Best Hair Clays for Men: Top 7 Picks for Volume, Texture, and Matte Finish (2024)

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Think of it like a secret weapon in your grooming arsenal: the best hair clays for men add volume, texture, and a natural, matte finish. From there, these versatile products bring an effortless style and a solid hold to help out any man in his quest for control and confidence.

We will discuss seven top picks on this list, accompanied by detailed professional guidance to help take your hairstyling to another dimension altogether.

What is Hair Clay?

Hair clay is a versatile styling product that provides a natural matte finish and strong hold. Made from key ingredients like bentonite and kaolin clay, it adds volume, texture, and absorbs excess oil.

Definition and Composition

Hair clay is a versatile hair styling product made from natural ingredients like bentonite and kaolin clay.

1. It provides a strong hold,
2. Enhances volume and texture,
3. Offers a matte, non-greasy finish,
4. and is suitable for various hair types.

   It’s perfect for achieving that well-defined, effortlessly stylish look.

Key Ingredients

The magic in hair clay lies in its key ingredients. Bentonite clay gives great hold with volume to make hair perfect for big, sturdy styles. Kaolin clay has a more significant number of smoothness and a lighter feel; it’s used for sensitive scalps. Beeswax works magic through excellent holds and moisture retention. Carrier oils like jojoba and argan nourish and moisturize the hair and keep the scalp healthy. Here’s a quick look:

Clay Type	Hold Strength	Natural Ingredients	Hair Health
Bentonite Clay	Strong	Yes	Volumising

Benefits of Using Hair Clay

Using hair clay adds much-needed volume and texture to your hairstyle while providing a natural matte finish. It also helps absorb excess oil, keeping your hair looking fresh and clean throughout the day.

Adds Volume and Texture

Using hair clay provides a significant volume and texture boost to your hair. It’s perfect for adding thickness, especially for those with fine or thinning hair, thanks to its composition of natural clays. Depending on your hair type and texture preferences, different clay brands offer varied hold strength, ensuring your hairstyle remains structured and full throughout the day.

Natural Matte Finish

Achieve a natural matte finish with hair clay, enhancing your hair’s texture and volume without the unwanted shine. Ideal for any hairstyle, it offers versatility and shine reduction, giving defined waves and a natural look. Made with natural ingredients, matte finish hair clay lets you experiment, giving your hair a professional, masculine touch with every application.

Absorbs Excess Oil

Using hair clay provides not only a natural matte finish but also controls oil. This feature controls extra oil in your hair to give it that fresh look and ensures scalp health.

Its oil control feature ensures your hairstyle is volumized and textured without being greasy throughout the day. Hair clay is what can keep you sharp and polished all day long.

7 Best Hair Clays for Men

If you seek the best hair clays that would add volume, texture, and a matte finish to your hairstyle, think about these top seven: Baxter of California Clay Pomade, Matte Finish Reworkable Hair Clay, Jack Black Clay Pomade, Highland Glacial Hair Clay, Hair Craft Clay Pomade, Layrite Cement Clay, and STMNT Dry Clay Extra Matte Strong Control.

All these products are designed to differ and benefit different styling needs individually.

1. Baxter of California Clay Pomade

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Baxter of California Clay Pomade separates, defines, and molds hair with a matte finish and strong hold. It’s silicone-free and suited for all hair types.

If you want a hairstyle that lasts all day without looking greasy, this clay pomade is your go-to. Pair it with Baxter of California’s shampoo, conditioner, and comb for a complete grooming routine.

Ideal for creating structured or unstructured styles, this pomade adds durability to your look, making it a favorite among users.

Best For: Those seeking a firm hold with a matte finish for all hair types.

2. Matte Finish Reworkable Hair Clay

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Out of all the versatile styling products, Matte Finish Reworkable Hair Clay has been a leader. The clay boasts its natural clays for a strong yet nongreasy hold and feel.

Organic British Beeswax smoothens flyaways; the Icelandic Bentonite Clay for fuller hair; the organic Arabian Aloe Vera is nourishing; the unrefined Atlantic sea salt adds texture.

Great on any length, it creates an easy-to-apply, long-lasting matte finish distribution, well applied, and is so easy to wash out. It’s a go-to for all-day style with a natural look.

Best For: Men looking for a natural-looking, long-lasting hold and thicker-looking hair without harmful chemicals.

3. Jack Black Clay Pomade

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Jack Black Clay Pomade offers excellent control and hold, making it perfect for short styles. This pomade is enriched with tea tree leaf oil and sage leaf extract, promoting healthier hair. It provides a strong, matte finish without feeling heavy or sticky.

Users appreciate its fragrance-free formula, which makes it suitable for sensitive scalps. Plus, it rinses out easily, leaving no residue. Ideal for those looking to sculpt and define their hairstyle with a natural, clean look. A reliable option in the hair clay market.

Best For: Short styles and those looking for a natural, clean look.

4. Highland Glacial Hair Clay

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Highland Glacial Hair Clay’s natural ingredients differ, so it’s perfect for longer hair.

It provides a medium hold that gives flexible styling without losing too much of this matte finish. This clay builds volume and texture while maintaining an effortlessly natural appearance in your hair.

Perfect for structured and unstructured styles alike. Get the look and great feel of a product that styles and nourishes your hair to make it feel as good as it looks.

Best For: Those with longer hair seeking a natural-looking, medium hold with a matte finish.

5. Hair Craft Clay Pomade

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The Hair Craft Clay Pomade gives superb value with its well-balanced, medium hold. Its easy application and natural finish make this formula perfect for structured and non-structured hair.

You’ll feel how this pomade adds some volume and texture to your locks, yet you’re not going to feel any weightiness from it. On top of that, the matte finish will keep your style fresh and looking natural throughout the whole day.

If you’re trying to find a sure deal on a styling product that delivers quality without setting you back financially, then this clay is the way to head.

Best For: Individuals seeking a medium hold with a matte finish for a natural look.

6. Layrite Cement Clay

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Layrite Cement Clay is your go-to for an exceptionally firm hold. It offers a clean, matte finish, ideal for achieving textured and spiky styles that last all day.

This clay is reworkable without any water, giving you flexibility throughout the day. Plus, it won’t dry or flake, ensuring your style stays intact.

The delicious vanilla-like fragrance is a bonus, making it a pleasure to use.

Whether you’re going for a sleek or rugged look, Layrite has got you covered.

Best For: Those seeking a strong hold with a clean matte finish for textured and spiky styles.

7. STMNT Dry Clay Extra Matte Strong Control

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If you’re in search of a hair clay that delivers on its promises, STMNT Dry Clay Extra Matte Strong Control is your go-to. It gives an unrivaled hold without compromising on the matte finish, keeping your style in place all day.

The ease of application and budget-friendly price add to its appeal. This versatile option works wonders whether you need a polished look or something more textured.

Say goodbye to greasy finishes and hello to a robust, natural look that stands out.

Best For: Individuals seeking a long-lasting, strong-hold hair clay with a matte finish.

Choosing the Right Hair Clay

When choosing the right hair clay, consider your hair type, desired hold strength, and preferred finish. This helps ensure you achieve the best look and feel for your hairstyle.

Consider Your Hair Type

Hair type becomes a critical consideration when choosing hair clay. Certain clays work better for specific needs:

1. Short Hair: Using firmer clays designed explicitly for faster styling.
2. Long Hair: You want to use a medium-hold clay so that your hair feels in place, yet not stiff.
3. Thin Hair: Find volumizing clays that add texture and fullness quickly.

Align the product with your hair’s unique requirements.

Desired Hold Strength

When choosing hair clay, consider your desired hold strength. Opt for medium hold clays if you want flexibility for daily restyling without sacrificing structure. Firm hold clays, like Layrite Cement Clay, provide long-lasting control for complex styles. Balance your choice with your hair’s length and thickness, factoring in cost-effectiveness and potential mistakes to maintain your desired look.

Preferred Finish

Choosing the right finish for your hair clay can make all the difference. If you prefer a matte look, opt for matte finish clays like Hair Craft or STMNT Dry Clay. They offer long-lasting hold and a natural appearance. These options are versatile and affordable, catering to various hair types. Use them sparingly for a more laid-back style.

How to Apply Hair Clay

To apply hair clay effectively, start with clean, dry hair and warm a small amount of the clay between your hands. Apply it from the back to the front, working from the roots to the tips, and style your hair as desired for the best results.

Start With Clean, Dry Hair

To attain maximum volume and texture with a men’s semi-matte hair clay, always start with clean and dry hair. This will help hold the product throughout the day and produce maximum volume and texture.

If you want to use a men’s hair styling clay on freshly washed hair for best results, it would lock in the nutrients. Dry and clean hair is needed if one wants the overall feel and look matte and natural.

Warm the Clay

First and foremost, always warm some hair clay in your hands. Take a small amount and vigorously rub it between your palms until it’s pliable. This will ensure even distribution and put you right for the application to make it smooth, setting up all styling options just right. The right temperature, remember, makes all the difference.

• Boost volume instantly
• Natural, matte look

Simplify Your Mornings

• Gains styling control
• Maintain all-day hold

Apply From Back to Front

Apply hair clay from the back of your head towards the front. This avoids clumps and gives an even distribution. Apply sparingly—only use enough to coat your fingers. Shape with fingers, working from the root to the tip. For a natural look, use a small amount; for a firmer hold, increase gradually.

Style as Desired

With the clay warmed and evenly distributed, it’s time to style your hair as desired. Use your fingers to shape and sculpt your strands, creating the perfect look. For a natural, textured style, gently tousle and scrunch the clay-infused hair. If you prefer a sleeker, more polished finish, use a comb or brush to smooth and style.

• Experiment with different techniques to find your signature style
• Apply more clay for added hold and definition
• Use a blow dryer for a matte, volumized finish
• Rework your style throughout the day as needed

Common Mistakes When Using Hair Clay

Using hair clay improperly can lead to less-than-ideal results. Common mistakes include using too much product, applying it to wet hair, and not distributing it evenly, all of which can detract from the intended matte, textured finish.

Using Too Much

Using too much hair clay can lead to a heavy, greasy look, affecting your desired style. Always start with a small amount; you can add more if needed. This table compares overuse effects:

Overuse Effect	Appearance	Solution
Greasiness	Heavy, shiny, unnatural	Use less product
Hardens Hair	Stiff, difficult to shape	Apply smaller increments
Less Volume	Flat, weighed-down look	Start with minimal amount

Avoid overuse for the best results.

Applying to Wet Hair

One of the biggest misconceptions is that applying hair clay to wet hair is easy. It dilutes the product, making it hard to style and providing less hold. This is where damp hair application helps give your hair a smoother look with texture.

Dry hair application works great for thick hair. Recall that a quality men’s hair clay provides excellent, solid hold when applied to the right state of your hair.

Uneven Distribution

Uneven application of hair clay can lead to clay buildup, scalp irritation, and hair damage. Always distribute the product evenly to avoid these issues. Start by rubbing a small amount between your palms and apply from the back to the front, ensuring full coverage. This technique helps achieve consistent hold and texture, boosting your style effortlessly.

Hair Clay Vs Other Styling Options

Regarding styling options, hair clay stands out among the rest of the pomades, gels, and waxes in providing a natural matte finish with solid holding ability. Where others would give varying combinations or degrees of shine versus control, hair clay never fails to balance texture with volume and a clean finish that’s never greasy.

Pomade

Pomade provides a sleek, shiny finish with a strong hold, making it ideal for classic, polished hairstyles. Unlike hair clay’s matte texture, pomade’s oil-based or water-based formula delivers a slick look. It’s perfect for thicker hair types and styles requiring smoothness and control. Application involves spreading the pomade evenly for a refined, lasting hold.

Gel

When comparing hair clay to gel, consider the differences in hold and finish. Gel offers a firm hold but can leave hair looking wet and stiff, which contrasts with the natural matte finish of hair clay. Ideal for slick or spiked styles, gel is straightforward but can be less versatile.

• Firm hold strength
• Works on wet or dry hair
• Suitability for thin hair

Wax

Unlike hair clay, wax usually provides less volume and a shinier finish. It’s great for adding texture and control, but won’t give you that natural, matte look. Perfect for slick styles, wax offers a medium-to-strong hold. It’s best for shorter hairstyles and can be restyled throughout the day.

Feature	Hair Clay	Wax
Volume	High	Low
Texture	Natural, matte	Controlled, shiny
Hold	Strong	Medium-Strong
Best For	Various hairstyles	Short, slicked
Restyling	Less flexible	Easily restyled

Maintaining Your Hairstyle With Clay

With a little hair clay, you’ll be able to maintain the style throughout the day. Then, at the end of the day, wash out the clay using a clarifying shampoo to remove all the residue and leave your hair clean and refreshed.

Reapplication Tips

To maintain your style with hair clay, reapply strategically. For reapplication on dry hair, start with a small amount. Warm it between your hands, then work it in from root to tip. If reapplying on damp hair, use a dime-sized amount for subtle hold. Avoid over-applying. Find the right balance for that fresh, powerful look!

Washing Out Clay

Washing out clay, however, is relatively straightforward but critical to avoid the piling of clay. Here is how you ensure that your hair remains clean after using clay daily:

1. Rinse well in warm water to help dissolve clay residue.
2. Use a clarifying shampoo to break down any leftover product.
3. Conditioning the hair to rejuvenate moisture and softness.

Hair Clay for Different Hair Types

Hair clay works beautifully for short, textured styles, medium-length looks, and fine or thinning hair. Whether you need added volume, texture, or a natural matte finish, the right hair clay can elevate your hairstyle effortlessly.

Short and Textured

A hair clay like Layrite Cement Clay with a firm hold will add some root volume and give you that overall shorter texture. Great for the spiky look, messy style, or windswept effect. Rub a small amount from the roots outwards for texture without greasiness or drag.

Medium Length

For medium-length hair, hair clay with a medium hold is your best friend. It allows you to shape slicked-back styles or create textured looks effortlessly. The clay texture provides flexibility without weighing your hair down. Ideal for daily use, it adds volume while maintaining a natural matte finish that lasts all day, offering both control and freedom.

Fine or Thinning Hair

For fine or thinning hair, focus on clays that boost volume while minimizing weight. Choose products rich in scalp-nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, which promote healthy growth. Look for options like Hanz de Fuko Claymation or Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay. These provide texture creation and volume enhancement, helping your hair appear fuller and healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)