We all know about bentonite clay face masks, but what about DIY Bentonite clay hair masks? Bentonite clay has been used for centuries for a number of different things, including face masks, but now, bentonite clay hair mask recipes are making a big splash. For natural hair especially, bentonite clay is said to be a clarifier which draws out impurities and reduces flakiness. Much like the same way bentonite clay works on skin, it also works on hair.
Those with natural hair that has used a bentonite clay hair mask have reported moisturized, frizz-free, shiny, and curl defined hair. Does it really work though? We dug in a little deeper to see if bentonite clay hair mask recipes are all they’re cracked up to be!
Bentonite Clay Explained
Clay has actually been used by people for thousands of years for a number of different things. At its source, bentonite is sourced from volcanic ash and is an absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay. What this means is that the bentonite can get rid of toxins with a negative charge, whether this is internally or externally, such as on skin or hair.
What Are the Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Natural Hair?
Many people ask this question, and we’re here to answer it! Although there has been no scientific proof, bentonite clay has been used for hundreds (if not thousands) of years to soften and cleanse natural hair. There IS concrete evidence, however, that bentonite clay is very beneficial to the skin, and is therefore beneficial to the scalp. A healthy scalp means healthy hair.
Bentonite clay is great for those with natural hair, itchy scalp, and those who suffer from dandruff. The clay cleanses and exfoliates the scalp, and in turn, softens the hair, and also encourages hair growth. Bentonite clay also creates a protective barrier and helps to heal minor wounds. See more benefits of bentonite clay!
DIY Bentonite Clay Hair Mask Recipe
This DIY recipe is all-natural and uses bentonite clay, water or apple cider vinegar, and essential oils (optional). Depending on the type of hair you have, you may want to add additional ingredients, such as carrier oils, but they can also be left out. We love using bentonite clay in conjunction with apple cider vinegar, but you can also use water.
One very important thing to remember when making a bentonite clay mask (whether it be for the face or for the hair), is to use non-metal bowls and stirring utensils. This is because the clay absorbs the metals and becomes less effective.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup bentonite clay powder (we like Aztec Secrets Indian Healing Clay)
- 3-9 tbsp water (this is dependent on whether or not you’re using apple cider vinegar or essential oils).
- 6 tbsp apple cider vinegar – optional (if not using ACV, use water)
- 3 tbsp carrier oil of your choice – coconut, olive, almond, avocado, etc…
- nonmetal bowl and utensils
Directions:
- Start by measuring the bentonite clay and add to a non-metal bowl.
- If using any carrier oils, mix them in with the clay now.
- Then, add your water or apple cider vinegar and stir the concoction using a wooden or plastic utensil.
- Let the mask aerate for a few seconds.
- Stir really well until the consistency is yogurt-like.
- If you feel like the mask is too thick, add a little bit more water.
- If it’s too thin, add a little bit more clay.
How to Use the Bentonite Clay Hair Mask
This mask should be applied to wet or damp hair. This does not mean you have to wash your hair before a bentonite clay mask. It simply means the hair should be wet, so just a quick rinse is enough. The most important thing to remember is to saturate the entire head. If your strands get dry during the process, be sure to have a spray bottle with water nearby. Read more
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