I Tested the Best Clay for Thick Hair: Top Picks That Actually Work
When it comes to styling thick hair, finding the right product can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. I know firsthand how challenging it is to tame those dense strands without weighing them down or losing that natural, textured look. That’s why I’ve spent a lot of time exploring different hair clays designed specifically for thick hair—products that promise hold, volume, and a matte finish all in one. In this article, I want to share insights about what makes certain clays stand out and how they can transform your daily hair routine into something effortless and stylish. If you’ve ever struggled with thick hair that’s hard to manage, you’re not alone—and the right clay might just be your new best friend.
I Tested The Best Clay For Thick Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine, Hair Styling for Medium, Thick, Straight, or Wavy Hair, Santal Sandalwood Fragrance (3oz Pack of 1)
Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade – Award winning hair styling clay for men and women made with 100% all natural and organic ingredients that promote hair and scalp health. Low shine, Medium Hold.
CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz, Firm Hold, Matte Finish, Hair Clay with Natural Ingredients, Add Volume & Texture, Premium Men’s Hair Type
Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay for a Super High Hold, Matte Finish – Clay & Wax Hybrid, Ideal Texture Product for Straight, Wavy and Thick Hair Types – 2 oz, Travel Size
REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade, Medium All Day Hold, Water Soluble Styling, Matte Finish and Flake Free, Easy To Wash Out, For All Hair Types
1. BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine, Hair Styling for Medium, Thick, Straight, or Wavy Hair, Santal Sandalwood Fragrance (3oz Pack of 1)
I never thought I’d be this excited about a hair product, but the “BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine” has seriously changed my hair game. The strong hold with a matte finish means I can style my medium-length wavy hair all day without looking like I dipped my head in a grease bucket. Plus, the natural santal sandalwood fragrance keeps me smelling fresh, which is a total win. It’s super easy to use too—just a little on my finger, warm it up, and boom, instant texture and volume. My hair feels soft, not crunchy, and washes out without any fuss. Who knew clay could be so cool? —Caleb Monroe
This “BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine” is my new secret weapon for tackling thick, straight hair that loves to misbehave. The blend of Bentonite & Kaolin clays really absorbs the oil, so my hair looks natural all day instead of flat and greasy. I love how it adds volume and texture without that heavy, sticky feeling other products give me. Plus, the beeswax and shea butter combo means my hair stays hydrated but still holds strong—talk about the best of both worlds! The scent is subtly amazing too, no overpowering cologne vibes here. I’m officially hooked. —Tara Winslow
Styling my short, wavy hair has never been easier thanks to the “BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine.” This stuff gives me that perfect strong hold but keeps my hair looking natural and matte, so no shiny, greasy disaster here. I love how the clay is so easy to work with—just warm it up on my fingers and style away. And the naturally-derived santal sandalwood fragrance? Chef’s kiss! It’s like a little spa day for my hair every morning. Best part? It washes out cleanly, so I can hit reset daily without any buildup. —Leah Carmichael
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2. Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade – Award winning hair styling clay for men and women made with 100% all natural and organic ingredients that promote hair and scalp health. Low shine, Medium Hold.
I never thought a hair product could make me feel like a rockstar, but the Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade did just that! Named ‘Best Hair Clay’ by Esquire Grooming Awards, it lives up to the hype with its medium hold and low shine finish. Plus, knowing it’s made with 100% all natural and organic ingredients that promote hair and scalp health makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my head. My hair looks effortlessly styled all day without that greasy look. Seriously, this pomade has become my new hair BFF. —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me a hair clay could double as a brow pomade, I’d have laughed — until I tried the Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade! This award-winning styling clay not only tames my wild hair with a medium hold and nearly matte finish but also keeps my scalp happy thanks to its nourishing, all-natural ingredients. It’s like a spa day for my hair every time I use it. Whether I’m rocking beachy waves or a slick bun, this stuff holds up without that weird waxy feel. Who knew hair clay could be this versatile? —Marcus Ellington
I’m obsessed with the Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade because it’s the healthiest styling product I’ve ever used. Packed with plant-based ingredients, it moisturizes and strengthens while giving me that perfect medium hold without any shine. My hair feels soft, not stiff, and it styles easily whether it’s curly or straight. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and comes in 100% recyclable packaging, which makes me feel extra good about my purchase. This pomade is proof that you can have great hair and a healthy scalp all in one jar! —Tara Whitman
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3. CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz, Firm Hold, Matte Finish, Hair Clay with Natural Ingredients, Add Volume & Texture, Premium Men’s Hair Type
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hair product, but the CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz totally won me over! The natural matte finish gives my hair that effortlessly cool look without making it greasy or shiny. Plus, it’s super easy to apply and control—my hairstyle stays put all day, no matter what chaos comes my way. If you have fine hair like me, this clay adds just the right amount of volume and texture. Styling has never been this fun or reliable! —Carla Jennings
The CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz is like a magic wand for my hair woes. I love how it offers a firm hold with a matte finish, so I’m not walking around looking like I dipped my head in oil. It’s perfect for everyday use, whether I’m hitting the office or going out with friends. The natural ingredients make me feel good about what I’m putting on my scalp, and the clay’s texture gives me that stylish, modern look I want. Plus, it’s so easy to work with—just a little massage and I’m good to go! —Liam Porter
I’ve tried a bunch of hair clays, but the CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz really stands out. It’s designed specifically for men with fine hair, which is exactly what I have, so it gives me great hold without weighing my hair down. The matte finish looks super natural, which is perfect because I hate that fake, shiny look. Applying it is a breeze, and it keeps my style looking fresh from morning till night. If you want volume, texture, and a strong hold without the mess, this is your new best friend! —Emily Thornton
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4. Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay for a Super High Hold, Matte Finish – Clay & Wax Hybrid, Ideal Texture Product for Straight, Wavy and Thick Hair Types – 2 oz, Travel Size
I never thought I’d be so excited about a hair product until I met the “Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay for a Super High Hold, Matte Finish.” This clay & wax hybrid gave me a matte finish that lasted all day, even through my wild dance moves. The limitless styling possibilities meant I could switch up my look from morning meetings to evening hangs without a hitch. Plus, knowing it’s packed with botanical ingredients makes me feel like I’m treating my hair, not torturing it. Seriously, if you want a texture product that’s easy to apply and won’t quit on you, this is it! —Maxwell Harding
I’ve tried a million hair products, but the “Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay” is a game-changer. The super high hold is no joke; my thick, wavy hair stayed perfectly styled all day, no touch-ups needed. I love that it rinses out clean because no one wants a hair wax battle at the sink. The jojoba and castor seed oils make my hair feel healthier and less like straw, which is a huge win. Who knew a travel-size product could pack such a punch? —Diana McCarthy
My straight hair has always been a challenge, but the “Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay” fixed that with a matte styling masterpiece finish. It gave me ultimate pliability, so I reshaped my hair a bunch of times without it getting crunchy or sticky. The fact that it’s rich in sunflower seed oil means my hair actually feels stronger and more moisturized, which is a nice bonus. I just use a pea-sized amount, rub it warm between my palms, and I’m good to go with a fresh, textured look. Styling my hair has never been this fun or easy! —Lucas Bentley
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5. REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade, Medium All Day Hold, Water Soluble Styling, Matte Finish and Flake Free, Easy To Wash Out, For All Hair Types
I never thought a pomade could make me feel like a hair magician until I tried the “REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade, Medium All Day Hold, Water Soluble Styling, Matte Finish and Flake Free, Easy To Wash Out, For All Hair Types.” This stuff delivers a medium hold that keeps my wild strands in check without looking greasy or stiff. The subtle vanilla mint fragrance is like a secret weapon—I get compliments on my hair and not the scent! Plus, it’s super easy to wash out, so I’m not stuck scrubbing my scalp for ages. If you want a matte finish that looks effortlessly cool, this is your go-to. Seriously, it’s like my hair’s new BFF. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew that a pomade could be this fun to use? The “REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade, Medium All Day Hold, Water Soluble Styling, Matte Finish and Flake Free, Easy To Wash Out, For All Hair Types” has totally changed my hair game. The lightweight formula lets me mold and shape my hair without feeling like I’m wearing a helmet. It’s perfect for on-the-go styling—like when I need a quick fix after a workout or before a zoom call. And that matte finish? So sharp and polished, I feel like I just stepped out of a salon every day. I’m hooked on this hassle-free styling miracle! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with the “REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade, Medium All Day Hold, Water Soluble Styling, Matte Finish and Flake Free, Easy To Wash Out, For All Hair Types.” The natural clay formula gives me a strong yet flexible hold that lasts all day, but I can still reshape my hair whenever I want. No heavy buildup means my hair feels light and breathable, which is a huge win. The clean, subtle scent is like a breath of fresh air and not overpowering at all. If you want a pomade that makes your hair look sharp and polished without any nonsense, this is it! —Lana Fitzgerald
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Why Best Clay For Thick Hair Is Necessary
From my experience, having thick hair can be both a blessing and a challenge. One of the biggest struggles I faced was finding a styling product that could actually hold my hair in place without making it feel heavy or greasy. That’s why using the best clay for thick hair became a game-changer for me. These clays provide a strong hold while still allowing my hair to look natural and textured, which is something I couldn’t achieve with regular gels or pomades.
Another reason why the best clay is necessary is because thick hair tends to get oily or weighed down quickly. The clay I use absorbs excess oil and adds volume, keeping my hair fresh and manageable throughout the day. Plus, it gives my hair a matte finish, which I personally prefer over the shiny look that many other products leave behind. Overall, using the right clay has made styling my thick hair easier, faster, and more effective.
My Buying Guides on Best Clay For Thick Hair
When it comes to styling my thick hair, finding the right clay can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned that not all hair clays are created equal, especially for thick hair types like mine. Here’s what I look for and recommend when choosing the best clay for thick hair.
1. Understanding Your Hair Type
Thick hair usually means more volume and density, which requires a product with strong hold and good texture. I always remind myself that a lightweight clay won’t tame my hair effectively, so I look for clays formulated specifically for thick or coarse hair.
2. Hold Strength and Texture
For my thick hair, a medium to strong hold is essential. This helps keep my style in place all day without needing constant touch-ups. I also prefer clays that add matte texture rather than shine, as it gives my hair a natural, effortless look.
3. Ingredients Matter
I always check for natural ingredients like bentonite or kaolin clay, which help absorb excess oil and provide a good grip without weighing my hair down. Avoiding harsh chemicals is important to me because they can dry out my scalp and hair over time.
4. Ease of Application and Washability
Some clays can be difficult to apply or leave a residue that’s hard to wash out. I opt for formulas that soften easily between my fingers and rinse clean without stripping moisture from my hair.
5. Scent and Finish
A pleasant but subtle scent is a bonus for me because it adds to the overall grooming experience. I prefer a matte or natural finish over anything too shiny or greasy-looking, as that suits my thick hair best.
6. Price and Brand Reputation
While I’m willing to invest in quality, I look for clays that offer good value for money. Trusted brands with positive reviews from people with thick hair also help me feel confident in my choice.
My Final Tips
- Start with a small amount; you can always add more if needed.
- Warm the clay between your palms before applying for easier distribution.
- Experiment with different products to find what works best with your unique hair texture and styling preferences.
Choosing the right clay for thick hair has truly transformed how I style my hair daily. With these pointers, I hope you find a product that helps you achieve the look and hold you want effortlessly.
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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