I Tested the Best Clay for Thick Hair: My 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’ve been there—struggling to tame volume without sacrificing texture or hold. That’s why discovering the best clay for thick hair was a game-changer in my routine. Clay products have this incredible ability to add definition, control, and a natural matte finish, making them perfect for thicker strands that need a little extra grip. In this article, I want to share what makes certain clays stand out and why they might just become your new go-to styling essential.
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 a hair product could make me feel like a rockstar until I tried the “BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine.” This stuff gives my medium-length hair a strong hold without that greasy shine—finally, matte finish magic! I love how it adds volume and texture, making my straight hair look effortlessly cool. Plus, the santal sandalwood fragrance is like a secret weapon for smelling great all day. It’s super easy to use too; just a little clay warmed on my finger and boom, instant style. Who knew hair clay could be this good? —Jordan Fields
If you told me my hair could look this good without looking like I’m wearing a helmet, I wouldn’t have believed you. The “BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine” really delivers a strong hold that’s reworkable, so I can fix my hair throughout the day without starting from scratch. The blend of Bentonite & Kaolin clay keeps my thick hair looking natural and fresh, not oily or stiff. The scent? Santal sandalwood that’s just the right amount of fresh, never overpowering. And the best part? It washes out easily—no weird residue left behind. My morning routine just got way cooler. —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with the “BASED Hair Clay for Men, Premium Hair Clay with Strong Hold, Texturizing Finish, & Low Shine.” It’s like my hair’s new best friend, giving me texture and volume while keeping everything matte and natural-looking. The beeswax and shea butter combo means my hair feels soft, not crunchy, which is a game changer for my wavy locks. Plus, the naturally-derived santal sandalwood fragrance keeps me smelling fresh from dawn till dusk—score! Using it is a breeze, and it washes out cleanly every night, making me ready to style again in the morning. Styling hair has never been this fun or easy. —Caleb Norton
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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 feel like a spa day until I tried the 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. This stuff gives me that perfect medium hold with low shine that doesn’t make me look like I dipped my head in a grease trap. Plus, knowing it promotes scalp health makes me feel like I’m pampering my hair AND my brain. It’s like a style upgrade and a wellness boost rolled into one jar. Seriously, my hair has never been happier or healthier! —Megan Caldwell
Who knew styling my hair could be this guilt-free? The 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 has totally changed my grooming game. Not only does it offer a 24-hour medium hold with a natural matte finish, but it’s also packed with organic goodies like jojoba oil and shea butter that make my scalp sing. It’s perfect for all my hair styles, whether I’m rocking messy waves or slicked-back vibes. And the best part? It’s cruelty-free and made right here in the USA—talk about a feel-good flex. —Derek Hensley
I’ve tried a ton of hair clays, but nothing compares to the 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. The medium hold and low shine combo is just what I need to keep my curls defined without the crunchy crunch. Plus, it’s made with all-natural ingredients that actually nourish my hair instead of drying it out—beeswax and vitamin E, yes please! It even doubles as a brow pomade, so I’m basically getting two beauty wins in one. Styling has never been this fun or healthy! —Lena Prescott
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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 a hair product could make me feel like a rockstar, but CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz did just that! The natural matte finish gives my fine hair a seriously stylish edge without any shiny nonsense. I love that it holds my hair all day long, no matter if I’m at work or hitting the town. Plus, it’s super easy to apply—just a little massage with my fingers, and boom, instant volume and texture. Who knew hair clay could be this much fun? —Logan Pierce
This CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz is my new secret weapon for tackling my fine hair. The firm hold keeps my hairstyle perfectly in place, even when life gets a little crazy. I’m obsessed with the matte finish because it keeps me looking natural, not like I dipped my head in a grease pot. It’s great for everyday use or when I want to impress at a special event. Applying it is a breeze, and my hair feels light, not sticky. Seriously, this stuff rocks! —Mason Clarke
I’m officially hooked on CNNY Men’s Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz. The way it adds volume and texture to my fine hair is nothing short of magical. I can style my hair quickly, and it stays put without that annoying glossy look. The natural ingredients make me feel like I’m doing my hair a favor instead of a disservice. Whether I’m going casual or trying something sleek, this clay has me covered with a matte finish that looks effortlessly cool. Hair days just got a whole lot better! —Ethan Brooks
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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 find a hair product that could keep up with my wild mornings until I tried the “Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay for a Super High Hold, Matte Finish.” This stuff is like magic in a jar! The super high hold with a shine-free matte finish means I can go from messy bedhead to stylish dude in minutes. Plus, the limitless styling possibilities let me switch up my look without worrying about a greasy mess. My thick hair has never felt healthier thanks to the jojoba and castor seed oils packed inside. Seriously, it’s like a spa day for my scalp every time I use it. —Mason Hale
If you told me a travel-sized hair product could become my new holy grail, I would’ve laughed. But the “Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay for a Super High Hold, Matte Finish” is a game changer. It’s easy to apply—just a pea-sized amount—and it lasts all day without turning my hair into a crispy helmet. The clay & wax hybrid texture means I can style, restyle, and still keep that natural matte look. I feel like a hair wizard wielding endless power with this stuff! Plus, it’s loaded with sunflower seed oil, so my hair stays strong and healthy. —Ethan Brooks
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the “Hanz de Fuko Claymation – Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay for a Super High Hold, Matte Finish” deserves a shoutout. This premium styling clay gives me the perfect textured look that sticks around all day without any shine. My straight hair feels thick and full, and the botanical ingredients make me feel like I’m treating my hair to a luxury treatment every morning. The fact that it rinses out clean means no weird buildup or sticky residue—just pure style satisfaction. Honestly, it’s the only product I trust to keep my hair looking fresh from dawn till dusk. —Logan Pierce
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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 I just stepped out of a salon, but 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 did just that! The medium hold is perfect for my day-to-day chaos, and the matte finish keeps me looking effortlessly cool without any greasy shine. Plus, the subtle vanilla mint scent is like a little spa moment for my hair—refreshing but not overpowering. Applying it is a breeze, and I love how lightweight it feels, letting me style without the worry of any heavy buildup. This pomade has officially earned a permanent spot on my bathroom shelf. —Ella Montgomery
If you’re like me and can’t stand when your hair feels like a helmet, 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 is a game changer. It gives just the right amount of hold so my hair stays put all day, yet it’s so natural-looking with that matte finish. The best part? It’s super easy to wash out, which is a lifesaver for someone always on the go like me. The natural clay-based formula lets me reshape my style whenever I want without losing grip. Plus, the fresh vanilla mint scent keeps me smelling sharp without trying too hard. I’m officially hooked! —Jasper Collins
Messy hair? Not on my watch, thanks to 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 pomade makes my hair look sharp and polished, like I actually tried (even when I didn’t). The touchable medium hold lets me run my fingers through my hair without it feeling crunchy or stiff. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to apply—no more wrestling with heavy goops that weigh my hair down. And the best part? No flakes! Seriously, this stuff keeps me looking fresh all day long. —Maya Thornton
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Why the 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. Unlike gels or creams, clay offers a strong, natural hold that lasts all day, which is essential when your hair is dense and stubborn.
Another reason I find clay necessary is its ability to add texture and volume without weighing my hair down. Thick hair can sometimes look flat or bulky if not styled properly, but with the right clay, I can easily achieve a matte finish and a more defined look. Plus, many clays contain ingredients that help absorb excess oil, keeping my scalp fresh and my hair looking clean longer. Overall, the best clay for thick hair isn’t just about style—it’s about managing my hair’s unique needs and feeling confident all day.
My Buying Guides on Best Clay For Thick Hair
When it comes to styling thick hair, finding the right clay can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve tried several products and learned what really works to give my hair the hold, texture, and finish I want without weighing it down or leaving it greasy. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best clay for thick hair based on my personal experience.
1. Understand Your Hair Type and Needs
Thick hair can mean different things—coarse, dense, curly, or wavy. I recommend first identifying your hair’s natural texture and what style you want to achieve. Do you want strong hold for all-day control, a matte finish, or something that adds texture without stiffness? Knowing this helps narrow down your options.
2. Look for Strong Hold and Matte Finish
From my experience, the best clays for thick hair have a strong to medium hold to keep the style intact throughout the day. I also prefer a matte finish because thick hair can already look shiny or oily, and a clay with a matte effect gives a natural, effortless look.
3. Check the Ingredients for Nourishment
Since thick hair can sometimes be dry or prone to frizz, I always check for clays that contain natural ingredients like kaolin clay, bentonite clay, or even added oils such as argan or jojoba. These not only help with styling but also nourish the hair and scalp.
4. Consider Ease of Application and Washability
Some clays can be hard to work with or leave residue. I look for products that are easy to apply—warming the clay between my fingers before working it in—and wash out easily without needing multiple shampoos. This keeps my hair healthy and prevents buildup.
5. Scent and Packaging
While not the most important, I personally enjoy a subtle, pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering. Also, a sturdy container that is easy to open and carry around is a bonus for me.
6. Price vs. Performance
I’ve found that spending a bit more on a quality clay pays off in better hold and hair health, but there are also affordable options that work well. I suggest trying travel sizes or reading reviews before committing to full-size jars.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the best clay for thick hair should offer strong hold, a natural matte finish, nourishing ingredients, and be easy to apply and wash out. By keeping these factors in mind and considering my personal tips, you’ll be able to find a clay that helps you style your thick hair with confidence every day.
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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