The idea of applying clay to your hair and scalp may sound a bit extreme in trying to achieve healthy natural hair, but you should know that women have been using bentonite clay on their natural tresses for centuries.
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Bentonite clay is a fantastic clay with healing properties that make itextremely useful and beneficial for the body and your natural hair.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a product of volcanic ash that consists of montmorillonite, a smectite mineral. It is named for Fort Benton, Wyoming, wherein 1890, it was located in upper cretaceous tuff in vast amounts. Bentonite clay, however, does not only exist in Fort Benton, Wyoming. This clay is present on multiple continents around the world.
Benefits of Using Bentonite Clay Wash on Your Hair
Bentonite clay is a powerful detoxifying product that helps to rid the skin of impurities and excess oil. The same is true for your scalp and hair. Bentonite clay wash users tout this natural product as a go-to anytime your curls are limp or in need of a little rejuvenation.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using bentonite clay on your hair.
Bentonite Clay Removes Toxins
Bentonite clay is an excellent antimicrobial agent that removes fungus and other bacteria that can contribute to scalp inflammation and infections. It heals the scalp and provides a protective barrier that shields it from conditions that might contribute to itchiness or dandruff formation.
Bentonite Clay Improves Vibrancy
If your hair is looking a bit dull these days, bentonite clay may help you restore shine. It helps to strip the hair of those products and environmental elements that can sometimes rob hair of its natural sebum oils and vibrancy.
Bentonite Clay Strengthens Hair and Defines Curls
Bentonite clay reduces frizz and helps you to establish an amazing curl pattern. It’s hydrating properties enable the clay to decrease the risk for breakage, and it strengthens hair. This side effect is particularly beneficial for you if shedding or hair fall is a problem.
Bentonite Clay Lifts Dirt
Bentonite clay lifts dirt and other particles from your scalp. This action helps to open your pores and stimulate hair growth. It supports circulation at the scalp level, which is vital for transporting those essential nutrients to the follicular level.
How Often Should You Use Bentonite Clay Wash?
For the best results, you should aim to use the bentonite clay wash once a month. This provides a regular detoxifying routine that can help to keep your hair healthy. If you are a novice at using bentonite clay washes, you can expect to see a difference within one to three applications.
I like to use it before I shampoo my hair. Bentonite clay can help curls and coils clump improving definition. If you are after
Aztec Clay Mask For Hair at Home
Aztec Clay tends to be higher on the PH scale. It has a PH similar to baking soda. It is important for best results to mix bentonite clay with Apple Cider Vinegar.
“Your hair’s natural pH is somewhat acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5,” explains Redken Artist George Garcia
What Is Hair pH And Why Is It Important For My Hair? | Redken
You can make your own bentonite clay wash at home. The most popular easily found type of bentionite clay is Aztec clay. Before you start, you will want to section your hair into four to six parts. Sectioning your hair ahead of the clay wash will ensure that every part of your hair receives coverage.
Vital Clay
To start, you will want to gather your ingredients and supplies to ensure that you do not miss a single step in this process.
- ½ Cup (or 4 oz) Bentonite Clay
- 6 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of Water
Enhance Your Aztec Clay Masks with Oils
You can add conditioning oils to this mixture should you choose, as we know that carrier oils and essential oils are excellent for helping us seal in moisture.
Adding oils makes the clay mask easier to apply and easier to mix out.
- 1 tablespoon of Coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of Jamaican Black Castor oil
- 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Sweet almond oil
Supplies
- Plastic or glass bowl
- Plastic, rubber, or wooden stirring utensil – Avoid the use of metal!
In a glass or plastic mixing bowl, combine your bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. You will want to use a plastic or glass mixing bowl because the clay may absorb a metal bowl’s minerals and reduce the overall effectiveness.
Mix these two ingredients together, then allow it foam for a few seconds before adding the remaining ingredients. Stir the mixture until the lumps are gone.
Once your mix is thick and smooth, similar to the consistency of yogurt, apply this wash to each section of your hair. You will begin at the root and working it through to the ends of your hair.
Your goal is to saturate your hair without creating a dripping mess. As you apply the wash, you might feel like your hair is drying out, but keep in mind that you are using clay in your hair. It’s only natural that this clay will create this sensation.
Once your hair has a decent coat of the bentonite clay wash, you will cover it with a plastic cap. You can also use saran wrap. Your goal is to allow your bentonite clay mixture to remain in place for a minimum of twenty minutes. For best results, sit under a hooded dryer or steamer. The heat will help to boost the penetration of your mixture.
| Image Source: YouTube/Tiffany TV |
After the process is complete, use a powerful water source like a showerhead to remove the clay from your scalp and hair. You want to thoroughly rinse your hair and get this clay out of your hair. Next, apply a moisture-rich conditioner. YouTube Vlogger Tiffany TV recommends using a hydrating conditioner like Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner.
What Can I Expect After Using My Bentonite Clay Wash Treatment?
Your hair will feel soft and your curls will be popping! This clay will remove product build-up and restore it to its healthiest state. This helps to ensure that your curls are light and not weighed down or limp. It also a
Best Bentonite Clay Washes You Can Buy
If the idea of applying bentonite clay to your hair is something new, you are likely wondering what the best bentonite clay washes are today in the marketplace. Multiple YouTube Vloggers recommend one or more of the following clay washes:
You can purchase bentonite clay at various online retailers like Target, Amazon, and the Vitamin Shoppe.
In Closing
Bentonite clay washes can be extremely effective for your hair. They are particularly useful when your hair is overrun with hair product build-up or your kinks, coils, and curls are not behaving normally. Of course, before applying this mixture to your hair and scalp, complete a patch test on your skin. You want to rule out any potential skin or scalp reactions before using this mixture all over your head.