You’ve probably heard about a clay mask for your face before. But have you heard about the benefits for using clay on your hair? Is clay the new all natural shampoo? Simply put, Clay is aged volcanic ash or powder. Although Bentonite clay is widely used, it is not the only known clay on the market. Montmorillonite clay is another clay powder that can be used on the hair. It is named after a region of France called Montmorillon, where the clay was first discovered. Bentonite clay, on the other hand, was found in Benton, Wyoming. Bentonite, therefore, became its trade name. Clay contains Silica, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Sodium, and Copper. Clay can be ingested or applied topically. It absorbs impurities and removes toxins from the hair.
THE BENEFITS OF USING BENTONITE CLAY ON YOUR HAIR
Bentonite clay produces an electric charge when added to water. Therefore, when applied to wet hair, it binds together and stays united with the hair while the positively charged products from the hair get absorbed by the clay mixture. Let me see if I can explain this a little better. The clay absorbs the liquid, then it expands to attract toxins. Then it binds to the bacteria and toxins on the surface of the hair and removes them.
How to use Bentonite Clay on your hair
Before you start using clay on your hair, keep in mind that clay alkalizes the hair. It needs to be mixed with an acidic liquid to balance out the pH level of the hair. Also, the clay powder should be mixed in a plastic or glass bowl using a wooden or plastic spoon because clay absorbs metal and becomes less attractive as a result. And the most important thing is to make sure that you buy a clay powder that does not contain any lead. Some companies try to get smart and add lead to their clay powder.
Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe/Ingredients
- 1 cup pure clay powder
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1-2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
I use Apple Cider Vinegar when making my clay mask, but I rarely measure anything. I add water as needed to reach the desired consistency. The vinegar is added in small portion until I get a yogurt consistency or a thick paste, then I add the water. The reason is because the neutralization process and the chemical reaction is more noticeable when vinegar is used. How much clay powder you use is up to you, and depends on how dense your hair is.
