Hair Styling Clay vs. Wax, Gel, and Pomade: Which Is Right for You?

Let’s face it: choosing the right hair product can feel like trying to decipher an alien language. You’ve got clay, wax, gel, pomade – and who knew hair needed so many options, right? But if you’re like me, you’re probably just looking for something that works without leaving you feeling like you’ve dipped your head in a vat of chemicals. So, let’s break this down and figure out what’s worth slathering through your hair on a daily basis.

Hair Styling Clay

What’s the Deal?

Okay, so clay is my go-to. Why? Because it’s got that firm texture that’ll make you feel like a pro just warming it up in your hands. Plus, it gives your hair that natural matte finish – like you’re effortlessly cool (even if you spent 15 minutes getting it just right; you probably won’t).

The Good Stuff:

• Texture: Feels solid but melts in your hands like butter. Kind of satisfying, honestly.
• Finish: Natural matte – because no one wants to look like they’ve been dunked in oil or…if you do,stay tuned!
• Hold: Strong enough to survive a windy day but still flexible. Your hold with most hair clays will be determined by the amount of product you use - more product = higher hold.
• Hair Health: Bonus points for natural ingredients. Bentonite clay? Sounds fancy but, it’s nothing more than a volcanic ash that detoxifies and enhances hair health plus, it works great.

Why I Love It:

It’s natural, smells great, and doesn’t make my scalp hate me. I also appreciate that I can style my hair throughout the day if it needs to be fixed because its so pliable. Furthermore, some hair products (like wax) tend to make your hands feel kinda greasy and sticky if you do have to fix your hair during the day. Plus, with Green Theory Naturals’ Vulcan Hair Styling Clay, I can feel good about what I’m using—and let’s be real, we could all use a little less guilt in our lives.

The Downsides

If you’re going with a natural hair styling clay the one downside is that because its made with natural ingredients, the texture of the clay will fluctuate with the ambient temperature. That is to say its not something you wanna leave in your car - too hot and the oils can melt; too cold and it’ll be pretty hard and can be difficult to scoop out. The solutions for this would be to keep it indoors at stable temps. If it were to melt, just stir it up and put it in the fridge or freezer. If it gets too cold, just pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds and it should be fine.

Hair Wax

The Rundown:

Wax is like the overly clingy friend of hair products. It’s strong and shiny, but it can feel a bit much. If you’ve got thick hair and need something heavy-duty, it’s your guy.

Pros and Cons:

• Shine: Low to medium, depending on the brand.
• Hold: Pretty solid, but it can weigh down finer hair. If you have fine hair you’ll need to use a lot less product. It may take some experimenting. (Sorry, fellas.)
• Downsides: Good luck washing it out. It’s like trying to rinse off a stubborn ex. This was undoubtedly the biggest downside for me and the reason I moved away from wax. In order to get your hair clean it was a minimum of two washes with shampoo and most of the time that wasn't effective enough. It’s also not great if you've got that special someone that likes to run their fingers through those amazing locks you've got because their hands will be covered in some synthetic, petroleum based stickiness. 

Hair Gel

Here’s the Scoop:

Gel’s that guy who peaked in high school. It’s shiny, hard, and a little too much. Great for spiky styles or slicked-back looks, but let’s be honest – it’s not exactly subtle.

The Deets:

• Finish: High shine, almost wet-looking.
• Hold: Like a rock – literally. Your hair won’t move, but it might crack.
• Downsides: Alcohol content that dries out your hair faster than a bad breakup. Also not fixable whatsoever meaning if some asshole decides to fuck with your hair that day, you’re burnt. 

Pomade

The Classic:

Pomade is the OG of hair products. It’s smooth, creamy, and all about that shine. Think James Dean vibes—if you’ve got the hair to pull it off.

Why It Works (and Doesn’t):

• Finish: Medium to high shine for that polished look.
• Hold: Flexible, so you can restyle throughout the day. Fancy.
• Downsides: The oil-based stuff can stick around longer than you’d like—and not in a good way. Don’t go to sleep with it in your hair or your pillowcase will be more oily than the gulf coast after that BP oil spill.

Why Green Theory Naturals Hair Styling Clay Wins (for Me, Anyway)

Here’s the thing: I’ve tried them all. Gel made me look like I was stuck in the early 2000s (which was when I used it). Pomade felt like too much effort and not enough hold, and wax… well, wax and I worked out until I found someone better - I didn't know any better until I did. But clay? It’s like the perfect mix of hold, style, and simplicity. Plus, with Green Theory Naturals’ Vulcan Hair Styling Clay, I’m not just styling my hair—I’m taking care of it.

Here’s why it’s my ride-or-die:

1. Natural Ingredients: No weird chemicals. My scalp approves.
2. Matte Finish: Because shiny hair isn’t my thing.
3. Flexibility: It holds but doesn’t freeze your hair in place. Thank you.
4. Easy to Wash Out: No 30-minute shampoo sessions needed.
5. Eco-Friendly: Because being kind to the planet is cool.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, your hair deserves the best. If you’re like me and want something that looks good, feels good, and doesn’t make you question your life choices, Green Theory Naturals Vulcan Hair Styling Clay is where it’s at. It's got just 6 ingredients, beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, bentonite clay, cedarwood essential oil, and bergamot essential oilTrust me—your hair (and your sanity) will thank you.

Ready to give it a shot? Shop now and step up your grooming game. Who knows, you might even start liking mornings. (Okay, maybe not.)