Demystifying Hair Clay: What It Is and How to Use It

Hair clay has become a staple in the world of hairstyling, known for its versatility and ability to provide a strong hold with a matte finish. However, some people are still unsure about what hair clay actually is and how to use it effectively. This guide aims to clear up any confusion, explaining the benefits of hair clay, how it differs from other styling products, and how to incorporate it into your grooming routine. We’ll also feature some of the top hair clay products available at HairMNL.com.

What is Hair Clay?

Hair clay is a styling product made primarily from natural clay minerals like bentonite or kaolin, which give it its unique texture and strong hold. It's celebrated for offering firm control while maintaining a natural, non-shiny look, making it perfect for creating structured, natural hairstyles.

Key Characteristics of Hair Clay:

• Strong Hold: Provides firm control that lasts throughout the day.
• Matte Finish: Gives hair a natural appearance without any shine.
• Texture and Volume: Enhances hair’s texture and adds volume, making it ideal for messy, casual styles.
• Nourishment: Often contains natural ingredients that nourish and protect both hair and scalp.

Benefits of Using Hair Clay

Hair clay offers several advantages over other styling products like gels, waxes, and pomades. Here are some key benefits:

1. Natural Look: Hair clay provides a matte finish, which helps create a more natural look compared to the glossy effect of gels or pomades. This makes it ideal for styles that require a more understated, casual appearance.
2. Strong Hold: Despite its natural finish, hair clay offers a strong hold that keeps hairstyles in place throughout the day without the stiffness associated with gels.
3. Versatility: Hair clay is suitable for a wide range of hair types and styles. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, hair clay can help you achieve the desired look.
4. Scalp Health: Many hair clays contain natural ingredients like bentonite clay, which has detoxifying properties that can help improve scalp health by removing impurities and excess oil.
5. Restylability: One of the significant advantages of hair clay is its restylability. You can reshape your hair throughout the day without needing to apply more product.

How to Use Hair Clay

To get the best results from hair clay, it's important to know how to apply it properly. Follow these steps to achieve the best results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Hair clay works best on slightly damp hair, but it can also be used on dry hair for a stronger hold.

Step 2: Warm the Clay
Take a small amount of hair clay (about the size of a pea) and rub it between your palms to warm it up. This makes the clay more pliable and easier to distribute evenly through your hair.

Step 3: Apply to Hair
Work the clay into your hair, starting from the back and moving towards the front. Ensure even distribution by running your fingers through your hair from roots to tips. Focus on the areas where you want the most hold and texture.

Step 4: Style as Desired
Shape your hair into the style you want using either your fingers or a comb. Hair clay is excellent for both structured and messy looks, so feel free to experiment until you find what works best for you.

Step 5: Finish and Restyle
Once you’re satisfied with your style, let the clay set. You can restyle your hair throughout the day as needed without reapplying more product.

Featured Hair Clay Products at HairMNL

HairMNL offers a variety of high-quality hair clay products tailored to different styling needs. Here are some top recommendations:

1. American Crew Matte Clay 85g

• Description: Offers a strong, flexible hold with a natural matte finish, ideal for creating textured, casual styles.
• Benefits: Long-lasting hold with a non-greasy finish, perfect for achieving messy, defined looks.
• Usage: Apply a small amount to dry hair and style as desired.

2. American Crew Molding Clay 85g

• Description: Designed for high hold with a medium shine, this clay is great for sharp, well-defined styles.
• Benefits: Contains natural extracts that nourish the scalp and provide a pliable texture.
• Usage: Warm between palms and apply to towel-dried or dry hair, then shape as needed.

3. Reuzel Clay Matte Pomade - Medium Hold

Image Source: IG: reuzel_sa

• Description: A versatile clay pomade with a medium hold and matte finish, perfect for creating textured, natural-looking styles.
• Benefits: Water-based formula that washes out easily, offers flexible control without shine, and adds volume and definition.
• Usage: Rub a small amount between palms and apply to dry or slightly damp hair. Style as desired for a textured, matte look.

4. AVEDA Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay 75ml

Image Source: Man for Himself

• Description: A lightweight clay that provides strong hold with a matte finish, ideal for short to medium hairstyles.
• Benefits: Made with natural ingredients that help soothe the scalp while providing structure and texture.
• Usage: Apply to damp or dry hair and work through with fingers for a natural look.

5. L'Oreal Homme Strong Hold Matte Clay 50ml

• Description: Provides a strong hold with a matte finish, perfect for creating defined, structured styles.
• Benefits: Lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down, suitable for daily use.
• Usage: Work a small amount into dry hair and sculpt your desired look.

6. Revlon Professional Style Masters Creator Matt Clay 85g

• Description: Delivers a strong hold with a matte finish, ideal for creating textured, natural styles.
• Benefits: Easy to apply and wash out, leaving no residue, and enriched with ingredients that nourish the hair.
• Usage: Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair, then style as needed.

7. Davines This is a Strong Moulding Clay

• Description: A strong hold clay designed for creating defined styles with a matte finish.
• Benefits: Adds texture and structure while maintaining a natural look, perfect for both sleek and messy styles.
• Usage: Warm a small amount between palms, apply to dry hair, and style as desired.

Tips for Best Results

• Less is More: Start with a small amount of clay and add more if needed. Using too much can weigh down your hair.
• Experiment with Damp and Dry Hair: Hair clay can produce different results depending on whether your hair is damp or dry. Experiment to find what works best for your style.
• Combine with Other Products: For added texture or hold, consider combining hair clay with other styling products like sea salt spray or a light hairspray.

Final Thoughts on Mastering Hair Clay

Hair clay is a versatile and effective styling product that offers numerous benefits, from providing a strong hold and matte finish to improving scalp health. By understanding how to use hair clay properly and incorporating it into your grooming routine, you can achieve a wide range of hairstyles with a natural look.

Explore the high-quality hair clay available at HairMNL.com to find the perfect match for your hair type and styling needs.