Best Hair Creams for Men with 7 Top Picks

As someone who’s always searching for that perfect hair product, I know the struggle is real. Finding the right hair cream for men isn’t just about grabbing the first thing you see on the shelf; it’s about understanding your hair type, the style you want, and how different hair creams for men actually perform. Over the years, I’ve tried countless products, and I’ve learned that a good hair cream can be a total game-changer, giving you that natural, healthy look without feeling greasy or stiff. It’s a staple for a reason – offering a balance of hold, shine, and manageability that many gels or pomades can’t quite match. To help you navigate the crowded market, I’ve put together a hands-on guide featuring seven popular options, breaking down what makes each one stand out, so you can pick the best hair cream for men that suits your needs perfectly.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream for…	View on Amazon
	American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream (OLD VERSION), Like…	View on Amazon
	American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream, Like Hair Gel…	View on Amazon
	American Crew Men’s Fiber Cream, Like Hair Gel with…	View on Amazon
	Harry’s Taming Hair Cream for Men with Soft Hold and…	View on Amazon
	Cremo Hair Styling Cream, Barber Grade, Medium Hold, Medium…	View on Amazon
	Veet Hair Removal Cream For Men, 5 Min Sensitive Skin,…	View on Amazon

Product Reviews

Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream

Brylcreem is a classic for a reason, and this 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream really brings that timeless appeal. It’s designed to give your hair a light hold with a noticeable high-shine finish, making it perfect for those classic, slicked-back looks. What I really appreciate is how it leaves your hair feeling healthy, soft, and manageable, never sticky like some gels or greasy like heavy pomades. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, which means no worries about drying out your hair. If you have finer hair, this cream is fantastic for adding a bit of body without any heavy residue. Just a dime-sized amount after shampooing is all it takes to get that perfect amount of shine and style.

• Light hold and high-shine finish
• Leaves hair healthy, soft, and manageable
• Alcohol-free formula prevents drying
• Adds body to fine hair without stickiness or greasiness
• Ideal for classic slick-back looks
• Easy to use with a small amount

Pros:
– Delivers a classic high-shine look
– Keeps hair soft and manageable
– Doesn’t dry out hair
– Non-sticky and non-greasy
– Great for adding body to fine hair

Cons:
– High shine might not be for everyone
– Light hold isn’t suitable for strong, structured styles

Best for: Men looking for a classic, high-shine, slick-back look with light hold, especially those with fine hair.

User feedback summary: Many users love its nostalgic feel and the healthy, non-greasy shine it provides, noting its effectiveness for a neat, classic appearance.

American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream (OLD VERSION)

It’s important to note right off the bat that this is the previous version of American Crew’s Forming Cream, and the brand itself advises that they cannot guarantee the quality of these older stock items. However, if you do find a good batch, this version provides a really versatile pliable medium hold that allows for flexible styling without making your hair feel stiff. It delivers a medium shine finish for a natural, healthy-looking appearance, which is great if you don’t want anything too over-the-top. Application is straightforward, and it washes out effortlessly, making it a convenient choice for daily grooming.

• Previous version of American Crew Forming Cream (note on quality)
• Provides a pliable medium hold for flexible styling
• Delivers a medium shine finish for a natural look
• Easy to apply and washes out effortlessly
• Allows for restyling throughout the day

Pros:
– Pliable hold allows for flexible, natural styling
– Medium shine isn’t too overpowering
– Easy to apply and washes out cleanly
– Doesn’t leave hair feeling stiff

Cons:
– Older stock, so quality cannot be guaranteed
– May not be readily available
– Medium hold isn’t for extreme styles

Best for: Those who prefer a flexible, natural look with medium shine and don’t mind the risk associated with older stock.

User feedback summary: Loyal users often praise its consistent performance for a natural, medium-hold style, though some express concern about the “old version” disclaimer.

American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream

This is the current, widely available version of the American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream, and it’s a fantastic staple for many guys. It’s often described as being similar to hair gel but with a more natural feel, making it ideal for creating wave separation or defining curls. If you’re going for a groomed, wavy, or textured look, this cream excels. It offers a reliable medium hold and medium shine, striking a great balance that works for everyday styling. A key benefit is how it helps hair look thicker, making it a welcoming product for new users experimenting with styling pucks. Simply apply to towel-dried hair, comb through, and let it dry naturally. It’s recommended for those with short to medium hair lengths.

• Similar to hair gel for easy styling and definition
• Creates wave separation and curl definition
• Ideal for groomed, wavy, or textured looks
• Provides a medium hold and medium shine
• Helps hair look thicker and is good for new users
• Best for short to medium hair length

Pros:
– Versatile for various textured and wavy styles
– Good balance of medium hold and shine
– Makes hair appear thicker
– Easy to use on towel-dried hair
– A great entry-level styling product

Cons:
– Not suitable for very strong holds or matte finishes
– Might not offer enough hold for very long or unruly hair

Best for: Men with short to medium hair looking for a textured, wavy, or defined look with medium hold and shine, especially those new to styling products.

User feedback summary: Users frequently highlight its ability to create natural-looking texture and definition without stiffness, praising its versatility for everyday styles.

American Crew Men’s Fiber Cream

If you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph in terms of hold and shine, American Crew’s Men’s Fiber Cream steps up the game. This product is a moisture-rich gel that provides a defined look while effectively taming your hair and leaving a natural shine finish. It’s perfect when you want textured definition, frizz-free hair, and a strong, defined style. The key benefit here is its high hold and high shine, coupled with moisturizing and conditioning properties that help keep your hair healthy. You can apply it liberally to damp hair for a more controlled look or lightly to dry hair for texture and definition as desired.

• Moisture-rich gel that provides a defined look
• Tames hair and leaves a natural shine finish
• Ideal for textured definition and frizz-free hair
• Offers high hold and high shine
• Provides moisturizing and conditioning benefits
• Can be applied to damp or dry hair

Pros:
– Strong, high hold for defined styles
– High shine creates a polished look
– Excellent for taming frizz
– Moisturizes and conditions hair
– Versatile application on damp or dry hair

Cons:
– High shine might be too intense for some preferences
– “Gel” consistency may not appeal to everyone

Best for: Men desiring a strong hold, high-shine, and frizz-free defined look, especially those who appreciate moisturizing benefits in their styling products.

User feedback summary: Many users rave about its powerful hold and ability to control frizz, making it a favorite for structured styles that last all day.

Harry’s Taming Hair Cream for Men with Soft Hold and Natural Finish

Harry’s Taming Hair Cream is all about achieving an effortlessly smooth and natural look. This styling cream offers a soft hold that’s designed to tame unruly hair with a lightweight, conditioning touch, ensuring it never feels stiff or sticky. It leaves your hair with a natural finish, so it looks like you haven’t used any product at all – just perfectly styled. It’s particularly designed for thick, coarse, or curly hair, effectively keeping it smooth without weighing it down. As a bonus, it features a subtle, fresh fragrance with hints of coconut and calming herbs, which is a nice touch.

• Soft hold for taming unruly hair
• Lightweight and conditioning, never stiff or sticky
• Provides a natural finish
• Specifically designed for thick, coarse, or curly hair
• Keeps hair looking smooth without weighing it down
• Features a subtle scent with coconut and calming herbs

Pros:
– Excellent for taming frizz and flyaways in unruly hair
– Delivers a natural, non-producty look
– Lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down
– Great for thick, coarse, or curly hair types
– Pleasant, subtle fragrance

Cons:
– Soft hold means it’s not for strong, defined styles
– Not ideal if you need significant volume or structure

Best for: Men with thick, coarse, or curly hair who want to tame frizz and achieve a natural, soft hold, smooth finish.

User feedback summary: Users with curly or unruly hair frequently praise its ability to tame frizz and add definition without making hair feel crunchy or sticky.

Cremo Hair Styling Cream, Barber Grade, Medium Hold, Medium Shine

Cremo’s Barber Grade Hair Styling Cream is a versatile option that aims to give you professional-quality results right at home. It provides a medium hold with plenty of flexibility, allowing you to achieve a natural look and even effortlessly restyle your hair throughout the day. This cream is quite adaptable, making it ideal for all hair types. You can apply it to dry hair for a textured, “slept-in” look, giving you a lot of creative freedom. One clever feature is that you can reactivate your style by adding the product to unwashed hair, which is super convenient for maintaining your look. It delivers a polished appearance with a medium shine, without looking greasy. Plus, its compact 4 oz size is perfect for travel.

• Provides medium hold flexibility for natural looks
• Allows for effortless restyling throughout the day
• Versatile styling, ideal for all hair types
• Can be applied to dry hair for a textured, “slept-in” look
• Reactivates style by adding to unwashed hair
• Delivers professional, polished appearance with medium shine, no grease
• Compact 4 oz size is perfect for travel

Pros:
– Flexible medium hold allows for restyling
– Suitable for all hair types
– Creates a natural, non-greasy medium shine
– Convenient for refreshing styles on unwashed hair
– Travel-friendly size

Cons:
– Medium hold might not be strong enough for elaborate styles
– “Slept-in” look might not appeal to everyone

Best for: Men seeking a flexible, natural medium hold with medium shine for all hair types, especially those who like to restyle and travel frequently.

User feedback summary: Many users appreciate its flexibility and natural finish, noting how easy it is to achieve various styles without looking over-producted.

Veet Hair Removal Cream For Men, 5 Min Sensitive Skin

Now, this product is a bit of an outlier in a list of hair creams for men focused on styling, as the Veet Hair Removal Cream for Men is, as its name suggests, designed for hair removal, not styling. It offers a powerful solution for getting rid of unwanted body hair, leaving your skin smooth and hair-free. Developed specifically with men’s hair and skin in mind, it provides optimal results on various body parts, including the chest, back, legs, and arms. It’s incredibly easy to apply and starts working in just minutes (as little as 5!), providing hassle-free hair removal right in your own home. A major benefit is that it helps you avoid razor burn or cuts, and it’s even formulated for sensitive skin and dermatologically-tested. The included spatula makes application and removal simple, and it promises to keep your skin smooth and hydrated for up to 24 hours.

• Powerful hair removal solution for unwanted body hair
• Leaves skin smooth and hair-free
• Developed for men’s hair and skin (chest, back, legs, arms)
• Easy to apply and works in as little as 5 minutes
• No razor burn or cuts, safe and quick to use
• Dermatologically-tested and formulated for sensitive skin
• Includes a hair removal spatula for easy application/removal
• Keeps skin smooth and hydrated for up to 24 hours

Pros:
– Effective at removing body hair
– Eliminates risk of razor burns and cuts
– Quick and convenient home use
– Suitable for sensitive skin
– Leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated

Cons:
– This is NOT a hair styling cream; its purpose is hair removal.
– Some users might still experience skin sensitivity, despite the sensitive skin formula.
– Can have a distinct chemical smell, common with depilatory creams.

Best for: Men looking for a safe, quick, and easy way to remove unwanted body hair, especially those with sensitive skin who want to avoid shaving irritation.

User feedback summary: Users consistently praise its effectiveness in removing hair quickly and painlessly, often highlighting its suitability for sensitive areas without causing irritation.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When looking at the best hair creams for men, it’s clear there’s a spectrum of holds and finishes. For those seeking a strong, defined look with high shine, the American Crew Men’s Fiber Cream is your go-to. It’s a powerhouse for taming frizz and ensuring your style stays put. In contrast, if you prefer a lighter touch and a classic, shiny finish, the Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Men’s Hair Cream delivers that old-school vibe without feeling heavy.

For a versatile medium hold and medium shine, both American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream (the current version) and Cremo Hair Styling Cream are excellent choices. The American Crew excels at defining waves and curls and making hair look thicker, perfect for short to medium lengths. Cremo, on the other hand, stands out for its flexibility and ability to restyle throughout the day, making it a great all-rounder for all hair types. The Harry’s Taming Hair Cream offers a soft hold with a natural finish, specifically designed for thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs to be tamed without stiffness. It’s all about natural smoothness.

It’s also crucial to highlight the unique position of the Veet Hair Removal Cream for Men. While it’s included in this list, it’s essential to remember that it is a hair removal product, not a hair styling cream. Its purpose is to get rid of unwanted body hair, offering a gentle and effective alternative to shaving, particularly for sensitive skin. So, if you’re looking for a styling product, skip Veet and consider the other six options based on your desired hold and finish. For a flexible, natural style that’s easy to wash out, the American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream (OLD VERSION) might be tempting, but proceed with caution due to the “old stock” disclaimer.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best hair cream for men truly boils down to understanding your hair type and the look you want to achieve.

• For the classic gentleman who loves a high-shine, slick-back style with a light hold, Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine is an undeniable winner.
• If your aim is a flexible, natural look with medium hold and shine, you can’t go wrong with the American Crew Men’s Hair Forming Cream (the newer version) or Cremo Hair Styling Cream for its all-day restyling capabilities.
• Thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs taming without rigidity will find its match in Harry’s Taming Hair Cream, which provides a beautiful natural finish and soft hold.
• And for those days when you need serious control, high hold, and a defined, shiny, frizz-free look, the American Crew Men’s Fiber Cream is the heavyweight champion.
• Remember, the Veet Hair Removal Cream for Men is in a league of its own, serving a completely different purpose – effectively removing body hair for smooth, irritation-free skin. Don’t mix it up with your styling routine!

Ultimately, experimenting is key. Many guys find a combination of products works best for different occasions or to achieve varied styles. Start with your primary need, check the hold and shine, and you’ll be well on your way to finding your signature product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What exactly are hair creams for men used for?
A1: Hair creams for men are versatile styling products designed to provide a natural look, subtle hold, and often some shine. They help to manage frizz, define texture, and keep hair looking healthy and soft without the stiffness of gel or the greasiness of some pomades. They’re great for everyday styles that require flexibility.

Q2: How do I choose the best hair cream for my hair type?
A2: Consider your hair type and desired outcome. For thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs taming, look for creams with a soft hold and conditioning benefits like Harry’s. For finer hair that needs body and shine, Brylcreem is a good option. For versatile, medium hold and shine suitable for most hair types, American Crew Forming Cream or Cremo are excellent. If you need high hold and shine for a very defined look, American Crew Fiber Cream is ideal.

Q3: What’s the difference between hair cream, gel, and pomade?
A3: Generally, hair creams for men offer a lighter, more natural hold and finish, keeping hair soft and pliable. Gels typically provide a stronger hold and a shinier, sometimes stiff, finish. Pomades often deliver a high shine with a medium to strong hold, traditionally used for slick, classic styles, but can sometimes feel greasy if not applied correctly.

Q4: How do I apply men’s hair cream effectively?
A4: Start with a dime-sized amount (you can always add more). Rub it between your palms to emulsify it, then apply evenly through damp or towel-dried hair for most creams. For textured looks, some creams like Cremo can be applied to dry hair. Distribute from root to tip, then style as desired. Less is often more!

Q5: Can hair cream damage my hair or scalp?
A5: Most modern hair creams for men are formulated to be gentle and many even offer conditioning benefits. Products that are alcohol-free, like Brylcreem, are less likely to dry out your hair. Using too much product or not washing it out regularly might lead to buildup, which isn’t ideal, but damage is rare with proper use and hygiene.

Q6: Are these hair creams suitable for sensitive scalps?
A6: Many hair creams are generally mild. Look for products that specify “alcohol-free” or are designed for gentle use. If you have a particularly sensitive scalp, always do a patch test first. The Veet Hair Removal Cream for Men is specifically formulated for sensitive skin, but remember it’s for hair removal, not styling.

Q7: Can I use hair cream if I have very short hair?
A7: Absolutely! Hair creams for men can work wonders on short hair by adding texture, definition, and a natural finish. They can help tame flyaways and provide a polished look without making short hair stiff or greasy. For very short hair, you might need even less product than usual.