Highland Clay Pomade Review From My Experience: Is It Worth It?

You should buy the Highland Glacial Clay Pomade if you are tired of “garbage” styling products that leave your hair crunchy, greasy, or full of synthetic chemicals that irritate your scalp.

It is the absolute gold standard for those seeking a “loose, natural look” that remains reworkable for 24 hours, all while nourishing your strands with a minimalist, 9-ingredient organic formula.

However, you should avoid it if you are looking for a rock-hard, high-shine finish or a budget-bin price tag.

I find this award-winning clay to be a masterpiece of modern grooming.

My Firsthand Experience with Highland Glacial Clay Pomade

I remember the first time I popped the lid off the infinitely recyclable aluminum tin; I was immediately struck by the subtle, sophisticated aroma of pine and sandalwood. 

I am someone who has spent two decades in the hair industry, and I have seen every “miracle” clay come and go, but I noticed right away that the texture of this Glacial Clay Pomade was different—it felt more like a concentrated balm than a heavy, chalky mud. 

I started my morning routine by emulsifying a small amount between my palms, and I found that it melted into a clear, colorless oil almost instantly, which is a rare feat for a clay-based product.

I have now been using this pomade daily for over six months, and I must say the 24-hour reworkable hold is not just marketing fluff. 

I noticed that even after a long day of moving around and wearing a hat, I could simply run my fingers through my hair and the volume would snap right back into place without any flaking. 

I am particularly impressed by how it handles my thick, sometimes frizzy hair; I found that the vegetable glycerin and shea butter act as a hidden conditioner that keeps my strands soft even when the product is “locked” in. 

I noticed that unlike the petrolatum-based pomades of the past, this one doesn’t make my scalp feel suffocated or itchy by the afternoon.

I think it is vital for you to know that this product is a “true” matte-to-low-shine styler, meaning it brings out the health of your hair rather than masking it with artificial gloss. 

I eventually realized that “less is more” with this specific formula; I found that if I used a giant glob, my hair felt a bit too heavy, but a small pea-sized amount was the sweet spot for that effortless, “I woke up like this” texture. 

I noticed that the washability is genuinely impressive; I found that it rinses out with just one round of gentle shampoo, leaving my hair feeling better than it did before I styled it. 

I finished my most recent tin feeling that while it is a premium investment at $27, the concentration is so high that it actually outlasts the 4-ounce jars of cheaper, water-filled alternatives.

Maintenance Tips for Highland Clay Pomade

• Store the Tin at Room Temperature: You should realize that the beeswax-based formula reacts to the climate. Keeping it at around 70 degrees is the best maintenance tip for ensuring a smooth, scoopable consistency, which I found prevents the product from becoming too brittle or too runny.
• Keep Water Out of the Container: You should notice that since this is a water-free, all-natural product, introducing moisture can compromise the shelf life. Drying your hands completely before scooping is the best maintenance tip for preventing any bacterial growth, which I found keeps the organic ingredients active and fresh for over a year.
• Secure the Lid Firmly After Every Use: You should realize that even natural clays can lose their pliability if left open to the air. Making sure the threads are lined up perfectly is the best maintenance tip for maintaining the “Glacial” smoothness, which results in a consistent application every single morning.
• Rinse Your Scalp Thoroughly Weekly: You should notice that even though it’s “clean,” a buildup of oils and clays can eventually clog pores if you only use water. Using a gentle clarifying shampoo twice a week is the best maintenance tip for keeping your scalp environment healthy, which I found is the secret to sustained hair growth.
• Use Heat to “Lock” the Style: You should realize that the waxes in the pomade respond beautifully to a blow dryer. Blasting your hair on low heat for thirty seconds after application is the best maintenance tip for extra hold, which results in a finish that survives a long day of outdoor activity.
• Apply to Damp Hair for More Shine: You should notice that the finish changes based on moisture levels. Working the clay into towel-dried hair is the best maintenance tip if you want a “low-shine” rather than a “matte” finish, which provides a more polished look for formal events.

Pros and Cons of Highland Glacial Clay Pomade

Pros of Highland Glacial Clay Pomade

• Elite 9-Ingredient Organic Formula: This is one of the cleanest ingredient decks I have ever seen: I found it contains zero parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fillers: this results in a product that is literally safe enough for your dogs: I noticed it uses Canadian Glacial Clay which is incredibly mineral-dense.
• Superior 24-Hour Reworkable Hold: You can change your style throughout the day without adding more product: I found it maintains a medium, flexible grip that never turns crunchy: this provides a natural bounce that looks lived-in: I noticed it survives wind and humidity much better than standard gels.
• Promotes Scalp and Hair Health: It acts as a leave-in conditioner and scalp treatment: I found the jojoba oil and vitamin E actually improved my hair’s texture over time: this results in fewer split ends and a calmer scalp: I noticed that the kaolin clay helps draw out impurities while you wear it.
• Low-Shine Matte Finish: It avoids the “wet look” completely: I found it provides a sophisticated, refined finish that looks clean: this results in a professional appearance for the office or a casual look for the weekend: I noticed it emphasizes the natural color and highlights of your hair.
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Design: The packaging is infinitely recyclable aluminum: I found the brand’s commitment to plastic-free shipping is genuinely refreshing: this aligns with a conscious lifestyle: I noticed the 2.1oz size is TSA-friendly and perfect for travel.

Highland Clay Pomade Cons: The trade-offs of a natural clay:

• Premium Price for the Volume: because it retails for $27 for about 2 ounces: I found the price-per-ounce is higher than many “homebrew” or drugstore clays: this results in a higher upfront cost: I noticed however that because it is water-free and concentrated: you use significantly less per application.
• Hold Can Be Too Light for Rigid Styles: because it is designed for a natural and flexible look: I found it will not support high-top pompadours or spikes that need to stay frozen: this results in a need for a hairspray topper if you want extreme structural hold: I noticed it is a medium hold at best.
• Firm Texture in Cold Environments: because the formula is heavy on beeswax and shea butter: I found it can become quite hard in the tin during winter months: this results in a need to warm the tin up or dig a bit harder to get product out: I noticed it melts perfectly once in your palms.
• Potential for Greasiness if Over-Applied: because the product is so nutrient-dense with oils: I found that using too much can make thin hair look a bit oily: this results in a “dirty” appearance if you are heavy-handed: I noticed that the analytical approach is to start with half of what you think you need.
• Subtle Scent May Fade Quickly: because it uses natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances: I found the pine and sandalwood aroma doesn’t linger all day: this results in a “scent-neutral” experience after an hour: I noticed this is a pro for some: but a con for those who want their hair to smell like a perfume.

Also Read: My Experience With Jshealth Hair And Energy

Comparison with Others

• Highland Clay Pomade Vs. Hanz de Fuko Claymation

I found that Claymation is a bit of a hybrid between a wax and a clay, offering a much higher hold than the Highland version. 

I noticed that while Claymation is great for thick hair, it contains synthetic ingredients and silicones that can feel a bit “plasticky” by the end of the day. 

You should realize that Highland Glacial Clay Pomade is the analytical choice for those who want a 100% natural, plant-based routine that actually conditions the hair. 

I found that Highland washes out far more easily than Claymation, which often requires two or three shampoos to fully remove.

• Highland Clay Pomade Vs. Davines This Is A Strong Moulding Clay

I think the Davines clay is one of the closest competitors in terms of high-end salon performance and natural feel. 

I noticed that Davines has a slightly more “creamy” texture that is easier to apply to dry hair without any tugging. 

You should realize that Highland’s ingredient deck is significantly shorter and more transparent, focusing on 9 powerhouse actives versus the more complex chemical profile of Davines. 

I found that Highland provides a more “matte” finish, whereas Davines tends to have a slightly higher, satin-like shine that can look a bit more “done.”

• Highland Clay Pomade Vs. Shear Revival Northern Lights

I found that Northern Lights is a legendary “homebrew” matte paste that offers a very similar philosophy to Highland. 

I noticed that Shear Revival offers a larger 4oz jar for a lower price, which makes it a better value for the budget-conscious user. 

You should realize that the Highland Glacial Clay Pomade uses a more unique “Glacial Clay” which I found provides a distinct detoxifying effect for the scalp that other clays lack. 

I found that Highland feels a bit more “premium” in the hand and the aluminum packaging is more durable than the glass jars used by Shear Revival.

• Highland Clay Pomade Vs. Baxter of California Clay Pomade

I found that the Baxter of California clay is the industry standard that almost everyone has tried at least once. 

I noticed that Baxter has a very “stiff” grip that is great for pompadours, but it can be quite difficult to work through the hair without some pulling. 

You should realize that Highland is significantly more nourishing and doesn’t leave the hair feeling “dry” or brittle like Baxter sometimes can. 

I found that for daily use, the “hair-health” benefits of Highland make it a much better long-term companion for your scalp.

Also Read: My Experience With Highland Glacial Cream

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

You should buy the Highland Glacial Clay Pomade if you want to elevate your grooming routine with a product that balances professional performance with uncompromising ingredient purity.

I have found that the ability to restyle my hair at 5 PM without looking like a greaseball has made this my permanent go-to for daily wear.

However, you should stick to a high-hold wax if you are attending a wedding and need every hair to stay perfectly in place for twelve hours.

I believe this is the most sophisticated hair clay on the market today.

You are just one application away from your best natural hair.