Last Updated: October 17, 2026
- Top Picks at a Glance
- Comparison Table
- 1. Layrite Natural Matte Cream: Best for a Natural Matte Finish
- 2. American Crew Forming Cream: Best Everyday Classic
- 3. Cremo Forming Hair Styling Cream: Best Budget Hair Cream
- 4. Harry’s Taming Hair Cream: Best Soft-Hold Cream
- 5. Suavecito Hair Cream Pump Bottle: Best Pump Bottle Value
- 6. MITCH Clean Cut Styling Cream: Best Semi-Matte Pick
- Also Consider
- How We Chose
- Buying Guide
- Choosing by Hair Type and Style
- Common Mistakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which One Should You Buy?
- Sources
The best hair cream for men who want a natural, workable finish is Layrite Natural Matte Cream if you prefer a low-shine look, and American Crew Forming Cream if you want a medium hold with a touch of shine that works on almost any cut. For a budget option that still styles well, Cremo Forming Hair Styling Cream is the one to start with. This guide compares six of the best men’s hair cream products for everyday styling, explains how cream differs from pomade and paste, and lists four more to consider.
Hair cream sits between gel and pomade. It adds light-to-medium control and a soft, natural finish without the stiffness of gel or the heavy shine of an oil-based pomade. That makes it the easiest category for someone new to styling: you can reshape it during the day, it rarely leaves residue and it works on short and medium hair. We also pay attention to the practical details that matter for lefties and everyone else: jars versus pumps, how much the cap lets you pour with one hand, and how the product feels when you work it through with your non-dominant hand.
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Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall Natural Finish: Layrite Natural Matte Cream, flexible medium hold with a matte finish
- Best Everyday Classic: American Crew Forming Cream, medium hold with medium shine
- Best Budget: Cremo Forming Hair Styling Cream, medium hold and shine at a budget tier
- Best Soft Hold: Harry’s Taming Hair Cream, soft hold with a natural finish
- Best Pump Bottle Value: Suavecito Hair Cream Pump Bottle, light hold and medium shine in 8 oz
- Best Semi-Matte Pick: MITCH Clean Cut Styling Cream, medium hold with a semi-matte finish
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Key specs from the listing | Watch for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layrite Natural Matte Cream | Natural, matte, reworkable looks | 4.25 oz, matte finish, mild cream soda scent | Smaller jar for the money | Mid-range |
| American Crew Forming Cream | Daily medium-hold styling | 3 oz, medium hold, medium shine | Small tube | Mid-range |
| Cremo Forming Hair Styling Cream | Value and everyday use | 3.4 oz, medium hold, medium shine | Fewer scent options | Budget |
| Harry’s Taming Hair Cream | Soft control, natural look | 5.1 fl oz, soft hold, natural finish | Packaging may vary | Budget |
| Suavecito Hair Cream Pump Bottle | Light hold, easy dispensing | 8 oz pump bottle, light hold, medium shine | Light hold only | Budget to Mid-range |
| MITCH Clean Cut Styling Cream | Short to medium hair, semi-matte | Medium hold, semi-matte finish, all hair types | Premium per ounce | Mid-range to Premium |
1. Layrite Natural Matte Cream: Best for a Natural Matte Finish
- Size: 4.25 oz jar (a 1.5 oz travel size is also sold)
- Finish: natural matte
- Scent: mild cream soda, per the listing
- Base: water-based per the brand and independent reviewers; flexible medium hold
Best for: Men with fine to medium hair who want body and texture without a shiny look.
Skip if: You want a high-shine, slicked-back style; choose a pomade instead.
Layrite’s Natural Matte Cream is a favorite in barber-shop circles because it combines a soft, workable hold with a finish that does not look styled. Independent guides such as Primer Magazine point to its matte finish and medium hold as a good fit for guys with finer hair who want body without crunch.
Because it is water-based, it rinses out more easily than an oil-based product and is forgiving if you over-apply. You can rework it during the day with your fingers, which is one reason it is a good first cream. Apply a pea-sized amount to damp or towel-dried hair, work it through with your fingertips and style as normal.
The scent is a mild, sweet cream-soda note that some find nostalgic and others find too sweet; if you dislike strong scents, a sample or the 1.5 oz travel jar is a cheap way to find out. The jar format is simple to use one-handed if you scoop with your dominant hand and work it in with the other.
Pros
- Natural matte finish
- Reworkable hold
- Water-based
- Travel size available
Cons
- Smaller jar per dollar
- Sweet scent is not for everyone
2. American Crew Forming Cream: Best Everyday Classic
- Size: 3 oz
- Hold: medium
- Shine: medium
- Positioning: like a hair gel in cream form, per the listing
Best for: Anyone who wants a dependable daily styler for short to medium hair.
Skip if: You need strong, all-day hold for long or thick hair.
American Crew is a staple of barber-shop product lines, and the Forming Cream is one of the most forgiving products in its range. Independent guides describe it as buildable, with a natural finish and medium hold that suits most hair types. Because it has medium shine, it sits between the matte Layrite and the glossier pomades.
It is a product you can learn on. Start with a small amount, rub it between your palms and work it through from back to front, then shape with a comb or fingers. If the hair feels weighed down, you used too much; a pea-sized amount is plenty for short hair.
Reviewers disagree a little on the finish: American Crew itself calls it medium shine, while some users say it dries more matte on their hair. That is a hint that results vary with hair type and how damp the hair is when you apply it.
Pros
- Medium hold and shine
- Works on most hair types
- Barber-shop staple
- Smooth, easy application
Cons
- Small tube
- Mid-range price per ounce
3. Cremo Forming Hair Styling Cream: Best Budget Hair Cream
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Hold: medium
- Shine: medium
- Positioning: forming cream for men, per the listing
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a decent cream without a big spend.
Skip if: You want a matte look or a pump bottle.
Cremo is known for affordable grooming products, and its Forming Hair Styling Cream is the value pick in this guide. The listing says medium hold and shine, and independent guides describe a flexible hold that lets you restyle through the day with a soft finish and not too much shine.
At a budget tier, you can keep one at home and one in a gym bag. It is a good test product if you are not sure whether you like cream. The same brand sells a Texture Paste, a Hair Clay Pomade and a Polish Pomade, so you can move toward more hold or shine without changing brands.
Because the tube is small, put the cap back on after use so it does not dry out.
Pros
- Budget
- Flexible hold
- Medium shine
- Part of a wider Cremo range
Cons
- Limited choice of scents
- Small tube
4. Harry’s Taming Hair Cream: Best Soft-Hold Cream
- Size: 5.1 fl oz
- Hold: soft
- Finish: natural
- Packaging may vary, per the listing
Best for: Men who want to tame frizz and flyaways with a light touch.
Skip if: You need more than a light hold; the soft formula is not for tall or structured styles.
A soft-hold cream is for taming, not sculpting. Harry’s version is aimed at those who want hair to look neat and natural without any product feel. It suits short hair, hair with natural wave and the days you just need things to sit down.
The 5.1 fl oz size is large for the price tier, which makes it the best value per ounce here. Keep in mind the listing notes that packaging may vary, so the bottle you receive may look different from the photo.
If you want more structure later, layer it under a light paste or clay.
Pros
- Large size for the price
- Soft natural finish
- Budget
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Soft hold only
- Packaging can vary
5. Suavecito Hair Cream Pump Bottle: Best Pump Bottle Value
- Size: 8 oz pump bottle
- Hold: light
- Shine: medium, all day per the listing
- Format: pump, which dispenses with one hand
Best for: Men who prefer a pump and want light control with some shine.
Skip if: You need stronger hold for a defined style.
A pump bottle is convenient for everyone, and especially useful for left-handed users who often find jar lids and tight-fitting scoops awkward. A pump lets you dispense with either hand, with no need to scoop out a product with a finger while holding a lid. If one-handed dispensing matters to you, this is the pick.
Suavecito is better known for pomades, but this cream is a lightweight option for those who want a bit of shine without heaviness. Expect a light hold and a natural look, with more shine than Layrite and less hold than American Crew.
The 8 oz size gives you months of use, so it is a good value for daily use.
Pros
- Pump dispenser
- Large 8 oz size
- Light, natural look
- Budget to mid-range
Cons
- Light hold
- Medium shine is not for everyone
6. MITCH Clean Cut Styling Cream: Best Semi-Matte Pick
- Hold: medium
- Finish: semi-matte
- Designed for all hair types, short to medium lengths per the listing
- Part of Paul Mitchell’s MITCH men’s line
Best for: Short to medium hair when you want control with a low-key finish.
Skip if: You want the lowest price per ounce.
MITCH is Paul Mitchell’s men’s line, and the Clean Cut cream is its everyday styler. The listing highlights medium hold and a semi-matte finish, which sits between the matte Layrite and the glossier American Crew.
It is aimed at clean, professional looks, such as side parts and short crops. A small amount works through hair evenly and holds without stiffness.
The cost is higher than most creams here, so it makes sense if you like the finish and use salon products already.
Pros
- Semi-matte finish
- Medium hold
- Salon-brand formula
- Works on short to medium hair
Cons
- Premium per ounce
- Smaller sizes
Also Consider
Old Spice Men’s Hair Cream
Lightweight cream with vitamin E and biotin, low-to-medium hold per the listing. A budget option from a familiar brand.
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Styling Cream
8 oz, Forest Mint scent, light reworkable hold and low shine per the listing. Good if you like a mint scent.
BRYLCREEM 3-in-1 Original High Shine Hair Cream
5.5 fl oz, high shine, light hold per the listing. A retro option for a classic combed look.
Highland Glacial Cream
Low-hold matte styling cream that smooths and defines per the listing. A premium choice for wavy or textured hair.
How We Chose
This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We compared listing details (size, hold level, shine level, format) and read independent grooming guides from American Crew’s own advice pages, Primer Magazine, Barber’s Take and other men’s grooming sites to see how reviewers describe each cream’s hold and finish. When sources disagree, such as whether American Crew Forming Cream dries matte or shiny, we say so.
We limited each brand to one entry, covered a range of finishes from matte to medium shine, and favored products currently sold in jar, tube and pump formats. We avoid claims about hair growth or scalp health, which no styling cream can make.
Buying Guide
Cream, pomade, paste or clay?
Creams add moisture and body with a natural look and light to medium hold. Pomades give higher shine and stronger hold for slicked styles. Pastes give medium to high hold with a low-shine finish, and clays give medium to high hold with a fully matte finish. If you want to look like you are wearing no product, choose a cream. If you want a defined, textured style, choose paste or clay.
Hold and shine levels
Most brands rate hold and shine on a low, medium or high scale. A medium-hold, medium-shine cream suits the widest range of people. Choose low hold if your hair is fine and falls flat easily, since heavy products weigh it down. Choose higher hold if your hair is thick or stubborn.
Jar, tube or pump
Jars let you scoop exactly what you need, but the lid and scooping action can be awkward one-handed. Tubes are good for travel. Pumps dispense a consistent amount with one hand, which many left-handed users prefer. Choose the container that matches how you style.
Scent and ingredients
Hair creams range from unscented to strong. If you wear cologne, pick a mild scent. If you have sensitive skin or scalp, check the ingredient list for fragrance and ask a dermatologist about any irritation. Water-based creams rinse out more easily than oil-based products.
How much to use
A pea-sized amount covers short hair, and a nickel-sized amount covers medium length. Start small, since you can always add more. Warm the product between your palms until it is evenly spread, then work from the roots to the ends. Rinse thoroughly and use a clarifying shampoo every week or two if you notice buildup.
Choosing by Hair Type and Style
| Hair type | Style goal | Cream to try | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine, straight | Natural volume | Layrite Natural Matte Cream | Light matte finish adds body without weight |
| Medium, straight | Neat side part | American Crew Forming Cream | Medium hold and shine keep a part in place |
| Thick, coarse | Controlled everyday look | American Crew or MITCH Clean Cut | More hold for stubborn hair |
| Wavy or frizzy | Tame flyaways | Harry’s Taming Hair Cream | Soft hold smooths without stiffness |
| Short crop | Low effort | Cremo Forming Cream | Easy, affordable and reworkable |
Use this table as a starting point. Hair density, climate and washing routine all change how a cream behaves, and the only way to find your match is to try a small size first. Many of these products come in travel sizes or small tubes, and a 3 oz tube lasts a few weeks of daily use.
If you share a bathroom or travel often, a pump bottle or a tube is easier to pack and keep clean than a jar, which can pick up water and hair if left open. Close lids tightly, store products away from the shower and wipe the rim before closing.
A Simple Styling Routine That Works With Any Cream
Good results depend more on routine than on the exact product. Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Hair that is soaking wet dilutes the product and weakens hold, while fully dry hair makes it harder to spread evenly. Aim for damp, not dripping.
Scoop or pump a pea-sized amount for short hair, or about a nickel-sized amount for medium length. Rub it between your palms until it warms and looks translucent, then work it through from the back of the head toward the front, finishing at the fringe. This order avoids a heavy front, which is the most common reason cream styles look greasy.
Shape with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. For a side part, comb the hair into place while the product is still workable. Because creams are reworkable, you can touch up midday with a tiny amount on dry fingertips instead of adding more product to the whole head.
At night, wash it out. Most water-based creams rinse out with regular shampoo, while heavier or oil-based products may need a second wash. If hair feels coated or dull after a few days, use a clarifying shampoo once a week for a short stretch.
How Long Will a Tube or Jar Last?
A rough way to compare size is to count servings. A pea-sized serving is about a quarter of a teaspoon. A 3 oz tube holds around six teaspoons of product, which is several weeks of daily use for short hair. A 5.1 fl oz bottle like Harry’s or an 8 oz pump like Suavecito lasts considerably longer, which is why larger sizes win on value if you style every day and like the product.
If you only style a few times a week, the small tube formats are enough, and they are easier to throw in a bag. Whatever you buy, check the product for changes in smell or texture after long storage and replace it if it looks separated or smells off.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much product. Start with a pea-sized amount.
- Applying to soaking wet hair, which dilutes the hold. Towel-dry first.
- Choosing a high-shine product when you want a natural look.
- Skipping shampoo for days, which lets product build up.
- Expecting cream to hold a structured style. Switch to paste or clay for that.
Most of these mistakes come down to quantity and timing. Product that goes on in small amounts, onto towel-dried hair, and gets worked through evenly nearly always looks better than a larger amount applied in a hurry. If a style falls flat by lunchtime, the fix is usually a slightly firmer product, not a bigger scoop of the same one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair cream for men?
For a natural matte finish, Layrite Natural Matte Cream is a standout. For an everyday medium-hold cream with a bit of shine, American Crew Forming Cream is a classic. Cremo is the budget choice.
What is the difference between hair cream and pomade?
Cream adds light to medium control and a natural finish with some moisture. Pomade usually gives higher shine and stronger hold, and oil-based pomades can be harder to wash out.
Does hair cream work on short hair?
Yes. Short hair needs only a small amount, and a medium-hold cream like American Crew or Cremo gives control without stiffness.
Can I use hair cream every day?
Most people can, as long as they shampoo regularly to avoid buildup. If you notice scalp irritation, stop using it and ask a dermatologist.
Which hair cream is best for thick hair?
Look for medium to strong hold, such as American Crew Forming Cream or a paste layered on top. Soft-hold creams like Harry’s work better for fine or wavy hair.
Are there left-handed friendly hair products?
Hair products are not handed, but packaging can be. Pump bottles dispense with either hand and avoid tight lids and awkward scooping.
Will hair cream make my hair greasy?
Used in small amounts on towel-dried hair, a water-based cream usually looks natural. Too much product can look greasy, so start small.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you want a natural, low-shine look, buy Layrite Natural Matte Cream. If you want a dependable all-rounder, pick American Crew Forming Cream. If you want to spend as little as possible, Cremo is the choice, and Harry’s gives the most product for the money. Pick the Suavecito pump if you like one-handed dispensing and MITCH if you want a semi-matte finish from a salon brand.
Start with a small amount, adjust and let your hair type guide the final choice.
For left-handed readers, the main practical tip is packaging: choose a pump or a wide, shallow jar that you can open with one hand, and keep the product on the side of the sink where your dominant hand falls naturally. It sounds minor, but a routine that is awkward is a routine people skip, and consistent use is what makes any cream look good. If you are unsure between two products, buy the smaller sizes of both and compare them over a couple of weeks before committing to a large bottle.
Sources
- American Crew grooming tips and product pages
- Primer Magazine men’s hairstyling products guide
- Barber’s Take guide to clay, pomade, paste, wax and cream
- Manufacturer pages for Layrite, Cremo, Harry’s, Suavecito and MITCH by Paul Mitchell
Last updated: October 2026
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