Welcome to Robb Recommends, a regular series in which our editors and contributors endorse something they’ve tried and loved — and think will improve your life.
You know the running joke My Big Fat Greek Wedding Where does Dad use Windex for everything? I think of St. Matthew’s Mother Clay the same way. It’s not literally a cure-all—but as far as reshaping the scalp and hair goes, it comes pretty close, no matter what your hair type.
At its core is volcanic ash bentonite clay, an ingredient rich in minerals including calcium, magnesium and silica. In practice, this means it absorbs excess oil, removes build-up from styling products and hard water, and helps rebalance the scalp without stripping it raw. Clay has always been a staple in skin care—think masks and cleansers—and in this formulation, it plays the same role for your scalp. The texture is plush and velvety, almost marshmallow-like, with a pillowy slip that feels nourishing rather than stiff. As you work it through wet hair, it thickens slightly by design, detoxing while building body.
Payment is impressively democratic. Fine hair gets a shot of volume. Thick or coarse hair is more manageable without the need for grease or gel. Fixes frizz. Shine improves — not because of extra shine, but because the residue that was limiting your hair’s potential is gone. It works even if you have very, very short hair: On a buzz cut or balding scalp, it works as a cleansing, toning scalp treatment that keeps flakes and irritation at bay.
Mother Clay is the hero product of founder Kristen Shaw, a celebrity groomer whose client roster includes Jonathan Bailey, Seth Rogen, David Kornsweet, and Brandon Skinner. It prepared him for the realities of Hollywood: long days, heat, heavy products, unforgiving cameras. The philosophy is simple—hair should look healthy before styling begins. Some of her clients even use it lightly as a dry, full-on or detailing product for a bigger effect, even though it’s primarily formulated as a scalp treatment.
It’s especially good on color-treated or over-processed hair. By removing mineral imbalances and residue, it can brighten blondes, soften straw-like ends, and restore clarity to grays that have taken on a yellow hue over time.
Usage is straightforward: apply the mask to your hair when it’s wet and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, all you have to do is wash it off. One tube equals a complete treatment for long hair. Small styles can stretch it into multiple uses. Most people use it monthly, although very oily or damaged hair may benefit from a session twice a month.
The result is softer, bouncier, more defined hair and a scalp that feels truly reset. Not exactly Windex. But close.
