Best Hair Products for Men’s Thick Hair

As someone who’s spent years wrestling with a thick, unruly mane, I know the daily struggle of finding hair products that actually work. It’s not just about hold; it’s about finding something that tames, textures, and enhances without feeling like a brick or leaving a greasy mess. I’ve tried countless options, and trust me, not all products are created equal, especially when it comes to managing the unique challenges of thick hair.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Cremo Mens Hair Paste – Premium Barber Grade Thickening…	View on Amazon
	Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream, Premium Barber Grade, Light…	View on Amazon
	American Crew Men’s Hair Styling Gel, Firm Hold,…	View on Amazon
	Hair Dough Styling Clay For Men, Matte Finish Molding…	View on Amazon
	Redken Brews Cream Pomade For Men – Provides Medium Hold…	View on Amazon

That’s why I put together this hands-on guide to the best hair products for men’s thick hair. We’re going to dive deep into five popular choices, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them suitable for different styles and preferences. Whether you’re looking for strong hold, a matte finish, added texture, or something easy to wash out, I’ve got you covered. My goal is to help you cut through the marketing noise and find the product that genuinely helps you achieve your best look with your thick hair, so you can stop guessing and start styling with confidence.

Cremo Mens Hair Paste – Premium Barber Grade Thickening…

This Cremo Hair Paste is a solid contender for guys with thick hair who want a product that delivers reliable hold and helps create the illusion of more volume. From my experience, it’s pretty user-friendly; you just rub a small amount between your palms until it’s clear and then work it into your hair. It really shines when you’re looking to add some texture and thickness to your style, making it feel fuller without being heavy. The finish is exactly what many guys are after: a strong hold with a subtle, low shine that looks natural and not at all helmet-like. It truly feels like a barber-grade product, holding up well throughout the day.

Key features:
– Helps add texture and volume for fuller-looking hair
– Provides a high hold with a low shine finish
– Trusted and approved by barbers for quality results
– Easy and versatile application on dry or slightly damp hair
– Designed to eliminate styling guesswork with reliable results

Pros:
– Excellent for adding volume and making hair appear thicker
– Offers a strong, long-lasting hold
– Delivers a natural-looking matte or low-shine finish
– Easy to apply and rework throughout the day
– Great value for the quality

Cons:
– Can be a bit stiff if too much is applied
– Might require a good shampoo to wash out completely

Best for: Men with thick hair who want to add texture, volume, and achieve a defined style with a natural, low-shine finish.

User feedback summary: Many users praise its strong hold without the greasiness often found in other products. They appreciate how it makes their thick hair feel fuller and more manageable, and the low shine is a consistent highlight for achieving a modern look.

Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream, Premium Barber Grade, Light…

If you’re after a more relaxed, touchable style for your thick hair, the Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream is definitely worth checking out. This isn’t about rigid hold; it’s all about achieving that effortless, messy look that still feels intentional. What I love about it is how lightweight it feels – you can genuinely run your fingers through your hair without it feeling sticky or stiff. It offers a light hold with a barely-there, low-shine finish, making your hair look naturally enhanced rather than obviously styled. It’s incredibly versatile, especially if you have longer thick hair, and it’s also great for mixing with other products if you need a little more oomph in certain areas.

Key features:
– Creates a stylish messy look with a lightweight feel
– Offers a light hold and low shine you can run your fingers through
– Customizable hold when mixed with other styling products
– Provides a natural appearance that enhances hair’s texture
– Easy to use on dry hair for quick, effective styling
– Non-greasy feel for all-day comfort

Pros:
– Very lightweight and allows for natural hair movement
– Perfect for achieving a casual, messy, or natural look
– Leaves a truly matte, non-greasy finish
– Easy to apply and doesn’t leave residue
– Great for all hair lengths, especially longer thick hair

Cons:
– Hold might be too light for very stubborn thick hair or highly structured styles
– Less effective in high humidity without a stronger base product

Best for: Men with thick hair seeking a natural, understated style, light hold, and a completely matte finish. Ideal for a “just rolled out of bed, but it looks good” aesthetic.

User feedback summary: Users consistently mention how natural their hair looks and feels with this cream. They appreciate the non-greasy texture and the ability to restyle throughout the day, often noting it’s perfect for achieving a relaxed, everyday look without feeling weighed down.

American Crew Men’s Hair Styling Gel, Firm Hold,…

For those who love a classic, defined look with a noticeable shine, American Crew’s Firm Hold Styling Gel is an iconic choice that works wonders on thick hair. This isn’t a subtle product; it’s designed to give you maximum control and a high-shine finish. I’ve found it excellent for taming frizz and creating very polished, structured styles that stay put all day long. It’s a moisture-rich gel, which means it helps keep your hair from drying out while providing that firm hold. If you’re going for a slicked-back look, a sharp side part, or anything that requires serious hold and a glossy finish, this is a go-to. Just apply it to towel-dried hair, and you’re good to go.

Key features:
– Moisture-rich gel providing a defined look and high shine finish
– Effectively tames hair for frizz-free results
– Delivers firm hold and moisturizing benefits
– Ideal for textured definition and a defined, sleek appearance
– Easy to use on towel-dried hair

Pros:
– Provides a very strong, firm hold for structured styles
– Delivers a noticeable, attractive high shine
– Excellent for taming frizz and flyaways in thick hair
– Moisturizing properties help prevent hair from feeling brittle
– Long-lasting hold throughout the day

Cons:
– Can feel stiff or crunchy if too much is applied
– High shine might not appeal to everyone
– May leave a residue if not washed out thoroughly

Best for: Men with thick hair who prefer a strong hold, high-shine finish, and a defined, classic style like a slick back or sharp side part.

User feedback summary: Many users swear by its ability to hold even the thickest, most stubborn hair in place all day. They love the high-shine finish for a polished look and appreciate how it controls frizz, making it a staple for a more formal or defined style.

Hair Dough Styling Clay For Men, Matte Finish Molding…

If you’re seeking a robust, all-day hold with a truly matte finish for your thick hair, the Hair Dough Styling Clay is a standout. This clay is built to last, providing an all-day strong hold that can handle everything from sports to perspiration, keeping your style locked in. What impressed me most is its ability to improve texture and thickness, making your hair look fuller and more defined without any greasy residue or shine. It’s designed to let you manipulate your thick hair into various modern styles, from short textured looks to longer wavy hair. Plus, being water-based and water-soluble is a huge bonus, making it easy to wash out without leaving any build-up.

Key features:
– Provides all-day strong hold, even during sports or perspiration
– Delivers a shine-free matte finish with no residue
– Improves texture and thickness for a fuller, defined look
– Water-based and water-soluble for easy wash-out
– Made with a healthy blend of clay, waxes, and oils
– Ideal for all hairstyles, from short to long, wavy, or thick

Pros:
– Exceptional strong hold that lasts all day
– Achieves a genuine matte, shine-free finish
– Adds noticeable texture and makes hair appear thicker
– Washes out easily with just water, preventing build-up
– Versatile enough for a wide range of thick hairstyles

Cons:
– Can be a bit difficult to apply evenly if not properly warmed in hands
– May feel slightly heavy for very fine-thick hair

Best for: Men with thick hair who need a strong, reliable hold for structured or textured styles, prefer a completely matte finish, and value easy washability.

User feedback summary: Users rave about the powerful, long-lasting hold and the genuinely matte finish. They often mention how it enhances their hair’s texture and thickness, giving a natural yet controlled look, and the fact that it washes out easily is a big plus.

Redken Brews Cream Pomade For Men – Provides Medium Hold…

Redken Brews Cream Pomade is an excellent choice for men with thick hair who want a balance between hold and flexibility. It offers a medium hold with a natural, low-shine finish, making it perfect for styles that require definition but still allow for movement. I found it especially good for creating classic looks like pompadours or smooth, flexible styles without any crunchiness or flaking. Its water-based cream texture is super easy to work through both dry or damp hair, providing a smooth finish with added volume and natural dimension. It’s built for everyday use and keeps your style locked in without feeling heavy or sticky, making it one of the more versatile best hair products for men’s thick hair.

Key features:
– Water-based cream pomade for hold and definition
– Provides medium hold and medium control with no crunch or flaking
– Leaves hair with a natural, low shine finish
– Ideal for creating pompadours and smooth, flexible styles
– Easy-to-use cream texture adds volume and natural dimension
– Suitable for everyday use on all men’s hair types

Pros:
– Good balance of hold and flexibility for natural movement
– Achieves a low-shine, natural finish
– Water-based formula is easy to apply and washes out effortlessly
– Prevents crunchiness or flaking
– Versatile for various smooth or textured styles

Cons:
– Medium hold might not be strong enough for extremely stubborn thick hair
– Those seeking a truly matte finish might find the low shine too much

Best for: Men with thick hair looking for a versatile product that offers medium hold, natural movement, and a low-shine finish, ideal for classic, flexible styles like pompadours.

User feedback summary: Users often highlight its smooth application and how it provides good hold without making hair stiff or greasy. They appreciate the natural-looking finish and its ability to keep hair styled yet touchable, noting it washes out easily.

Comparison Insights

When choosing among the best hair products for men’s thick hair, it really comes down to the look you’re going for and the level of hold and shine you prefer.

If you’re after maximum hold and a classic, high-shine look, the American Crew Men’s Hair Styling Gel is your undisputed champion. It’s built for those sleek, defined styles where every strand needs to stay put, and frizz is simply not an option.

For an all-day strong hold with a truly matte finish, look no further than the Hair Dough Styling Clay. It excels at adding texture and making thick hair appear even thicker, all while being incredibly easy to wash out thanks to its water-based formula. This is a top pick if you want control and volume without any sheen.

If a strong hold with a low-to-matte shine is your sweet spot, and you want to specifically enhance texture and volume, the Cremo Mens Hair Paste is an excellent barber-grade choice. It’s super effective at adding that rugged texture that makes thick hair look great.

For a more flexible, natural look with medium hold and low shine, the Redken Brews Cream Pomade hits the mark. It’s fantastic for styles like pompadours that need definition but still allow for movement, and its water-based nature makes it very user-friendly.

Finally, if your goal is an ultra-natural, barely-there look with a very light hold and completely matte finish, the Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream is your best friend. It’s perfect for casual, messy styles and won’t weigh down your thick hair, allowing for maximum touchability.

Consider your hair’s specific texture and how much manipulation it needs. Gels tend to be more rigid, while clays and pastes offer more texture and a drier finish. Pomades often provide shine and flexibility, and creams are usually the lightest for a natural feel. All these options cater well to thick hair, but their finishes and hold strengths vary significantly.

Final Verdict

Navigating the world of hair products for men’s thick hair can be tricky, but after trying these five, a few standouts emerge depending on your styling goals.

For the guy who battles an absolutely unruly, thick head of hair and needs ironclad hold for a sharp, formal look, the American Crew Men’s Hair Styling Gel is your best bet. It’s unapologetically strong and will keep everything in place.

However, if you’re like me and often prefer a more modern, textured style that still offers serious control without the shine, Hair Dough Styling Clay wins for its exceptional matte finish and strong, long-lasting hold. It genuinely enhances thickness and is surprisingly easy to wash out.

For those seeking a balanced approach – strong hold, but with a natural, low-shine finish and a focus on adding volume and texture – the Cremo Mens Hair Paste is incredibly effective and a great daily driver. It’s versatile enough for many looks.

And if your thick hair prefers freedom, with just a hint of control for a super natural, touchable, and effortlessly messy style, the Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream is a clear winner. It’s perfect for those “I woke up like this” (but better) days.

Ultimately, the “best” product among these for your thick hair will align with your desired look, hold, and finish. Experiment with a few, and you’ll find your perfect match!

FAQ Section

Q1: What’s the main difference between hair paste, clay, pomade, and gel for men’s thick hair?
A1: Each product type offers a different hold, finish, and texture. Gels typically provide the strongest hold and highest shine, ideal for slick styles. Clays offer strong hold with a matte finish and add texture/thickness. Pastes are versatile, often providing medium-to-high hold with a low-to-matte shine, great for texture and volume. Pomades vary, but often give medium hold with some shine for classic, flexible styles. Finally, creams usually offer the lightest hold and a natural, matte finish, perfect for casual looks. For thick hair, the choice depends on how much control and what kind of finish you want.

Q2: How do I choose the best hair products for my thick hair?
A2: Consider three main factors: hold strength (light, medium, strong), shine level (matte, low, medium, high), and desired style. For structured styles on thick hair, you’ll need a stronger hold (gel, strong paste, or clay). For textured, natural looks, a paste or clay is great. If you want a casual, touchable style, a light cream might be best. Also, think about your hair’s specific thickness and how unruly it is – very stubborn thick hair will need more powerful products.

Q3: Can these products damage my thick hair?
A3: Generally, no. Modern hair styling products, including these best hair products for men’s thick hair, are formulated to be safe for daily use. However, it’s crucial to wash your hair thoroughly to remove product buildup, especially with strong-hold products, as residue can weigh down hair or irritate the scalp over time. Using a clarifying shampoo periodically can help.

Q4: How much product should I use for my thick hair?
A4: Start with a pea-sized amount and add more if needed. With thick hair, it’s tempting to use a lot, but too much can make your hair look greasy, stiff, or weighed down. Rub the product thoroughly between your palms before applying it evenly through damp or dry hair, focusing on the areas you want to style. Less is often more, even for thick hair!

Q5: Are water-based products better for thick hair?
A5: Water-based products, like Hair Dough Styling Clay and Redken Brews Cream Pomade, are generally easier to apply and wash out, which can be a significant advantage for thick hair that might otherwise accumulate product buildup. They rinse clean with just water, reducing the need for harsh scrubbing or multiple shampoos, making them a popular choice among the best hair products for men’s thick hair.

Q6: Can I use these products on damp or dry thick hair?
A6: Most products for thick hair can be applied to either damp or dry hair, but the result can differ. Applying to damp hair (towel-dried) usually allows for easier distribution and can give a slightly softer hold or more shine as it dries. Applying to dry hair typically results in a stronger, more defined hold and can enhance texture more effectively. Always check the product instructions for the best application method to maximize the benefits for your thick hair.

Q7: Which product is best for adding thickness to fine, but dense, men’s hair?
A7: For adding the appearance of thickness and volume, the Cremo Mens Hair Paste and Hair Dough Styling Clay are excellent choices. Both explicitly mention enhancing texture and making hair look fuller. They provide hold and a matte finish that helps individual strands stand out, creating the illusion of denser hair. These are among the best hair products for men’s thick hair that also need a volume boost.