A Quick Shopping Guide on the Best Hair Clay for Men in 2024

Layrite Cement Clay
WiseBarber Top Pick

Layrite Cement Clay

97.3 %
1.
97.3 %
Layrite Cement Clay
Layrite Cement Clay
$27 from Amazon $27 from WbBarber See details
2.
94.5 %
Suavecito Firme Clay
Suavecito Firme Clay
$14.99 from Amazon $15.99 from WbBarber See details
3.
94.2 %
Jack Black Clay Pomade
Jack Black Clay Pomade
$24 from Amazon See details
4.
92.4 %
Aveda Grooming Clay
Aveda Grooming Clay
$25.29 from Amazon See details
5.
90.4 %
Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay
Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay
$23 from Amazon See details
6.
88.6 %
Hanz de Fuko Claymation
Hanz de Fuko Claymation
$25 from Amazon See details
7.
88.6 %
Smooth Viking Styling Clay
Smooth Viking Styling Clay
$12.49 from Amazon See details
8.
87.2 %
Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Baxter of California Clay Pomade
$19.2 from Amazon See details

Question:

How easy is it to find the right clay for your hair type, style, and length?

Easy...? Hard…? Don’t know?

Well, I’m sure we all have different a story to tell.

Anyway:

In recent years, clays have gained popularity as the go-to hair styling product for men and are suitable alternatives to pomades and waxes.

So, what makes these products so unique?

For starters, their versatility allows them to work well with most hairstyles and almost any hair type.

Moreover:

Most hair clays offer a matte finish with strong to medium holds and work into your hair quite easily – just like wax (minus the sticky feeling).

Nonetheless:

For anyone who’s been having trouble choosing a suitable hair clay, this post is for you. 

In it, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Clays as well as listing some of the best ones on the market today.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your reading.

Rating Summary

Rank order Product name Features (max. 10) Usability (max. 10) Value (max. 10) Overall Rating
1.
Layrite Cement Clay Layrite Cement Clay
10 9.5 9.7 97.3 % See details
2.
Suavecito Firme Clay Suavecito Firme Clay
10 8.8 9.6 94.5 % See details
3.
Jack Black Clay Pomade Jack Black Clay Pomade
9.7 9.5 9.1 94.2 % See details
4.
Aveda Grooming Clay Aveda Grooming Clay
9.7 9.8 8.3 92.4 % See details
5.
Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay
9.7 8.8 8.7 90.4 % See details
6.
Hanz de Fuko Claymation Hanz de Fuko Claymation
9.3 8.8 8.5 88.6 % See details
7.
Smooth Viking Styling Clay Smooth Viking Styling Clay
9.3 9.3 8 88.6 % See details
8.
Baxter of California Clay Pomade Baxter of California Clay Pomade
9.3 8.5 8.4 87.2 % See details

Now:

You know the specifications – well, is it enough to make an informed decision?

If not, here’s a quick look at each product.

8 of the Best Hair Clay for Men in 2024

WiseBarber Top Pick

Layrite Cement Clay

97.3 %

Created "by barbers for barbers," Layrite is known for its quality hair styling products. And with their affordable - yet effective - Cement hair clay, you won’t be disappointed.

10 / 10
Features
9.5 / 10
Usability
9.7 / 10
Value
97.3 %
Overall rating

Get this:

When it comes to the level of hold offered by a Clay product, the Layrite Cement is one of the strongest in the market.

But, here's the kicker:

Despite this product's powerful hold, it's easy to apply and will effortlessly wash off without any hustle.

It is a great product if you are looking to add extra volume to thinning hair; this Clay will make your hair look full and natural.

And lastly, this hair clay has an alluring and refreshing Mild Cream Soda scent.

Now:

The only downside is that you'll need to apply it quickly before it sets in or use it on damp hair for easier application.

Pros
  • Great value for money
  • Hold and shine as advertised
  • Water-based for easy washing
  • Natural ingredients
  • Alluring scent
Cons
  • Sets in quickly

Final Verdict

As a high-hold product, the Layrite Cement hair clay works with almost any hair type to produce stunning results. Moreover, it washes out very quickly and is very affordable. Just about everything you need in a hairstyling product.

 

Suavecito Firme Clay

94.5 %

Now, if your hairstyle requires a stronger hold to stay in place, then you should give the Suavecito Firme Clay product some consideration. It guarantees great value for money and impressive results.

10 / 10
Features
8.8 / 10
Usability
9.6 / 10
Value
94.5 %
Overall rating

So:

Why is this product so highly rated?

Well, aside from the fact that this hair clay comes from a prestigious manufacturer, it also guarantees quality results.

The Suavecito Firme Clay is your go-to hair styling product if all you want is a strong, all-day hold with a nice, natural, matte finish.

It can tame most hair types easily while giving you a relaxed, textured hairdo.

What's more?

You can also use the Suavecito Firme Clay to add some volume, definition, and style to your hair without making it stiff or dry.

Plus, it comes with a light, non-intrusive scent that will leave your hair smelling fresh all day.

But:

It has its fair share of drawbacks.

For example, despite its packaging being labeled “Water Soluble,” this hair clay isn’t as easy to wash off. In fact, Suavecito recommends you use shampoo to clean it off easily. And that makes it a major inconvenience to those without immediate access to hair shampoos or even soap.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Hold and shine as advertised
  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Light, alluring scent
Cons
  • Not so easy to wash off

Final Verdict

This product is ideal for men who want to keep their hair looking natural and easygoing all day long. It offers you more control and value for money. But, it’s only ideal for those who don’t consider Washability as a decision-making factor. 

 

Jack Black Clay Pomade

94.2 %

The Jack Black Clay Pomade product combines great ingredients like kelp, lavender, and tea tree to style and nourish your hair. It adds texture and definition without changing your hair’s natural look.

9.7 / 10
Features
9.5 / 10
Usability
9.1 / 10
Value
94.2 %
Overall rating

So, what makes this product awesome?

Well, for starters, the Jack Black Clay Pomade offers you medium to firm hold with a charming, natural matte finish.

Now:

While it works great for short and thin hair, it may not be the best styling product if you have long, thick, or stubborn hair.

However:

This clay’s low shine or matte finish gives your hair a naturally appealing look.

Moreover:

It is formulated using natural ingredients such as tea tree, basil, green tea extracts, and sage to prevent any inflammation or itching on your scalp.

And the best part?

It is quite easy to apply and washes off with water effortlessly. Plus, it is unscented; for those who find fragrances irritating.

On the downside:

This Clay is not ideal for all hair types. Therefore, its high rating and the experiences of other users don’t paint a true and clearer picture of what you should expect from this styling product.

Pros
  • Natural, scalp-friendly ingredients
  • Hold and shine as advertised
  • Unscented (It can also be a con depending on your preferences)
  • Doubles as a pomade
  • Easy to wash off
Cons
  • Not ideal for all hair types

Final Verdict

If what you want is a hair clay product that gives you your desired style while at the same time nourishes your hair and scalp, you can never go wrong with the Jack Black Clay Pomade.

 

Aveda Grooming Clay

92.4 %

Premium brand, Aveda, has a tradition of producing high-quality, versatile, and luxurious men

9.7 / 10
Features
9.8 / 10
Usability
8.3 / 10
Value
92.4 %
Overall rating

Now:

For a hair clay with a $46 price tag (on Amazon.com), it is only natural to keep your expectations high.

But, is the Aveda Men’s Pure-Formance Grooming Clay worth it?

Well:

For one, it offers medium to strong hold; thus, making it an ideal choice for men with thinning hair looking to add some volume.

It’s quite pliable and offers you more control over your hairstyle.

What's more?

The Aveda Men’s Pure-Formance Grooming Clay product is formulated using essential oils – like castor oil – to condition and moisturize your hair throughout the day.

And with Kaolin clay as one of its primary ingredients, this grooming product will also reduce scalp inflammation and repair minor damages to your hair follicles.

Impressive, right?

Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks too.

For example, while it works great for those with normal to thick hair, anyone with curly or unruly hair types won’t find it powerful enough to hold all day long.

Pros
  • Contains scalp-friendly ingredients
  • Hold and finish as advertised
  • Unscented
  • It is also easy to wash off
  • Moisturizes and conditions hair
Cons
  • Very expensive

Final Verdict

As an all-natural hair product capable of handling most types and styles, the Aveda Men’s Pure-Formance Grooming Clay is perfect for anyone who wants only the best and has no problem with paying extra for it.

 

Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay

90.4 %

With kaolinite and bentonite clay as its primary ingredients, the Hair Craft Co. hair clay offers you a natural matte, zero-shine finish with plenty of volume and texture.

9.7 / 10
Features
8.8 / 10
Usability
8.7 / 10
Value
90.4 %
Overall rating

If asked to quickly describe the Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay, I’d say:

It is very affordable, stylish, and tailored to give you exactly what it promises.

Am I right?

Well, here what I know…

Despite being a medium-hold product, this hair clay ensures your hair stays in place throughout the day.

It improves hair texture and appearance while making sure you maintain a natural-looking, no-shine (Matte) hairstyle with ease.

What's more?

Since it contains natural ingredients, the Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay is not only scalp-friendly but also makes your hair strands feel softer and more defined.

Also:

Men with thinner hair will appreciate this product’s ability to create the perception of thickness and volume.

It’s also fragrance-free for those who hate trying to find a balance between clay scent and body cologne.

On the downside:

This hair clay shares one thing in common with wax and oil-based pomades – poor washability. Yes, it doesn’t wash out easily; unless you have access to shampoo or soap.

Pros
  • Unscented
  • Affordable
  • Has scalp-friendly ingredients
  • Restorative capabilities
  • All-natural formulation
  • Its hold and shine are as advertised
Cons
  • Doesn’t wash off easily

Final Verdict

Despite being a pain to wash off, the Hair Craft Co. Hair Clay is still a decent styling product. It’s kinder to your hair and scalp and ideal for anyone who’s looking for an easy and natural appearance.

 

Hanz de Fuko Claymation

88.6 %

This Hanz de Fuko Claymation is a clay-wax combo that creates a firm hold and adds volume while allowing you to style your hair with ease and convenience.

9.3 / 10
Features
8.8 / 10
Usability
8.5 / 10
Value
88.6 %
Overall rating

First of all:

The Hanz de Fuko Claymation hair styling product offers you a “super high hold” and a lovely, textured matte finish.

Moreover:

This wax clay creates lots of texture and volume, which is always an added benefit if you have thin hair.

And aside from keeping your hair in place throughout the day, you'll also enjoy the flexibility to quickly restyle it whenever you want.

Another thing you’ll like about the Claymation is that it comes packed with awesome ingredients like:

  • Exfoliating lemon peel eliminates build-up from the scalp.
  • Jojoba oil that doubles as a conditioner and moisturizer.
  • Marrow flower to soften the skin.
  • While castor oil promotes hair growth.

Plus:

Since it’s scentless, you don't have to worry about it overpowering your cologne or triggering any allergies.

Now:

I have my reservations about the hold; yes, it’s strong but not strong enough to be touted as “Super High.”

Pros
  • Contains essential ingredients
  • Scalp-friendly
  • Offers you versatility and flexibility
  • Keeps your hair looking and feeling healthy
  • Helps to add volume and texture
Cons
  • The hold isn’t as strong as advertised
  • Hard to wash off

Final Verdict

The Hanz de Fuko Claymation is probably the best product for anyone who’s stuck trying to decide on whether to go for Clay or Wax. It’s effective, comes packed with tremendous benefits, and contains healthy, nourishing ingredients.

 

Smooth Viking Styling Clay

88.6 %

Considering its quality, formulation, and price, this styling clay is a superb choice for those who want to try out hair clays without breaking the bank. So, what more does it have to offer?

9.3 / 10
Features
9.3 / 10
Usability
8 / 10
Value
88.6 %
Overall rating

Get this:

The Smooth Viking Styling Clay is a curated blend of scalp-friendly, health-boosting, and natural ingredients that guarantee you safe and stress-free styling.

This product offers you high hold while maximizing texture to give you that ever-elusive matte finish.

Also:

It’s formulated using kaolin, bentonite, and beeswax, and other essential oils.

These ingredients ensure that the product is easy to apply, healthy, and kinder to your hair/scalp.

Lastly:

The Smooth Viking Styling Clay has no scent.

Note:

Since this isn't a super-hold product, it won't work with hairstyles that require a lot of structure and definition; or extremely stubborn hair.

Pros
  • All-natural formulation
  • Fragrance-free
  • Water-soluble for easy washing
  • Pocket-friendly
  • Kinder on your hair and scalp
Cons
  • The hold isn’t as strong as advertised
  • Expect occasional clumping of hair

Final Verdict

If I’m being honest, the Smooth Viking styling clay has earned its place as one of the best hair styling products for men in 2024; and it’s all thanks to its value, efficiency, and gentleness on hair and scalp.

 

Baxter of California Clay Pomade

87.2 %

With tantalizing fragrances, high hold, and superior formulation, this hair styling product pushes the limits, making it one of the best hair clays for men in 2024.

9.3 / 10
Features
8.5 / 10
Usability
8.4 / 10
Value
87.2 %
Overall rating

Now:

A lot has been said about the Baxter of California Hair Clay.

It’s not only a premium product but also one of the best hair pomades in the market for men with thick hair.

So, what makes this hair clay so great?

Since it is oil-based (waxy), this hair clay offers you a nice, strong hold; that ensures you can style even the most unruly hair types with just a small amount of product.

Plus, its matte finish leaves your hair looking natural, textured, and healthy.

Anyway:

This clay product also features enticing scents of sage and lemon that will leave your hair smelling fresh throughout the day.

What about the ingredients?

Well, the Baxter of California Hair Clay has a blended formula of petrolatum, beeswax, Kaolin, and Bentonite clay.

  • The petrolatum ensures you get a higher level of hold, and while it might be challenging to wash off, you won't get a sticky or greasy finish.
  • The beeswax conditions and moisturizes your hair.
  • While the other ingredients – Kaolin and bentonite – offer therapeutic benefits like repairing and removing toxins from your hair and scalp.

I guess:

The biggest downside to using this hair clay is washability. It won’t come off as easily as a water-based clay normally would. However, a little shampoo fixes this problem quickly.

Pros
  • High hold and low shine
  • Alluring sage and lemon scent
  • Great for most hair types and styles
  • Combination of healthy ingredients
  • Kinder on your hair and scalp
Cons
  • Not easy to clean off

Final Verdict

Although it's an oil-based product, the Baxter of California hair clay is a fantastic styling pomade that will prove to be a valuable addition to your grooming arsenal. It might not be the best on this list but it’s still worth a try.

And this marks the end of our short reviews.

Only one thing remains – the shopping guide.

So:

Read on to learn more…

Quick Shopping Guide: How to Choose the Best Hair Clay for Men In 2024

It’s a fact:

Even with the options listed above, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find what you are looking for.

And so:

Whether you are reading through this list or browsing through the shelves at your local supermarket, here are some useful tips to help you determine which hair clay is best suited for you…

1. The Clay Type

Now:

Just like pomades, hair clays are available in two distinct varieties; water-based (or soluble) and oil-based clays.

Generally, water-based clays are healthier because they wash off easily, while oil-based products offer a stronger hold.

Moreover:

You should also consider the type of clay used in the product.

The three main ones are:

  • Bentonite
  • Moroccan Lava
  • Kaolin

Bentonite – the most common type – comes from volcanic ash and will help remove toxins from your hair and scalp.

Meanwhile:

Kaolin clays will help repair damages on your scalp and hair follicles.

And:

On the premium end, you’ll find Moroccan Lava clays. These types are kinder to your scalp and hair and offer great therapeutic properties.

2. Finish/Shine

Next up, we have the finish.

Get this:

When it comes to clays, there are two main types of finishes; shiny and matte.

Note that:

Most hair clays will provide a matte finish by default. This means your hair won't have that glossy, reflective property associated with most waxes and pomades.

But:

Matte clays will give your hair a natural and soft appearance while accentuating your hair color.

Pro Tip:

If you want a glossy/sleek effect, a pomade, wax, or gel will be a better choice.

3. Hair Type and Style

Also:

While making your decision, take some time to think about your hair type and how you want to style it.

For instance:

While hair clays are versatile and can work with most hair lengths and types, firmer, high-hold styling products will work better for thicker, unruly, and longer hair.

Meanwhile:

Clays designed for shorter or thinner hair types will have volumizing properties to give your hair a nice, fuller, and interesting look.

4. Hold Strength

Note that:

The hold strength of a hair clay will determine a lot of things including:

  • The quality of styling you get.
  • How long your hair will be kept in place.
  • The most ideal hairstyles to do.

So, this is a very important factor to consider.

Now:

Here's a quick rundown of the primary levels of hold:

  1. Low-Hold Clays – These types are ideal for short hairstyles due to their light hold. They can also be used to simulate messy, textured, and fuller hairstyles.
  2. Medium-Hold Products – These ones are ideal for medium-length hairstyles and curly or kinky hair types.
  3. High-Hold Clays – They are ideal for thicker and longer hair and will last longer. Also, they are ideal for designing more dramatic hairstyles that require a stronger hold.

Get it?

5. Always Read the Description

Perhaps:

This is the most important tip I can ever give you here.

Why?

By reading the description – on the packaging or product description page – you'll gain critical insight such as:

  • The type of ingredients used in the product;
  • The level of hold and shine provided by the product;
  • The ideal hair type for the product; and
  • How to apply the product.

That way you’ll avoid buying a product that won’t work for your hair type and style.

In Summary…

And there you have it, folks:

8 of the best hair clays for men in 2024 and some extra tips on how to make informed purchases.

So:

It’s evident that shopping for quality hair clays isn’t as hard as most people often assume.

However:

You need to be well informed to make the right decisions.

Just know that, whether you have curly, fine, thick, or coarse hair, there is a product that’s ideal for you.

Anyway:

Get out there and experiment until you find exactly what you are looking for.

And if you have any questions, contributions, or concerns about the products on this list, please let me know in the comments below.

Thanks & #StaySafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Clay has healing, soothing, cleansing, hydrating, stimulating, and strengthening properties that are beneficial for men’s hair and scalp care. It nourishes and purges the hair of toxins and dead skin cells and enhances hair growth.
Bentonite clay (montmorillonite), a naturally-occurring hair clay, is arguably the best clay for hair. However, when picking the right hair clay, it is advisable to consider your hair type as different hair clays work better for specific hair types.
Clay products composed of naturally occurring clay like bentonite, kaolin, and other natural ingredients are good for your hair. However, you should avoid clay products with harmful compounds such as parabens which are certainly not good for your hair.
Layrite cement clay is one of the hair clays in the market with the strongest hold. It is suitable for thick hair and can hold the hair in place for as long as the whole day.

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