Best Clay Hair Styling Gels of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Clay hair styling gels are a popular choice for those who want a natural, textured look without the stiffness of traditional gels. These gels are made with natural ingredients like kaolin clay and beeswax, which provide a strong hold without drying out the hair. Clay hair styling gels are easy to apply and work well with all hair types, making them a versatile option for anyone looking to switch up their hairstyle. Whether you're going for a messy, tousled look or a slick, polished style, clay hair styling gels offer a non-greasy, matte finish that lasts all day.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AMERICAN CREW Matte Clay Cover #TOP 1
AMERICAN CREW Matte Clay
ftb score rating icon 9.8
American Crew Men's Hair Molding Clay Cover #TOP 2
American Crew Men's Hair Molding Clay
ftb score rating icon 9.7
TRENDSTARTER Thickening Fiber Cover #TOP 3
TRENDSTARTER Thickening Fiber
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Clay Hair Styling Gels

#TOP 1

AMERICAN CREW Matte Clay

33401124035
3 Ounce (Pack of 1)
AMERICAN CREW Matte Clay Cover
AMERICAN CREW Men's Hair Matte Clay, Like Hair Gel with Medium/High Hold

AMERICAN CREW Matte Clay is designed to give you a flexible medium hold while providing a smooth, matte finish. This product works best for straight to wavy hair, making it ideal for various styles. With its medium hold, you can create the look you want without worrying about a greasy finish. It’s perfect for those with short to medium-length hair who desire a strong hold without the shiny appearance of traditional gels. Plus, it washes out easily, leaving your hair feeling clean and fresh.

What We Like
Medium hold
Matte finish
Easy to wash out
Suitable for short to medium hair
#TOP 2

American Crew Men's Hair Molding Clay

0738678002728
3 Ounce (Pack of 1)
American Crew Men's Hair Molding Clay Cover
AMERICAN CREW Men's Hair Molding Clay, Like Hair Gel with Strong Hold & Medium Shine

American Crew Molding Clay is a hair styling gel that provides a medium shine and a high hold to manipulate hair into any style. It is recommended for those with straight to wavy & curly hair texture, and for those with short to medium hair length. This molding clay is perfect for those who want a light to moderately textured desired result. It washes out easily and leaves no residue. With a medium hold and high shine finish, it gives you the flexibility to create any style you want.

What We Like
High hold
Medium shine
Washes out easily
#TOP 3

TRENDSTARTER Thickening Fiber

TRENDSTARTER
750010
White
4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
TRENDSTARTER Thickening Fiber Cover
TRENDSTARTER - THICKENING FIBER (4oz) - Medium Hold - Matte Finish - Premium Hair Thickening Clay Pomade - Water-Based - All-Day Hold Styling Product

TRENDSTARTER Fiber is a hair thickening clay pomade that provides a medium hold and matte finish. Its formula is designed to thicken, strengthen, and volumize hair, making it perfect as a pre-styler or for a thick, flexible look that lasts all day. The matte finish is achieved by rubbing the product into the hair and allowing it to dry. TRENDSTARTER Fiber is made with premium ingredients such as Mineral Oil, which strengthens, conditions, and moisturizes all hair types. This product is made in the USA and is perfect for those looking for a reliable styling product that delivers on its promises.

What We Like
Thickens, strengthens, and volumizes hair
Medium hold with matte finish
Premium ingredients for healthy hair
#TOP 4

NEUMA Neu Styling Hair Clay

Neuma - Styling Clay - 50 gr
NEUMA Neu Styling Hair Clay Cover
NEUMA Neu Styling Hair Clay 1.8 Fl. Oz. Strong Hold Texture Clay with Lavender, Mandarin & Vanilla Scent, Hair Clay for Men & Women

NEUMA Hair Clay offers a strong hold with a touchable texture, making it perfect for styling short hairstyles. You can easily shape and reshape your hair throughout the day without worrying about losing your style, thanks to its non-greasy formula. This clay features Carnauba Wax, which provides a medium-to-firm hold while allowing for flexible styling with a subtle sheen. Additionally, the inclusion of antioxidant-rich Green Tea helps protect your hair from environmental damage, while caffeine promotes better circulation to your hair follicles, creating a healthier scalp environment.

What We Like
Strong hold
Non-greasy texture
Flexible styling
Environmental protection
#TOP 5

Pacinos Matte Hair Paste - Firm Hold, No Shine, 4 fl. oz.

936700
Basic
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pacinos Matte Hair Paste - Firm Hold, No Shine, 4 fl. oz. Cover
Pacinos Matte Hair Paste - Firm Hold, No Shine, Sculpting & Styling Wax, Long Lasting Definition & Texture, No Flakes, All Hair Types, 4 fl. oz.

Pacinos Matte Hair Paste provides a medium-strong all-day hold with volume, definition, and texture for a natural look. It is suitable for all hair types and washes out like hair gel with no residue. This product is ideal for defining your hair look and works best on towel-dried or blow-dried hair for the full matte effect. Pacinos Matte Hair Paste is perfect for the everyday man who wants to create long-lasting looks with easy-to-use barber grade products.

What We Like
Provides all-day hold with no flakes or clumping
Washes out like hair gel with no residue
Works for all hair types with a natural finish
#TOP 6

OXFORDhill Premium Styling Clay Pomade

OXFORDhill
Beige
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
OXFORDhill Premium Styling Clay Pomade Cover
OXFORDhill Texture Clay Pomade - Premium Matte Finish Hair Clay for Men - Five-Ingredient 100% all Natural and Organic Pomade for Hair and Scalp Health - All Day Strong Hold Hold, High Volume

OXFORDhill Clay Pomade is a premium styling clay made with just five natural and organic ingredients. It offers a high hold and matte finish, perfect for all hair types. The clay adds texture, thickness, and volume to your hair, while also nourishing and protecting it. Unlike most clays, it is non-oily and provides a natural look without any shine. The gentle formula is suitable for everyday use, promoting a healthy scalp that feels hydrated and moisturized. With its compact size and long-lasting formula, this clay is super convenient and can be taken with you wherever you go. Experience healthy and lustrous hair with OXFORDhill Clay Pomade.

What We Like
High hold and matte finish
Nourishes and protects hair
Suitable for all hair types
#TOP 7

Smooth Viking Hair Styling Cream for Men

SVFIBER-700
Hand Grip 870
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Smooth Viking Hair Styling Cream for Men Cover
Smooth Viking Hydrating Fiber Cream for Men - Hair Cream for Men, Hair Gel for Men, Mens Hair Products, Mens Hair Paste, Styling Cream Men, Natural Hair Gel for Men - Made in USA, 2oz

Smooth Viking Hair Cream is a medium-hold, matte finish hair cream that keeps rebellious hair tamed all day long. It adds a modern look like the iconic slick back and pompadour. It can transform unhealthy, damaged hair into a fuller, revitalized mane while treating and preventing split ends. The cream provides a medium hold, separation, and texture with no crunchy residue, leaving natural shine and thicker-looking hair. Infused with hydrating properties, it nourishes follicles, leaving hair healthier and more vibrant. It's easy to apply to slightly damp or dry hair, designed specifically for shorter hairstyles, leaving you with a polished, put-together look for any occasion.

What We Like
Medium-hold, matte finish
Transforms damaged hair
Hydrating properties
#TOP 8

Brocato Swell Volume Styling Clay, 2 Oz

8780820002195
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Brocato Swell Volume Styling Clay, 2 Oz Cover
Brocato Swell Volume Styling Clay: Volumizing & Thickening Hair Products for Men & Women - Heat Activated Texturizer & Volumizer Product Plumps, Shapes & Adds Thickness to Fine, Thin Hair - 2 Oz

The Brocato Swell Volume Styling Clay is a hair thickener and volumizer that enhances the volume, body, and texture of hair. Formulated with kaolin clay and other natural extracts, this heat-activated product lifts and increases volume for noticeably fuller hair. The intense moisturizing properties of this styling clay also strengthens hair without weighing it down. Simply apply to damp hair and style with heat to watch your strands plump and thicken.

What We Like
Enhances volume, body, and texture of hair
Heat-activated for plumping and volumizing effect
Contains kaolin clay and other natural extracts
#TOP 9

Haircules Matte Paste - Strong Hold

Haircules
Black
Haircules Matte Paste - Strong Hold Cover
Haircules Matte Hair Paste - Strong Hold, No Shine, Long-Lasting Definition & Texture, Non-Greasy Styling Clay for Men, No Flakes, Works on All Hair Types, Keeps your Hair Healthy

Haircules Matte Paste offers a strong hold and a natural matte finish that keeps your hairstyle looking fresh all day without any greasy residue. It's infused with nourishing ingredients like biotin and coconut oil, promoting healthy hair and scalp. This versatile product enhances volume and texture, making it suitable for all hair types, whether thin, thick, wavy, or straight. Plus, it’s lightweight, ensuring your hair feels styled without the heaviness of traditional products. Enjoy effortless restyling and a clean look that prioritizes your hair's health.

What We Like
Strong hold
Matte finish
Nourishes hair
Lightweight formula
Easy to wash out
#TOP 10

Reuzel Fiber Pomade 1.3oz

EA7-AD0-95F
B01N156CHR
Reuzel Fiber Pomade 1.3oz Cover
Reuzel Fiber Pomade, 1.3 Ounce

Reuzel Fiber Pomade is your go-to styling solution for achieving a polished look. This professional-grade molding paste offers a strong hold, ensuring your hairstyle stays intact all day. Its innovative smoothing cream formula allows you to easily manipulate your hair, giving you the texture and separation you desire. Plus, the water-based design means you can wash it out effortlessly, keeping your hair feeling clean and fresh. With a scent that adds a touch of masculinity, you’ll not only look great but smell great too.

What We Like
Strong hold throughout the day
Easy to wash out
Textured and defined styles
Masculine scent
Vegan and cruelty-free
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our clay hair styling gel research, we found 48 clay hair styling gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 126,647 customer reviews through our big data system to write the clay hair styling gels list. We found that most customers choose clay hair styling gels with an average price of $19.31.

The clay hair styling gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of clay hair styling gels, including AMERICAN CREW, TRENDSTARTER, NEUMA, Pacinos, OXFORDhill. 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.