Best Hair Styling Putties of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Hair styling putties are a versatile hair product that can help people achieve a variety of hairstyles. They are typically made with a thick, paste-like texture that provides strong hold and allows for easy manipulation of hair. Putties are great for creating messy, textured looks, or for adding volume and definition to shorter styles. They can also be used to tame flyaways and provide a sleek, polished finish. With a wide range of brands and formulations available, there is a putty for every hair type and styling need.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men Cover #TOP 1
Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TIGI Manipulator texturizing Putty Cover #TOP 2
TIGI Manipulator texturizing Putty
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 Cover #TOP 3
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Styling Putties

#TOP 1

Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men

80346190
Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men Cover
Old Spice Stay-In-Place Hair Styling Putty for Men, High Hold with Very Low Shine, 2.22 oz

Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men is a barbershop-quality hair putty that has a high hold to keep your hair in place all day. It dries to a matte finish, leaving your hair looking natural without any hard, crispy, or crunchy feeling. The putty has a manly scent of coconut and tropical wood, making you smell like you just got back from a vacation. It is a perfect product for those who want to achieve barbershop-quality results and feel amazing.

What We Like
Strong hold
Natural, low-shine finish
Pleasant scent
Versatile styling
Long-lasting effects
What We Don't Like
Fragrance may be overpowering
Hold not strong for fine hair

TIGI Manipulator texturizing Putty

140733
Cranberry
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
TIGI Manipulator texturizing Putty Cover
TIGI Bed Head Manipulator texturizing Putty with Firm Hold 2.01 oz

Get epic hair with TIGI Manipulator Putty. This hair styling putty has a firm and flexible hold that builds texture, body, and definition for short to medium hair. Not only does it provide a natural finish, but it also defends hairstyles from frizz and humidity. With its powerful formula, TIGI Manipulator Putty is new on the outside and just as epic on the inside.

What We Like
Great hold without stiffness
Lightweight and long-lasting
Pleasant scent
Easy to wash out
Versatile for styling
What We Don't Like
Strong scent for some
Thick and sticky texture
#TOP 3

Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13

2419842
2-Ounce
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 Cover
Kenra Professional Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 | Styling Fiber Crème| Medium Hold | Details & Smooths Styles | Superior Control for Sculpting Short & Long Hairstyles | All Hair Types | 2 fl. Oz

Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 is a sculpting fiber crème that provides superior control for styling short and long hair. It defines, details, and smooths styles while delivering a medium hold and a shiny finish. Suitable for all hair types, this product is perfect for those who want to achieve a sculpted and polished look.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Excellent hold without stiffness
Lovely candy scent
Versatile application methods
Long-lasting value
What We Don't Like
May leave hair looking greasy
Strong scent for some users
#TOP 4

Kenra Matte Texture Putty 10

2419443
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Kenra Matte Texture Putty 10 Cover
Kenra Matte Texture Putty 10 | Medium Hold Styler | Flexible Hold With A Matte Finish | Replenishes Moisutre & Softens Hair | All Hair Types | 2 oz

Kenra Matte Texture Putty is a versatile hair styler that provides a medium, flexible hold with a matte finish. It replenishes moisture and softens your hair while delivering a controlled look. With its pliable consistency, you can effortlessly create a variety of styles that suit your mood and preference. Whether you want a messy, tousled look or a sleek, polished style, this putty can help you achieve it. Its easy-to-rework formula allows you to reshape your hair throughout the day, so you can switch up your look whenever you want. This putty is particularly recommended for those with short hair, as it helps bring out the natural texture. Give your hair the perfect combination of hold, moisture, and softness with Kenra Matte Texture Putty.

What We Like
Lightweight texture
Non-greasy finish
Flexible hold
Effective for flyaways
Works on damp or dry hair
What We Don't Like
Requires more product over time
#TOP 5

L3 Level 3 Matte Hair Putty

L3
LVL100765
5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
L3 Level 3 Matte Hair Putty Cover
L3 Level 3 Matte Putty - Grooming Hair Product for Women and Men - Hair Texturizing Putty with Matte Finish (5 Oz)

The L3 Matte Hair Putty is designed to make styling your hair effortless. With a medium hold, you can easily shape your hair into various trendy looks. Its unique formula includes bentonite, giving your hair a stylish matte finish that looks natural. Additionally, this putty is infused with nourishing ingredients that help add volume while keeping your hair soft and manageable all day long. Suitable for all hair types, it provides just the right balance of control and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their hairstyle.

What We Like
Strong hold all day
No greasy residue
Good texture for styling
Long-lasting jar
Affordable compared to store brands
What We Don't Like
Not truly unscented
May appear greasy on fine hair
#TOP 6

Garnier Fructis Style Power Putty Surfer Hair

K2212000
Packaging May Vary
Garnier Fructis Style Power Putty Surfer Hair Cover
Garnier Fructis Style Surfer Hair Power Putty, 3.4 Oz, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Garnier Fructis Style Power Putty Surfer Hair is a styling putty with Fruit Micro Waxes that provides a windblown, surfer look with all-day strong hold. It creates the appearance of fullness and texture for an effortless, run your fingers through it style, while nourishing your hair your way. Garnier has over 100 years of pioneering in hair care, blending naturally inspired and derived ingredients into breakthrough formulas that are gentle on your hair. This hair styling putty is non-flaking and perfect for those who want to achieve a natural, surfer-inspired look.

What We Like
Light, pleasant scent
Strong hold without stickiness
Soft, shiny hair finish
Provides volume and texture
Affordable compared to similar products
What We Don't Like
May not work for fine hair
Slightly sticky texture
#TOP 7

Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men, High Hold Matte Finish, Twin Pack

White
Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men, High Hold Matte Finish, Twin Pack Cover
Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men, High Hold Matte Finish, 2.22 Oz Each, Twin Pack, NEW Formula

Old Spice Hair Styling Putty for Men is a hair putty with high hold to keep your hairstyle in place, while leaving a natural matte finish. It has a manly scent of coconut and tropical wood, and is inspired by barbers for barbershop-quality results. Feel like you just left the barbershop with this hair putty.

What We Like
Strong hold throughout the day
Natural look without greasiness
Easy to wash out
Good scent
Cost-effective when buying in bulk
What We Don't Like
New formula different from previous
#TOP 8

Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty, Medium Hold

201-111
Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty, Medium Hold Cover
Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty, Styling Kaolin Clay Putty, Medium Hold for Volume & Texture, Matte Finish, Hair Care for All Hair Types, Flexible Lightweight Formula, Paraben Free, Color Safe, 2.6 Oz

Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty is a hair styling putty that offers a smooth and creamy texture with medium hold. It sets with a matte finish and provides a second day texture from day one. It works well for all hair types and is perfect for adding volume and texture to your hair.

What We Like
Amazing texture and lightweight
Provides volume and fullness
Versatile for various styles
Pleasant, light scent
Good for short hair
What We Don't Like
Can feel oily by day two
#TOP 9

Pete & Pedro Putty

RT-W76G-N87B
White
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Pete & Pedro Putty Cover
Pete & Pedro HAIR PUTTY for Men, Strong Hold, Matte Finish, Low Shine Hair Clay for Men, Ideal for Hairstyling & Grooming, Medium & Short Hair Styles | As Seen on Shark Tank, Travel Size 0.5 oz

Pete & Pedro Putty, also known as P&P Putty, is an award-winning hair styling putty for men. It offers a high hold and low shine, giving your hair a firm yet pliable hold. With its matte finish, P&P Putty is perfect for creating a messy or not-so-messy look, while still providing moisture to your hair. Infused with beeswax and lanolin, this putty delivers unparalleled hold without any crunchiness or greasiness. It is super versatile and suitable for all hair types, especially ideal for men with short to medium length hair. Plus, P&P Putty is water soluble and paraben-free, making it easy to wash out and leaving your hair healthy, residue-free, and looking amazing.

What We Like
All-day hold
Natural look
Easy application
Great scent
Long-lasting product
What We Don't Like
Difficult texture
Higher price point
#TOP 10

ColorProof Styling Putty

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
ColorProof Styling Putty Cover
Colorproof Styling Putty 2 Fl. Oz. with Color and Heat Protection, Black Currant, Jasmine & Peach Scent, Firm Hold Hair Putty with Matte Finish

The ColorProof Styling Putty, also known as ColorProof Putty, is a versatile hair styling product that enhances texture and provides control. Its pliable putty formula allows for easy molding and sculpting, making it ideal for creating a variety of looks. With its firm hold and matte finish, this putty delivers long-lasting style while leaving hair looking full and healthy. Additionally, it provides color and heat protection, making it perfect for daily use. Whether you want to add volume, define curls, or create a sleek and polished look, the ColorProof Putty is a must-have styling product that will help you achieve your desired hairstyle with ease.

What We Like
Lovely scent
Easy application
Good hold without stiffness
Washes out easily
Works for various hair types
What We Don't Like
Can feel slightly sticky initially
May not suit very long hair
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Hair Styling Putties That Are Right for You

What are hair styling putties?

Hair styling putties, also known as hair clay, are a type of hair styling product that provides a strong, pliable hold for a range of hairstyles. They are typically made from a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients, and are used to sculpt and shape hair into a desired style.

How do hair styling putties differ from other hair styling products?

Hair styling putties differ from other hair styling products, such as gels and hairsprays, in a few key ways. First and foremost, putties provide a much stronger hold than gels or hairsprays. This makes them ideal for creating more intricate or sculpted hairstyles that require a lot of hold to stay in place.

Another key difference is the texture of hair styling putties. Unlike gels, which are often water-based and can be sticky or greasy, putties have a dry, clay-like consistency. This means they are easy to work with and won't leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.

Finally, hair styling putties are often more versatile than other hair styling products. They can be used on a range of hair types and textures, and can be used to create a wide variety of styles, from messy, tousled looks to more polished, sculpted styles.

How to choose the right hair styling putty for your hair

When it comes to choosing the right hair styling putty for your hair, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

  1. Consider your hair type and texture. Different hair types and textures will respond differently to hair styling putties. For example, if you have fine, thin hair, you may want to choose a putty with a lighter, more flexible hold to avoid weighing your hair down. On the other hand, if you have thick, coarse hair, you may want a putty with a stronger, more robust hold to help keep your hair in place.

  2. Think about the style you want to create. Different hair styling putties are better suited to different styles. For example, if you want to create a messy, tousled look, you may want to choose a putty with a more flexible hold that allows you to manipulate your hair easily. If you want a more polished, sculpted look, you may want to choose a putty with a stronger hold to help you achieve the desired shape.

  3. Read the label and ingredients. Hair styling putties are made from a range of natural and synthetic ingredients, and some may be better suited to your hair and skin than others. For example, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, you may want to choose a putty that is free from potential irritants, such as fragrances or parabens.

  4. Test it out. The best way to determine if a hair styling putty is right for you is to test it out. If possible, try a sample size before committing to a full-sized product. This will give you a chance to see how the putty performs on your hair and how it feels to work with.

Conclusion

Hair styling putties are a versatile and effective hair styling product that can help you create a range of looks. By considering your hair type and texture, the style you want to create, and the ingredients in the putty, you can choose the right hair styling putty for your hair. Don't be afraid to test out different putties to find the one that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is putty good for styling hair?

Yes, hair putty is great for styling hair. It adds bulk and thickness to the hair, providing lift at the roots and creating the illusion of a thicker mane. It is particularly beneficial for men with dry or coarse hair as it helps with hydration and volume.

2. Do you put hair putty on wet or dry hair?

Hair putty can be applied to both wet and dry hair. It is versatile and can be used even if the hair is not completely dry. Start with a small amount, like a dime-sized portion, and add more if needed. It's better to start with less and gradually increase the amount, rather than using too much initially.

3. Is hair putty good for messy hair?

Hair putty is perfect for creating a matte, messy look. It provides moisture and texture to the hair, giving it a natural and slightly disheveled appearance. The high-quality ingredients in putty, such as beeswax and lanolin, offer excellent hold without making the hair crunchy or greasy.

4. Can I use hair putty everyday?

Using hair putty every day can lead to product build-up on the scalp and hair, which may be visible and mistaken for dandruff. It is recommended to avoid excessive use of styling products to prevent damage to the hair and scalp. It's best to use hair putty in moderation and ensure proper cleansing of the hair and scalp.

5. Is putty or pomade better?

Hair putty and pomade serve different purposes. Putty provides a matte finish and adds texture and movement to the hair, making it suitable for casual, everyday looks. Pomade, on the other hand, offers a more classic style with a shiny finish. The choice between putty and pomade depends on the desired look and texture.

6. What is the difference between hair clay and hair putty?

Hair putty provides texture, volume, and long-lasting hold while keeping the hair soft. It is versatile and suitable for any hair length. Hair clay, on the other hand, has a creamy consistency and offers a different level of versatility. Both products have their unique benefits and can be chosen based on individual hair type and styling preferences.

Editor's Notes

During our hair styling putties research, we found 48 hair styling putties products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 106,081 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling putties list. We found that most customers choose hair styling putties with an average price of $18.97.

The hair styling putties are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling putties, including Old Spice, TIGI, Kenra Professional, L3, Garnier. 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.

Hair Styling Putties Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Old Spice TIGI Kenra Professional Kenra Professional L3 Garnier Old Spice Fatboy Hair Pete & Pedro ColorProof
Product Benefits Firm Hold Humidity Resistant, Firm Hold, Moisturizing For flexible styling. Pliable formula for superior memory and control. Creates separation and texture Medium, flexible hold. Matte finish. Pliable consistency for effortless styling. Easy to rework throughout the day Shape & Hold, Volumizing, Oil Control Frizz Control Firm Hold Formulated with a smooth and spreadable consistency that gives your hair second-day texture and a matte finish. Shape & Hold Pliable Texture-Enhancing Matte Finish Firm Hold Color-Preserving
Hair Type All All All All dry, All Dry Dry All All All
Scent Coconut Natural Berry & musk Parfum (Fragrance) Unscented Mango Coconut Green tea Clean Scent Jasmine
Liquid Volume 63 Milliliters 2.01 Fluid Ounces 2 Fluid Ounces 2 Fluid Ounces 150 Milliliters 3.4 Fluid Ounces 2.22 Fluid Ounces 2.6 Fluid Ounces 0.5 Fluid Ounces -
Material Type Free Aluminum Free Gluten Free Paraben Free - - Silicone Free Aluminum Free Dairy Free Paraben Free Mineral Oil Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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