Best Hair Clays for Men: 10 Top Picks, How to Choose & Apply (2024)

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Finding the right hair clay can be a challenge, but it’s worth it to nail your style. Whether you’re going for a sleek, combed-back look or a messy, textured vibe, you’ve got options.

Some of the best hair clays for men include:

• Baxter Clay Pomade Firm Hold
• Honor Initiative Hair Clay Pomade
• Jack Black Clay Pomade Hair Styling
• Highland Glacial Hair Clay

Keep reading to find out more about these products and how to choose and use hair clay like a pro.

10 Best Hair Clays for Men

Whether you’re looking to tame your tresses or add some texture and volume, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best hair clays for men to help you achieve your desired style. From matte finishes to strong holds, these clays will keep your hair looking sharp all day.

1. Baxter Clay Pomade Firm Hold

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This clay pomade offers a firm hold and a matte finish, perfect for those who want their style to stay in place all day. It’s suitable for all hair types and a little goes a long way, so you won’t need much product to achieve your desired look.

The Baxter Clay Pomade is a clay-based formula, so it may require a bit more shampoo to wash out. For best results, apply it to slightly damp hair and rub it in briskly and evenly.

Best For: Those who want a strong, long-lasting hold and a matte finish without the crunch.

2. Honor Initiative Hair Clay Pomade

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Honor Initiative Hair Clay Pomade offers a matte finish, next-day hold, and natural ingredients that create the appearance of thicker hair. It’s paraben-free, suitable for all hair types, and has a unique social impact: 5% of revenue goes to men’s mental health organizations, tracked with an Impact ID. The scent, tea tree and lavender, received negative feedback from users.

Best For: Guys looking for a natural, matte finish with good hold and a focus on men’s mental health.

3. Jack Black Clay Pomade Hair Styling

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Jack Black’s Clay Pomade is a versatile option, suitable for all hair types. It provides a strong yet flexible hold, allowing you to sculpt and define your hairstyle with ease. This pomade creates a natural matte finish and washes out without leaving any residue behind. The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like tea tree leaf oil and sage leaf extract, which condition your hair. It’s also compact and travel-friendly, so you can touch up your style on the go.

Best For: Guys who want a pomade that holds their style but doesn’t feel stiff or greasy.

4. Highland Glacial Hair Clay

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Highland Glacial Hair Clay is an award-winning, versatile product that’s perfect for any hair type or style. It offers a medium hold and a natural, matte finish that lasts all day. Made with natural, plant-based, and organic ingredients, it promotes hair and scalp health. This clay is also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and non-toxic. Packaged in 100% recyclable aluminum, it’s a sustainable choice, too.

The clay has a unique, natural scent featuring sandalwood and pine. However, some users have noted that the scent is unusual and not as strong as they expected. If you’re seeking a product with a subtle fragrance, this might be the one for you.

Best For: Highland Glacial Hair Clay is best for those who want a natural, matte finish with medium hold and a unique, subtle sandalwood and pine scent.

5. Hair Craft Co Clay Pomade

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Hair Craft Co’s Clay Pomade is a solid choice if you’re after a natural, matte finish. This pomade contains kaolinite and bentonite clay, which help to create a firm yet reworkable hold. It’s perfect for achieving a modern look with texture and volume. A little goes a long way with this dense formula, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. The 2oz jar is also travel-friendly, making it easy to take with you on the go.

Best For: Men with short to medium hair looking for a matte finish with a strong, reworkable hold.

6. Layrite Cement Clay Hair Styling

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For a strong hold that lasts all day, Layrite Cement Clay Hair Styling is a top choice. It provides incredible hold without weighing your hair down, giving you control and freedom to style as you please. This product has a clean, matte finish and thickens and texturizes your hair. It’s suitable for all hair types and has a mild cream soda scent. However, it’s on the thicker side and may require more product than other brands.

Best For: Guys who want a strong hold that lasts all day long without weighing down their hair.

7. STMNT Dry Clay Hair Styling

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STMNT Dry Clay is a solid choice if you’re after a natural, matte look without the shine. It gives you a strong hold to keep your style locked in, but it’s still moldable so you can adjust your ‘do throughout the day. And when it’s time to wash it out, you won’t be left with any greasy residue – just clean hair.

STMNT’s signature scent is a subtle blend of spices, lavender, and wood, and a little goes a long way, so one container will last you a while. It’s especially great for fine or thinning hair, adding volume and thickness without that greasy feel. The hold is strong but not stiff, so your hair will still have movement and flexibility. Plus, it’s easy to apply and not too sensitive to the amount used.

However, keep in mind that this product can be a bit clumpy, so make sure to work it out in your hands before applying. There have also been some quality control issues with the smaller containers, so you might want to opt for the larger size. And while a strong hold is great for keeping your style in place, it may not be ideal if you like to run your fingers through your hair a lot. Finally, some users have complained about the scent, but many others find it pleasant.

Best For: Those who want a natural, matte look with a strong hold that’s still moldable.

8. Kevin Murphy Night Rider Matte Hair Paste

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This matte paste gives a firm hold and maximum pliability for easy styling. It’s a favorite of celebrity groomer, De Zarate, and for good reason. A little goes a long way, so you only need a tiny amount to create significant texture and definition. It provides a strong hold that lasts all day without flaking or leaving a white cast. The lemony scent is a plus, but be warned—it can be a bit tricky to wash off your hands. This product is on the pricier side, but it’ll last you a while. Just be sure not to apply it with wet hands, as it may clump.

Best For: Those looking for a strong hold, matte finish hair paste with a lemony scent.

9. Hair Styling Clay Sweet Tobacco

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This water-soluble clay, wax, and elastic fiber blend gives your hair a natural, touchable finish without the grease. With a medium hold, it’s perfect for adding texture and thickness to fine or thinning hair. The sweet tobacco scent is a bonus, but some might find it too strong. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. It works best on short to medium-length hair when applied to damp or dry locks. You might find it a bit tricky to wash out, but it’s a solid choice for an easy, restyle-friendly ‘do.

Best For: This clay is best for those with fine or thinning hair who want a natural, touchable look with a medium hold.

10. Old Spice Hair Styling Clay Pomade

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Looking for a hair clay that’ll give you control and a natural look? Old Spice Hair Styling Clay Pomade might be your new go-to. It’s designed to deliver the strongest hold while maintaining a matte finish, so you can shine with the help of other products. With a scent that’ll transport you to a tropical vacation, this clay is a barbershop-quality product inspired by barbers themselves.

But wait, there’s more! This clay works for various hair types and styles, and it lasts all day without feeling stiff or crunchy. When it’s time to wash it out, you won’t need a ton of shampoo to get the job done. And the best part? It’s easy on the wallet.

Now, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some folks prefer the older formula, and it might be a challenge to find in stores. Also, while the coconut and tropical wood scent is a dream come true for some, it might be a bit strong for others.

Best For: Guys looking for a strong hold hair clay with a natural finish and a tropical scent.

How to Choose the Right Hair Clay

Picking the right hair clay is super important if you want to get that perfect style. The wrong product can make your hair feel greasy, crunchy, or just plain weird. So, let’s look at the main things you need to think about to make the right choice.

Think About Your Hair Type

When choosing a hair clay, your hair type matters.

This includes whether your hair is fine, curly, wavy, straight, or thick.

Different clays work better with certain hair types.

For example, if you have thin or fine hair, a lightweight clay-wax hybrid is ideal.

If you have curly or wavy hair, a clay with oil can help keep your hair smooth and healthy.

For thick hair, you’ll want a clay that provides a strong hold without weighing your hair down.

Hair Length

When choosing the right hair clay, consider your hair length. Here’s what you need to know:

• Short hair: Go for a clay that adds texture and volume, like the Sebastian Craft Clay Matte Texturizer.
• Medium hair: Opt for a clay with a stronger hold, like the Paul Mitchell Mitch Matterial Styling Clay.
• Long hair: Choose a clay with an even stronger hold, like the Moroccanoil Texture Clay, which is specifically formulated for thick hair.

Hair Clay Holding Strength

Hair clay comes in different holding strengths, so you can choose the level of control you want.

Go for a light hold if you like to restyle throughout the day.

Or opt for a medium hold if you need something stronger.

For those with thick hair or styles that need to stay in place, a firm or extreme hold will do the trick.

Hair Clay Finish

Hair clay finishes? You’ve got options to suit your style:

• Matte texture: Go for a natural, shine-free look that’s perfect for casual styles like textured quiffs and crops.
• Medium shine: If you want a bit of extra polish and gloss, this finish adds a subtle touch of shine to your hair.
• Other finishes: From semi-matte to extra matte, you can also find hair clays that offer a range of finishes to suit your desired look.

How to Use Hair Clay

Now that you’ve picked the perfect hair clay, it’s time to master the art of application. A little clay goes a long way, so start with a small amount and work it into your hair, adding more as you go.

A Little Goes a Long Way

With hair clay, a little goes a long way.

Start with a small amount, about the size of a pea, and warm it up in your palms.

Work it through your hair, from the roots to the tips, adding more as needed.

This way, you avoid overdoing it and ending up with a greasy mess.

It’s always better to start with less and build up, rather than applying too much at once and having to wash it all out and start over.

Add Heat

Using a blow dryer can enhance the hold of your hair clay. After applying the product, use your hairdryer on a low heat setting to lock in the style. This step is especially useful if you’re aiming for a stronger hold that lasts throughout the day.

Apply to Dry or Wet Hair

Whether you apply hair clay to dry or wet hair depends on the style you’re going for:

1. Apply hair clay to dry hair for a natural, effortless look.
2. Apply hair clay to wet hair for a sleek, polished style.
3. Experiment with both methods to find your preferred approach.

Shape Your Hair

Now for the fun part: styling your hair.

Use your fingers or a comb to shape your hair as desired.

Go for a sleek, combed-back look or a more textured, messy style.

You can even create a combination of both worlds with a defined part and some playful pieces in the front.

Whatever your style, hair clay gives you the freedom to create and experiment.

Rinse and Repeat

Hair clay can be a little stubborn to wash out, so you might need to shampoo twice to get it all out.

No big deal. It’s worth the extra minute to avoid buildup and keep your hair healthy.

Before You Buy: 6 Things to Consider

Choosing the right hair clay is key to nailing your look. We’ll walk you through the key things to keep in mind before buying.

Hair Type

Your hair type is a key consideration when choosing a hair clay. Here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Fine Hair: If you have fine or thin hair, opt for a lightweight hair clay that won’t weigh your hair down. Look for products specifically designed for fine hair, as they can add volume and texture without making your hair look flat.
2. Curly or Wavy Hair: For curly or wavy hair, choose a hair clay that will enhance your natural texture. Look for products that provide hold and definition without making your curls crunchy or stiff.
3. Straight or Thick Hair: Those with straight or thick hair can benefit from using a hair clay that adds texture and definition. Go for a product with a strong hold to keep your style in place.

Holding Strength

When choosing a hair clay, consider how much hold you need. Most clays offer a medium hold, but some provide a stronger or lighter grip. If you’re going for a more complex style or have thicker hair, opt for a firm-hold clay. For a natural, effortless look, a medium hold should do the trick.

Clay Finish

When choosing a hair clay, the finish is an important consideration. You want to make sure your hair looks the way you want it to, whether you’re going for a natural, matte look or something with a bit more shine. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Matte Finish: If you’re going for a natural, low-shine look, opt for a matte finish. This is a popular choice for hair clays as it creates a casual, effortless style.
• Slick Back Hairstyle: On the other hand, if you want a more polished, sleek look, consider a hair clay with a slight shine. This can add a bit of depth and dimension to your hairstyle, especially if you’re going for a slicked-back look.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different finishes to see what works best for you and your personal style. You might be surprised by how much a slight change in finish can impact your overall look.
• Combination: You can also combine hair clay with other styling products to create a unique finish. For example, you can mix hair clay with a small amount of hair wax to add shine to your matte clay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)