Ever step out of the shower, look at your flat, lifeless hair, and wonder how to get that full, textured look you see in magazines? You’re not alone. Many men struggle with fine or thin hair that lacks body, making styling feel like an uphill battle. The right product applied to wet hair can be the game-changer you need, but with so many options, where do you even start?
The main challenge is finding a product that actually builds lasting volume without weighing your hair down or making it look greasy. Some creams are too heavy, leaving your hair sticky and flat. Others don’t provide enough hold, so your volume disappears within an hour. And if you have curly or wavy hair, the wrong product can lead to frizz instead of defined, bouncy curls. It’s frustrating to waste money on products that promise volume but deliver disappointment.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and testing to cut through the noise. This article reviews the best creams designed to be used on wet hair specifically for adding volume. We’ll break down the top options to help you easily find the perfect match for your hair type and desired style, so you can achieve that full, confident look every day.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Hair Cream | Classic High-Shine Style | Prices |
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CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay | Maximum Texture and Hold | Prices |
 |
Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men | Defining Wavy and Curly Hair | Prices |
 |
Parachute Advansed Hair Cream For Men | Daily Moisturizing and Softening | Prices |
 |
Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream | Natural, Low-Shine Look | Prices |
Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original High Shine Hair Cream
If you’re a guy looking for that classic, high-shine, and well-groomed look from a single, easy-to-use product, Brylcreem 3-in-1 Original is perfect for you.
This cream truly lives up to its 3-in-1 name by conditioning, styling, and adding shine all at once. You just work a small amount through towel-dried hair, and it tames flyaways while providing a flexible, touchable hold. For example, it makes combing through thick or unruly hair a breeze, leaving it feeling softer and more manageable.
The formula is also non-sticky and washes out easily with just water, which is a huge plus for your daily routine. It doesn’t flake or leave a stiff, crunchy feeling like some gels, so your hair stays looking natural and healthy all day. It’s a simple, reliable choice for achieving a polished finish.
Pros:
- All-in-one formula saves time and money
- Provides a natural, high-shine finish
- Conditions hair, leaving it soft and manageable
- Easy to wash out without residue
- Offers a flexible, touchable hold
Cons:
- Shine can be too intense for some
- Hold may be too light for very thick hair
- The classic scent might be strong for some users
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, budget-friendly buy for anyone wanting a classic, glossy style without a stiff hold. It’s absolutely worth the money for its simplicity and effective conditioning.
CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay
If you’re a guy looking for a reliable, all-day hold that doesn’t feel stiff or look greasy, the CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay is a perfect match.
This clay gives you a strong, matte finish that locks your style in place from morning to night. It’s incredibly easy to work with; just warm a small amount between your fingers and run it through damp or dry hair to create texture and volume. For example, you can easily push your hair up for a messy, textured look that stays put without any helmet-head effect.
I’m also a big fan of its pleasant, subtle scent that isn’t overpowering. The creamy texture washes out effortlessly with just water, meaning no more wrestling with sticky residue at the end of the day. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss product that delivers exactly what it promises.
Pros:
- Provides a strong, flexible hold all day
- Easy to apply and style with
- Washes out cleanly with water
- Pleasant, subtle scent
- Creates natural-looking texture and volume
Cons:
- The jar might be smaller than some expect
- Can feel slightly dry if you use too much product
My Honest Opinion:
For its affordable price, this clay offers fantastic value. It’s absolutely worth buying if you want a dependable, matte-hold product for everyday use that is simple to clean up.
Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men
If you’re a guy with wavy or curly hair who wants to enhance your natural texture without any sticky, heavy product, this cream is your new best friend.
It’s incredibly lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh your hair down. You just work a small amount through your damp hair, and it gives you a soft, touchable hold that defines your curls and adds noticeable volume. For example, after scrunching it in, you’ll notice your hair has more body and your curls look more separated and intentional, not frizzy or crunchy.
The formula is also non-greasy and doesn’t leave any flaky residue, which is a common problem with other styling products. It gives you a natural, “I woke up like this” look that lasts all day, making it a super reliable choice for daily use.
Pros:
- Lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down
- Defines curls and adds volume without stickiness
- Provides a soft, natural-looking hold
- Non-greasy and leaves no residue
- Great for enhancing natural texture
Cons:
- Hold may be too light for very thick or coarse curls
- The scent might be strong for some users
- Jar packaging can be less convenient than a pump
My Honest Opinion:
If you have fine to medium wavy or curly hair and want effortless, natural definition, this cream is absolutely worth the investment for a low-maintenance, great-looking style.
Parachute Advansed Hair Cream For Men
If you want a simple, no-fuss way to add texture and a natural-looking hold to your hair, this cream is your perfect match.
It’s incredibly easy to use. Just rub a small amount between your palms and work it through towel-dried hair. You’ll notice it adds noticeable body and a light, flexible hold without any stickiness or crunch. For example, you can style your hair with your fingers for a casual, textured look that stays put all day.
Beyond styling, the real win is the nourishment from coconut oil. It keeps your hair feeling soft and healthy, not stiff or dry like some other products. This makes it a fantastic all-rounder for daily use.
Pros:
- Provides a natural, flexible hold
- Adds great texture and volume
- No sticky or greasy feel
- Contains nourishing coconut oil
- Very easy to apply and style with
Cons:
- The hold may be too light for very thick or unruly hair
- The fragrance might be strong for some
My Honest Opinion:
For the guy seeking an effortless, natural-looking style with added hair health benefits, this cream is absolutely worth the money and a top contender in its category.
Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream
If you want a natural, textured look with zero shine, Cremo’s Matte Cream is the perfect starting point for your routine.
This cream is designed to work with towel-dried hair, giving you control before things get out of hand. You just rub a small amount between your palms and work it through your roots and ends. This builds a foundation of volume and a subtle, reworkable hold that doesn’t feel stiff or crunchy. It’s perfect for creating messy, piecey styles that look effortless.
Once it sets, your style will last all day without getting hard or flaky. The formula is also packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, so it styles your hair while keeping it healthy and soft to the touch.
Pros:
- Provides a completely matte finish with no shine
- Offers flexible, reworkable hold
- Adds great texture and volume from the roots
- Doesn’t feel stiff, sticky, or crunchy
- Contains shea butter and coconut oil for hair health
Cons:
- Hold may be too light for very thick or stubborn hair
- Can be easy to use too much product
- The scent, while pleasant, is fairly strong
My Honest Opinion:
For the price, this cream is an outstanding value for anyone seeking a natural, touchable look with medium control. It’s absolutely worth buying if your main goals are texture and a matte finish.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Desired Finish and Hold
Your choice should align with the look you want. For a classic, sleek style with a noticeable shine, opt for a cream like Brylcreem 3-in-1. If you prefer a modern, natural look with no shine and a firm hold, a product like Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream or CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay is a better fit.
Your Hair Type and Texture
Consider your hair’s natural behavior. Men with curly or wavy hair that needs definition and frizz control will benefit most from a specialized product like Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men. For straighter or finer hair, lighter creams like Parachute Advansed Hair Cream For Men are ideal for adding volume without weighing hair down.
Ease of Use and Application
Look for products that are simple to work with. Creams that emulsify easily in your hands and distribute evenly through wet hair make your routine faster and more consistent. Avoid formulas that feel overly sticky or greasy, as they can be difficult to style with once applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much cream should I use for volume?
A1: Start with a small amount, about the size of a dime. You can always add more. Applying too much product initially can weigh your hair down, which defeats the goal of creating volume.
Q2: Can I use these creams on dry hair?
A2: While they are formulated for wet hair application, some creams like clays can be used on dry hair for touch-ups. However, for the best volume and even distribution, applying to towel-dried hair is recommended.
Q3: Will these products make my hair look greasy?
A3: Not if you choose the right one. Matte finish creams like Cremo are specifically designed to avoid grease and shine. High-shine formulas like Brylcreem will give a glossy look, which is a style choice, not a sign of grease.
Q4: Is a hair cream better than a gel for volume?
A4: Generally, yes. Creams typically provide a more flexible, natural-looking hold and don’t create a hard “crunch” like some gels. This allows hair to move more freely, which can enhance the appearance of volume and texture.
Q5: Can these creams help with frizz?
A5: Absolutely. Most styling creams contain moisturizing ingredients that help smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz. The Controlled Chaos Curl Cream is particularly effective for this purpose.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Our top pick for most men seeking reliable volume is the Cremo Hair Styling Matte Cream for its perfect balance of strong hold and natural, non-greasy finish. If you have curly hair, the Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men is essential for defining your volume. For a budget-friendly all-rounder that provides a classic look, the Parachute Advansed Hair Cream For Men is a fantastic and effective choice.
