Smooth Viking Hair Clay for Men
Kevin Murphy Rough Rider Hair Clay
Sexy Hair Textured Matte Hair Clay
When you hear about “All-day staying power,” your first reaction is that whatever product is being promoted is full of garbage, right? All-day stay sounds like a fairytale, and while no individual product can promise that, hair clay is the closest you’re going to get. Hair clay, mixed with understanding how to properly blow dry your hair and apply product, can give you the very best staying power throughout the day. It imbues with your hair, keeping it in place and protecting you against rainfall and harsh winds (within reason). Lose the slick, glossy 1950’s look that hairspray gives you, stay away from expensive mixtures, and snag one of these top ten hair clays designed for men instead.
The Best Hair Clay
1Smooth Viking Hair Clay for Men
If it has viking in the title, you know it’s going to be rockin’ for your hair. Smooth Viking created a truly unique textured hair clay that feels more like a cream than anything else. This smooth, workable material comes in a two ounce container, and spreads on your hair like butter on bread. Whether you have curly or straight hair, there’s nothing that the viking can’t tame. They’ve designed this to work remarkably well with shorter hairstyles, boasting that sporty looks will stay in place while you’re out on the field, and guitarists can headbang without their do coming undone.
Apart from that, it promises a smooth matte finish without any shine or gloss. You’re not trying to reflect sunlight with your head of hair; you’re trying to look like this style is natural, like you just rolled out of bed this morning looking absolutely dapper. That’s what you want, that’s what Smooth Viking will give you. You’ll also get a touch of volume and added texture when applying this to your hair, so if you’re worried that your hairstyle often looks flat, it’s about to get a follicle lift in true viking fashion. This also makes a perfect grooming gift for your manly man.
Two ounces of product
Matte finish with zero gloss or shine
Adds texture and volume
Designed for shorter hairstyles to keep them in place all day long
- BrandSmooth Viking Beard Care
- Weight3.84 ounces
2Baxter of California Hair Clay Pomade
It doesn’t get any better than Baxter’s. These California gents crafted one of the most high-end pomades that we’ve ever tried, and were surprised they’re letting it go for this cheap. This is the type of hold that people look for, companies strive for, but few figure out the secret. Baxter of California comes in a clear two-ounce container, with a slick and easy-to-use pomade clay that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your hands or your hair.
Nobody is after that John Travolta greaser’s look anymore and for good reason. It just looks dirty. Baxter gives you manageable, clean-looking hair while keeping it in a place like a high-end hair spray would. The best part? No stiff or stone-like feeling on your hair. That’s because they designed this to be reworkable throughout the day, regardless of your hair type: straight, thick curls, slightly wavy, whatever category you fall under, Baxter is there to lay down the hold. Through a typical day, Baxter will keep you looking suave until you wash it out at night.
Two ounces of product
Designed to work with curly, wavy or stick-straight hair
Doesn’t leave shine or gloss, just keeps your hair where it belongs
Reworkable throughout the day
- BrandBaxter of California
- Model838364004019
- Weight2.08 ounces
3Hanz de Fuko Premium Hair Clay for Men
Claymation, not like Wallace and Gromit, but it’ll stay just like a perfectly molded figure. With Hanz de Fuko, a little goes a really long way. You’ll be able to just apply a sprinkling of this to your hand, emulsify, and you’re good to go. They recommend a pea-sized amount, and since most manufacturers say the same thing, we were skeptical. This stuff really does the trick, and the reason behind its success is no big secret.
Hanz de Fuko only uses certified organic ingredients in their two ounce container of Claymation. Why’s that? They want you to know you can trust them to provide the best possible experience, and health for your hair. These ingredients are powerful, so a little bit of clay goes a lot further than you would think. On top of that, thanks to ingredients like castor seed oil, you’re actually giving your hair, scalp and roots something extremely healthy and nurturing. Say goodbye to ingrown hairs, and say hello to a thicker, fuller look. Another great option for your hair is hair oil, so make sure you check our guide.
Two ounces of product
Certified organic ingredient curation
Castor seed oil fights against grease and clogged pores
Extremely concentrated, a better value for the money
- BrandHanz de Fuko
- ModelHF009
- Weight1.92 ounces
4Layrite Cement Hair Clay
Layrite caught our attention because they’re able to do something that not many others have done. They made a high hold hair clay that doesn’t turn into a big flaky mess. You usually have one or the other, a high hold that chips away like withered stone, or a crummy product that doesn’t chip, but feels like you put a bunch of glue in your hair. Layrite gives you a ton of product for the money spent, and ensures that it not only maintains that hold, but is totally reworkable throughout the day.
It’s also water soluble. That means rainfall is going to give you a run for your money, but washing this stuff out at the end of a long day is going to be a sinch. You get over four ounces of product equipped with a stylish matte finish; there’s no shine, no gloss, and no glare when a touch of sunlight falls on you. Nothing but a smooth, classic style that has everyone wondering if you were just born perfect.
4.25 ounces of product
Matte, no-shine finish
Water soluble for a simple time washing it out
Reworkable high hold throughout the day
- BrandLayrite
- ModelCEMENT042501
- Weight6.4 ounces
5Kevin Murphy Rough Rider Hair Clay
Perhaps you’re a premium gent, one who wants a bit more oomph in the products you put into your hair. Kevin Murphy has the solution. They’ve imported a high-end list of ingredients, including golden bamboo and soya beans, to give you a truly unforgettable hair clay experience, one that their competitors wouldn’t dare replicate. What this exclusive list of ingredients does is strengthen your hair by preventing split ends, and reaching your scalp to perform something truly miraculous.
Most of us either suffer from a dry or overly oily scalp at one point or another. Let’s say that you’re dealing with that right now. This hair clay for men is rich with antioxidants, which glide across your scalp and promote healthy pH balances in your skin. Where low-end clays and pomades can make your hair feel greasy, Kevin Murphy is designed to not only make you look like a rockstar, but also enrich your hair and ensure excellent scalp and hair health for as long as you use the product.
3.40 ounces of product
Ingredients like golden bamboo help protect your hair
Rich in antioxidants to help promote healthy scalp pH levels
Matte finish, absolutely no shine whatsoever
- BrandKevin Murphy
- ModelKMU248
- Weight5.6 ounces
6Aveda Men’s Pure-Formance Grooming Hair Clay
When you get a brand like Aveda rolling across your desk, you’re immediately arrested with the idea that it’s hyperbole and not going to perform the way that they advertise. Props to Aveda, because this stuff truly rocks. You get 2.60 ounces of product in a light-blocking, humidity controlled container. Their formula is designed to emulate the classic, rough and rugged matte look, without any gloss or shine to it whatsoever.
It goes in easy, doesn’t shine, and you’d think that would be enough. Aveda took it one step further. There’s microfiber technology woven throughout this mixture. Once you emulsify, it unearths to stay light and airy through your hair, keeping it workable throughout the day. The best part is that it’s only partially water soluble, so getting stuck in a light drizzle isn’t going to mess up your hair for the rest of the day. Rearrange it with a comb, your fingertips, all without getting that greasy feeling on your nubs. We have to give credit where credit is due, and Aveda blew us away.
2.60 ounces of product
Adds slight volume and texture
Reworkable throughout the day thanks to microfiber technology
Rough matte look without gloss or shine
- BrandAVEDA
- Model18084851036
- Weight4.8 ounces
7Reuzel Hair Clay Matte Pomade
It’s a bold move to add any level of scent to your hair clay, but Reuzel knew that you’re the kind of gent who doesn’t mind playing on the dangerous side. There’s a light aroma with this, which emerges the second you open up your four ounce tin. It’s not overpowering, but pleasant enough to get you excited. Work Reuzel’s clay through your hair with ease, and get ready to look dapper from dawn until dusk. You get an average twelve hours of hold, but since this isn’t a concentrated formula, you’ll have to use a bit more than normal to achieve it.
That’s okay, because you get some of the best value from Reuzel than any other brand. More product, less time waiting for a new package to arrive. Reuzel helps to even out your hair with a thick matte look, all without feeling heavy or weighing your head down. You’re after a classic look, one that says “I just happened to wake up looking this good,” and Reuzel’s going to give it to you. If you need a product that will keep your hair firm, check out our guide to the best hair gels for men.
Four ounces of product
Thick matte finish
Strong hold for ten to twelve hours
Light aromatic scent
- BrandREUZEL
- Model0852578006843
- Weight4 ounces
8Mitch Matterial Styling Hair Clay
We appreciate the pun in the name, but we really appreciate the power behind Mitch Matterial hair clay. You get an average of fourteen hours of hold, which won’t be a problem, because this product is entirely reworkable throughout your entire day. Hair got messed up from ducking into the cab after lunch? Not a worry. Simply run your fingers or your comb through it, and you’ll be good to go. Mitch Matterial doesn’t leave any greasy or oily feeling on your hands.
Apart from it being workable, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s absolutely no aroma at al.. You will, however, get a very slight bit of shine from this product. Mitch gives us a good value on the quantity you receive, while sticking to a fairly good list of ingredients, such as beeswax. This ensures full hold, and no holds barred all at the same time.
Three ounces of product
Contains beeswax and coumarin for superior hold
Mild glossy look
Reworkable throughout the day
- BrandMITCH
- Model330371
- Weight4 ounces
9Sebastian Craft Hair Clay
Sit down and let Sebastian take care of you. From one of the most high-end brands of lower-cost hair products for men, you’re going to get a relatively small container of about 1.70 ounces, but with some serious power in every single drop. Just place a pea sized dollop on your fingertips, and emulsify; it’s that easy to get your hair looking like you just walked out of a commercial. The rugged matte finish leaves absolutely zero shine behind, and is intended to be reworked all day long.
We mean all day. You can switch up your hairstyle over a dozen times, and you’ll still get consistent results from Sebastian. It’s a bit more work to clean out at the end of the day, but for that peace of mind and staying power, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Last but not least, their formulas are infused with Earth minerals, giving you a more natural method to taming your wild mane. If you are looking to upgrade your grooming products, then make sure you read our shampoos for men review or our conditioners review.
1.70 ounces of product
Designed to be reworked dozens of times throughout the day
Perfect for short and medium hairstyles
Matte finish with slight volume
- BrandSebastian
- Model63283
- Weight2.08 ounces
10Sexy Hair Textured Matte Hair Clay
Last on our list is Sexy Hair, and yes, that’s really what the brand name is called. They’ve done what we used to think was impossible: made a thick clay without making it sticky. After application, you won’t feel a drop left on your fingertips, so you can just go back to being awesome without all that messy cleanup. On top of that, you get a solid matte look, so you won’t accidentally redirect traffic with crazy shine coming off your hair.
Sexy Hair is also available at a fair price for the volume you get. You don’t need to use a lot of it, so one container could feasibly last you for about three months before you have to stock back up. You’re not going to get the longest hold, but if ten hours is enough for you to get through the day, Sexy Hair will stick with you through it. You can achieve the classic look without hemorrhaging your wallet, so long as you know what to look for. Spoiler alert: Sexy Hair has exactly what you’re after.
1.80 ounces of product
Non-greasy feeling left behind
Average hold of ten hours
Solid matte finish
- BrandSEXYHAIR
- Model1549
- Weight1.76 ounces