Oil vs. Water Based Hair Clay

Choosing the right base for your hair clay is a critical component of dialing in your hair's health and style. There are two main categories: oil-based and water-based.

Oil-based hair clay is good if you're after a slicked back look with a strong hold, but it's not great for every day and can disrupt your hair's natural balance by introducing too much oil and creating favorable conditions for scalp imbalances, including fungus and bacteria.

Water-based hair clay is better for an every day look and a cleaner scalp, but most brands contain parabens and phthalates that can be harmful to your body.

MudSalt is the cleanest water-based styling clay with just three ingredients (sedimentary earth clay, filtered water, and mineral-rich salt), so you can achieve the natural look of a water-based hair clay without adding harsh chemicals to your scalp. 

When to Use Oil-Based Hair Clay

1. You Want an Ultra-Strong, All-Day Hold
Oil-based clays often offer a firmer, longer-lasting hold than water-based ones. If you're sculpting a high-volume pompadour, slick-back, or style that needs to defy gravity for 12+ hours, oil-based formulas have staying power.

2. You Don’t Mind a Bit of Shine
Even "matte" oil-based clays tend to leave a slight sheen. If you like that healthy, polished look, oil-based products give you more control over finish and texture.

3. You Have Thick, Coarse, or Dry Hair
Oil-based clays work well for thick or wiry hair types because the heavier oils help tame volume and frizz. They also coat the hair shaft, adding moisture and weight that makes styling coarse hair easier.

4. You're Going for a More Refined, Structured Look
Oil-based clays give you time to work with the style. They’re slower to dry, which lets you sculpt and refine with precision. This is good for sharp, defined styles rather than messy, textured looks.

5. You Don’t Mind a More Involved Wash Routine
If you’re okay with using a clarifying shampoo (or double-washing) at night, oil-based products are no big deal. They’re more high-maintenance, but some people like the ritual and the durability.

When to Use Water-Based Hair Clay

1. You Want a Matte, Natural-Looking Finish
If you hate the greasy look, water-based clay delivers. It adds volume, texture, and structure without looking obviously styled.

2. You Wash Your Hair Daily (or Almost)
Water-based formulas are designed to rinse out easily, even without shampoo. 

3. You Prefer Low-Maintenance Products
Water-based clays are ideal for fast, clean styling. Scoop, apply, shape, done. No need to warm up thick product or deep-clean your scalp later.

4. You Have Fine to Medium Hair
If your hair tends to get weighed down, water-based clay gives you volume without heaviness. It adds grip and thickness while keeping your hair light and touchable.

5. You Like to Restyle Throughout the Day
Water-based clay stays pliable. You can run your fingers through your hair and reshape it without flakes, stiffness, or sticky residue.

 

FEATURE	WATER-BASED	OIL-BASED
HOLD	Strong, flexible hold	Stronger, long-lasting hold
FINISH	Matte, natural look	Shiny, wet look
WASHABILITY	Rinses out easily with water	Requires shampoo, may take multiple washes
RESTYLING	Easy to restyle throughout the day	Less pliable once set
BUILD-UP	Minimal to none	Can cause buildup over time
HAIR TYPE	Fine, medium and thick hair	Thick or coarse hair
SCALP HEALTH	Gentle, clarifying	Can clog pores or cause irritation if not washed properly
LONGEVITY	Lasts 12-24 hours	Lasts until the next wash

 

We hope this helps you in your journey to achieving your ideal look! Get MudSalt here if you want a clean, water-based styling clay.