Men's Clothing

The Best Hair Styling Putties & Clays

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Achieving your desired hairstyle often comes down to the right styling product. Hair styling putties and clays offer a versatile hold and matte finish, perfect for textured looks without stiffness. Selecting the best one depends on your hair type and styling goals.

SaleNo. 1
L3 Level 3 Matte Hair Putty for Men and Women, Styling Clay, 5 oz
  • EFFORTLESS HAIR STYLING - The Level 3 matte putty provides a medium hold that allows you to effortlessly mold and shape your hair, creating a variety of stylish looks with ease.
  • MATTE FINISH - Formulated with bentonite, this hair putty gives your hair a contemporary matte finish, just right for achieving an on trend, natural appearance.
  • ADD HAIR VOLUME - Infused with ethylhexyl palmitate, bees wax, and vp/va copolymer, the putty offers a pliable hold, adds hair volume, and keeps your hair soft and manageable throughout the day.
  • FOR ALL HAIR STYLES - Suitable for all hair types, this hair putty is ideal for both women and men, providing a balance of control and flexibility for any hair style.
  • EASY TO APPLY - The hair texture putty is easy to apply on both damp and dry hair, and its reworkable nature allows you to adjust your hair style throughout the day without leaving residue.
SaleNo. 2
Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty, Styling Kaolin Clay Putty, Medium Hold for Volume & Texture, Matte Finish, Hair...
  • THE OG FOR TEXTURE & VOLUME: Designed to help create instant volume and a matte finish with a lightweight, pliable formula that works for all hair types.
  • SMOOTH APPLICATION: Formulated with Kaolin clay for a soft-to-the-touch texture that can offer a second-day look from the first application.
  • HOW TO: Take a small amount of Perfect Putty (about the size of a nickel), rub between your palms until smooth, and apply evenly through your hair from roots to tips before styling.
  • GOOD TO KNOW: Paraben free, color safe, cruelty free, sulfate free, and made with 100% recyclable packaging. The putty’s flexible hold lets hair stay styled without feeling stiff.
  • ABOUT FATBOY: At Fatboy, our journey began with the fusion of music and hair care. Tyson Kennedy, lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Steriogram and founder of Fatboy, started crafting unique hair products and hair styling products that aimed to keep up...
No. 3
CNNY Men's Hair Styling Clay 3.53 oz, Firm Hold, Matte Finish, Hair Clay with Natural Ingredients, Add Volume...
  • Natural Matte Finish:Matte Clay offers a natural matte finish that makes your hairstyle look more natural, which is specifically formulated for men with fine hair, providing better hold and texture to make your hairstyle more durable and stylish.
  • Easy to Apply and Control: Hair styling gel has a powerful holding ability, keeping your hairstyle in place all day long without getting messy or out of shape.
  • Easily Style Your Hair: Perfect for daily use, special occasions, and creative styling. Whether you're heading to the office, a casual outing, or a formal event, Matte Clay is the perfect styling product for your hair.
  • Styling Clay for Men: Men with fine hair who want a strong hold without the shine, as well as those who prefer a matte finish for a more modern and natural look.
  • Application Tips: Apply Matte Clay to dry hair, depending on your desired style. It will be a bit low shine when it is first used, and then it will become matte after a while. For a more textured look, for a sleeker style. Gently massage into the hair...
No. 4
L3 Level 3 Matte Putty Grooming Hair Product for Women and Men (3.5oz)
  • NATURAL MATTE FINISH - Create defined, textured hairstyles without unwanted shine. This matte hair putty provides a modern, natural-looking finish with balanced styling control.
  • TEXTURE & DEFINITION - Add separation, texture, and definition with a versatile styling paste that helps shape your hair while maintaining a clean, modern matte look.
  • RESHAPE & RESTYLE - Workable hair putty makes it easy to shape your desired hairstyle and adjust your look throughout the day for flexible styling whenever you need it.
  • FOR ALL HAIR TYPES - Versatile matte styling paste works with straight, wavy, and curly hair, making it easy to add texture, definition, and control to a variety of hairstyles.
  • WITH BEESWAX & BENTONITE - Formulated with beeswax, bentonite, and ethylhexyl palmitate to provide texture and styling control while helping hair maintain a soft, manageable feel.
No. 5
Pete & Pedro Hair Putty Strong Hold, Low Shine, Matte Finish Hair Clay 2 oz
  • High Hold & Low Shine: Hair Putty is an award-winning styling aid with a high hold and low shine for a firm, yet pliable hold.
  • Matte Finish: Our Hair Putty is super versatile and is ideal for texturizing and giving hair a matte, messy/not messy look but with more moisture than what a men's hair clay can offer.
  • High-Quality Premium Ingredients: Hair Putty is infused with Beeswax and Lanolin to provide an unparalleled firm hair hold without any crunchiness or greasiness.
  • Super Versatile: Putty is perfect for all hair types, but is ideal for men with short to medium length hair. It's paraben-free, water-soluble, and it effortlessly washes out, leaving your hair healthy, residue-free, and looking amazing
  • Featured On Shark Tank: Started in 2013, Pete & Pedro was featured on Shark Tank and includes an entire premium line of men's grooming, haircare, hairstyling, fragrance, beard, and body products. And, a new women’s line too!
No. 6
Old Spice Mens Hair Putty, Sculpting Putty for Men, Healthy & Strong with Vitamin E & Biotin, Hair Styling...
  • VITAMIN E & BIOTIN: Infused with Vitamin E & Biotin, this sculpting putty supports healthy & strong hair that’s ready to conquer the day!
  • EFFORTLESS LOOKING HAIR: High hold & matte finish gives you great looking hair and dapper style that doesn’t look overdone
  • HEALTHY & STYLISH: Get an effortlessly cool look with hair that is defined but not crunchy, stiff, heavy, or clumpy. Leaves no visible residue.
  • STRENGTHENS HAIR: Fortify hair against breakage and unlock fuller, healthier, & more moisturized looking hair after one use
  • FREE-OF UNWANTED ADDITIVES: Free-of parabens, sulfates, phthalates & silicones.
SaleNo. 7
Cremo Hair Clay Pomade for Men, High Hold Matte Finish, 3.4 oz
  • STRONG, MOVABLE HOLD: Enjoy a high hold with our hair paste for men, which keeps your hair in place without sacrificing flexibility, for a natural look that isn't stiff or rigid.
  • NATURAL MATTE FINISH: Achieve a matte clay finish with a hair styling product that emphasizes texture and dimension, offering a natural look that enhances your hair's appearance
  • VERSATILE FOR ALL LENGTHS: Great for all hair lengths, this clay hair product men love offers the versatility needed for a variety of styles, from short to long
  • TEXTURED, MESSY STYLE: Apply hair clay for men to dry hair to create a textured, tousled look effortlessly, adding personality and style to your daily routine
  • BOOST STYLE ON DAMP HAIR: Use hair styling products like this on slightly damp hair ends to easily build volume and enhance your style, providing adaptability and ease
No. 8
got2b Daring Texturizing Clay, 2 Fl Oz, Matte Finish and High Hold Styling Hair Clay For Men and Women...
  • Matte Finish, Strong Hold: Lock in your look without stiffness or shine. This texturizing hair clay delivers a true matte finish with high hold, letting you shape and sculpt your hair into a long-lasting style
  • Natural Texture, No Grease: Ditch the heavy waxes. This styling clay adds definition and grip without weighing hair down or leaving a greasy residue—suitable for adding tousled texture or controlled volume
  • Non-Sticky Hair Styling: The smooth, workable formula applies easily to dry hair and rinses clean with your regular shampoo. No buildup or stickiness, just workable hold that lasts
  • Simple Application: Start with damp hair. Scoop a small amount onto fingertips, rub product in hands and then work it through hair. Style as desired - there's no wrong way
  • Everyday Style for All Hair Types: Whether it’s your daily routine or a night out, this clay for hair works for short to medium lengths and all textures—from straight to curly. This unisex texture paste packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic
SaleNo. 9
ApexFlow Matte Hair Clay, Strong Hold, Defined Texture & Volume
  • BEGINNER-FRIENDLY STYLING– No complicated techniques needed. The smooth hair pomade texture spreads easily through hair, making it simple for first-time users to create natural styles.
  • NATURAL MATTE TEXTURE– Adds effortless texture and volume with a lightweight matte finish, keeping hair flexible and touchable without a stiff feeling.
  • EASY APPLICATION, CLEAN LOOK – Designed for smooth application with no clumping and no white residue, helping you achieve a clean, natural hairstyle every day.
  • FRESH REFILL SYSTEM – Replace the inner refill instead of buying a whole new jar. The compact size helps you enjoy fresh styling clay within your routine.
  • WATER-BASED & EASY WASH OUT – Comfortable for daily use and rinses clean with water, leaving hair feeling fresh without heavy buildup.
No. 10
Pete & Pedro Hair Styling Clay Medium Hold, Low Shine, Matte Finish, 2 oz
  • Medium Hold & Low Shine: Pete & Pedro Hair Styling Clay offers controlled styling with a medium hold and low-shine finish, ideal for achieving a non-greasy look.
  • Adds Volume & Thickness: Formulated to add body and fullness, Clay is ideal for men with fine or thinning hair, while still working great on thick hair.
  • Premium Ingredients: Infused with Bentonite and Beeswax, this water-soluble, paraben-free Clay provides a firm yet pliable hold, ensuring a healthy, residue-free appearance.
  • Versatile &Effortless: Suitable for all hair lengths and types, the light, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, washes out easily, and features a fresh, slightly earthy fragrance.
  • Featured On Shark Tank: Started in 2013, Pete & Pedro was featured on Shark Tank and includes an entire premium line of men's grooming, haircare, hairstyling, fragrance, beard, and body products.

Last update on 2026-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Hair Styling Putties & Clays

Choosing the Right Hair Putty or Clay

When selecting a hair styling putty or clay, consider these key factors:
  • Hold Strength: Putties and clays range from light to strong hold. For short, spiky styles, a strong hold is essential. Medium hold is versatile for most hair types and styles, offering flexibility without compromising shape. Light hold is ideal for fine hair or for achieving a natural, tousled look.
  • Finish: Most putties and clays provide a matte or natural finish, avoiding the shine often associated with gels or pomades. This makes them excellent for creating textured, lived-in styles. Some products may offer a slight sheen, so check the description if a completely dry look is paramount.
  • Hair Type and Length: Fine or thinning hair may benefit from lighter formulas to avoid weighing it down. Thicker or coarser hair can handle stronger holds. For short hair, a putty or clay can sculpt and define. For longer hair, it can add texture and control frizz.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hair putty and hair clay?
While often used interchangeably, 'putty' might suggest a slightly creamier texture and more flexible hold. 'Clay' typically implies a drier, more absorbent formula that offers a stronger, matte finish. Both are designed for texture and hold without shine.
Can I use hair putty or clay on wet hair?
It's generally best to apply these products to dry or slightly damp hair for optimal results. Applying to wet hair can dilute the product, reducing its hold and texturizing capabilities. Ensure your hair is towel-dried before application.
How much product should I use?
Start with a small amount, about a dime-sized portion, and warm it between your palms. You can always add more if needed. Overusing product can lead to greasiness or stiffness, especially with stronger hold formulas.
Will hair clay make my hair stiff?
High-quality hair clays are formulated to provide hold and texture without stiffness. They aim for a pliable, natural feel. If a product makes your hair feel overly stiff, you might be using too much, or it might be a formula with an exceptionally strong hold.