If you’re wrestling with frizzy, flyaway hair or craving that glossy, salon-fresh shine, Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream is your new best friend. This lightweight cream transforms dull, unruly locks into silky, shiny perfection without weighing them down.
I’ve been there—struggling with hair that rebels in humidity or dries out in winter—and this product delivers. Affordable, easy to use, and packed with shine-enhancing ingredients, it’s a must-have for anyone wanting healthy-looking hair.
Trust me, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
My Experience With Bed Head After Party
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first picked up Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream.
My hair—long, wavy, and prone to frizz—has been a lifelong battle.
Summers in humid weather turn my locks into a puffball, while Wisconsin winters leave them dry, static-charged, and lifeless.
I’d tried countless conditioners and serums, even pairing my routine with TIGI’s Urban Anti-dote Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner, which helped but didn’t fully tame the chaos.
Then I stumbled across this 3.4-ounce bottle of After Party, made in the USA, and figured, why not give it a shot?
From the first use, I was hooked. I shower at night, so my hair’s dry by morning—perfect for this cream’s “smooth on dry hair and party on!” instructions.
I pump out a single dollop, rub it between my palms like lotion, and work it through my hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. The texture is creamy but light, gliding on without stickiness.
I quickly learned a little goes a long way; too much can make my hair look greasy, but one pump is just right for my medium-thick locks. The scent? Oh, it’s divine—a sweet, fruity perfume that lingers subtly all day. I catch myself sniffing my hands after applying it.
What blew me away was the instant transformation. My frizz smoothed out, flyaways vanished, and my hair took on a glossy sheen that looked like I’d just left the salon. Even on humid days, my waves stayed sleek, not poofy.
In winter, the static that usually makes my hair cling to my face?
Gone. This cream has become my year-round staple, and at around $12 online, it’s a steal compared to drugstore prices. I’ve been using it daily for months, and the bottle’s still going strong. It’s not just a product; it’s a confidence boost in a bottle.
What Makes Bed Head After Party Stand Out?
Let’s talk about why this smoothing cream is a cut above the rest.
Bed Head, a brand under TIGI, has a reputation for bold, creative hair products, and After Party lives up to that legacy.
It’s formulated to tackle frizz, flyaways, and dullness while imparting a glossy, healthy-looking finish.
The lightweight conditioners smooth without weighing hair down, and the anti-frizz complex fights humidity—a godsend for anyone whose hair rebels in muggy weather.
Castor seed oil and a shine enhancer add that mirror-like gloss, making your hair look polished and vibrant.
What I love is its versatility. Whether your hair is curly, straight, coarse, or fine, this cream adapts. It works on damp or dry hair, with or without heat styling, making it a low-effort addition to any routine.
Plus, TIGI’s commitment to no animal testing aligns with my values, and the playful packaging—cheeky and vibrant—adds a fun vibe to my vanity. The summer fruit fragrance is another win; it’s not overpowering but leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean, like you just stepped out of a tropical spa.
Pros of Bed Head After Party
- Frizz Control That Actually Works
If frizz is your nemesis, this cream is your superhero. I’ve battled frizzy hair for years, and After Party tames it like nothing else. From the first application, I noticed my flyaways disappear, leaving my hair sleek and polished.
It’s especially effective in humid conditions, where my hair usually turns into a lion’s mane. The anti-frizz complex absorbs moisture from the air, keeping your locks smooth even when the weather’s working against you. You’ll feel like you’ve got a protective shield around your hair.
- Silky Shine Without Greasiness
One of my favorite things about After Party is how it makes my hair look glossy without that oily, weighed-down feel. The shine enhancer and castor seed oil work together to reflect light evenly, giving your hair a natural, healthy glow.
I’ve used other products that left my hair looking like I hadn’t washed it in days, but this cream strikes the perfect balance. Your hair feels soft and touchable, and you’ll catch yourself running your fingers through it just to feel that silkiness.
- Versatile for All Hair Types
Whether you’ve got thick, coarse curls or fine, straight strands, this cream delivers. I have medium-thick, wavy hair, and it smooths my texture without flattening my waves.
Friends with different hair types—curly, fine, even gray and brittle—rave about how it softens and manages their locks. You can use it on wet hair for air-drying or dry hair as a finisher, making it a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s like having a stylist in a bottle, no matter your hair’s personality.
- Long-Lasting and Cost-Effective
A little of this cream goes a long way, which makes the 3.4-ounce bottle a fantastic value. I use one pump daily, and after months, I’m nowhere near running out.
At around $12 online, it’s cheaper than many drugstore alternatives and outperforms pricier salon brands. You’re getting professional-grade results without breaking the bank, and the durability means you won’t be repurchasing every few weeks. It’s a small investment for a big payoff.
- Heavenly Scent
Let’s not skip the fragrance—it’s a game-changer. The summer fruit scent is light, sweet, and downright addictive. It’s not the heavy, chemical smell of some hair products; it’s fresh and uplifting, like a tropical cocktail.
The scent lingers subtly, so your hair smells amazing all day. I’ve had strangers compliment the fragrance, and it’s a little mood boost every time I apply it. You’ll love how it makes your hair—and your day—feel a bit more special.
Cons of Bed Head After Party
- Potential for Greasiness if Overused
I learned the hard way that less is more with this cream.
My first few tries, I got a bit pump-happy, and my hair ended up looking greasy by midday.
The creamy texture is rich, so if you apply too much, especially near your scalp, it can weigh your hair down or make it look oily.
You’ll need to experiment to find the right amount for your hair length and thickness, which might take a couple of tries.
- Scent May Be Too Sweet for Some
While I adore the fruity fragrance, I can see how it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer neutral or unscented products, the sweet, perfume-like smell could feel overpowering.
It’s not heavy, but it does linger, so if you’re sensitive to scents, you might want to test it first. I’ve never found it irritating, but I know fragrance is a personal thing.
- Not a Full Frizz Eliminator
Don’t get me wrong—After Party does wonders for frizz—but it’s not a miracle worker. If your hair is extremely frizzy or you live in a super humid climate, you might still notice some puffiness by the end of the day.
It controls flyaways and smooths significantly, but for severe frizz, you might need to pair it with other products, like a stronger serum or TIGI’s Recovery Shampoo. It’s a fantastic finisher, but it won’t completely overhaul unmanageable hair on its own.
- Formula Changes Over Time
Some longtime users, including me, have noticed subtle shifts in the formula over the years. It used to be marketed as a post-party refresher to remove smoke and odors, but now it’s more of a general smoothing cream.
The core benefits—shine, frizz control, silkiness—are still there, but if you loved the original for its scent-neutralizing powers, you might find the current version less targeted for that. It’s still a stellar product, but the evolution might disappoint die-hard fans.
Tips For Using Bed Head After Party
- Start with a Small Amount
To get the most out of After Party, begin with a dime-sized amount—seriously, less is more. I use one pump for my long hair, rubbing it between my palms before smoothing it through, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
If you have shorter or finer hair, half a pump might be enough. You can always add more if needed, but starting small prevents that greasy look. Over time, you’ll figure out the sweet spot for your hair’s needs.
- Apply to Dry or Damp Hair Strategically
This cream’s versatility is a huge plus, but how you apply it matters. For a polished, post-styling finish, smooth it onto dry hair after blow-drying or flat-ironing. I love using it in the morning to tame flyaways and add shine.
If you’re air-drying, work it into damp hair for effortless, frizz-free waves. Brush or comb through to distribute evenly, and avoid your scalp to prevent oiliness. You’ll get that glossy, healthy look without extra effort.
- Pair with Complementary Products
For maximum results, team After Party with TIGI’s Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner, especially if your hair is dry or damaged. I noticed a huge difference in softness and manageability when I started using the trio together.
The shampoo and conditioner hydrate, while the cream seals in that smoothness and shine. If you’re curling your hair, mix a pump of After Party with TIGI’s Curls Rock Amplifier for defined, glossy curls. It’s like building a dream team for your hair.
- Cleanse Regularly to Prevent Buildup
Since After Party contains silicones, like dimethicone, it can build up over time, especially if you use it daily like I do. To keep your hair fresh, use a clarifying shampoo once a week or every other week.
I alternate with a gentle clarifying formula to remove residue without stripping my hair’s natural oils. This keeps the cream working its magic and prevents your hair from feeling heavy or dull.
- Store Properly for Longevity
To make your bottle last, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I keep mine on my bathroom counter, but I’ve noticed the pump can get clogged if it’s exposed to humidity or water splashes.
If the pump stops working, try pushing the bottom to release air, as I’ve found this fixes most issues. A well-maintained bottle can last months, saving you money and trips to the store.
Comparison of Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream With Other Brands
- Bed Head After Party Vs. John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum
When I put Bed Head After Party up against John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum, the differences are clear.
Both target frizz, but After Party’s creamy texture makes it easier to apply evenly compared to the serum’s runny, liquid consistency.
I found John Frieda effective at taming flyaways, especially in humid weather, but it sometimes left my hair feeling sticky if I used too much.
After Party, with its blend of lightweight conditioners and castor seed oil, smooths my waves and adds a glossy shine that John Frieda can’t match.
The serum’s scent is subtle, almost clinical, while After Party’s fruity fragrance is a vibrant mood-lifter. Price-wise, they’re similar, but After Party’s versatility—working on wet or dry hair—and superior shine make it my go-to.
- Bed Head After Party Vs. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Comparing After Party to Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum is like choosing between a multi-tool and a specialized gadget.
Paul Mitchell’s serum is designed for heat styling, smoothing hair and cutting blow-dry time, which is great if you’re always using a dryer.
I tried it and loved the silky feel, but it didn’t deliver the same mirror-like shine as After Party’s shine enhancer and castor seed oil combo.
After Party is more versatile, excelling on air-dried or styled hair, and its creamy formula feels less slippery than the serum.
Paul Mitchell’s clean, forgettable scent pales next to After Party’s tropical burst. At a higher price, Paul Mitchell feels less cost-effective for everyday use.
- Bed Head After Party Vs. Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame
Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame goes head-to-head with After Party for frizz control, but they cater to slightly different needs. Redken’s thicker cream offers strong hold, making it ideal for coarse or curly hair in intense humidity.
I tested it and appreciated its frizz-fighting power, but it felt heavy on my medium-thick waves, sometimes leaving them coated rather than soft. After Party’s lighter formula smooths without weighing hair down and adds a glossy finish that Redken lacks.
Redken’s mild scent is barely noticeable, while After Party’s fruity perfume is a standout. Redken costs more, and for my hair’s needs, After Party’s balance of shine, smoothness, and affordability wins out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream is like a magic wand for your hair. It smooths frizz, tames flyaways, and adds a glossy, healthy-looking shine without weighing your locks down. The lightweight conditioners and anti-frizz complex fight static and humidity, while castor seed oil and a shine enhancer give your hair a polished, salon-worthy finish. Whether your hair is curly, straight, or somewhere in between, it leaves it soft, manageable, and smelling like a tropical fruit dream.
Absolutely, you can use After Party on wet hair! It’s super versatile. Apply a small amount to damp hair, comb through for even distribution, and either air-dry for effortless, frizz-free style or blow-dry for a sleek finish. I love using it on damp hair when I’m going for natural waves—it keeps frizz at bay and adds shine as it dries. Just be sparing to avoid greasiness.
After Party isn’t marketed as a heat protectant, but its silicone-based formula, including dimethicone, offers some heat protection as a happy side effect. I’ve used it before flat-ironing, applying a tiny amount to each section, and noticed smoother, shinier results with less damage. However, for high-heat styling, I’d pair it with a dedicated heat protectant for extra safety. It’s more of a smoothing and shine booster than a full-on shield.
Bed Head shampoos, like the Recovery Shampoo I use, are generally safe for most people and formulated for specific hair needs, like hydration or damage repair. They’re free from harmful ingredients like parabens and are cruelty-free, which is a big plus. However, if you have a sensitive scalp or allergies, check the ingredient list for potential irritants like fragrances or sulfates. I’ve had no issues, but always do a patch test if you’re unsure.
Conclusion: Your Hair Deserves Bed Head After Party
If you want silky, shiny hair that turns heads, Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream is a game-changer. It tames frizz, boosts shine, and smells like a tropical getaway, all for a price that won’t break the bank.
I’ve seen my hair transform from chaotic to polished, and you can too.
Whether you’re battling humidity or dullness, this cream delivers salon-quality results at home. Grab a bottle, smooth it on, and get ready to love your hair again.