Great hair, whether most men admit to it or not, is high on our list of priorities when it comes to appearance, seared into our psyches through a lifetime of social conditioning. Was it really the charm of Mr Hugh Grant’s character William Thacker that wooed Ms Julia Roberts in Notting Hill? Or was it simply his resplendent barnet?

Being follicularly blessed is partly down to genetics, but there’s a lot to be said for the products you use. You won’t necessarily find better hair at the bottom of a pot of pomade, but a decent hair cream will do wonders for both the quality and appearance of your tresses. “It will give you that ideal next-day texture where it’s not greasy, but not too soft or flyaway either, and makes hair much more manageable and pliable while keeping it soft with just the right amount of shine,” says London hairdresser Mr Larry King. In other words, a hair cream is a sensible addition to your grooming cabinet. We’ve compiled a few of our favourites below.

Mr King’s products have rather over-the-top names (this one’s called A Social Life For Your Hair), but they’re arguably worthy of them. This everyday hair cream contains jojoba seed oil to lend hair a salubrious, but not too obvious shine, and add a little texture. Its sleek and sustainable aluminum tube feels more like a hand cream than a hair product and is used a little like one, too. Squeeze a pea-sized amount (half a pea will likely work best if you have short hair) and rub it between the palms of your hands. Then apply to dry hair for definition or to freshly washed, damp hair to give it a sheen. As a plus, thanks to the grassy notes of bergamot and lavandin, it also smells brilliantly fresh.

Best for: all hair types, from long and short, thick and fine, to straight and curly.

A good hair cream won’t simply help to tame your hair. It will also nourish it to keep it looking well-kempt and healthy. This hair cream by Christophe Robin is designed to fortify your hair through deep hydration. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner if your hair’s in need of some TLC, but also works brilliantly as a styling product. Run a tiny bit through towel-dried or dry hair to breathe some life back into lank or tired locks.

Best for: dry, tired, or unkempt hair.

This Moulding Cream from Pankhurst London is designed for short hair or a grown-out crew cut. It will give a simple hairstyle a bit of definition and personality. Run it through hair to create a sharp look, or comb it through for a style that’s on the smarter side. Scented with the brand’s signature bay rum fragrance, it’s a traditional hair cream that’s a shortcut to feeling put-together.

Best for: short hair in need of styling.