What is Fiber Cream?
Fiber cream is a hair styling product with a creamy consistency that contains fine, pliable fibers. Unlike gels that provide a hard, stiff hold, or traditional pomades that can look greasy, fiber cream offers a flexible, medium hold with a natural or low-shine finish. The fibrous components are activated by rubbing the product between your palms, creating a web-like texture that grips and thickens the hair strands. This unique composition is what allows for both control and restylability.
Benefits of Using Fiber Cream
Fiber cream provides several advantages that make it a favorite for many users, especially those with short to medium-length hair seeking a textured, natural look.
- Flexible, Medium Hold: It gives you enough hold to keep your style in place without making it feel stiff or crunchy. This allows you to adjust or reshape your hair throughout the day.
- Natural Finish: Most fiber creams offer a natural or low-sheen finish, which is perfect for achieving a healthy, non-greasy appearance. This contrasts with high-shine gels or pomades that can look slick.
- Adds Texture and Volume: The fibrous nature of the cream helps to thicken and add body to your hair, creating a fuller, more texturized look. This is especially beneficial for fine or thinning hair.
- Water-Soluble: Fiber cream is typically water-based, meaning it washes out easily with shampoo and doesn't leave behind a stubborn residue or build-up.
- Versatile for Hair Lengths: While most effective on short to medium hair, it can be used on longer hair to tame frizz and add definition.
Is Fiber Cream Good for Your Hair Type?
The effectiveness of fiber cream can vary depending on your specific hair type. Understanding how it interacts with different hair textures is key to achieving the best results.
For Fine or Thin Hair Fiber cream is excellent for fine or thin hair because its fibrous texture adds noticeable body and volume. Applying a small, pea-sized amount to dry hair and focusing on the roots can create a fuller, textured crop. The low-shine finish ensures the hair doesn't look weighed down or greasy.
For Medium Length Hair This is where fiber cream truly shines. For a classic side part or a casual push-back, applying the product to slightly damp hair provides flexible control while taming frizz. It allows for natural movement and easy restyling, making it ideal for those who don't want a rigid hairstyle.
For Thick or Wavy Hair Thick or wavy hair can be unruly, and fiber cream is great for adding controlled definition. Working a more generous amount of cream through damp hair helps to lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and define the waves for a polished, intentional look.
How to Apply Fiber Cream Correctly
Proper application is crucial for success with fiber cream. The process is straightforward but requires a few key steps.
- Start with Clean, Towel-Dried Hair: For the best results, begin with hair that has been recently washed and dried with a towel until it is slightly damp. This provides a clean base and helps the product spread evenly.
- Warm the Product: Scoop a small, pea-sized amount of cream into your palm. Rub your hands together vigorously for 10-15 seconds to heat the cream and activate the fibrous elements. It should feel warm and pliable, not clumpy.
- Distribute Evenly: Run your hands through your hair, starting from the back and working your way forward. For a textured, messy look, use your fingertips to rake it through. For more control, use a comb. Ensure the product gets deep into the roots to provide lift and hold.
- Style as Desired: Use your fingers to pinch and twist sections for more definition or use a comb for a cleaner finish. For extra volume, use a hairdryer on a cool setting after styling to set the product.
Fiber Cream vs. Other Hair Products
Understanding the differences between fiber cream and other popular styling products can help you choose the right one for your desired look.
| Feature | Fiber Cream | Pomade | Hair Gel | Hair Clay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hold | Flexible, medium hold | Medium-firm, locks style in place | Strong to very strong | Strong, pliable hold |
| Finish | Natural or low-sheen | Satin-matte to high-shine | High-shine, often wet-look | Matte, zero shine |
| Texture | Adds thickness and texture | Smooth and soft | Stiff and hard | Grippy, tacky texture |
| Restyling | Easy to rework | Difficult to restyle once set | Not restylable once dry | Easy to rework |
| Washability | Water-soluble, easy washout | Water-based are easy, oil-based are tough | Water-soluble, easy washout | Water-soluble, easy washout |
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While fiber cream is a versatile product, it's not without its potential downsides, which are primarily related to application and hair type.
- Over-Application: Using too much product can weigh down hair and make it look greasy or clumpy, especially for fine hair.
- Requires Existing Hair: For products like American Crew's Fiber Cream, which works by bonding to hair, some existing strands are needed for the product to be effective. It is not suitable for covering completely bald spots, which is better suited for hair-building fibers that cosmetically mask thinning.
- Warming Process: The product's fibrous nature means it needs to be properly warmed up in your hands before applying. Skipping this step can lead to uneven distribution and clumping.
- Not for Super High-Hold Looks: If you need a helmet-like, unmovable hold for a slicked-back style, a stronger product like a traditional pomade or gel might be a better choice.
Conclusion
In summary, fiber cream is a good choice for those seeking a versatile hair styling product with a medium, flexible hold and a natural or low-shine finish. It excels at adding texture, volume, and control for short to medium-length hair, and allows for easy restyling throughout the day. While it is not a permanent solution for thinning hair or for creating ultra-stiff styles, its ease of use and natural look make it a staple for many grooming routines. As with any product, success depends on selecting the right one for your hair type and applying it correctly. Experiment with different amounts and application techniques to find what works best for your desired style.
The Verdict: Is Fiber Cream Good?
Yes, fiber cream is a great choice for creating natural, textured hairstyles with medium hold and low shine. For those seeking a flexible, non-stiff look that can be restyled throughout the day, fiber cream is highly effective. However, users should be mindful of proper application techniques to avoid weighing hair down.
Shop the American Crew Fiber Cream for a popular, reliable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fiber cream cause hair loss?
Fiber cream is not known to cause hair loss. Some products, however, can cause scalp irritation if not washed out properly, but this is different from androgenic alopecia. For concerns about hair loss, it's best to consult a dermatologist.
Should I apply fiber cream to wet or dry hair?
It depends on the desired result. Apply to slightly damp hair for a smoother, more defined look, and to dry hair for maximum texture and volume.
How much fiber cream should I use?
Start with a small, pea-sized amount. It is always easier to add more product than to remove excess. Over-applying can lead to a greasy, weighed-down appearance.
What's the difference between fiber and fiber cream?
Fiber is a thicker, waxier product that provides a stronger, matte hold, primarily for short hair. Fiber cream is a lighter, more pliable version that offers medium, flexible hold with a natural shine, suitable for a wider range of hair lengths.
Is fiber cream good for thick hair?
Yes, fiber cream is good for thick hair. It provides strong definition, helps to control frizz, and tames unruly strands, especially when applied to damp hair.
How does fiber cream create texture?
The product's unique fibrous polymers are activated by rubbing them between your palms. These fibers grip and thicken the hair strands, creating noticeable texture and separation.
Does fiber cream have a strong scent?
Most fiber creams, like American Crew's, have a mild, pleasant scent. The fragrance is typically not overpowering and fades quickly after application.
Is fiber cream waterproof?
No, fiber cream is generally not waterproof and may be affected by sweat or rain. For more durability, some users set their style with a light mist of hairspray.
