Ever wondered how to use clay pomades? We got you covered.

For natural texture with lasting control, a strong hold clay pomade delivers a true matte finish and volume without grease. It’s versatile for relaxed, messy looks or clean, structured styles, right at home or after the barbershop.

This guide will break down what clay pomades are, what they do, who they're for and how to use them.

What is Clay Pomade and What Does It Do?

Clay pomade blends clays like bentonite/kaolin with waxes for firm, flexible hold and a true matte finish. It grips strands to add texture and thickness while absorbing excess oil for a clean, natural look.

Modern clay pomades are water-based, so they rinse out easily yet hold all day. Choose clay when you want volume, separation, and touchable control, without shine.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade jars on vintage red retail shelf with plant– strong hold matte finish hair product. Open jar shoes smooth clay in jar.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade in use on mid length hairstyle at Wolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – Strong Hold, Matte Finish Hair Product. Made in California

Who Is Clay Pomade For?

Works for most hair types, with standout results in these cases:

Natural, textured styles: Matte, touchable hold for quiffs, tousled crops, and relaxed side parts—styled, not shiny.
Fine or thinning hair: Clay bonds to strands for fuller, thicker-looking hair with lightweight volume.
Thick or unruly hair: Strong control and grip to tame coarse or wavy hair without a stiff, shellacked look.
Oily scalp/humid days: Absorbs excess oil and resists heat/sweat better than water-soaked gels.
Low-maintenance routines: Quick to apply, reworkable all day, and no flakes.

Prefer high shine or ultra-slick retro looks? Try a high-shine pomade or styling gel pomade instead.

Benefits of Using a Clay Pomade

Natural Texture & Volume: Separates strands and boosts lift for thicker-looking hair; perfect for fine hair and structured, fuller styles.
Strong Yet Flexible Hold: All-day control without crunch; easily restyle with fingers or a comb from office to evening.
Matte, Natural Finish: Low-to-no shine for an effortless look; flattering on lighter or thinning hair where gloss can expose scalp.
Oil Absorption & Freshness: Acts like a built-in dry shampoo to absorb excess oil; holds up in heat and humidity.
Easy to Wash Out: Water-based formulas rinse clean with regular shampoo—no residue or repeated washes.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used on mid length hairstyle at Wolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – Strong Hold, Matte Finish Grooming Product. Made in California

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade clump showing texture and Kent Bros pocket comb – strong hold matte finish grooming product made in the USA and trusted by barbers

Key Ingredients in Clay Pomade (and Why They Matter)

Bentonite: Volumizes, adds grip, and absorbs oil for matte texture.
Kaolin: Gentle oil control and soft, touchable separation.
Beeswax: Flexible, humidity-resistant hold without shine.
Conditioning oils: Castor/plant oils support softness and prevent over-drying.
Water + emulsifiers: Smooth application and easy rinse-out.

How to Use Clay Pomade for the Best Results

Clay pomade is simple to use, but a few techniques make all the difference. Follow these quick steps for natural texture, volume, and control:

Start with Clean, Dry or Slightly Damp Hair: Freshly washed hair gives the best grip. Towel-dry so it’s dry or lightly damp—drier hair = more texture, slightly damp = smoother finish. Avoid soaking wet hair.
Scoop a Small Amount: Start with a dime-sized scoop (pea-sized for short hair, nickel for thick/long). Less is more—you can always add more if needed.

How to Apply Clay Pomade Continued:

Warm It Up: Rub between palms for 5–10 seconds until soft and nearly invisible. Proper emulsification ensures smooth, even application.
Work Through Evenly: Apply from back to front, roots to tips. Use fingers (or a comb) to spread evenly, focusing product where you want lift or hold.
Style & Refine: Fingers create messy texture; a comb defines side parts, pomps, or slick backs. Clay stays pliable, so you can rework anytime, no flakes, no crunch.

Pro Tips

Blow-dry before or after applying for maximum volume and an ultra-matte finish.
Apply to slightly damp hair for smoother, sleeker styles.
Concentrate product at the front or crown for extra control where it counts.
Use fingers or a vented brush while drying to lock in texture without shine.
For fine or thinning hair, check out our How to Use Pomade for Thin Hair guide for tailored tips.

That’s it—strong all-day hold, a true matte finish, and easy rinse-out. Once you dial in the right amount for your hair type, styling takes just minutes.

Try Clay Pomade

Wolf’s Head how to use Clay Pomade jar in hand showing texture – strong hold, matte finish grooming product made in California

Classic Clay Pomade Hairstyles

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used on classic haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold with dry, low-shine finish

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used on classic side part haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold with matte no shine finish

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used on thinning hair at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold with matte finish. Adds texture and fullness.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used lightly on styled haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara– strong hold with a dry matte finish.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used lightly on mid fade haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold with a dry matte finish.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used on styled haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara– strong hold with a matte finish.

Answers to common Questions

Clay Pomade gives matte finish, volume, and textured hold; classic pomade gives high shine and slick control. Clay is usually water-based and rinses out easier. Read our Pomade Comparison Guide to dive into each formula.

Start with a pea sized to a dime-sized scoop (nickel for thick/long hair). Less is more, add in small passes for targeted hold. If you add too much, Our Water-Based Clay Pomade washes out easily.

Yes, clay adds grit and thickness for a fuller look, with a scalp-friendly matte finish that doesn’t spotlight thin areas. For fine or thinning hair, Check out our How to Use Pomade for Thin Hair guide for tailored tips.

Absolutely. It controls bulk and defines texture; for very dry curls, layer over a light leave-in for softness. Check out our How to Use Pomade on Curly Hair guide for tailored tips.

Quality clays avoid drying alcohols and often include conditioning oils. Wash out regularly to prevent buildup.

Use warm water and your usual shampoo—water-based clays emulsify and rinse clean in one wash.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade on barber station next to Barbicide – barbershop-tested - Strog Hold Matte Fnish hair product. Ideal for textured hairstyles, and thinning hair

Conclusion

Clay pomade is the go-to product for natural texture, volume, and a true matte finish. Start with clean, dry or slightly damp hair; warm a small scoop in your hands; and work it evenly from roots to tips for flexible, all-day control. Build effortless style with Clay Pomade, add definition with Cream Pomade, or switch up your finish with Water-Soluble Pomade for shine or Styling Gel Pomade for extra hold. With the right technique and product match, you’ll achieve modern, touchable styles that last.