Why Your Hair Needs a Styling Cream: Benefits and How to Use It

Quick Answer

If you have medium to long hair and want a relaxed, natural finish with light hold and a hint of shine, a styling cream is your best bet. Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair from mid-shaft to ends for definition and frizz control. For a matte, stronger hold, consider a pomade instead.

You've probably seen styling creams on the shelf and wondered if they're just another product that promises more than it delivers. But for anyone with medium to long hair, a styling cream can be the difference between a style that looks forced and one that looks effortlessly put together.

Unlike gels or waxes that can leave hair stiff or shiny, styling creams offer a flexible, natural-looking hold that works with your hair's texture. Whether you're aiming for a casual weekday look or a polished evening style, understanding what styling cream does and how to use it can elevate your grooming routine.

What Is Styling Cream?

Styling cream is a versatile hair product that provides light to medium hold with a natural or slightly shiny finish. It's formulated with conditioning ingredients that help tame frizz, add definition, and enhance your hair's natural texture without weighing it down. Unlike pomades or waxes that can feel heavy or greasy, creams are typically lighter and more pliable, making them ideal for relaxed, lived-in styles.

The key benefit of styling cream is its ability to give you that 'two-day dirty' look—hair that appears effortlessly styled, as if you didn't spend time on it. This is achieved through a combination of moisture and flexible polymers that allow you to reshape your style throughout the day without re-wetting.

• Light hold with natural movement
• Controls frizz and adds definition
• Works on both damp and dry hair

Benefits of Using a Styling Cream

The main advantage of styling cream is its ability to deliver a natural, flexible style. It's perfect for medium to long hair where you want to encourage waves or curls without stiffness. The conditioning ingredients help keep hair soft and manageable, reducing breakage and adding a subtle shine that looks healthy, not greasy.

Another benefit is its ease of use. You can apply it to damp hair for a smooth, defined look or to dry hair to revive curls and add texture. It won't flake or leave a sticky residue, so you can run your fingers through your hair without worrying about buildup.

• Enhances natural texture
• Prevents frizz without stiffness
• Ideal for casual, lived-in styles

How to Use Styling Cream Effectively

Start with a small amount—about a dime-sized dollop for medium-length hair. Rub it between your palms to warm it up, then apply from mid-shaft to ends. Avoid the roots to prevent weighing hair down. For a sleek, defined look, apply to damp hair and style as usual. For added texture and definition on dry hair, work it through from mid-shaft to ends, scrunching if you have curls.

Remember that a little goes a long way. You can always add more if needed, but it's harder to remove excess. If you're using heat styling, apply the cream after heat styling to avoid heat damage, as some creams are not meant to be heated.

• Use a small amount to start
• Apply from mid-shaft to ends, not roots
• Can be used on damp or dry hair

Styling Cream vs. Pomade: Which Should You Choose?

The main difference between styling cream and pomade lies in the hold and finish. Pomades, especially matte ones, offer a stronger hold with a matte or low-shine finish, making them ideal for structured styles that need to stay in place. They often contain waxes like carnauba or beeswax, which provide pliable hold without stiffness.

Styling creams, on the other hand, offer a lighter hold with a natural or slightly shiny finish. They're better for loose, casual styles where you want movement and softness. If you're going for a polished look that lasts all day, a pomade might be better. If you prefer a relaxed, touchable style, a cream is the way to go.

• Cream: light hold, natural finish, best for casual styles
• Pomade: stronger hold, matte or low shine, best for structured styles

Diagnosis: Is Styling Cream Right for You?

• Symptom: Your hair looks flat, frizzy, or lacks definition, and you want a natural, low-maintenance style. Styling cream can add texture and control without stiffness.
• Likely Cause: You're using heavy products that weigh hair down or lack conditioning, or you're skipping styling products altogether. Switch to a lighter, conditioning cream for a more natural finish.
• Corrective Action: Apply a small amount of styling cream to damp or dry hair from mid-shaft to ends. Style as usual and adjust throughout the day. Start with a pea-sized amount and increase if needed.
• Stop or Choose Another Option: If you need a strong, all-day hold with a matte finish, or if your hair is very fine and prone to looking greasy, a styling cream may not be enough. Consider a matte pomade for stronger hold or a lighter product like a tonic spray for fine hair.

Products to Consider

• Styling Cream: Light hold with just a hint of shine. Packed with conditioning botanicals to give even freshly washed hair a perfect casual and loose look. This is the go-to for achieving that lived-in, two-day dirty look without feeling greasy.
• Rudy's Matte Pomade: Carnauba wax gives you pliable hold that doesn't feel sticky and won't flake or leave a residue. Includes beeswax to smooth hair and seal in moisture. If you need a stronger hold for a more defined style, this pomade offers a matte finish without stiffness.
• Five Wits Hair Cream: An all-in-one cream that promotes separation and calms frizz. Enhances hair's natural texture while making it more manageable. Great for adding definition and controlling frizz, especially on dry hair to revive curls.

Styling cream is a versatile addition to any grooming routine, especially for those with medium to long hair who want a natural, effortless look. By understanding its benefits and how to apply it, you can achieve a style that looks and feels great. And when you need a stronger hold, a matte pomade is your backup. Experiment to find what works best for your hair type and desired style.