Best Hair Styling Putty, Clay & Wax of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

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Hair styling putty, clay, and wax are a range of hair styling products that are designed to help you achieve your desired hairstyle. These products are made from a variety of natural and synthetic ingredients that provide different levels of hold, texture, and shine. They are suitable for all hair types and can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from messy and tousled to slick and polished. Whether you are looking to add volume, texture, or control to your hair, these products can help you achieve your desired look.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Matt Clay for Hair Styling Cover #TOP 1
L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Matt Clay for Hair Styling
ftb score rating icon 9.9
American Crew Fiber High Hold Hair Wax Cover #TOP 2
American Crew Fiber High Hold Hair Wax
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Got2b Beach Matt Hair Paste, Medium Hold Cover #TOP 3
Got2b Beach Matt Hair Paste, Medium Hold
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Styling Putty, Clay & Wax

#TOP 1

L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Matt Clay for Hair Styling

30177673
75 ml (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Matt Clay for Hair Styling Cover
L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Matt Clay Barber Club, Matte Molding Clay Hair Styling, 75 ml

L'Oreal Men Expert Matt Clay is designed to help you achieve a stylish matte look. It allows you to define individual hair strands, giving you a groomed yet effortless bed head appearance. With its medium hold, your hairstyle remains in place while still being workable, enabling you to reshape your hair throughout the day as needed. Suitable for short, medium, and long hair, this product is inspired by professional barber techniques, ensuring you get the best possible results.

What We Like
Creates a natural matte finish
Medium hold for versatile styling
Re-shape hair anytime
Suitable for various hair lengths
Barber-inspired styling expertise
#TOP 2

American Crew Fiber High Hold Hair Wax

885376760235
Multicolor
85 g (Pack of 1)
American Crew Fiber High Hold Hair Wax Cover
American Crew Fiber High Hold with Low Shine, Gifts for Men, for Thickening and Texture, Matte Finish, Hair Styling Wax for Men - 85 g

American Crew Fiber Wax offers a high hold with a low shine, perfect for creating a natural look. The unique fiber-like, resinous formula helps to thicken and texturise your hair, giving it a fuller appearance. This makes it ideal for those with shorter hair, between 1-3 inches in length. You will appreciate the strong yet pliable hold, allowing you to style your hair effortlessly while maintaining a matte finish throughout the day.

What We Like
High hold with low shine
Thickens and texturises hair
Pliable hold for easy styling
Matte finish for natural look
Ideal for short hair
#TOP 3

Got2b Beach Matt Hair Paste, Medium Hold

88053
Grey
110 g (Pack of 1)
Got2b Beach Matt Hair Paste, Medium Hold Cover
Got2b Beach Matt, Medium Hold, No Stickiness, Matt Texture Hair Paste, 100ml

The Got2b Beach Matt Paste offers a stylish surf look that suits various hair types, whether you prefer a tousled, dishevelled, or sleek appearance. This matt-effect texturizing paste provides a strong hold without stickiness, allowing you to easily style your hair on both damp and dry locks. Simply rub the paste into your palms and shape your hair as desired. With its ability to increase friction between hair fibres, you can achieve that perfect beachy texture with ease.

What We Like
Easy to use on any hair
No stickiness for comfortable wear
Provides strong, medium hold
Creates a stylish, surf look
#TOP 4

VO5 Extreme Style Matt Fibre for Texture

VO5
106987608
75 ml (Pack of 1)
VO5 Extreme Style Matt Fibre for Texture Cover
VO5 Extreme Style Matt Fibre 75ml

VO5 Matt Fibre is designed to give your hair texture and fullness without any shiny finish. This means you can achieve a natural look while still styling your hair to perfection. It’s easy to wash out, making it convenient for your daily routine. With this product, you can break the mould and create unique hairstyles that express your individuality. Enjoy the flexibility and control this styling putty offers, allowing you to craft the ideal look for any occasion.

What We Like
Non-shiny finish
Easy to wash out
Provides texture and fullness
Flexible styling options
#TOP 5

Got2B iStyler Long Lasting Hair Clay

107136522
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Got2B iStyler Long Lasting Hair Clay Cover
Got2B iStyler, Long Lasting Hold, No White Residue, Silicone Free, Texture Matt Finish Hair Clay, 75 ml (Pack of 1)

The Got2B iStyler Clay is a versatile texture clay designed to help you create individual, matt and textured hairstyles with a strong hold. Its simple application allows you to achieve your desired look effortlessly, making it ideal for everyday use. This product provides a long-lasting hold without leaving any white residue, ensuring your style remains intact throughout the day. Additionally, being silicone-free means it's a great choice for those looking to avoid heavy chemicals in their hair products.

What We Like
Strong hold for various styles
No white residue left behind
Silicone-free formulation
Easy to use
Matt finish for a natural look
#TOP 6

Gummy Ultra Hold Styling Wax 150 ml

Gummy
8014
Ultra Hold
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Gummy Ultra Hold Styling Wax 150 ml Cover
Gummy Styling Wax 150 ml Ultra Hold

The Gummy Styling Wax provides an ultra-hard hold that helps you achieve and maintain dynamic hairstyles without making your hair oily. Its water-based formula ensures strong holding power and a bright finish throughout the day. With provitamin B5, this wax strengthens your hair from root to tip, increasing elasticity and leaving it softer and nourished. Additionally, the moisturising properties help restore lost moisture, keeping your hair healthy and residue-free.

What We Like
Long-lasting hold
Non-oily finish
Strengthens hair strands
Moisturising formula
Residue-free application
#TOP 7

Bed Head Manipulator Texturising Hair Putty

140733
57 g (Pack of 1)
Bed Head Manipulator Texturising Hair Putty Cover
Bed Head by TIGI | Manipulator Texturising Hair Putty For Men and Women | Professional Strong Hold Hair Styling Product | For Short And Medium Hair | 57g

Bed Head Manipulator Putty is designed for both men and women, allowing you to unleash your creativity with its strong hold. This professional styling product offers versatility, making it ideal for short to medium hair. You can easily scrunch, twist, or spike your hair to achieve unique styles. Additionally, it builds texture and body, giving you a salon-standard look without the hassle. With effective frizz control, your hairstyles will remain intact even in humid conditions, ensuring you look fabulous all day.

What We Like
Strong hold for unique styles
Suitable for short to medium hair
Builds texture and volume
Effective frizz control
Creative styling options
#TOP 8

Bed Head Matte Separation Wax for Men

140553
Black
85 g (Pack of 1)
Bed Head Matte Separation Wax for Men Cover
Bed Head For Men by TIGI - Matte Separation Workable Wax - Professional Firm Hold Hair Wax - Hair Styling Product Formulated With Beeswax - For Short to Medium Hair - 85g

Bed Head Matte Wax offers a strong hold with a natural-looking matte finish, ensuring your style remains defined from dawn till dusk. Formulated with beeswax, this versatile hair wax gives you the flexibility to create your desired look effortlessly. You can rely on this product to resist humidity, keeping your hair frizz-free whether you're at work, out on the town, or hitting the gym. With easy sculpting capabilities, it makes styling a breeze, allowing you to achieve that salon-standard look at home.

What We Like
Strong hold with matte finish
Humidity-resistant for frizz-free styling
Easy to use and sculpt
Fresh green fragrance
Ideal for short to medium hair
#TOP 9

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Hair Cream

OL007
Transparent
100 ml (Pack of 1)
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Hair Cream Cover
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother, Leave-In Styling Hair Cream Treatment, Smooths, Conditions, & Strengthens, Frizz Control for Up to 72 Hours, For All Hair Types, 100ml

The Olaplex No. 6 Hair Cream is an exceptional leave-in styling treatment suitable for all hair types and textures. It smooths and strengthens your hair while providing essential hydration and protection. By using only a small amount, you can enjoy effective frizz control for up to 72 hours, making it easier for you to maintain a polished look. Additionally, this cream doubles as a heat protectant, ensuring your hair stays healthy even when styling with heat tools.

What We Like
Effective frizz control
Hydrates and strengthens hair
Suitable for all hair types
Heat protectant included
Small amount needed
#TOP 10

Fudge Urban Matte Wax for Men, 70 g

100013858
Clear
70 g (Pack of 1)
Fudge Urban Matte Wax for Men, 70 g Cover
Fudge Urban Matte Wax, Firm Hold All Day Styling, Non-Sticky and Invisible Texture, Hair Wax for Men, 70 g

The Fudge Urban Matte Wax offers a bold, matte look that helps you achieve the perfect messed-up style without any shine. With its invisible firm hold, you can enjoy a strong grip that keeps your hair in place all day long, allowing you to express your individuality with confidence. The non-sticky formula means you can style your hair effortlessly, while still maintaining a natural appearance. Simply rub it through dry hair and create a statement look with minimal effort.

What We Like
Bold matte finish
Invisible firm hold
Non-sticky application
Easy styling
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is clay or putty better for hair?

The Putty will give a ton of texture and volume and hold and will last like that all day long, while still keeping the hair soft (this is our #1 product). Clay is a bit more creamy than most clays and it is super versatile. ... Pomade will give more shine and hold and really gives a bit more of a slick hair look.

2. Is putty better than wax?

Putty is good for hair that needs control but still requires a conditioned look. Waxes have great shaping abilities that help to design textured looks with a great shine finish. Wax controls and sets hair quickly and easily and is the best choice for styling quiffs without weighing hair down.

3. What is the difference between hair clay and wax?

Put it simply, once you've set your hair with a clay, there's no looking back. They are slightly harder in texture as compared to gels and waxes, so the product needs considerable warming up (by rubbing in your palms) before application to ensure that it spreads evenly.

4. What does putty do to your hair?

On wet or damp hair, a putty will add a bit of bulk, thickening hair up and lending it body and lift at the roots. It doesn't add shine, so it will also make hair look a little more dense when it dries, so it is a great option if you worry about thinning.

Editor's Notes

During our hair styling putty, clay & wax research, we found 306 hair styling putty, clay & wax products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 480,418 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair styling putty, clay & wax list. We found that most customers choose hair styling putty, clay & wax with an average price of £5.65.

The hair styling putty, clay & wax are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair styling putty, clay & wax, including American Crew, Got2B, VO5, Gummy, TIGI.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.