We’ve tested hundreds of them, but only these 9 hairstyling creams have secured a spot in our routines.
I have a secret to share. Even though I work as a beauty editor and have a collection of hair products at my fingertips, I actually maintain a pretty straightforward approach to my hair. Aside from using shampoo, conditioner, and occasionally a bit of hair oil post-drying, my hair care routine is quite simple. However, after several instances of neglecting to use a heat protector with my styling tools and years of dyeing my hair with bleach and balayage, my hair now requires a bit more attention. With the seasonal shift as summer concludes, my hair has become drier and duller, requiring some de-frizzing just as autumn rains approach. Thus, I've opted to incorporate hairstyling creams into my regimen, and I couldn't be happier with that choice.
What Are Hairstyling Creams?
Hairstyling creams are positioned between lightweight serums and heavier oils. These creams are designed to be applied to damp hair before styling (or even on dry strands, depending on the specific formula). They help to hydrate, smooth, define curls, enhance shine, and provide heat protection during styling. Thanks to their various benefits, they can streamline your hair care routine by reducing the number of products you need. Some creams can also refresh your style, tame frizz, or add shine and softness between washes, especially when using tools like straighteners or curling wands.
Nonetheless, selecting the right hairstyling cream for your specific hair type and concerns can be a challenge, especially given the vast array of products available. That's why I've consulted the Who What Wear UK editorial team to share their favorite hairstyling creams so you can find the perfect match for your texture and styling needs. We’ve tried countless creams, and the recommendations below are the ones truly worthy of a spot in your routine.
The Best Hairstyling Creams
**Best Overall: Hershesons Almost Everything Cream**
This versatile styling cream can be utilized in various ways—from smoothing to defining curls and creating sleek styles. It can replace multiple products in your routine and is suitable for all hair types, though it does not provide heat protection.
**Best for Smoothing: Ouai Anti Frizz Crème**
Offering up to 72 hours of frizz control, this cream works on both wet and dry hair, provides heat protection, and is hydrating without being greasy. However, it has a fragrance, which may not appeal to everyone.
**Best for Curls: Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream**
Ideal for curly and coily hair, this cream hydrates and nourishes. It’s affordable, although those with fine curls might prefer a lighter formulation.
**Best for Air-Drying: JVN Hair Complete Air-Dry Cream**
Designed to enhance air-dried styles, this lightweight cream adds shine and hydration to all hair types but may be too heavy for very fine hair.
**Best for Lasting Hold: Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream**
This all-in-one cream offers shine, frizz control, hydration, heat protection, and long-lasting hold, though it's best used with heat to achieve optimal results.
**Best for Dry Hair: Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream**
For dry or lackluster hair needing smoothing and hydration, this lightweight, non-greasy cream can help restore shine and bounce.
**Best Curl Cream: Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream**
Famous for its ability to provide moisture, this cream is a go-to for achieving bouncy, nourished curls.
**Best Luxury Hair Cream: Oribe Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Crème**
If you’re ready to splurge, this cream hydrates, adds shine, and volumizes hair, recreating that salon-fresh blowout look.
**Best for Waves: Living Proof Style Lab Air-Dry Styler**
This thick, milky liquid is perfect for enhancing loose waves while keeping them tousled and frizz-free, ideal for those lazy styling days.
**Best for Fine Hair: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer**
This lightweight mist formula makes it perfect for fine hair, preventing heat damage and providing moisture without weightiness.
**How We Tested**
Our editorial team has evaluated numerous hairstyling creams, allowing us to identify the best options across different hair types and needs. Many of these creams have been favorites for years, and new products have been assessed to determine those worthy of recommendation.
**Why Trust Us**
At Who What Wear UK, we recognize that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Our team has tested thousands of products and collaborates with industry experts to ensure our guides are well-researched and relevant. We prioritize products that deliver results, whether they are budget-friendly or luxurious, based on proven ingredients and personal recommendations.
Other articles
Forget the skinny jeans—women in their 40s are embracing this stylish denim trend paired with black flats instead.
Take inspiration from her for fall.
Beauty enthusiasts are forgoing salon visits due to these root touch-up products.
Beautiful girls are utilizing root touch-up products to prolong the intervals between salon appointments. Check out the 7 at-home formulas that hairstylists recommend for achieving the desired results.
Forget the corset tops—this is the stylish trend that it girls are currently pairing with black pants and jeans.
Hailey knows what is best.
I Still Want to Achieve a Sun-Kissed Glow in Autumn—These Tanning Mists Are the Solution.
Fast and simple.
The Trendiest Blouses for Autumn Are Here—These 9 Will Be Gone Before September
From bohemian embroidery to simple minimalism, these are the most stylish blouses for autumn 2026.
We've tested countless options, but just these 9 hairstyling creams have made it into our daily routines.
From enhancing brilliance to defining curls.
We’ve tested hundreds of them, but only these 9 hairstyling creams have secured a spot in our routines.
From enhancing shine to defining curls.