Best Hair Styling Clays of 2026
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Hair styling clays are a popular hair styling product that has been gaining popularity in recent years. They are a type of hair styling product that provides a firm hold and a matte finish without leaving any residue or shine. Hair styling clays are ideal for men with short to medium-length hair and can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from messy and textured looks to slicked-back styles. They are made with natural ingredients such as clay, beeswax, and essential oils, which make them safe and gentle on the hair and scalp. Hair styling clays are easy to apply and provide long-lasting hold, making them a great addition to any grooming routine.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Hair Styling Clays
Highland Glacial Clay Pomade
Highland Pomade is an exceptional hair styling clay made with 100% all natural ingredients that promote hair and scalp health. It has been awarded as the best men's hair clay by GQ Magazine. This medium hold, low shine pomade offers 24-hour control while improving the health of your hair and scalp. It is perfect for all hair types and styles, providing effortless styling, hair texturizing, and volumizing. Packed with nutrients and clean ingredients, it actively moisturizes, nourishes, strengthens, and conditions your hair. Crafted with only 9 all-natural and plant-based ingredients, this pomade is non-toxic, chemical-free, and cruelty-free. Whether you're a man or a woman, Highland Pomade is the ideal choice for achieving the best hair in your crew.
Aveda Men's Grooming Clay, 75 ml
Aveda Men's Pure-Formance Grooming Clay is a hair styling clay that provides strong hold without adding shine. The light-weight micro-fibers allow you to create any style with ease, using either a comb or your fingers. This clay is perfect for adding thickness to hair and is made in the United States.
Goiple Hair Styling Clay
The Goiple Hair Styling Clay is the perfect solution for gentlemen with busy lifestyles. With its strong hold and matte finish, this clay ensures that your hairstyle stays in place all day long. The water-soluble formula makes it easy to wash out, leaving no greasy buildup behind. Not only does this clay provide a strong hold, but it also improves the texture and thickness of your hair, giving it a thicker and more voluminous appearance. The Goiple Clay is easy to apply and dries quickly, leaving your hairstyle looking natural. Whether you have short or long hair, this versatile styling clay is ideal for all hairstyles.
STMNT Matte Paste
STMNT Matte Paste offers legendary definition and long-lasting texture, strong control with a matte finish, and a non-greasy formula that's easy to wash out. The signature scent of coconut and sandalwood with hints of orris adds a luxurious touch to your styling routine. This product is perfect for achieving a well-defined hairstyle that lasts all day without feeling greasy, giving you a confident and fresh look effortlessly.
Hanz de Fuko Claymation - Mens Hair Styling Clay
Hanz de Fuko Claymation is a premium hair styling clay that provides limitless styling possibilities and a matte finish. Its super high hold makes it ideal for textured looks that last all day. It moisturizes hair, prevents hair loss, stops oil buildup, and promotes new follicle growth. The clay is easy to apply, lasts all day, and rinses out clean. It is rich in natural botanical ingredients that strengthen hair.
BlackMask Hair Clay Matte Finish Strong Hold
BlackMask Hair Clay is a popular choice for men who want a reliable and stylish look. This product offers a strong hold that keeps your hairstyle in place all day without feeling stiff or shiny, giving you a natural matte finish. It’s easy to wash out with just water, so you won’t deal with greasy residue or buildup after a long day. Plus, it’s ideal for short to medium hair lengths, helping you shape and control your hair with ease. If you’re looking for a simple, effective styling clay, BlackMask Hair Clay makes styling hassle-free and keeps your hair looking great.
Smooth Viking Clay Pomade for Matte Finish & Strong Hold
Smooth Viking Clay Pomade for Matte Finish & Strong Hold is a mineral oil-free hair styling clay that offers a strong hold with a matte finish. It adds texture to modern hairstyles and helps you achieve a shine-free matte look without leaving any residue. The clay is easy to apply on all hair types, and it contains a blend of ingredients such as Beeswax, Castor Oil, Soy Bean Oil, and Carrot Seed Oil. Plus, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade
REUZEL Matte Clay offers a medium hold that keeps your hair looking sharp and textured all day long, making it easy to style with confidence. Its subtle vanilla mint scent keeps your hair smelling fresh without being too strong, so you can feel clean and polished. The lightweight formula won’t weigh your hair down, helping you accentuate texture and separation effortlessly. Plus, its flexible clay base lets you adjust your hairstyle throughout the day without losing control, perfect if you’re always on the move and need a reliable product to keep your look in place.
CNNY Crownnaturally Men's Hair Styling Clay
The CNNY Crownnaturally Hair Clay is designed to give you a natural, matte look that works especially well if you have fine hair. It helps your hairstyle stay in place all day long without looking shiny or greasy, so you can feel confident from morning to night. Applying this clay is simple, and it offers strong hold without making your hair stiff or messy. Whether you’re heading to work, a casual outing, or a special event, this styling clay lets you create a polished, textured look that lasts. It’s a great choice if you want a modern, natural style that’s easy to manage.
Cremo Premium Barber Grade Hair Styling Clay
Cremo Premium Barber Grade Hair Styling Clay is a versatile product that offers flexible control and medium hold with medium shine, making it perfect for all hair types. It has a pleasant Palo Santo scent and can be used on both dry and unwashed hair to achieve a textured, slept-in look that can be restyled throughout the day. This product is ideal for anyone who wants to achieve a natural-looking hairstyle with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does clay do for hair styling?
Clay is beneficial for hair styling as it helps tame unruly hair, reduce fluff and frizz, and add texture with a decent hold. It is particularly useful for longer hair that can be tucked behind the ears.
2. What is the difference between styling clay and wax?
Styling clay provides a matte or low shine finish and offers texture and body, making it suitable for everyday casual looks. Wax, on the other hand, provides a high shine finish, giving a sleek and glossy look, making it more suitable for evening or formal events.
3. What is the difference between styling clay and pomade?
The main difference between styling clay and pomade is the finish they provide. Pomade gives a glossy look to the hair, while clay provides a natural look. Additionally, pomade has a smooth texture, while clay has a dry texture. Pomades are also easier to mix and apply, while clays require more effort to break down.
4. Do you put clay on wet or dry hair?
Hair clay is best applied to dry hair. If your hair has been recently washed, towel dry it to remove most of the moisture before applying the clay. Additionally, if blow drying, angle the hair dryer in the direction you want to style your hair and use medium heat or a cold setting to set the hair in place.
5. Can I use styling clay everyday?
Yes, you can use styling clay every day. It is recommended to apply it daily and go a few days between shampooing and conditioning your hair. This allows the natural minerals and vitamins in the clay to keep your hair looking healthy without stripping its natural oils.
6. What holds better, pomade or clay?
Clay provides a slight less hold and texture compared to pomade. It does not provide any shine. Clay gives a solid and natural look with the right amount of hold. On the other hand, pomade provides more shine and hold, giving a slick hair look. If you want to achieve a side part, pomade could be a better option.
7. Is it OK to use clay pomade everyday?
Using clay pomade everyday depends on your hair type and how often you style it. Some people prefer to use it only when they need a stronger hold. However, if you want healthy-looking hair between washes, it is recommended to apply clay pomade every day and go a few days between shampoos.
During our hair styling clay research, we found 48 hair styling clay products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 134,108 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling clays list. We found that most customers choose hair styling clays with an average price of $21.32.
The hair styling clays are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling clays, including Highland, Aveda, Goiple, STMNT, Hanz de Fuko. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 77 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.
Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.
Hair Styling Clays Comparison Table
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| Brand | Highland | Aveda | Goiple | STMNT | Hanz de Fuko | BlackMask | SMOOTH VIKING BEARD CARE | REUZEL | Crownnaturally | Cremo |
| Product Benefits | Our hair clay effortlessly styles while improving natural hair and scalp health. Medium hold, low shine. | Gives strong, pliable hold. | Firm Hold, Matte Finish, Suitable for all hair types and hairstyles, Washes out easily, Improves texture thickness, Easy to apply, Infused with certified organic ingredients, Free from silicone, sulfate, paraben | Legendary definition with long-lasting texture | Firm Hold, Matte Finish | Volumizing | Strong Hold, Matte Finish, Firm Thickening, Nourishing | Creates a moldable and flexible hold from natural clay that won't weigh hair down. Easily wash from the hair without leaving residue or buildup. | Firm Hold, Volumizing | Shape & Hold |
| Hair Type | All | All | All | Dry | textured, All | All | All | All | Fine | All |
| Scent | Sandalwood & Pine | Citrus, Lavender | Natural | Coconut and sandalwood with inflexions of orris | Natural | Coconut | Natural | Unscented | natural | Palo Santo Sculpting Clay |
| Liquid Volume | 2.1 Fluid Ounces | 75 Milliliters | 100 Milliliters | 3.3 Fluid Ounces | 2 Fluid Ounces | 50 Cubic Centimeters | 2 Fluid Ounces | 1.3 Fluid Ounces | 3.53 Fluid Ounces | 4 Fluid Ounces |
| Material Type Free | Alcohol Free, Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free | Cruelty Free | Alcohol Free | - | Dairy Free | Alcohol Free | Oil Free | Paraben Free | Alcohol Free | en_AE |
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