Best Sulfate-Free Hair Styling Clays of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Sulfate-free hair styling clays have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growing awareness of the harmful effects of sulfates on hair. These clays are made with natural ingredients that provide a strong hold while also nourishing the hair. They are perfect for men and women who want to achieve a natural-looking hairstyle without damaging their hair. Sulfate-free hair styling clays come in a variety of formulations, including matte, shine, and medium hold, making them suitable for all hair types and styles. They are also easy to apply and wash out, making them a convenient choice for everyday use.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Arrojo Texture Clay for Men Cover #TOP 1
Arrojo Texture Clay for Men
ftb score rating icon 9.9
(SHEH•VOO) Ocean Clay - Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay Cover #TOP 2
(SHEH•VOO) Ocean Clay - Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ALURAM Hair Styling Clay Cover #TOP 3
ALURAM Hair Styling Clay
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sulfate-Free Hair Styling Clays

#TOP 1

Arrojo Texture Clay for Men

Orange
Arrojo Texture Clay for Men Cover
Texture Clay for Men with Beeswax & Kaolin - Pliable Hair Clay with Strong Hold & Matte Finish for Versatile Styling - Sulfate & Paraben Free Hair Styling Clay - Arrojo Hair Products, 5.1 oz

Arrojo Men's Texture Clay is a versatile hair product that offers a strong hold, matte finish, and nourishing benefits. This award-winning hair clay is suitable for all hair types and provides a long-lasting style that stays put all day. By combining beeswax for moisture and kaolin for texture, this clay helps you shape your hair effortlessly, whether for a casual or formal look. Simply emulsify the clay in your palms and apply to damp or dry hair for an easy styling experience that keeps your hair looking great.

What We Like
Strong hold
Matte finish
Nourishing benefits
#TOP 2

(SHEH•VOO) Ocean Clay - Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay

(SHEH•VOO) Ocean Clay - Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay Cover
(SHEH•VOO) Ocean Clay - Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay - Firm Hold + Natural Shine - Sulfate & Paraben Free (2.4 oz)

(SHEH•VOO) Ocean Clay is a premium hair styling clay that offers a firm hold and natural shine. It is specially formulated without sulfates and parabens, making it gentle on your hair. The product is formulated with Prodew 500, which helps to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. This hair styling clay is perfect for men who want to achieve a natural, effortless look that lasts all day.

What We Like
Sulfate-free formulation
Paraben-free formulation
Formulated with Prodew 500 for hydrated and healthy hair

ALURAM Hair Styling Clay

6501085
ALURAM Hair Styling Clay Cover
ALURAM Hair Styling Clay, Soft Satin Finish, Clean Beauty Haircare for All Hair Types, 3.4 Fl Oz

Introducing the ALURAM Hair Styling Clay, a versatile and long-lasting styling clay that is perfect for all hair types. With its medium hold, this clay allows you to create touchable texture, style your hair, or achieve those coveted beach waves. The organic Karanja and Nettle Extracts not only nourish your hair but also provide a soft satin finish. Say goodbye to flaky styling products as this clay is designed to be flake-free. Tame those pesky flyaways and achieve polished beach waves or finish off your short textured hairstyles with ease. The ALURAM Styling Clay is a multipurpose and workable styling product that is sure to become a staple in your hair care routine.

What We Like
Soft and moldable
Long-lasting hold
Smooths flyaways
#TOP 4

Earth Wave Tallow Hair Clay

Earth Wave
Grey
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Earth Wave Tallow Hair Clay Cover
Earth Wave All Natural Tallow Hair Clay - Premium Hair Styling Clay - Organic Ingredients - Zero Toxins - Perfect for everyday use - Medium Hold & Natural Finish - Non-Greasy Formula – 2 oz

Earth Wave Hair Clay is designed to enhance both your hair and scalp health with its 100% natural ingredients. This product provides a flexible medium hold, allowing you to style your hair effortlessly while keeping a natural, matte finish. It's suitable for all hair types, whether your hair is short, long, curly, or straight, making styling easy and versatile. With certified organic ingredients, you can feel good knowing you’re using a product free from harmful chemicals, ensuring safety for the whole family.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Medium hold, low shine
Suitable for all hair types
Non-toxic and cruelty-free
Sustainable packaging
#TOP 5

Hawthorne Thickening Hair Clay

Hawthorne
Hawthorne Thickening Hair Clay Cover
Hawthorne Thickening Hair Clay. Medium Hold and Matte Finish for Effortless Style. Avocado Seed and Kaolin Clay to Strengthen & Thicken. 2.6 Ounces.

Hawthorne Hair Clay offers a medium hold and a matte finish, making it easy for you to style your hair effortlessly. With its nutrient-rich formula, this clay enhances the volume and thickness of your hair while improving its strength. Enjoy a sophisticated sandalwood scent that lasts all day, adding a touch of luxury to your grooming routine. The combination of avocado seed and mango seed butter not only promotes hair growth but also moisturizes your strands, helping to reduce breakage and keep your hair looking healthy.

What We Like
Medium hold for versatility
Luxurious sandalwood scent
Promotes hair growth
Reduces breakage
#TOP 6

Beardoptima Clay Pomade

Beardoptima Clay Pomade Cover
Beardoptima Clay Pomade for All Types of Hair - Long Lasting Hold & Easy to Restyle - Clean, Paraben & Sulfate Free - Non-Greasy Hair Styling Clay for Men’s - 1.6 FL OZ/ 50ML

The Beardoptima Pomade Clay is a versatile hair styling product that offers long-lasting hold and easy restyling capabilities. It is formulated with natural ingredients like Peppermint oil and Kaolin to provide volume and a matte finish. Perfect for all hair types, including thin and fine hair, this clay pomade is ideal for creating classic, modern, or messy looks effortlessly. Whether you are a professional barber or someone on the go, this product promotes stronger and healthier hair while being easy to use for daily styling needs.

What We Like
Long-lasting hold
Easy restyling
Natural ingredients

Verb Sculpting Clay - Medium Hold Hair Clay

SG_B007ISREZG_US
White
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Verb Sculpting Clay - Medium Hold Hair Clay Cover
Verb Sculpting Clay, 2 oz

Verb Sculpting Clay is a medium hold styling pomade designed to shape natural texture and provide flexibility to reshape hair throughout the day. It adds a light shine and can be used on wet or dry hair. The ingredients include Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, and Sunflower Seed Extract to enhance hair elasticity, smooth and nourish the hair, and increase hair manageability. It is a PETA certified cruelty-free product and does not contain harmful sulfates, paraben or gluten. It has a pleasant grapefruit and oatmeal scent.

What We Like
Provides flexible hold and light shine
Can be used on wet or dry hair
Contains natural ingredients to enhance hair elasticity, manageability, and nourishment
#TOP 8

Blind Barber Bryce Harper Hair Clay

Blind Barber Bryce Harper Hair Clay Cover
Blind Barber Bryce Harper Hair Clay for Men - Matte Water-Based Styling Product for Volume and Medium to Strong Hold (2.5 Oz)

The Blind Barber Bryce Harper Hair Clay is a water-based hair styling clay for men that provides medium/strong hold, texture, and volume. It has a natural kaolin clay that helps absorb excess oil and debris from the hair. It leaves a matte finish and is infused with a subtle coconut scent. The product is perfect for those who want to add volume to their hair while maintaining a strong hold.

What We Like
Provides medium/strong hold, texture, and volume
Leaves a matte finish
Infused with a subtle coconut scent
#TOP 9

CHI Texture Hair Paste, 2.6 Oz

CHI
CHI0715A
WHITE
CHI Texture Hair Paste, 2.6 Oz Cover
CHI Molding Clay Texture Hair Paste, Styling Product For Volume, Texture & Body, Paraben & Gluten-Free, 2.6 Oz

CHI Molding Clay Texture Hair Paste is an advanced styling paste that helps you mold, cast, shape and style your hair with incredible volume and shine. The paste creates incredible textures and delivers a dramatic shine-free finish. It is ideal for those looking to add volume and texture to their hair.

What We Like
Helps mold, cast, shape and style your hair
Delivers incredible volume and shine
Creates incredible textures
#TOP 10

GREAT CLIPS LATITUDE Matte Texture Clay

7962
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
GREAT CLIPS LATITUDE Matte Texture Clay Cover
GREAT CLIPS LATITUDE Matte Texture Clay | Hair Gel for Men | Medium Hold + No Shine | 2oz

GREAT CLIPS Texture Clay offers maximum control, adding texture with a matte finish. The medium hold is perfect for sculpting short to mid-length styles. Infused with natural ingredients like orange and thyme, it hydrates and nourishes your hair, promoting strength and growth. Easy to use by working a small amount through dry or towel-dried hair, giving you a moldable and full body texture.

What We Like
Maximum Control
Matte Finish
Natural Ingredients
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are hair clays good for hair?

Clay has properties that are naturally healing and stimulating of the hair shaft and scalp (making it good for men with sensitive skin and scalp) and promotes hair growth. It nourishes the hair and scalp because it's rich in mineral and nutrients.

2. Is clay pomade healthy for hair?

Clay hair products can be great for many reasons. Outside of providing perfect styling, they also help to nourish the hair and scalp and provides natural healing properties. Clay is rich in minerals, so it's actually one of the more healthy things you can work into your scalp.

3. Is clay Good for styling?

Like pomades, clays are best used on damp or dry hair, and are ideal for shorter styles, but you can use a hair clay on curly hair too, says de Zarate, as long as “you apply it when your hair is completely wet and then use a diffuser to dry it.” So no matter what kind of hair you have, a hair clay could be just what ...

Editor's Notes

During our sulfate-free hair styling clay research, we found 39 sulfate-free hair styling clay products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,131 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sulfate-free hair styling clays list. We found that most customers choose sulfate-free hair styling clays with an average price of $22.23.

The sulfate-free hair styling clays are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sulfate-free hair styling clays, including ARROJO, (SHEHVOO), ALURAM, Earth Wave, Hawthorne. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

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.