Hair clay is a hair styling product that usually has bentonite, kaolin or diatomaceous earth as the main ingredient. These are all natural clays that help to provide a strong hold and a matte finish. These clays absorb excessive oil from your hair, so your hairstyles will not be too shiny.

In general a hair styling clay works best for men with straight to wavy hair. In curly hair it can prove quite difficult to distribute a hair clay evenly and it will make your look very dry. When it comes to texture, then a clay can be used in thin, normal and thick hair, but in thin hair it is best to use a medium hold clay to minimize tug and pull.

Properties of hair clay

Hair clay is the driest hair styling product category. In many cases a hair clay is not that different from a hair wax, but a styling clay usually provides a slightly more matte finish and it also provides more volume. When it comes to hold then most hair clays will provide a medium to high hold. Basically all clays in the shop will leave your hair with a matte or semi-matte finish.

In thin hair it is best to use a hair clay that provides a medium hold. You can apply it in damp hair and then blow-dry your hair to make your hair look fuller and thicker. It will also get more volume. In normal to thick hair you can use a clay for hold and styling. In thick hair you need to be a little bit careful that the clay is not too dry to distribute.

The last property of a hair clay to mention is that it does not dry in your hair. Your hair stays flexible and restyling throughout the day is no problem. It will not harden like a pomade or hair gel for example. Clays provide a lot of texture and separation. It does not stick the hairs together, but it provides definition.

What hairstyles work best with hair clay?

The best looks to achieve with a hair clay are similar to those when using a hair wax. Clays work great for messy and tousled hairstyles that require a strong hold. A high volume quiff works well or for example a faux hawk, comb-over or just messy hairstyles with texture. For very tousled or messy hairstyles you can also use a medium hold clay.