable for all-day styling |
| Protection Features | Provides a barrier against UV rays and pollution |
| Suitable Hair Types | All hair types, including dry, frizzy, and styled hair |
| Key Benefits | Nourishes, moisturizes, controls frizz, and adds shine |
As I scoop out a small amount of the Elegance Hair Cream for the first time, I notice how surprisingly lightweight it feels between my fingers. It glides smoothly onto my damp hair without any greasy residue, which instantly makes me curious about how it will perform throughout the day.
Once I distribute it evenly, my hair immediately feels softer and more nourished. The cream’s non-sticky formula means I don’t have to worry about that sticky, heavy feeling that some products leave behind.
Instead, my hair has a natural shine and a healthy-looking bounce.
I run my fingers through my styled hair, and it holds just enough to keep my look in place without feeling stiff or crunchy. The natural hold gives me that perfect balance—neat but still flexible enough to move freely.
I also appreciate how it acts as a shield, helping my hair resist the afternoon sun and pollution.
Whether I’m styling a sleek ponytail or loose waves, this cream adapts effortlessly. It’s suitable for all hair types, which is a big plus if you’re juggling different styles.
Plus, the moisturizing benefits mean I don’t have to add extra product to keep dryness at bay. Overall, it’s become a go-to for a fuss-free, polished finish that feels good and looks even better.
Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream 4oz, Light Hold, Low Shine
- ✓ Lightweight, natural feel
- ✓ Easy to restyle
- ✓ Customizable hold
- ✕ Limited for strong hold needs
- ✕ Might need reapplication for volume
| Product Type | Hair Styling Cream |
| Hold Level | Light hold |
| Shine Level | Low shine |
| Suitable Hair Lengths | All hair lengths |
| Application Method | Apply on dry hair |
| Texture and Finish | Matte finish with natural texture |
This Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted something that could give me that effortless, natural look without making my hair feel stiff or greasy. When I finally squeezed out a dab from the 4oz jar, I was immediately impressed by how lightweight and smooth it felt in my hands.
The cream has a subtle, almost invisible texture, which makes it easy to work through dry hair. I started with a small amount, rubbing it between my palms, and then ran my fingers through my hair.
It distributed evenly without weighing it down or leaving any sticky residue.
One thing I really liked is the versatility. I was able to achieve a messy, textured style that still looked natural.
And because it’s a low-shine formula, my hair kept an understated, matte finish — perfect for daily wear.
What sets this apart is how customizable it is. I mixed it with other styling products to tweak the hold strength, and it still maintained a soft, natural feel.
Plus, it’s easy to restyle throughout the day without fussing or adding more product.
The comfort factor is high — no greasy or heavy feeling, just a lightweight touch. It works well on all hair lengths, making it a versatile choice for diverse styles.
The only downside I noticed is that if you want a super strong hold, this might not be your best bet, but for a casual, low-maintenance look, it’s spot on.
What is Hair Cream and How Does It Differ from Other Styling Products?
Best practices for using hair cream involve applying it to damp hair for optimal absorption and control. Users are often advised to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed, ensuring the hair does not become weighed down. Additionally, mixing hair cream with other products, such as leave-in conditioners, can enhance its effectiveness and cater to specific styling needs.
What Are the Best Hair Creams Recommended by GQ for Various Hair Types?
GQ has recommended several hair creams tailored to different hair types, ensuring everyone can find a suitable product.
- R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse: This product is ideal for adding volume and texture to fine hair, providing a lightweight hold without weighing it down.
- Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream: Perfect for dry or coarse hair, this cream delivers intense hydration and a polished finish, making it easier to manage and style.
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Cream: Suitable for all hair types, this versatile cream offers a combination of benefits including smoothness, volume, and frizz control in one product.
- Moroccanoil Treatment: Best for thick or curly hair, this multifunctional oil-infused cream nourishes and hydrates while providing a natural-looking shine.
- American Crew Forming Cream: Designed for normal to thick hair, this cream gives a medium hold with a natural finish, making it a popular choice for everyday styling.
The R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse is praised for its ability to enhance the natural texture of fine hair without heavy residue, allowing for a voluminous look that’s easy to achieve.
The Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream is renowned for its rich formula that not only moisturizes but also helps to tame frizz, ensuring that dry or coarse hair feels soft and manageable.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Cream stands out for its ability to simplify styling routines, offering multiple benefits such as heat protection and frizz control, making it a go-to product for various hair needs.
Moroccanoil Treatment is known for its luxurious blend of argan oil, which deeply conditions and revitalizes thick or curly hair, providing moisture and enhancing shine without making hair feel greasy.
American Crew Forming Cream is favored for its flexible hold, allowing for easy re-styling throughout the day while maintaining a natural appearance, making it ideal for casual to formal looks.
Which Hair Creams are Best for Thinning Hair?
When searching for the best hair creams for thinning hair, several key properties and ingredients can enhance volume and promote healthier hair. Here are some top recommendations:
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Bumble and Bumble Thickening Creme Contour: This cream offers a flexible hold while adding the right amount of thickness. It’s great for creating lived-in styles with a natural look.
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American Crew Revitalizing Forming Cream: Specifically formulated for men’s hair, this cream offers moisture and a soft hold while contributing to visible thickness, making it suitable for thinning hair types.
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Aveda Thickening Tonic: Infused with natural ingredients, this tonic works at the scalp level, helping to create fuller-looking strands and enhance hair texture.
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Kérastase Densifique Fondant: This hair cream not only helps with thickening but also nourishes the hair, making it feel fuller and more manageable while promoting overall scalp health.
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Moroccanoil Treatment Light: This lightweight cream hydrates while giving hair a fuller appearance, infused with argan oil to strengthen and revitalize each strand.
Choosing the right hair cream involves considering both the hold and nourishing properties to achieve optimal results for thinning hair.
Which Hair Creams Work Best for Curly Hair?
The best hair creams for curly hair focus on hydration, definition, and frizz control.
- SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie: This cream is infused with natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, providing intense moisture to curls. It helps to define curls while reducing frizz, making it ideal for thick, textured hair.
- DevaCurl SuperCream: A versatile cream that provides curl definition, moisture, and a soft hold, perfect for various curl types. Its lightweight formula ensures that curls remain bouncy without feeling crunchy or weighed down.
- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream: Enriched with argan oil, this cream not only defines curls but also nourishes and hydrates them. It offers a soft, touchable hold while enhancing shine and reducing frizz.
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel: Although labeled a gel, this product acts like a cream, providing maximum frizz control in high humidity. It helps curls maintain their shape while providing essential moisture without stiffness.
- Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream: This affordable option is rich in shea butter and coconut oil, making it great for moisturizing and defining curls. It works well for thick, coarse hair and helps to combat dryness and frizz.
Which Hair Cream is Ideal for Straight Hair?
The best hair creams for straight hair focus on providing moisture, shine, and protection without weighing the hair down.
- Moroccanoil Treatment: This versatile oil-infused cream nourishes and conditions straight hair while adding shine and reducing frizz.
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Cream: A lightweight styling cream that helps smooth and soften hair, making it easier to manage while maintaining a natural look.
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: Although designed for curls, this cream hydrates and defines straight hair, providing a soft texture and shine.
- Kérastase Discipline Creme Oléo-Relax: This anti-frizz cream is perfect for straight hair, offering protection against humidity and ensuring sleek, polished strands.
- Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame: A leave-in cream that protects against heat and humidity while controlling frizz, making straight hair look smooth and glossy.
The Moroccanoil Treatment provides an excellent balance of hydration and lightness, making it suitable for straight hair that needs a boost without becoming greasy.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Cream is formulated to enhance the natural texture of hair, providing softness and control while avoiding a heavy build-up that can flatten straight styles.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie works wonders on straight hair too, delivering moisture and a touch of definition that brings out a healthy sheen without the weight.
Kérastase Discipline Creme Oléo-Relax is specifically designed to tame frizz and flyaways, making it an ideal choice for straight hair exposed to humid conditions.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame combines heat protection with frizz control, ensuring that straight hair remains sleek and manageable throughout the day.
What Are the Key Ingredients in the Best Hair Creams?
The key ingredients in the best hair creams often provide hydration, nourishment, and styling benefits.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its moisturizing properties, aloe vera helps to soothe and hydrate the scalp while also adding shine to hair. Its natural enzymes promote healthy hair growth and can reduce dandruff, making it a popular choice in hair creams.
- Coconut Oil: This ingredient is celebrated for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep conditioning and reducing protein loss. Coconut oil helps to tame frizz, add shine, and protect hair from damage, making it a staple in many high-quality hair creams.
- Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter is excellent for moisturizing dry hair and improving its elasticity. It also provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors, making hair softer and more manageable.
- Argan Oil: Often referred to as “liquid gold,” argan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish and protect hair. It helps to reduce breakage, enhance shine, and make hair easier to style, making it a favored ingredient in premium hair creams.
- Jojoba Oil: Similar in composition to natural sebum, jojoba oil effectively moisturizes the scalp and hair without leaving a greasy residue. It helps to balance oil production and can promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): This ingredient acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the hair and helping to improve its overall texture. Panthenol also strengthens hair and reduces split ends, making it a key component in many effective hair creams.
- Protein Complexes: Ingredients like keratin or silk proteins help to strengthen and repair damaged hair. They fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking hair while enhancing its resilience against styling tools.
- Essential Oils: Oils such as lavender, rosemary, or tea tree not only add a pleasant aroma but also provide various benefits like soothing the scalp, promoting hair growth, and combating dandruff. These natural extracts can enhance the overall effectiveness of hair creams.
How Can You Choose the Right Hair Cream for Your Hair Type and Needs?
Choosing the right hair cream requires understanding your hair type and specific needs.
- Hair Type: Identifying whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily is crucial in selecting a hair cream.
- Texture Preference: Consider whether your hair is fine, medium, or coarse, as this impacts the weight and hold of the cream you should choose.
- Moisture Needs: Assess if your hair is dry, oily, or balanced, as this will guide you toward creams that either hydrate or control oil.
- Styling Goals: Determine if you want to enhance curls, control frizz, or add shine, which can direct you to the most suitable product formulation.
- Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list; look for natural oils or proteins that align with your hair’s needs while avoiding harmful additives.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands that are known for their quality and effectiveness; reviews and recommendations from trusted sources can provide insights into the best options.
Understanding your hair type helps you choose a cream that complements its natural characteristics. For instance, if you have curly hair, a cream that defines curls and reduces frizz would be ideal, while straight hair may benefit from lightweight formulas that add shine without weighing it down.
Texture affects how products interact with your hair; fine hair might require a lighter cream to avoid heaviness, whereas coarse hair can often handle richer, thicker formulations. Moreover, knowing whether your hair leans towards dryness or oiliness allows you to select products that either add moisture or balance oil production.
Your styling goals will also influence your choice; if you want to enhance natural waves, look for creams specifically designed for texture enhancement. Ingredients play a significant role as well; natural oils like argan or coconut can nourish hair, while synthetics could lead to buildup or damage for some hair types.
Lastly, brand reputation is essential for ensuring you choose a product that delivers on its promises, as established brands typically have a history of quality and performance that can guide your decision-making process.
What Tips Can Help You Apply Hair Cream for Maximum Effect?
To effectively apply hair cream for maximum effect, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Hair Cream: Selecting a hair cream that suits your hair type and desired style is crucial for achieving optimal results. For instance, lightweight creams are ideal for fine hair, while thicker formulations work better on coarse or curly hair.
- Start with Clean, Damp Hair: Applying hair cream to freshly washed and towel-dried hair allows for better absorption and distribution. This helps the cream to penetrate the hair shaft effectively, ensuring your style holds and lasts longer.
- Use the Right Amount: Using too much hair cream can weigh your hair down, while too little may not provide the desired hold or shine. A good guideline is to start with a small amount, about the size of a nickel, and add more if necessary, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm the Cream in Your Hands: Rubbing the cream between your palms before application activates its ingredients and makes it easier to distribute evenly through your hair. This warming process also helps prevent clumps and ensures a smoother finish.
- Apply from the Ends Up: Focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair first helps to avoid greasiness at the roots and allows for a more natural look. This technique also helps to nourish the most damaged parts of your hair effectively.
- Style as Desired: After applying the hair cream, use your fingers or a comb to style your hair as you wish. This allows you to shape and define your look while ensuring the cream is evenly distributed, enhancing texture and hold.
- Allow Time to Set: Once styled, give your hair some time to set and dry naturally or with a blow dryer. This allows the product to lock in your desired style, resulting in a more durable hold and enhanced appearance.
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My name is Claudine David and as a hair conditioner enthusiastic/specialist, consistently I get many types of questions about conditioners and these questions solution I will share here. Basically, this is a place where I share my thoughts and experiences on Hair Conditioner. This website (https://conditionerhacks.com) is an outlet of my deep passion for Conditioner.
Specifically I specialize in hair conditioners. I have been working in the field of hair care for over 6 years. Basically my passion for hair care started when I was a young girl. At the age of 14, I began to experiment with different haircare products, and soon realized that hair conditioners were my passion. I’m always looking for the best and most innovative products. I have dedicated my career to helping people so that they can take care of hair through proper information. Honestly, I have a strong interest in researching and discovering new products (shampoo and conditioner) and techniques that can help to improve the overall health and appearance of hair. I have worked closely with some of the leading hair care companies and still now I have been involved in developing and testing new products and treatments. I have also worked with a number of salons and retail stores. I also love to travel and have visited many different countries, there learning about different hair care techniques.