Bentonite clay for hair, also called Aztec Indian healing clay, is a natural antimicrobial detox or cleansing hair mask, which is good at boosting hair growth, treating flaking scalps, dandruff, and psoriasis, among other scalp conditions.
HOW DO YOU MIX BENTONITE CLAY?
There are variations in recipes for the Aztec Indian healing mask.
Nonetheless, water, apple cider vinegar, and bentonite clay are usually the main ingredients.
Start by mixing ½ cup of bentonite clay, ½ tablespoon of coconut oil, and ½ tablespoon of almond oil with water in a bowl using a wooden spoon.
Add six tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the pot and wait for about 15 minutes for it to lather.
After that, mix the contents vigorously, and then let it sit for a couple of minutes to form a smooth consistency.
You can add water, preferably warm water, if the clay is too thick.
HOW TO USE THE CLAY ON HAIR
Bentonite clay, just like any other mask, is intended for use a few times, like once in a week.
You can otherwise use it as needed if your hair is extra dry and brittle and needs the extra moisture.
Wet your hair some water, and then apply a bentonite clay mask to a handful of hair strands at a time, 1/2 inch from the roots to the ends.
You can use a spray bottle to keep your hair is always moisturized as you apply the mask.
After that, roll up your hair and cover it with a shower cap.
Wait for about 20 minutes before rinsing the mask using cool water and follow a shampoo of your choice.
Condition your hair after completely washing off the shampoo.
BENEFITS OF USING BENTONITE CLAY
a) It deep conditions and moisturizes your hair. It has minerals like sodium, silica, iron, copper, potassium, and calcium, which are essential healthy hair growth.
b) It removes dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and cleanses the hair follicles; thus, boosting hair growth rate and protecting the scalp from bacterial and fungal infections.
c) It soaks up the extra sebum where the fungus causing dandruff thrives; hence, getting rid of the formation of more dandruff, therefore balancing sebum level or oil production.
d) It has deodorizing effects because it is a natural cleanser. It is more effective when you combine it with products like apple cider vinegar or baking soda.
e) It helps in fighting allergic reactions from irritating hair products. It can also calm some scalp infections like seborrheic dermatitis.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE AFFECTS?
You should ask yourself, how safe is bentonite clay on my skin?
Well, many people seem to overlook its side effects because it is medicinal.
However, the dangers of this mask lie in its composition.
You may experience allergic reactions like itchiness, redness, or blisters in the scalp if your skin is reactive to metallic compounds.
If this is the case, you can always do a patch test before getting started.
Always know what is exceptional for your hair and scalp.
Bentonite clay can solve many problems, but you need to be cautious, too, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
Finally, if you develop any side effects, discontinue using the mask.