American Crew Men's Grooming Cream, Like Hair Gel with High Hold & High Shine, 3 oz

Update: I'm updating this review. Previously I had a problem with the scent of this product, but I think that jar must have been some old stock. I purchased the product again a few times since then and it smells fine. It's a little bit lemony, which I like. More importantly this is the best product I have ever used to style my hair! I have thick hair. Medium length. I can shape my hair any way I want with this product. The hold lasts all day and you can readjust your hair again later if needed. You use a very small amount and it gives amazing hold. Worth it!Old Review: I love how this product works with my hair. It has the right amount of hold and texture for my hair. It lets me style my hair at longer lengths , better than other products exactly as I had hoped it would. The only issue is that the product smells bad. It stinks. There is no way around that.American Crew if you are seeing this review, please find a way to fix the smell of this product. I hope you can keep making it, but with a better scent. There must be a way for you to fix this.

This is by far one of the best and strongest hair products that I have used. I have thick black hair and it's long enough where I comb it back and slick it behind my ears. I've tried many different products from La Bella, L'Oreal, Axe, and even different types of gel from American Crew, and none have performed better than the grooming cream. When I had short hair, any of the above products would have worked fine because realistically, short hair isn't that hard to manage. However, since having longer hair, the differences in hold and strength have really been noticeable.The other "styling" creams allow you to play with the hair, but it doesn't guarantee the style will stay put. With the other products, including the American Crew forming cream, my hair style often times fell flat and floppy with my bangs eventually getting into my eyes. One testament to the strength of the grooming cream is that when I apply it to my hair on the side of my head, I am able to really press it flat and behind my ear. That was one frustration I was having with other creams because however much gel I used, it was always puffy on the side and would eventually fall out of style.Now, for the facts: This grooming cream is more like a wax and it does smell like floor wax, so don't be surprised by that. It's only bad the first couple of times, then you get used to it. In addition, because it is like a wax, it is very thick and you will need to rub it in between your hands really well before running your hands through your hair. It has a nice thick and heavy texture. The cream will also stay in your hair and will be hard to get out until you shower. If you have thin hair and your hair is very tame, then most likely this isn't the cream for you. However, if you have thick and stubborn hair like me, it's definitely worth a shot. I have been using the grooming cream for almost 2 years and have not looked back. Each 3oz case usually lasts me 2-3 months. The hold and shine of the cream have allowed me to get the most out of my hairstyle.Finally, the prices on Amazon are a steal. I remember the first time I bought a case, it was close to $20. I still see it "on sale" at Ralphs for $17.99 and at Target for $16.99. To get 2 cases for $22, that's a real nice deal. So give it a shot if you're tired of using other styling gels that just aren't cutting it.

Let me begin by saying I grew up in a family of beauticians and spent my formative years doing homework under the hood of an old school hair dryer waiting for mother to finish work at the salon. The salon, owned and also worked by my grand mother. This family loves them some hair stuff.So given that, there will NEVER be a shortage of hair stuff in my family. I have tried so many products, it borders the absurd. My hair ranges in length from a couple inches to currently about 6 inches. Black and curly.The issue with most modern products is they make the hair so crunchy, but if you don't use enough, it doesn't do much. I just assumed most of my life this was the caveat of hair products, at least for men. Either no product or product that made it crunchy'ish in some form or fashion. Or any other various unfavorable texture that didn't feel very natural.It wasn't until I went on a dinner with two women and the hostess genuinely thought we all had just gone swimming, gauging by the appearance all of our hair, that I decided there had to be SOMETHING out there that didn't have this effect.Fortunately, I came across this article from art of manliness:[...]I decided to try a few new products much to the chagrin of my mother. When I mentioned my purchase in our next conversation, it was beyond her why I would ever want to try something that didn't adorn the shelves of a modern salon.I picked up Vitalis, Groom & Clean, and American Crew.Vitalis is meh. It's tolerable, but definitely not what I was looking for. Very light and doesn't hold much.Groom & Clean is quite fantastic. For quick application and a decent days hold, it's highly recommended. I need to review it as well.American Crew is a completely different compound than Groom n Clean, but holy mother what a product. I like both for sure, but I think American Crew takes the cake. It's a more modern product, but a throwback to the old school stuff. I'm not sure how they pull it off, but just a tiny bit will give hair a nice luster and sheen with a fantastic hold, while remaining soft to the touch. It doesn't appear or feel oily, but rather healthy and soft. My curls hold together without frizzing, and they look fan friggin tastic. No joke, this stuff makes me feel like a movie star or something with the way my hair looks. I didn't take a shower the night I wore it out the first time and fell asleep early to find my hair looked awesome in the morning as well! Still soft with good hold. A little flat on the back though. hahaObviously results will vary, but it's a staple for me now.If you're on the market for a product to try, do yourself a favor and at least give it a shot.One little tub will go a looooooong way.Tip: It's a thick compound. Kind of waxy feeling when you pull out a dollop. You don't want much. Just get a little in your hands. My method is to rub the compound between my palms until it's heated a bit from my hands, then apply to damp hair after a shower. Sometimes I use a little more, sometimes a little less. No exact method.If you have curly hair, be sure to scrunch it (grab a handful and squeeze/press against your head). That really seems to do the trick for me.Hope this review is helpful, and best wishes!

Good product but a bit expensive.