Yahoo LifestyleThe 15 Best Clays for Thicker, Voluminous Hair
- 1/16
The 15 Best Clays for Thicker, Voluminous Hair
There used to be a time when guys chose their haircut—and the accompanying styling product—and never deviated from that formula. And for many of us, it’s still pretty much like that. If it ain’t broke, why fix it, right? But in today’s world, and being the modern guy you are, sometimes you just want to switch it up. There’s no shame in wanting to experiment, and one of the easiest ways to do that is to switch up your styling product.
It’s shocking how much of a difference just using something else to style your hair can make. For instance, if you’re used to a classic pomade, which gives your hair hold and shine, simply switching to a clay can create a completely different look. “A hair clay is going to have a more matte appearance, meaning the hair will have low or no shine,” says celebrity men’s groomer Melissa de Zarate. Depending on the brand and formula, a hair clay could give even more hold than your typical pomade.
De Zarate reaches for a clay whenever one of her clients wants a messy, bedhead look, which needs hold and volume, but would look strange with a shiny product. They’re also great for guys with oily scalps, since the clay tends to neutralize oil, and for men with fine or thin hair. “Because the product is matte, it’s going to make the hair look thicker while still having control,” she says.
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 your styling arsenal needs for those days when you want to look a little more natural. Check out our list of the best hair clays for men to try now.
- 2/16
Kevin Murphy Night Rider Matte
KEVIN MURPHY
amazon.com
$31.14
De Zarate says this high-hold matte clay is her go-to when she needs control with no shine whatsoever.
- 3/16
American Crew Matte Clay
American Crew
walmart.com
$12.00
This hair clay has stood the test of time because of the matte finish it delivers, without making your hair feel dry.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 4/16
18.21 Man Made Clay
18.21 Man Made
ulta.com
$24.00
This clay-wax hybrid has all of the things you love about a hair clay, but it' s a little more lightweight, which makes it ideal for thin or fine hair.
- 5/16
Old Spice Hair Styling Clay for Men
Old Spice
amazon.com
$6.97
A clay with high hold, like this one, is the ideal product when you want a natural finish, but don’t want to risk your hairstyle losing shape in a few hours.
- 6/16
Church California Volcanic Clay Pomade
churchcalifornia.com
$30.00
This high-hold, matte clay is made in small batches from all-natural ingredients like bentonite clay and botanical oils, so you can feel good about putting it on your hair.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 7/16
Leonor Greyl Matte Finish Balm
saksfifthavenue.com
$56.00
Like the hair clay version of a fancy cologne, this luxury styling product gives your hair a natural finish with medium hold, as well as a subtle rosewood fragrance (it’s a favorite among De Zarate’s celebrity clients).
- 8/16
Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Baxter of California
amazon.com
$23.00
Baxter’s clay is one of our all-time favorites, because it’s supremely matte (no shine here) and gives even fine hair texture and volume without weighing it down.
- 9/16
R+Co Sand Castle Dry Texture Creme
R+Co
amazon.com
$29.00
If you’re into the look of clay, yet feel that most are too heavy for your hair, this innovative clay-cream hybrid gives you the benefit of a matte finish, medium-hold clay but in a lighter formula.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 10/16
Jack Henry Clay Pomade
Jack Henry
amazon.com
$26.95
The minimal ingredients in this high-hold hair clay don’t sacrifice on efficacy—this clay keeps your ‘do in place all day, even through sweat and humidity.
- 11/16
Hanz de Fuko Claymation Hair Styling Clay with Matte Finish
Hanz de Fuko
amazon.com
$23.00
Even though this clay-wax hybrid delivers intense hold, it still allows you to run your fingers through your hair and rework the style as needed.
- 12/16
Bumble and Bumble Sumoclay
Bumble and bumble
sephora.com
$29.00
The clay version of Bumble & Bumble’s iconic sumowax gives the same control and hold as the original, but with a natural, matte finish.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 13/16
Every Man Jack Styling Clay
Every Man Jack
amazon.com
$9.99
This extremely good hair clay hits all the things you want in a clay, but at a price that proves your hair can look it’s best at any budget.
- 14/16
Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Molding Hair Clay for Men
Head & Shoulders
amazon.com
$8.50
If you struggle with dandruff, you might be nervous that matte products can dry out your hair and make flakes worse. This version is specifically formulated to be gentle on the scalp and leave minimal residue behind.
- 15/16
BYRD Clay Pomade
BYRD Hairdo Products
amazon.com
$19.99
The clay version of one of our favorite pomades gives your hair the high hold you want, but with a natural matte appearance, so you can achieve that surfer texture easily.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 16/16
Layrite Cement Clay
Layrite
amazon.com
$19.00
Layrite is a go-to brand for old-school barbers and modern stylists alike, and this clay doesn’t disappoint. The hold is extreme (you’re hair will stay in place even in high winds), but the finish is natural and matte.
Master that perfectly disheveled look with this game-changing styling product.
