With the help of some of the best hair clays for men, you can achieve shiny, smooth styles. This list has some fantastic products that are suitable for most hair types. These clay products will give your hair a shiny, glossy look, that too with a matte finish. Well, this means that you can now touch your hair without fear of messing it up or losing the gloss. The clay’s matte effect looks natural and is great for adding volume and thickness to the hair. Honestly, there’s no shame in wanting to try new things. It is also not that difficult, you can do that by changing up your styling product. It’s incredible how much of a difference just changing your hairstyle can bring to your whole look.
Plus point, you don’t even have to go here and there looking for a product; you can choose one from our list that suits you best. But, before we jump onto listing down the best hair clays for you, here are some hair tips that you need to follow.
Tips Before Buying The Best Hair Clay
Clay That Compliments The Hairstyle And Length
For men, the best hair clay is the one that accentuates the hairstyle and length. It makes the hair shine, look smooth, clean, and on-point. Since a matte and natural-looking hairstyle is in fashion these days, clay is the perfect product to use. Clay is also good for men who have a receding hairline. It helps add volume to the hair.
Strength
Each hair clay has a different strength. First, there is one with a firm grip, and it is suitable for days when you have to keep your hair intact through the 24 hours of the day. Then comes the one with a medium grip; it makes the hair look natural without looking sticky.
The Building Components
Most hair clays use bentonite clay as the primary component that provides structure or grip to them. In addition, Bentonite, derived from clay or volcanic ash, is used as a binding ingredient in various applications.
Beeswax, carrier oils, paraffin essential oils, and lanolin are other ingredients used in hair clays. These natural ingredients help moisturize and nourish both the hair and scalp while keeping the hair cuticles soft and robust. So, that’s a win-win situation.
Maintaining A Standard
Some of the best brands of hair clays for men maintain a standard in their products. Whereas, there are some other brands that use a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients. Since the use of artificial ingredients damages the hair, it is then advised to use products that have more natural ingredients.
Clays combined with some essential oils like cedarwood or sandalwood give the hair a shine and smell good.
Now that we have walked through tips for purchasing the best hair clay, let’s have a look at some of the best clays available in the market.
Here’s Our List For The Best Hair Clays For Men
18.21 Man-Made Hair Clay Pomade with Matte Finish
The clay is one of the excellent hair clay products out there in the market. Even though they have named it the pomade clay, it is nothing close to being one. What’s particularly remarkable about this product is its scent. It makes the hair smell fresh and pleasant. Yes, the smell does not define the quality of clay, but hey, who doesn’t like nice-smelling hair? But, before you ask, the clay pomade has a smoky, tobacco-y smell to it. Okay, enough on the scent part, let’s walk you through the effects the hair clay has on men’s hair.
Man-made hair pomade contains more than just clay as an active ingredient. It also has elastic fibers, which can be used as a molding cream. The texture is incredibly creamy and has a relatively thick consistency.
A little disclaimer though, you can’t achieve an out-of-the-box look with this pomade. If you want to settle for something mediocre, then go for it.
On a side note: none of this is a criticism of the product. It works pretty well as long as you understand the do’s and don’ts of this product.
This hybrid product has all of the benefits of a hair clay, but it’s a bit compact, which is ideal for thin or fine hair.
Hanz de Fuko Claymation Hair Styling Clay with Matte Finish
This clay-wax hybrid provides a stronghold, but even then, you can run your fingers through your hair and fix the style as needed.
It is a high-quality hairstyling clay with superior holding power and a semi-matte finish. Claymation is made entirely of natural ingredients, which means this one is beneficial to your hair. In addition, the 100% water-soluble formula provides all-day nourishment from roots to tips. Before applying it to your hair, take a pea-sized amount and evenly spread it across one of your palms. Then rub your hands together vigorously to activate and warm the product.
Layrite Clement Clay
The Layrite Clement Clay has a firm grip with a nice matte finish. It’s a water-based styling clay, with a strong grip and a clean matte finish that lasts a long time. The clay can be easily removed with water. It provides a high hold that lasts all day without weighing the hair down. Layrite texturizes and thickens the hair while giving a clean matte finish. It doesn’t dry up or get flaky. The best part, it is adaptable and doesn’t require water to set the hair.
This product is best suited for fine to medium-thick hair. However, you can also use it for a sloppy or a more structured, dry look.
It smells like cream soda and is ideal for messy, textured hairstyles, which is its signature product.
Anchors Hair Company Courage Clay
If you’re a health nut or prefer things to be as natural as possible, you’ll love the Anchors Aweigh clay. The Anchors clay is not only all-natural, it does not get tested on animals either. Moreover, the anchor’s courage clay doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, which works incredibly well in the hair.
Also, a little disclaimer here, before we jump on to the review, please note that the clay is slightly blue. If your hair has a light shade, it can get colored if you use the product in copious amounts. Pro tip: don’t overdo it! You only need a small portion of it.
In fact, after a few tries, you can easily style the hair with Anchors hair clay. This also lasts a little after washing, so all you have to do all day is style it when your hair is dry, and it will stay in place. So, the aweigh clay saves you a hell of a lot of time.
The best points about using this clay:
The clay is made of natural, organic products, which give off a nice smell.
Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay
Aveda Pure-Formance Men Grooming Clay is a product with a smooth, matte finish that provides both texture and firm hold to the hair. The ultra-light formula makes it simple to apply while providing sufficient grip to create almost any style without adding that fake-looking shine. You can use a comb or your fingers to apply the clay for styling.
Aveda’s pure-fumeTM aroma is enhanced with certified organic spearmint, vetiver, lavender, and other pure flower and plant essences, making it smell divine.
American Crew Molding Clay
Their molding clay, like other products, is among the best on the market.
The formula, which is composed of beeswax and Bentonite, provides a medium to firm hold on standard hair textures. The scent is mainly a blend of oils such as orange, lime, peppermint, and spearmint that provide a fantastic, clean scent with a citrus twist.
The pros of using this clay are that it smells fantastic and has a natural-looking, matte finish. Also, the ingredients work as a conditioner, so you don’t need to use one.
We need to spell out that this product is not water-soluble, and doesn’t easily wash away with water.
Kevin Murphy Rough Rider Clay
Don’t fall for the name; styling your hair with Kevin Murphy clay will not be a rough ride for you at all. The clay will give you a standard grip with a matte finish that retains the softness and natural shine of the hair. In addition, it contains soya bean and golden bamboo extract, which helps strengthen the hair and protect the ends. Kevin Murphy Clay also contains antioxidants and a moisture-rich formula for added nourishment.
Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Molding Hair Clay for Men
Finally, a styling product that is both effective and kind on your scalp. This clay provides your hair with a firm grip and a matte finish. For a textured yet sculpted look with no visible residue, use this scalp-friendly hairstyle product. Its water-soluble nature makes it simple to remove. For complete anti-dandruff protection, use any Head & Shoulders Men’s shampoo and conditioner.
Moroccanoil Texture Clay
Moroccanoil Texture Clay is one of the best hair clays for men with a sculpting and defining look. The clay is also non-porous and flexible. In addition, the clay can help shape the hair into any hairstyle while retaining a firm grip. Because of its distinctive texture and firmness, Moroccan oil is great for creating natural, matte hair finishes.
The product comes in two separate forms: a base coat and a finish. A base coat protects the clay while also allowing it to penetrate inside the skin, ultimately making the application easy.
Every Man Jack Styling Clay
It is undoubtedly one of the best hair clays for men because of various reasons. With Every Man Jack styling clay, you can sculpt and define your hair. The fragrance-free product prevents irritation, and the matte finish gives the hair a more natural appearance. This clay has a stronghold that will keep your tresses in place. Naturally sourced substances are a healthier method to flaunt your best looks. Every Man Jack styling clay is dye-free, gluten-free, aluminum-free, and paraben-free product, which makes it a gentle option for hair care.
This clay-wax hybrid has all of the benefits of a hair clay but is a little easier to work with if you’re searching for a less expensive option. It doesn’t have a sticky or strong scent but has texture and a medium hold that can be reworked.
Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay
This hair styling clay is excellent for adding thickness and texture, especially noticeable with short hair. Hair Craft Co Hair Clay has a matte finish and a medium hold, giving hair a “dull gloss” without making it look greasy. It gets extra marks for using natural components that are free of chemicals and dangerous additives. In addition, they use bentonite clay, which is nutrient-dense and helps avoid flaking.
RUDY’s Clay Pomade
With a sandy, stony matte finish, this clay creates just the right amount of texture for styling your hair. The clay holds up your hair until you wash it. So you can run all you want and still have the hairstyle you left off with! Made with beeswax and bentonite clay, Rudy’s helps both smooth and nourish the hair.
Hair Daddy All Day Clay
Don’t like a greasy look, but want something that holds up your hair even on a humid day? This clay is just for you. With a matte finish and an easily fading scent, Hair Daddy All Day clay will make every day your best hair day! It is easy to apply and effortlessly yields perfect results every time.
Enough talk on the best hair clays available for men, let’s move on to some tips for you all on applying them.
Tips For The Best Application Of Hair Clay
Hair clay is a relatively new addition to the area of hair styling products. However, with the rise of more natural-looking, textured, and voluminous hairstyles for men in recent years, it has grown in popularity. Now, here we will give you an extensive guide on how to use hair clays.
Get Your Hair Ready for The Clay
The most significant time to use clay on your hair is when it’s scorched. Then, prepare your hair with a hairdryer, pre-styling product, or anything you need to get your desired look. A hairdryer is the best bet to get your hair into shape and help add volume or texture to many of the best clay hair product designs.
To keep the hair in place, use a medium heat hairdryer with a cold blast at the end. Your hair should be semi-styled before you use any product if you do it right. However, it will take some time to ace this process.
Begin With A Little Amount
Even if you have long hair, start with a small amount. Make sure it is the size of a pea. Please take it in your hands and gently dab it into your hair. Then take more as you need. Taking a large amount will make it difficult to handle, and the product will go to waste.
Make Sure The Clay Is Warm
Take that pea amount in your hands and warm it up for 10 to 15 seconds at least. Next, gently rub it back and forth against your hand to heat it. Now spread it throughout your hand for the best application.
Apply The Product To Your Hair
Beginning at the back and working your way to the front, massage the product through your hair. You should also begin at the bottom and work your way up. It guarantees that you have the product on the ends and on the front of your hair. At this point, don’t worry about the style; make sure the product is well distributed throughout the hair.
Give That Final Touch
Use a brush, your fingers, or a comb, and begin to shape the hair into the desired hairstyle. If you want to go for a textured, chaotic effect, this should be convenient and simple; you don’t want to go overboard now. You can also use the remaining bit of product left on your hands to finish coating your hair.
Oh, that looks stunning in my head.
Let’s Answer Some Commonly Asked Questions
Can Clay Damage Your Hair?
Clay has natural mending and stimulating characteristics that make it ideal for men with sensitive skin and scalp. Clay also improves hair growth. In addition, the hairstyling product nourishes the hair and scalp because of its mineral and nutritional content. Hair clays are perfect for hairstyles that demand a lot of volumes but don’t want the styling product to weigh the hair down.
Does Clay Have More Hold Than Wax?
Clay is perfect for those who want their hair to have more body and volume. While wax provides luster and grip, clay is more suited to people who want a lot of volume with a more matte and natural appearance. So, both of the products serve a different purpose.
Why Do We Use Hair Clay?
Hair clay has been a go-to product for current textured hairstyles due to its ability to create a very layered and high-volume appearance, as well as its low sheen finish. It is a gritty, dense styling product made of natural clay minerals like Bentonite or kaolin. The majority of clays have a medium-to-heavy grip and a matte or low-shine finish. As a result, they help to create neat hairstyles, such as less glossy hairdos or side-swept looks.
What Hairstyles Can You Make With Clay?
You can make almost any hairstyle with clay. If we were to propose an actual hair product for most men, it would be a good quality clay. Any man who keeps their hair in the traditional short bob will notice the difference, as it provides long-lasting strength and adds thickness. With clay, you also avoid the gleaming effect that other pastes and gels can give. The clay, in return, gives a more natural, matte look. Even the celebrities who have the most amazing hairdos most definitely use clay.
What Type Of Hair Do You Need To Have To Use Clay?
Clay typically has a matte, natural-looking finish and a medium hold. Hair clay is excellent for slick back hairstyles that are relaxed and informal. It doesn’t dry hard, so that you may rework the product in your hair all day. Clay is great for short to medium-length hairstyles since it adds structure and volume to the hair, allowing you to produce messier looks. You can also use a hair wax if you want a sleek, glossy, and formal hairdo.
Conclusion
Guys who want to project a polished image from head to toe should consider more than simply their clothing. Good grooming also contributes to an overall aesthetic achievement, beginning with a hairdo that appears trendy and effortless. So, with our listicle for the best hair clays for men, you must have figured out the best clay for you and all that it does.
Hair clay provides a flexible and buildable grip, but it starts firmer than other products, allowing you to strong-arm your style for a truly sculpted look. Nobody will notice that your hair is held in place by a clay framework because of its matte tendency.
Well, that’s all from our end, we hope you consider the tips before making a purchase.