9 of the Absolute Best Hair Clays for Men to Buy and Use

There are many different hair clays out there for men. Click here and check out what we think are the best hair clays for men.

Hair wax and gel have taken a back seat in the men's styling game since hair clay began shaking things up around a decade ago.

Since then, guys have been reaching for the best hair clay to give them a firm yet flexible hold with a matte finish.

Regardless of the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the complexity of your particular style, there is a range of amazing clays to choose from. But what's the best choice for you?

Keep reading to find out more about the best hair clays around.

1. Anchors Aweigh Courage Clay

This vegan hair clay for men is our top choice by a mile. Not only is it the best men's hair clay around, but it's also animal and cruelty-free, and it doesn't contain parabens, petroleum, or alcohol.

Anchors Aweigh Courage Clay is handcrafted with natural clays, essential oils, herbal extracts, and waxes to offer a firm hold and a low-shine finish. It's also water-based, which means restyling your hair after application isn't a problem. And, depending on how much clay you use, it's easy to wash out after two to four washes.

Apply this hair clay to damp hair for a slight shine and firm hold. Or, if you want the matte look, apply it to dry hair and brush it through for an invisible hold. Either way, this product holds your hair in place for much longer than machine-manufactured clays and pomades.

2. Baxter of California Clay Hair Pomade

Baxter of California Clay Hair Pomade is easy to apply and layer up to create a strong, long-lasting hold with a distinctive matte finish. Plus, it smells great, combining fennel oil, sage oil, and lemon peel oil for a luxurious scent.

This hair clay pomade is ideal if you're looking for a product that will help you create more ambitious looks. And if you want to tame unruly hair then look no further - Baxter's is the best clay for hair with a life of its own.

That said, if you prefer a more relaxed style, it's just a case of applying less product and using a lighter touch.

3. Layrite Cement Matte Hair Clay

One application of Layrite Cement Matte Hair Clay should keep your hair in place all day long thanks to its powerful hold.

As the name suggests, this cements in your style, making it a great option for men with long hair. Likewise, it's perfect if you have thick, coarse, or curly hair. While it can be difficult to find effective styling products, this clay has the power to tame your locks and hold them in place all day.

The extreme hold of this hair clay also means it can help you achieve a more extreme hairstyle. And, because of its thick texture and natural-looking finish, it can also help men with thinning hair to add volume.

4. Lock Stock & Barrel 85 Karats Grooming Clay

It's easier said than done to achieve the natural look, which is where Lock Stock & Barrel's 85 Karats Grooming Clay comes in.

This water-based product is the best hair clay for guys looking for a flexible hold. It also gives a slight but very natural shine, making it the perfect hair clay for adding structure and shape without overloading your hair.

5. Seven Potions Hairstyling Clay

If you're looking for a true matte finish with zero shine, Seven Potions Hairstyling Clay could be the best clay hair product for you.

This water-based hair clay offers a natural look that reflects its natural and organic formula, which is free from parabens, PEGs, silicones, colorants, or any other synthetic ingredients. Instead, it uses essential oils, shea butter, and carnauba wax for a natural feel and fragrance.

This clay never feels heavy or greasy and is easy to wash out. Plus, you only need to warm up a small amount between your palms to provide a firm hold that lasts all day.

6. Recipe for Men Desert Clay Wax

Guys with thick hair should beware of sticky styling products as these can cause unnatural-looking clumping.

But there's no danger of that happening when you use this Recipe for Men Desert Clay Wax. This product is perfect for avoiding that unsightly clumping effect without sacrificing the hold you're looking for.

With a semi-matte finish and a firm hold that's also flexible enough to remold if desired, this is one of the best men's hair clay products around. Not to mention, it also conditions your hair for a silky smooth finish.

7. Triumph & Disaster Coltrane Clay

Triumph & Disaster Coltrane Clay offers a medium yet versatile hold, making it ideal for those who want to create a messy look. Its flexibility also means its the best clay hair product if you like to restyle your hair throughout the day.

As for the final look, this hair clay uses a blend of white clay and natural oils, meaning that it has a slight shine. This finish is best for men with dark blonde or mousy hair as it adds more depth than true matte products.

8. Hanz De Fuko Quicksand

On the other end of the scale is the ultra-matte Hanz de Fuko Quicksand. Not only does it avoid adding extra shine, but it works to absorb sebum for shine-free hair all day.

This is a great product to use a day or two after washing as it acts like a kind of dry shampoo, breathing new life into unwashed hair. And the strong hold also means you can layer up to create long-lasting bold looks.

9. Aveda Men Pure-Performance Grooming Clay

Thanks to its strong hold and minimal shine, Aveda's Grooming Clay is a great product that can help you achieve more complex hairstyles. It also adds volume to your hair, making it a great option for men with thinning hair.

But, while its firm hold will keep your hair in place all day, this clay won't leave your hair feeling dry or brittle. Plus, this product still allows for some flexibility. This means you won't find it impossible to restyle if you need to change your look after application.

Your Guide to the Best Hair Clays

Finding the best clay hair product depends on your hair type and styling preferences.

But, whether you like a slight shine or true matte, long-lasting hold or flexibility, these are the best hair clays around.

For more styling tips and advice, be sure to check out our other blog posts!