While pomades create polished shine, waxes add precise definition, and clays provide substantive texture, styling creams and lotions offer a distinctly different approach. These versatile formulations focus on enhancing natural movement and promoting a healthy appearance rather than imposing rigid control or dramatic effects.
Styling creams function as understated yet essential components in the men’s hair product landscape – they simultaneously improve hair condition while styling, delivering an optimal balance of subtle control and conditioning benefits. Their particular value becomes apparent for men with medium to longer hair, natural curls or waves, or those who prefer a more effortless, natural aesthetic.
This comprehensive guide explores the unique properties of these products and how to maximize their subtle yet effective styling capabilities.
What Are Styling Creams & Lotions?
Before examining application techniques, it’s essential to understand what distinguishes these products from other styling options in your grooming arsenal.
Defining Characteristics
Styling creams and lotions possess several distinctive properties:
- Light to medium hold: They provide sufficient control to manage hair without creating stiffness
- Natural to low shine: They enhance your hair’s inherent appearance rather than creating an obviously “styled” look
- Conditioning benefits: They typically contain moisturizing ingredients that improve hair health with consistent use
- Lightweight feel: They don’t create heaviness or excessive product buildup
- Versatile application: They can be applied to damp or dry hair depending on the desired effect
Creams vs. Other Styling Products
Understanding how styling creams compare to alternative products helps clarify when to select them:
Creams vs. Pomade: While pomades create a slick, defined appearance with noticeable shine, creams offer a softer hold with a natural finish. Pomades control and direct hair; creams enhance and improve it.
Creams vs. Clay: Clays create a matte, textured look with stronger hold and structural properties. Creams leave hair more pliable with light conditioning benefits that clay typically doesn’t provide.
Creams vs. Wax: Waxes create definition and separation with their characteristically tacky texture and stronger hold. Creams distribute more evenly and create a more uniform, flowing appearance.
Creams vs. Gel: Gels provide firm hold that dries with a rigid structure and significant shine. Creams maintain flexibility and movement with minimal shine.
Types of Styling Creams
Several variations exist within this product category:
Traditional styling cream: Balanced hold and natural finish suitable for most hair types
Styling lotion: More fluid consistency for lighter application and even distribution
Curl cream: Specialized formula specifically designed for enhancing and defining natural curls
Grooming cream: Slightly heavier formula with increased shine for more polished styles
Leave-in conditioning cream: Emphasizes conditioning properties with minimal hold
Which Hairstyles Work Best With Styling Creams?
Styling creams and lotions particularly excel with specific hair styles:
Medium to Long Styles
Creams provide ideal management for longer hair where you desire control without stiffness or unnatural separation. They effectively manage length while maintaining natural movement and flow.
Wavy & Curly Hair
For men with natural waves or curls, styling creams enhance inherent texture while controlling frizz. They define curl patterns without the crispness of gel or the excessive weight of heavier products.
Natural, Casual Looks
When your styling goal is a natural appearance without obvious product use, creams deliver that “effortlessly well-groomed” aesthetic. They smooth flyaways and provide subtle control without creating an overtly styled appearance.
Professional Styles
For workplace-appropriate styles requiring sophistication without obvious product presence, styling creams create refined looks that maintain natural movement throughout the day.
Classic Hairstyles
Many timeless styles like side parts and sweep-backs benefit from the natural control of styling cream, especially when desiring a more relaxed interpretation of these traditional looks.
Selecting the Right Cream for Your Hair Type
The performance of styling creams varies considerably depending on your specific hair characteristics:
For Fine Hair
Fine hair can easily become weighed down by heavier styling products. Select lightweight formulations labeled as “light hold” or “styling lotion” rather than more substantial creams.
Application tip: Use a minimal amount and focus application on mid-lengths and ends rather than the roots to preserve volume and prevent flatness.
For Thick Hair
Thick hair typically benefits from more substantial styling creams with medium hold capabilities. Look for products designated as “grooming cream” that can effectively manage density while adding definition.
Application tip: Apply to damp hair and distribute thoroughly for maximum control of thick hair structures.
For Curly Hair
Curly hair responds exceptionally well to specialized curl creams that enhance natural curl patterns while minimizing frizz. Select products containing moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or argan oil for optimal results.
Application tip: Apply with a scrunching motion to damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser attachment when blow drying to preserve curl integrity.
For Dry or Damaged Hair
If your hair exhibits dryness or damage, choose styling creams with restorative ingredients like proteins, nourishing oils, or butters. These multifunctional products style effectively while improving overall hair condition.
Application tip: Apply to damp hair and allow to air dry when possible to minimize additional heat damage.
How to Apply Styling Cream Properly
Your application technique significantly impacts the performance of styling cream. Consider these fundamental approaches:
Basic Application Method
For general styling with cream:
- Start with towel-dried hair (slightly damp but not wet)
- Dispense a dime to nickel-sized amount into your palm
- Rub hands together to distribute the product evenly
- Work through your hair starting from the back and moving forward
- Use fingers to shape and style as desired
- Either air dry for the most natural finish or blow dry for additional volume and control
Dry Hair Application
For touch-ups or minimal control:
- Start with completely dry hair
- Use a smaller amount than you would on damp hair
- Warm the product thoroughly between palms
- Apply with a light touch, focusing on areas requiring control
- Use gentle pressure to avoid disrupting your hair’s natural pattern
Curl-Enhancing Method
For wavy or curly hair:
- Apply to very damp (not just towel-dried) hair
- Use a generous amount distributed evenly throughout
- Scrunch upward with your hands to encourage curl formation
- Avoid touching or manipulating hair during the drying process
- Either air dry or use a diffuser on low heat setting
- Once completely dry, scrunch again gently to soften the hold
Common Mistakes When Using Styling Cream
Even with these relatively forgiving products, certain application errors should be avoided:
Using Excessive Product
Despite their accommodating nature, using too much styling cream can create an unwanted greasy appearance rather than a naturally styled look.
Solution: Begin with a dime-sized amount for short to medium hair or a nickel-sized amount for longer styles. Additional product can always be incorporated if necessary.
Applying to Overly Wet Hair
When hair contains too much moisture, the cream becomes diluted and significantly less effective.
Solution: Always towel-dry hair until it reaches a slightly damp state before applying styling cream. For dry application, ensure your hair is completely dry.
Uneven Distribution
Concentrating product in limited areas creates inconsistent results and unbalanced appearance.
Solution: Thoroughly warm the product between your hands and work systematically through all sections of your hair, ensuring comprehensive coverage including the back and undersides.
Excessive Manipulation During Drying
Constantly touching your hair during the drying process can create frizz and compromise the cream’s effectiveness.
Solution: Style your hair as desired initially, then allow it to dry completely without interference before making any final adjustments.
Combining With Other Products
Styling creams integrate effectively with other products when used strategically:
Layering Techniques
For more sophisticated styles, creams can serve as components in a multi-product approach:
For volume with control:
- Apply volumizing mousse to damp roots
- Blow dry to establish volume
- Apply a conservative amount of styling cream to mid-lengths and ends for control
- Finish with light hairspray if additional hold is required
For enhanced curl definition:
- Apply curl cream to very damp hair
- Scrunch to enhance natural curl pattern
- Allow to dry approximately 50-80%
- Apply a minimal amount of cream or oil to the ends to minimize frizz and add subtle shine
For sleek, professional styles:
- Apply styling cream to damp hair
- Blow dry using a round brush for smoothness
- Finish with a minimal amount of pomade applied only to the surface for additional refinement
Products That Complement Styling Cream
These products work particularly effectively in combination with styling creams:
- Salt spray: Add texture before applying cream for enhanced definition
- Volumizing powder: Use at the roots before cream for additional height
- Hair oil: Add a single drop to your cream for increased shine and moisture
- Light hairspray: Set the style after cream has dried for improved longevity
Styling Cream for Different Hair Lengths
Your application approach should adapt according to your specific hair length:
Short Hair (1-2 inches)
With shorter hair, use minimal cream to add control without overwhelming your limited length:
- Focus on creating direction and subtle texture
- Apply to slightly damp or dry hair based on desired effect
- Use fingertips for precise application
Medium Hair (2-4 inches)
Medium lengths benefit significantly from styling cream’s versatility:
- Apply to damp hair for increased control or dry hair for reduced structure
- Focus on creating defined shape and minimizing frizz
- Can be combined with blow-drying techniques for enhanced volume
Long Hair (4+ inches)
Longer styles require special considerations:
- Apply primarily to mid-lengths and ends to avoid creating heaviness at the roots
- Use appropriate amounts but ensure thorough distribution
- Consider the “prayer hands” technique (pressing hair between flat palms) for consistent coverage
- May require minimal reapplication to ends throughout the day
Day-Two Styling Strategies
One of the primary advantages of styling cream is its adaptability for second-day styling:
Refreshing Next-Day Hair
To revitalize your style without washing:
- Lightly dampen hands with water
- Run damp hands through hair to reactivate existing product
- Reshape as needed
- If necessary, add a minimal amount of fresh cream to specific areas
- For curly hair, consider mixing a small amount of cream with water in your palms before application
Building on Previous Product
Unlike harder-hold products that create problematic buildup, creams often perform better on day two:
- Second-day hair typically has more natural grip and texture
- Natural oil production actually enhances many styling creams’ effectiveness
- Day-two application typically requires approximately half the amount of product
Specific Styling Techniques
Beyond basic application, certain techniques maximize styling cream’s potential:
For Maximum Volume
- Apply cream to damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends
- Invert head while blow-drying to encourage root lift
- Use fingers to create elevation at the roots during drying
- Once dry, apply a minimal amount of additional cream for refined control
For Smoothing Frizz
- Apply to damp hair, ensuring thorough distribution
- Use a boar bristle brush during blow-drying
- Direct dryer downward along the hair shaft to seal the cuticle effectively
- Finish with a light, downward “prayer hands” motion
For Wave Enhancement
- Apply cream to damp hair evenly
- Twist small sections around your finger to create defined wave patterns
- Allow to air dry without disruption
- Once completely dry, gently separate twists with fingers
Conclusion
Styling creams and lotions represent the ideal middle ground in men’s hair products – providing sufficient control to manage your style effectively without the weight, shine, or rigidity of stronger-hold alternatives.
Their versatility makes them exceptionally suitable for diverse hair types and styles, particularly for men seeking a more natural appearance or those with medium to longer hair lengths. The conditioning benefits provide an additional advantage, improving your hair’s health and texture while simultaneously styling.
Remember that styling creams excel at enhancing your hair’s natural characteristics rather than forcing it into unnatural configurations. Work with your inherent hair pattern and texture, allowing the cream to refine rather than completely transform your look.
By mastering these application techniques, styling cream may become your essential product for everyday grooming – delivering consistently excellent results with minimal effort and maximum versatility.
