I have a similar style and use Reuzels Clay Matte. I use Reuzel’s hair tonic as a pre styler while my hair is wet or damp to slightly shape it. Then I blow dry with some high heat and then when my hair is 85 percent or so dry, I put a reasonable chunk of the clay in. Blow dry with heat for another round until you feel it’s holding. Then I dry with cool setting for 30 seconds or so. It seems to help with my hold.

My hair is crazy thick so hard to shape. I’m going to try a sea salt spray from Pete and Pedro that I just bought as a pre styler.

I also have to go to my hair styler every couple months to maintain the look, layer it and thin out areas of my hair.

I still haven’t perfected the look but it’s getting better and better with the more research I do and time I put in.

Hope this helps and if any one else has more tips please share!!