Article: Hair Clay vs Matte Paste: Which Is Right for Your Hair?
Hair Clay vs Matte Paste: Which Is Right for Your Hair?
Two of the most common styling products in a man's kit — and two that are genuinely easy to confuse. Both give matte finishes. Both offer hold. Both work across most hair types. But they do different things, and putting the wrong one in your hair can work against you.
Here's exactly how to choose.
The Fundamental Difference
Hair clay contains actual clay minerals — typically kaolin, bentonite or a botanical equivalent — which add texture and grip by slightly roughening the cuticle. This creates a 'piecey', textured finish and strong hold that doesn't budge much once set.
Matte paste is a softer, more flexible formula. It holds without the texture and dries to a more natural, workable finish. The key word is rework — matte paste stays workable through the day in a way that clay doesn't.
Choose Hair Clay When:
- You want strong hold with visible texture and separation
- You're styling short to medium hair with defined, piecey detail work
- You want a 'dry' finish — almost no product feel
- You're not going to restyle through the day
- Your hair has natural movement and you want to enhance structure, not add movement
Choose Matte Paste When:
- You want hold that you can break and reshape through the day
- You have medium to longer hair and need product that distributes evenly
- You want a natural, matte finish without obvious texture
- You tend to run your hands through your hair during the day
- You're styling something more casual or undone rather than structured
How They Perform Differently
| Attribute | Hair Clay | Matte Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Hold strength | Strong and firm | Medium, flexible |
| Finish | Matte with texture | Matte, natural |
| Reworkability | Limited — best set and left | High — reshape all day |
| Best hair length | Short to medium | Medium to longer |
| Feel on hair | Dry, almost invisible | Slight product feel |
| Application | Small amount goes far | Similar but more spreadable |
Can You Use Both?
Yes — and it's actually a technique barbers use. Apply a small amount of matte paste first (it distributes evenly and conditions the styling surface), then work a small amount of hair clay on top for hold and texture. You get the reworkability of the paste with the grip and definition of the clay. Use less of each than you would solo.
The No.113 Versions
No.113 Hair Clay is built around Australian botanical clay minerals. Strong hold, completely matte, and dry to the touch. Ideal for short textured styles and technical precision work.
No.113 Matte Paste gives medium-to-strong hold with a natural finish that reworks through the day. Works on everything from a messy fringe to a relaxed quiff. The paste of choice if you're not quite sure what you need — it handles most situations.
If in doubt, start with the Matte Paste. It's more forgiving, more versatile, and harder to overdo. Once you know what you're working with, add the Clay if you need more hold and definition.