Paul Mitchell positions Matterial Finishing Clay as part of its Mitch men's grooming line, for anyone who wants maximum hold with zero shine.

It's especially suited to fine hair that needs bulking up and to short, textured, modern styles — the strong hold and matte finish are less suited to sleek or glossy looks.

• Men who want a fully matte, no-shine finish
• Fine hair that needs a thickening, texturizing product
• Short, cropped, or spiky styles that need strong hold

This is the only product in the Mitch styling lineup with actual clay in the formula, which is why it's the one to reach for when the goal is a completely flat, matte finish with strong hold — something neither the low-shine paste nor the medium-shine gel is built to do.

Warm the clay in your hands before applying so it spreads evenly rather than sitting in one spot.

1. Take a small amount and work it between your palms until it warms and softens
2. Distribute through damp or dry hair
3. Build texture and lock the style in place as the product sets

The clay's strength — true, uncompromising matte hold — is also its trade-off, since that same strong, dry hold makes it less pliable to rework compared with the line's paste.

Pros

• Genuine clay content (bentonite and kaolin) gives a true matte finish with zero shine
• Highest hold of the three Mitch styling products
• Helps absorb excess oil at the roots through the day

Cons

• Once set, it's harder to reshape than the more pliable paste
• Matte, dry finish can feel less soft to the touch than a paste or gel
• Fragrance blend includes several recognized fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, coumarin, hexyl cinnamal)