October 22, 2021 l by Tara E.
It might surprise you to learn that people are using clay masks commonly used for skincare as hair masks to enhance the quality and health of their natural hair. Natural hair and clay masks are not new. However, its use continues to gain popularity. Bentonite clay used on natural hair has been around for decades. Moreover, they have a positive reputation in the natural hair community, for the most part, thanks to word of mouth.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is an organic gift from Mother Earth. It has many benefits for natural hair and skin. A product of weathered, volcanic ash, this Montmorillonite clay has its origins in France. It is also available in Italy, parts of the United States, and Central Africa.
Bentonite clay has different appearances and textures. Generally, you will encounter a cream or gray appearance with a velvet feel. It is odorless and does not leave any stains, and it contains aluminum and silica.
When wet, the Bentonite behaves like a sponge, expanding, coating the surface to which you apply it, including your hair. As a result, it absorbs dirt, debris, and other products left on your hair or skin. When dry, it contracts, essentially taking in the toxins and holding them. Bentonite clay offers a wealth of benefits that can make your natural hair journey effortless.
Here are five reasons to use Bentonite clay on natural hair.
What Does Bentonite Clay Do for Natural Hair?
Detox Natural Hair
If you are unsure how to detox your natural hair at home, consider integrating Bentonite clay into your natural hair care regimen. Natural hair detoxification is a necessary exercise that most naturals rarely think about in establishing and maintaining a natural hair care regimen. However, toxins can accumulate on your hair over time due to constant exposure to different elements in the environment and products. This accumulation can disrupt the structure of your hair, leaving it brittle and susceptible to breakage.
Bentonite clay contains anions or negative charges when combined with water. It is a combination that allows the anions to act as a magnet, attaching themselves to toxins and metals in your hair that have a positive charge. This process allows the clay to work its magic, ridding your hair of toxins upon rinsing.
Soften Your Natural hair
Bentonite clay behaves as a conditioner or organic moisturizer for natural hair, softening natural curls while detangling it. Its alkaline pH levels enable it to lift the cuticles, creating the perfect environment for moisture to enter the shaft. This facet of bentonite clay is particularly beneficial for those with low porosity hair, or hair that is generally acidic. It is this acidic quality of low hair porosity hair that robs it of its moisture.
TIP: You should not use Bentonite clay as a weekly or daily conditioner. Frequent use of Bentonite Clay can have the opposite effect you are trying to achieve, leading to dry hair. Instead, you should only use this product once every 4 to 6 weeks.
Tames Frizzy Hair
Although some people have naturally frizzy hair, this rebellious quality of hair can be a warning sign of other issues. Examples of these issues include hair damage, dryness/thirsty cuticles, and hair products that break down the structure of your hair. Bentonite clay is popular because of its ability to eliminate frizz and deliver excellent curl definition. If you’ve got tightly coiled 4c hair and you think this does not apply to you, you are wrong. Bentonite clay may benefit even the tightest coil because it helps curls release their tightness, elongating and bestowing clumps of curls ripe with definition.
Bentonite clay is an excellent detangling solution. In addition, its conditioning properties help to soften hair, leaving it stress-free and manageable. This result, in turn, creates the perfect atmosphere for healthy hair growth.
Excellent for Product Build-Up
Part of the cleansing properties of Bentonite clay includes getting rid of build-up that accumulates on the hair. This characteristic makes bentonite clay good for low porosity hair. As a result, it’s an excellent product that can rejuvenate dull-looking hair, restoring much-needed vibrancy.
This clay is an excellent supplement for your favorite shampoo. Think of it as your lethal weapon that functions as a clarifying mixture that strips away product build-up without stripping away the integrity of your precious strands.
TIP: Experts suggest that you not replace your shampoo with this solution entirely.
Dandruff
If pesky flakes and an itchy scalp are a problem for you, you might consider using Bentonite clay for dandruff treatment. Bentonite clay can be a practical approach to solving excessive sebum production. Too much sebum can leave your scalp susceptible to bouts with dandruff. Bentonite clay helps with excess sebum oil and works to rid you of existing dandruff during your Bentonite treatment.
Bentonite clay is a fantastic option for managing scalp inflammation and infections. These two events can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. In addition, Bentonite clay cleanses your scalp, ridding it of microbes or bacteria that can contribute to scalp irritation or potentially hair loss.
How to Make a Bentonite Clay Hair Mask
Are you curious to give it a try? Here is a quick recipe for making a Bentonite Clay Hair Masque.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Plastic or Glass Bowl (Do Not Use Metal)
- Wooden Spoon
- Distilled Water (Alternate Option: Add 1 Part Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 1/2 cup of Bentonite Clay
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Instructions:
Mix the clay, water, and ACV in a bowl until you have a yogurt or a paste-like consistency. Add a few drops of Jamaican Black Castor oil. Apply the mixture to damp hair. It is highly recommended that you section your hair before applying the mixture and ensure it is adequately wet. Avoid using your Bentonite clay mask to dry hair. Instead, cover your hair with a conditioning cap, leave it in place for 30 minutes, rinse it out, shampoo, and condition it as usual.
TIP: Beware that you should avoid mixing your Bentonite clay mask recipe in a metal container. Mixing it within a metal plate could render the clay powerless. Therefore, use plastic or glass containers when creating your mask.
In Closing
In closing, Bentonite clay is an excellent option for low porosity hair and can help to improve hair hydration. Consider adopting a Bentonite clay regimen if you struggle with frizzy hair or need to revive it from its dry, brittle state. Before using this product on your scalp and hair, you should first perform a patch test to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction to the product.