Last updated on January 31st, 2022 at 12:56 pm
If you love having neat hair all day long and do not like greasy hair, you have probably tried using hair clay at some point. This is because hair clay holds your hair in place and gives your hair a matte look without drying it out. The key to the matte finish is the clay added into the product to soak up any grease or oil from your hair.
When coupled with other ingredients, hair clay will not only hold your hair in place but also nourish it and make it look healthier over time. However, not all hair clays perform as advertised. Some hair clays may end up damaging your hair. And can also be a nightmare to wash off. Here are the best hair clays for men in the market currently.
Top 5 Hair Clays for Men
If you are looking for styling clays, here are the top five high-quality products to try out.
Baxter of California Men’s Clay Pomade
This award-winning men’s hair clay defines and molds your hair and keeps it place while delivering a strong and pliable all-day hold. The product is infused with natural ingredients such as kaolin clay and beeswax that are beneficial for your hair. It is also paraben-free and works for any hairstyle.
Features
- Stronghold
- Matte finish
- Paraben-free
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Nourishes the hair
- Perfect for any style
Cons
- It is fairly greasy
Seven Potions Hair Styling Clay For Men
This natural water-based clay delivers a high hold and a matte finish. The clay is parabens, PEGs, silicones, and colorant free. The clay is also vegan and is not tested on animals. It contains a unique blend of natural clay, waxes, shea butter, and oils.
It can be used on dry or damp hair for a natural, non-greasy look. It is also easy to wash off. It also has a manly scent with a subtle citrusy and a hint of musk all-natural aroma.
Features
- High hold
- Matte finish
- Vegan
- Contains shea butter and natural oils
- Smell: subtle citrusy with a hint of musk
Pros
- Free from parabens, pegs, silicones, colorants
- Water-based
- Applies easily
Cons
- Difficult to apply
Layrite Cement Clay
As the name suggests, this smooth styling clay provides a firm hold using a unique combination of 4 minerals derived from plant and animal waxes chosen to deliver flexible hold. The clay works best for medium to thick hair that is short to medium in length.
The clay works by binding hairs together to thicken and shape the hair enabling it to stay in place all day. The clay is water-based and washes out easily with water. It adds definition while taming frizz. It can be used to create messy or structured hairstyles with a matte finish.
Additionally, you only need a small amount to create the desired look. Lastly, the clay can be used on dry or wet hair.
Features
- A unique blend of four minerals
- Plant and animal waxes
- Helps thicken hair
- Hair texture: fine to medium thick hair
- High hold
- Matte finish
- Water-based styling
- Controls frizz
Pros
- Holds hair in place all-day
- Ideal for messy looks or structured dry looks
- Washes out easily
- You only need a small amount
- Can be used on damp or dry hair
Cons
- Does not hold on thick hair
Smooth Viking Hair Clay for Men
This molding hair clay provides a firm hold that makes your hair look stunning all day long. It creates a matte look, and it does not leave any flaky or sticky residue on your hair. The clay adds texture to any hairstyle, making it look like a pro styled it.
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The clay is mineral-rich and is packed with hair strengthening minerals. It also contains oils that help to nourish your hair, such as castor oil, soybean oil, and carrot seed oil. The clay can achieve any hairstyle with a minimal amount, and it can be used on dry and wet hair. Additionally, its hold can help you tame stubborn hair texture.
Features
- Matte look
- Mineral-rich
- Vitamin-packed
Pros
- Wet or dry application
- Can be used for multiple hairstyles
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- It has a weird smell
Aveda Men’s Pure-Formance Grooming Clay
The Aveda grooming provides a firm hold without adding shine. The clay is light-weight and antioxidant-rich. It contains natural plant-derived ingredients that help to nourish the hair. The clay is infused with micro-fibers that provide the control you need to create any style.
You can use a comb or your fingers to slather the product into your hair and create any hairstyle you like. The clay is easy to wash off and is perfect for adding thickness to your hair. It can also be used on dry or wet hair.
It contains castor oil, which helps to thicken hair and vitamin E, strengthening hair and antioxidant such as licorice root, which helps to detox your scalp.
Features
- Stronghold
- Matte finish
- Antioxidant-rich
- Infused with micro-fibers
Pros
- Light-weight
- You only need a small amount
- Adds thickness to hair
Cons
- It dries out fast
What Does Clay Do to Hair?
Clay contains natural minerals that can help to moisturize, condition, and strengthen your hair. The clay also reduces scalp dryness, which leads to increased hair growth and reduces frizzing.
Additionally, bentonite clay is antimicrobial, which great for reducing scalp irritation.
Is Clay Healthy for Hair?
Yes. Clay is healthy for your hair. It has healing properties that are beneficial for your scalp and hair. It has been shown to help people with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which is ideal for people with flaky scalps.
Is Clay Better Than Gel?
If you do not like the appearance of a high shine finish, then clay is a better option for you. Gel hair products tend to create a shinier look. Additionally, gel hair products can cause flaking and create a wiry look, especially if the product has a hard hold.
Is Clay Better than Wax?
Yes, it is. For starters, clay delivers a matte look while retaining the volume of the hair. On the other hand, the wax provides a shiny look and makes your hair volume look significantly less. Additionally, clay is easier to wash out of hair than wax. The main downside of wax is its tendency to weigh down hair, which can lead to hair breakage.
Is Hair Clay Stronger than Wax?
This largely depends on several factors. Clay mixed in with ingredients that provide hold can provide a stronger hold than wax. However, wax can deliver a stronger hold than hair clay as a single ingredient. Hair clay with a stringer hold is also bound to cost more than hair wax.
Conclusion
The best hair clays for men should leave your hair looking matte without creating a hard hold sort of look. It should also hold your hairstyle in place all day long. Lastly, it should not damage your hair but rather make it healthier over time.