Styling Clay vs. Styling Cream: Which Is Right for You?

Finding the right styling product shouldn't be a guessing game. Here's everything you need to know.

What's the Difference?

Both BEACON Styling Clay and Styling Cream are water-based, unscented, plant-based formulations — but they're built for different hair goals and textures.

	Styling Clay	Styling Cream
Hold	Medium Hold	Light Hold
Finish	True Matte	Natural / Soft Sheen
Best For	Defined texture, structure	Moisture, softness, frizz control
Feel	Weightless, buildable	Creamy, nourishing
Scent	Unscented	Unscented
Restyable	Yes	Yes

BEACON Styling Clay

Best for: Structure, definition, and a clean matte look.

BEACON Styling Clay is formulated for those who want control without the shine. Whether you're defining coils, sculpting locs, or adding texture to natural hair, the clay gives you a firm-but-flexible medium hold that lasts all day — without the crunch. Completely unscented and restyable, so you can refresh your look without starting over.

Key ingredients: Kaolin Clay and Bentonite Clay provide structure and grip. Beeswax adds long-lasting hold. Jojoba Oil and Grapeseed Oil nourish and condition. Vegetable Glycerin helps retain moisture. Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (a plant-based silicone alternative) keeps the formula lightweight and smooth.

Full INCI: Water, Kaolin Clay, Beeswax, Bentonite Clay, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Vegetable Glycerin, Grapeseed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol

You'll love it if:

• You prefer a matte, natural finish
• Your hair needs structure and definition
• You want buildable, restyable hold
• You're rocking a textured crop, quiff, or defined natural style

Best Hairstyles for Styling Clay

Best for: Matte finish, volume, and lived-in texture.

• The Textured Crop: The go-to modern cut — clay adds the gritty, piecey finish that makes layers pop.
• The Curtain Part: That effortless middle or side-parted look with natural volume and zero shine.
• The Messy Quiff: Pushed-back volume with a relaxed, undone feel — clay keeps it in place without looking stiff.
• The Cute Side Part: A clean, polished side part with natural texture and a matte finish — sharp without looking overdone.
• Texturized Combed Back: Hair swept back with visible texture and movement — structured but effortless, no helmet-head shine.
• Bedhead/Out-of-Bed Look: Intentional, tousled texture that looks effortless but lasts all day.

BEACON Styling Cream

Best for: Moisture, softness, and frizz control.

BEACON Styling Cream is your go-to when your hair needs hydration. Packed with natural ingredients, it seals in moisture while smoothing the hair shaft — leaving your strands soft, manageable, and with a healthy natural sheen. Light hold, unscented, and fully restyable for effortless day-two (and day-three) hair.

Key ingredients: Kaolin Clay provides gentle hold and definition. Mango Butter and Jojoba Oil deeply nourish and soften. Meadowfoam Oil adds slip and reduces friction. Grapeseed Oil and Vegetable Glycerin lock in moisture. Coco-Caprylate/Caprate keeps the formula featherlight.

Full INCI: Water, Kaolin Clay, Cetyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Mango Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol

You'll love it if:

• Your hair tends to be dry or frizz-prone
• You want a softer, more elongated style
• You're looking for a daily moisturizer and styler in one
• You're wearing a braid-out, twist-out, wash-and-go, or natural afro

Best Hairstyles for Styling Cream

Best for: Natural shine, soft texture, and frizz control.

• Slicked-Back "Clean Girl" Bun: A polished, high-shine look that tames flyaways and edges effortlessly.
• Defined Natural Curls: Enhances bounce and moisture for Type 3 and 4 hair without the "crunch."
• The Soft Curtain Part: Longer hair styled with a natural center or side part — smooth, touchable, and frizz-free.
• Braid-Out or Twist-Out: Cream preps and seals each section for a defined, elongated result with soft movement.
• Low Polished Ponytail: A sleek, frizz-free style for thick or coarse hair that stays smooth all day.
• Air-Dried Natural: Apply to damp hair and let it dry for effortless, soft texture with a healthy sheen.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely — and many BEACON customers do. Apply the Styling Cream first as a moisture base, then layer the Styling Clay on top for added definition and hold. Since both products are restyable, you can refresh your look day after day without starting from scratch. This two-step approach works especially well for:

• High-porosity hair that needs extra moisture
• Styles that need to last multiple days
• Anyone wanting definition and hydration

Quick Guide: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Clay → You want medium hold, definition, and a true matte finish
• Choose Cream → You want light hold, moisture, softness, and frizz control
• Choose Both → You want versatility and restyability — use them together for definition and hydration

The BEACON Difference

Both products share the same commitment: water-based, unscented, plant-based formulations that work with your hair — not against it. No harsh chemicals, no heavy buildup, no synthetic fragrance — just clean, natural ingredients like Kaolin Clay, Jojoba Oil, and Vegetable Glycerin designed to support healthy, restyable hair.

Shop the Products

→ BEACON Styling Clay — Medium Hold | True Matte Finish

→ BEACON Styling Cream — Light Hold | Natural Sheen

Both unscented. Both restyable. Both made with natural, plant-based ingredients.