Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream Review
Dae Hair has always been a hit-or-miss brand for me, but I’ve always struggled with taming flyaways and frizz around my part, so when I saw they came out with their Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream I instantly knew I wanted to try it out. Meant to be more hydrating than traditional hairspray yet strong enough to help you create slicked-back ponytails or buns, this versatile product seemed almost too good to be true.
That said, with so many rave reviews, I wanted to see if the hype was truly worth it, especially since it’s only $30. For my full review, before and after results, advice on who this works best for (and when I’d recommend you us something else instead), keep reading.
dae 3-in-1 styling cream review
I haven’t been a fan of every single Dae Hair product (check out my full brand review for every Dae product ranked), but the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream is truly a 10/10, perfect product that’s worth every penny. It’s easy to use, safe for all hair types, and genuinely works. I never reach for hairspray anymore; it’s that good.
The Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream softens frizz and tames flyaways; the taming wand helps with precision, especially around your part. The formula is versatile; you can use it for mild taming or a full-on slicked-back bun. The hold is light, allowing for natural movement without crunch or stickiness - so if you need a structured dance bun, you’ll probably prefer gel or a strong-hold hairspray.
It’s one of the few styling products you can layer or go back to throughout the day that will enhance your style, not weigh your hair down or make it greasy or crunchy. As a cream formula, the styling cream gives your hair a soft, healthy sheen, rather than a glossy or glass-like finish. Layer it with an in-shower hair gloss if you want true Kardashian glossy hair. It’s also versatile, making it worth the money since you get so many uses from it, whether you want a sleek ponytail or a polished, air-dried style.
If you hate the feel of traditional hairspray, I recommend trying the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream as it doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, doesn’t weigh your hair down, and your hair still feels clean and touchable afterwards.
pros
Lightweight and buildable
Soft, natural finish
Multi-use product (tames frizz and flyaways, gives you a sleek and structured look, and adds definition to curls)
Great for everyday use
More hydrating than traditional gel or hairspray
Signature Dae fruity scent
Easy to travel with
Can use to touch-up hair throughout the day
cons
Minimal hold; not for formal events or super-structured looks (like dance competition hair)
Not humidity-proof
Results only last throughout the day
Some sheen, but not the most shine-enhancing product
dae 3-in-1 styling cream before and after
how to use dae 3-in-1 styling cream
One of the things I love the most about Dae’s 3-in-1 Styling Cream is how it’s versatile and can be used in a few different ways, including on damp or dry hair.
To tame frizz and flyaways:
Work a small amount through your hair, starting at your part and working down. You can use your hands, or use the taming wand (or a toothbrush) for more precision.
To use as a finisher for a sleek look:
Apply a small amount to your hair, focusing on root to mid-length.
Style your hair in a bun, half-up, or ponytail, using a brush or your hands to smooth bumps and for a sleeker look.
If needed, apply a little extra for a sleek, bump-free, defined finish.
To define natural curls:
Work a small amount (start with a dime-sized amount) through wet or dry curls for added definition; you can also “scrunch” for tighter curls.
To use as an air-dry treatment for a smoother look:
Apply a small amount to towel-dried hair, work through with fingers or comb, and let air dry.
To add shine to a blowout:
Work in a small amount from mid-lengths to ends before blow drying.
key ingredients
What’s worth noting is that while 3-in-1 Styling Cream does provide hold and help you create a sleek, defined look, it’s much more nourishing than a traditional hairspray or gel thanks to a few key ingredients:
Dragon Fruit - rich in antioxidants that lock in moisture and nourish hair.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil - conditions hair for a soft and healthy look.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil - moisturizing and helps restore hair to its natural, glossy luster.
These desert-inspired ingredients are some of Dae’s staple ingredients. As part of the Styling Cream, they give your hair a soft finish, rather than stiff or crunchy. They also absorb into your hair rather than sit on top of it, so your hair feels touchable, not coated.
who the dae 3-in-1 styling cream works best for
Dae is known for giving “your hair but better” results. You’ll get the best results from the 3-in-1 Styling Cream if you have:
Fine to medium hair
Wavy or loosely curly hair
Frizz-prone hair that doesn’t need heavy control
If you want soft, touchable styling or tamed flyaways without the heaviness of a hairspray or gel, you’ll love 3-in-1 Styling Cream.
who it might not work for
You may prefer the finish of a gel or strong-hold hairspray if:
You have very thick or coarse hair that needs strong hold
You have tight curls that need definition + structure
You’re in high-humidity environments where you need long-lasting frizz protection
You want intense hold for formal events or activities like dance competitions, etc. (the 3-in-1 Styling Cream with the Taming Wand will help with easy touch-ups, though!)
is the dae 3-in-1 styling cream worth it?
Honestly, it depends on your expectations and what style you’re hoping to achieve.
If you want effortless, natural-looking hair, a simple, one-product routine, or softness (instead of structure), I highly recommend the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream. It’s also the perfect product for smoothing flyaways, especially around your part, so if you struggle with baby hairs or breakage, I recommend it much more than traditional hairspray. Because it has moisturizing ingredients, it’s going to nourish your roots, whereas hairspray can be extra-drying and further prolong the breakage.
If you need long-lasting humidity protection or a super strong hold (like for dance competitions or formal events), you will most likely prefer gel or an extra-strong hold hairspray. In these instances, I’d say Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream is better as a touch-up product, rather than your main styling tool.
dae 3-in-1 styling cream dupes
I’ve found two drugstore-priced dupes for the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream. Usually whenever I try someone’s recommendation of a dupe, I end up disappointed and wish I just bought the real version the first time around. That said, these are good!
e.l.f. Hair 3-in-Wonder Magic Styling Cream Wand - Such a steal it’s crazy. The formulas feel very similar; if anything I think elf lasts a teensy bit longer. The main differences are the fragrance and wand; I prefer e.l.f.’s wand, as it’s tapered at the end, making it more precise and perfect for taming flyaways around your part. Dae’s cream obviously smells better, though this is the way to go if you are sensitive to fragrance. This cream has a fruity scent, too, but it’s lighter and reminds me of the classic 2000s hair fragrance scent. Another difference is that this makes your hair a little crunchy, whereas Dae’s is a true cream. Price-wise, you can buy the styling cream alone or with the wand; both are cheaper than Dae’s ($20 vs $6 with the wand or $30 vs $9 for just the cream).
Kitsch Hair Taming Wand - If you like the nourishing formula of Dae’s styling cream, Kitsch has a similar formula. The wand is completely different, though; it reminds me of the tiny mascara wands designed for bottom lashes, rather than something big, fluffy, or voluminous. This is best if you want to tame flyaways; I don’t reach for it for slicked-back styles. I do love that this is cheaper ($12 vs Dae’s $20), so I can buy multiples to keep this in my car, purse, gym bag, etc. without breaking the budget.
dae 3-in-1 styling cream FAQ
what does the dae 3-in-1 styling cream do?
It smooths frizz, adds lightweight hydration, and provides soft styling control while keeping hair natural and flexible.
is the dae 3-in-1 styling cream a leave-in conditioner?
While it has nourishing ingredients that make it more hydrating than a traditional hairspray or styling gel, the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream is not a leave-in conditioner. It’s a styling cream with conditioning benefits, not a true leave-in treatment.
does the dae 3-in-1 styling cream have hold?
I’d consider Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream to have light hold. It helps shape your hair and does an incredible job at taming frizz and smoothing flyaways, but it won’t lock styles in place the way traditional hairspray does.
If you want a slicked-back pony or bun, the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream will work well. If you want beach waves to last all day, stick with hairspray instead.
can you use dae 3-in-1 styling cream on dry hair?
Yes, and that’s how I like to use it. Use a small amount on dry hair to smooth flyaways, reduce frizz, and add shine. If you use too much, your hair may look/ feel crunchy, but you can easily brush it out.
is the dae 3-in-1 styling cream good for curly hair?
Somewhat. It works best for loose waves and soft curls. For tighter curls, it may not provide enough definition or hold on its own, but if you want more definition around your part or to smooth flyaways, it’s great.
does the dae 3-in-1 styling cream weigh hair down?
Not if you use the right amount. Start small and work your way up as a little goes a long way. As someone with fine hair, I recommend using the taming wand (or a toothbrush) to help disperse the product, especially if you’re just trying to smooth flyaways.
how long do results last?
Results typically last throughout the day. It’s a lightweight styling product, not a long-lasting treatment.
can you layer the dae 3-in-1 styling cream with other products?
Yes. It works well with heat protectants, curl creams, and light styling sprays. I personally like to use the least amount of products possible, but I love the combo of the styling cream with a texturizing spray for a defined part and loose beach waves.
is the dae 3-in-1 styling cream good for frizz?
Yes, especially for light to moderate frizz as it smooths without making your hair stiff or greasy. If you have baby hairs or breakage around your part/ face, the Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream also works really well to tame them without being too heavy or crunchy.
can you use the dae 3-in-1 styling cream without the taming wand?
Yes, just make sure you don’t use too much. I like to use my fingertips as the warmth helps the product melt into your hair a little better. You can also use a toothbrush if you want a cheaper dupe for the taming wand.
Full review of the Dae Dreamriser Volumizing Mousse, including volume, hold, ingredients, pros and cons, before and after results, and if it’s worth the money.