Best Hair Styling Creams & Lotions of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Hair styling creams and lotions are essential hair care products that help to manage and style hair with ease. These products are formulated to provide hold and control to different hair types, textures, and lengths. They come in a variety of formulas, from lightweight creams to thicker lotions, and offer diverse finishing options, such as matte, shiny or textured looks. Hair styling creams and lotions can also nourish and protect hair from damage caused by heat styling tools and environmental stressors. Whether you want to achieve a sleek, polished look or a messy, tousled style, there is a hair styling cream or lotion that can help you achieve your desired result.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Bed Head After Party Smoothing Hair Cream Cover #TOP 1
Bed Head After Party Smoothing Hair Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for Curly Hair Cover #TOP 2
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for Curly Hair
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 355ml Cover #TOP 3
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 355ml
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Styling Creams & Lotions

#TOP 1

Bed Head After Party Smoothing Hair Cream

140726
100 ml (Pack of 1)
Bed Head After Party Smoothing Hair Cream Cover
Bed Head by TIGI | After Party Smoothing Hair Cream | Professional Anti Frizz Hair Products To Leave Hair Silky And Shiny | For Frizzy, Dull or Coarse Hair | 100ml

Bed Head After Party is the ideal styling cream for achieving silky, shiny hair that feels professionally styled. Its powerful smoothing formulation helps you prepare for a night out by controlling frizz and flyaways, leaving your locks looking polished. You can apply it before blow drying or use it with air drying for a quick touch-up. Suitable for all hair types, this cream is particularly beneficial for frizzy, dull, or coarse hair, providing an extra boost of shine and silkiness whenever you need it.

What We Like
Professional shiny finish
Effective frizz control
Quick application method
Suitable for all hair types
#TOP 2

Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for Curly Hair

MD-FX51-5XNN
White
340 g (Pack of 1)
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for Curly Hair Cover
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream 340g (Packaging may vary)

Cantu Curling Cream is designed to define, condition, and enhance the manageability of your curls. Made with 100 percent pure shea butter, it ensures your curly, kinky, or wavy hair is well-nourished. With no harmful ingredients like mineral oil and sulfates, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using a product that prioritises your hair's health. This cream not only adds definition but also leaves your hair soft, shiny, and deeply moisturised, making styling a breeze.

What We Like
Defines and conditions curls
Free from harmful chemicals
Leaves hair soft and shiny
Made with pure shea butter
#TOP 3

Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 355ml

0002
White
355 ml (Pack of 1)
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 355ml Cover
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 355ml ( Pack of 1)

Cantu Curl Activator Cream is designed to activate your curls, ensuring they are frizz-free and bouncy. This cream provides volume and shine, enhancing the natural beauty of your hair. If you're looking for a quick Wash and Go option, this product is perfect for you. Made with pure shea butter and free from harsh ingredients, it moisturises and nourishes your hair, promoting overall health and vitality.

What We Like
Activates frizz-free, bouncy curls
Delivers volume and shine
Perfect for quick styling
Made with pure shea butter
No harsh ingredients
#TOP 4

Bed Head Small Talk Thickening Cream for Fine Hair

140724
125 ml (Pack of 1)
Bed Head Small Talk Thickening Cream for Fine Hair Cover
Bed Head by TIGI - Small Talk Hair Thickening Cream - For Fine Hair - 125 ml

Bed Head Small Talk Cream is designed to give your fine, thin, or flat hair a boost of volume. Its powerful volumising formulation helps create thicker hair, making it perfect for those seeking more body and fullness. You can easily prevent static build-up and smooth away flyaways, ensuring your hair remains frizz-free and manageable. Simply apply 1-3 pumps to towel-dried hair and blow dry for optimal results. Enjoy the confidence of fuller, more voluminous hair with this effective styling cream.

What We Like
Creates thicker, voluminous hair
Prevents static and flyaways
Easy to use
Ideal for fine and flat hair
#TOP 5

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Cream

2471200
Defining Crème
150 ml (Pack of 1)
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Cream Cover
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Defining Crème 150ml, Smoothing, Hydrating And Defining Cream Curly And Wavy Hair

The Frizz Ease Dream Curls is ideal for those with naturally wavy and curly hair, as it moisturises and defines your curls beautifully. Formulated with nourishing Rosehip oil, it helps to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. You will appreciate its ability to tame frizz while ensuring your curls feel light and not weighed down. This vegan-friendly formula means you can achieve lovely, defined curls without compromising your values.

What We Like
Moisturises and defines curls
Contains nourishing Rosehip oil
Frizz-free results
Lightweight formula
Vegan-friendly
#TOP 6

BSSET Curl Cream with Jamaican Black Castor Oil

BSSET
Black
250 ml (Pack of 1)
BSSET Curl Cream with Jamaican Black Castor Oil Cover
BSSET Defining Curl Cream With Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Olive Oil 250ml

The BSSET Curl Cream is designed with a vegan formula, ensuring that you can style your hair while being kind to the environment. It is sulfate-free, which helps to retain your hair's natural oils, giving you a beautiful shine. Additionally, it is paraben-free, providing a safe and gentle experience for your hair care routine. This nurturing blend supports healthy curls, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enhance their hair's natural beauty.

What We Like
Vegan formula
Sulfate-free
Paraben-free
Retains natural oils
Enhances curls
#TOP 7

American Crew Medium Hold Styling Cream

110017
Ivory
85 g (Pack of 1)
American Crew Medium Hold Styling Cream Cover
American Crew forming Cream with Medium Hold and Shine, Gifts for Men, for Shape and Thickening, Cream Texture for All Hair Types, Hair Styling for Men - 85 g

American Crew Styling Cream is a versatile product designed for all hair types. It offers a medium hold and a natural shine, making it easy for you to style your hair without worrying about stiffness. The cream provides excellent pliability, allowing you to reshape your hair throughout the day. Additionally, it softens and swells the hair shaft, giving your hair a thicker appearance, which is particularly beneficial if you desire more volume and body in your style.

What We Like
Medium hold and shine
Works for all hair types
Excellent pliability
Thicker hair appearance

Camille Rose Curl Love Leave-In Conditioner

851557003033
240 ml (Pack of 1)
Camille Rose Curl Love Leave-In Conditioner Cover
Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk, Leave-In Conditioning Cream for Curls and Coils, Nourish and Strengthen, Macadamia Nut & Vanilla, 240 ml (Pack of 1)

Curl Love Conditioner is a best-selling leave-in cream that deeply nourishes, softens, and smooths your curls, coils, and waves. Packed with moisturising ingredients, it is designed for all textured hair types, ensuring that everyone can benefit from its hydrating properties. This award-winning product features rice milk, which promotes hair growth, while elm bark helps with detangling. Additionally, macadamia seed oil minimises breakage, making it easier for you to maintain healthy, defined curls.

What We Like
Deeply moisturises hair
Award-winning formula
Works for all hair types
Helps with detangling
Minimises breakage
#TOP 9

Creightons Frizz No More Curl Enhance Cream

Creightons
CN5510
Clear White
100 ml (Pack of 1)
Creightons Frizz No More Curl Enhance Cream Cover
Creightons Frizz No More Curl Enhance Curl Cream 100ml – Reduces Frizz, Defines Curls & Adds Glossy Shine with Coconut & Camellia Oil | Humidity Defence, Colour-Kind, All Hair Types

The Frizz No More Curl Cream by Creightons is designed to help you manage frizz and achieve a sleek finish. Its special formula works to define and enhance your curls, providing a lasting hold that keeps your hairstyle intact throughout the day. With the inclusion of Coconut and Camellia Oil, this cream adds a radiant, glossy shine to your hair, making it look healthy and vibrant. Additionally, it offers humidity defence, protecting your curls from moisture that can cause frizz and unruliness.

What We Like
Reduces frizz effectively
Defines and enhances curls
Provides glossy shine
Offers humidity protection
Suitable for all hair types
#TOP 10

Wella Deluxe Frizz Smoothing Air-Dry Cream

White
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Wella Deluxe Frizz Smoothing Air-Dry Cream Cover
Wella Deluxe Frizz Smoothing Air-Dry Cream | Anti-Frizz | Heat Protection | Reduces Split Ends | With Olive Oil Derivate | Coarse or Damaged Hair | Soft Hold | 7-in-1 Style & Nourish, 150ml

The Wella Frizz Smoothing Cream is designed to tame frizzy hair while offering heat protection up to 230°C. Its superior formula, enriched with olive oil derivatives, ensures your hair feels nourished for 24 hours and helps reduce split ends. With a soft hold, it makes it easy for you to brush or comb through your hair, refreshing your style effortlessly. Simply apply a small amount to damp or dry hair for instant results, avoiding the roots for the best effect.

What We Like
Effective frizz control
Heat protection up to 230°C
Nourishes hair for 24 hours
Soft hold for easy styling
Reduces split ends
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which cream is best for hair styling?

Take the leap, find your new favorite hair styling cream for every type of hair, and get ready to love the way you look.. Best for Frizzy Hair: Huron Hair Styler.Best for Dry Hair: American Crew Matte Styling Cream.Best for Long Hair: John Masters Organics Hair Paste.Best for Short Hair: Malin+Goetz Sage Styling Cream.

2. What is a styling creme?

Styling Cream is a moisturizing styler that provides definition and shine while keeping frizz under control. It provides the lightweight hold and control we crave without the crunch, leaving curls touchable (for your hands only!).

Editor's Notes

During our hair styling creams & lotion research, we found 306 hair styling creams & lotion products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 337,026 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling creams & lotions list. We found that most customers choose hair styling creams & lotions with an average price of £5.55.

The hair styling creams & lotions are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling creams & lotions, including TIGI, Cantu, John Frieda, BSSET, American Crew.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.