15 Hero Styling Clays for Guys With Short Hair

THERE USED to be a time when guys chose their haircut—and the accompanying hair 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.

American Crew

americancrew.com

$19.00

Yeah, clay in a spray. A spritz or two gives your hair a matte-textured hold while also adding moisture, so you have that just-out-of-the-shower look all day long. No wonder it receive a 2022 Men's Health Grooming Award.

Read more: Best Hair Sprays for Men

Kevin Murphy

amazon.com

$40.84

De Zarate says this high-hold matte clay is her go-to when she needs control with no shine whatsoever. We also love that it has a neutral scent.

18.21

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.

Read more: Best Hair Growth Shampoos

Old Spice

amazon.com

$8.07

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.

Leonor Greyl

saksfifthavenue.com

$57.00

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).

Read more: Best Grooming Gifts

American Crew

walmart.com

$14.95

This hair clay has stood the test of time because of the matte finish it delivers, without making your hair feel dry.

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.

R+Co

walmart.com

$42.15

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.

Jack Henry

amazon.com

$28.00

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.

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.

Bumble and Bumble

sephora.com

$31.00

The clay version of Bumble & Bumble’s iconic sumowax gives the same control and hold as the original, but with a natural, matte finish.

Read more: Best Hair Wax for Men

Every Man Jack

amazon.com

$15.49

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.

Head & Shoulders

amazon.com

$19.97

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.

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.

Layrite

amazon.com

$22.00

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.