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Everyone is familiar with using clay masks on the face. But what about using it on hair? Using a clay mask for hair nourishment can create wonders for your hair.
A lot of hair masks are available in the market. What makes a clay mask unique is the fact that it is natural and user-friendly, with fewer or no side effects.
Hair care can be a real hardship these days. Due to atmospheric pollution and climate change, hair is more vulnerable to damage. Since a lot of external factors affect hair health, using a clay mask for hair can help you maintain the health of your hair.
Wash days can be frustrating if you have unhealthy hair. However, cleaning your hair is also important. This clay mask for hair can help you nourish and cleanse.
Bentonite clay mask is a total detox treatment for hair. If your hair lacks shine, it is best to use this mask. This clay is present in many beauty products.
1. What is This “Clay”?
Bentonite clay is a type of clay that is formed by the weathering of volcanic ash in the presence of water. Used in many areas of life, this clay is proven to have several beauty benefits. Many dermatologic formulas contain bentonite clay as its base.
It is also used in calamine lotion as a fabric softener in detergents.
There are different types of bentonite, each of which is named after the dominant element found in it, like sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, etc.
Also known as montmorillonite clay, bentonite clay is found almost everywhere around the globe. It has had a great impact on human lives for thousands of years.
The U.S. is the top producer of bentonite clay. Countries like China, Russia, Greece, India, Australia, and Ukraine also produce this clay.
Bentonite Clay is named after Fort Benton, where the largest source of this clay can be found. This clay attracts positively charged heavy metals and toxins.
Click here to learn more about Bentonite Clay
2. Benefits of Using Clay Mask For Hair
Bentonite clay hair mask helps you to properly nourish your hair. All the impurities and toxins in your hair can be removed with the help of this mask, thus replenishing damaged hair. People with dry and frizzy hair can get higher benefits by using this hair mask.
Bentonite clay moisturizes your hair and gives it a smooth and shiny appearance. Irritations and itchiness in the scalp can be removed by using the mask.
People with curly hair can manage their curls beautifully with the use of this hair mask. After using the mask, hair is said to be more defined.
Oils and toxins in the hair will be absorbed by the clay and will be removed when the clay is washed off. Thus, the health of your hair will remain intact.
Bentonite clay mask promotes hair growth and helps to maintain good hair health. It has been found useful as it creates a barrier against irritants.
The antimicrobial characteristics of the clay kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Thus, it promotes hair health.
Indian healing clay is very popular. The product is cheap but has high benefits. Still, it is important to know your skin type and use it according to your needs. Overdoing can certainly create problems.
In many places, this clay is used as a hair softener and cleanser. This clay treats your hair from root to tip. Bentonite clay on natural hair can give you the ultimate solutions for all hair problems.
3. Properties of Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is anionic; that is, it is negatively charged. It acts as an excellent adsorbent. This clay is beneficial in drawing out toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and impurities.
This clay attracts positively charged particles due to its negative charge. Then, when it is removed from the skin or hair, the attractive force takes out the impurities and makes the skin or hair super clean.
The clay is fine in texture and has a mud-like appearance. In many places, it is consumed internally too. The adsorbing quality enables the clay to remove the bacteria present in the digestive tract. So, people intake this clay to revive their digestive tract.
Bentonite clay is available in capsule form. Taking these internally can help to fight off bacteria that can cause various diseases. But, one must consult a doctor before consuming the clay internally.
It also has many beauty benefits, including the ability to treat skin problems like acne and rashes. Using it as a face mask treats acne and reduces the risk of pimples and skin problems.
For more properties of Bentonite Clay, click here.
4. How to Use?
4.1 Ingredients
- Bentonite Clay
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Coconut oil (any essential oils)
Apple Cider Vinegar
This promotes hair health by resisting harmful bacteria. It balances the PH of the hair. Also, it improves the porosity of hair.
It can reduce the problems of dandruff and psoriasis. It retains moisture in the hair. Therefore, adding apple cider vinegar can make your hair more smooth and shiny.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil prevents protein loss by protecting the hair. It penetrates the scalp as it has a lower molecular weight.
Essential Oils
There are many essential oils available in the market, like castor oil, almond oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and many more. You can use any oil according to your preference.
4.2 Preparing Clay Mask for Hair
Since everyone’s hair volume is different, use the ingredients accordingly. Just follow the ratio 2:2:1 (clay, water, and apple cider vinegar, respectively).
Take a nonmetallic bowl and a spoon. Firstly, put an adequate amount of clay. Then, add any essential oil you want; coconut oil is highly recommended.
Add apple cider vinegar to the clay. Wait for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the mix to foam.
Add water and stir it well. Mix it until it gets a yogurt-like appearance.
While mixing, add more water if you feel it is required. Now, your hair mask is ready to be used.
4.3 Application
Apply this clay mask on wet hair. Use warm water to hydrate your hair before applying the mask. Avoid tangles by spraying water. You can use bare hands or put gloves on your hand to apply the mask.
Divide your hair into sections. Take a small section and apply the mask. Massage the clay mask into your scalp and hair. Coat each strand with the mask.
Repeat this process until the whole scalp is covered with clay. Make sure that your hair and scalp are completely covered with the mask.
You can cover your hair if needed. Keep the mask in your hair for 15 to 20 minutes. If you feel dry, you can use a spray bottle to wet the hair. If the mask is completely dried off, it might be difficult to get it off.
Use lukewarm water to remove the mask from your hair. Wash it off using any shampoo of your convenience. Use a deep conditioner to moisturize your hair.
5. Frequency of Usage
Use it according to personal choice. If the curls need more definition, use it once a week. People with oily scalps can use it once a week.
Using it once a month can benefit you greatly. Always remember, don’t use it too frequently as you require oils.
6. Precautions
Always use nonmetallic bowls and spoons for preparing the mask. Before using it on the scalp, apply the mask to a small part of your hand. If there are no harsh reactions, proceed to use it on the scalp. Otherwise, it is advisable not to use it.
7. Side Effects
There is no known serious side effect for bentonite clay. Make sure that you conduct a patch test on your skin to know whether or not you are allergic to it.
The effects of this clay on human hair are not scientifically assessed. But an experiment conducted on sheep proves that it aids the growth of sheep wool.
More research on the effects of bentonite clay needs to be conducted. Discontinue the mask if you find any issues like itchiness or redness on your scalp.
8. Conclusion
Using natural products is always healthy. In the long run, it will certainly benefit you. There is little to no risk in using a clay mask for hair.
Instead of using synthetic products, which are harsher, use clay masks for hair. Give your hair a more natural boost and naturally maintain your hair health.
The cleansing and detoxifying properties will ultimately give you healthier hair. A clay mask for hair can give you the best results. You may feel intimidated about applying the mask, but in the end, it is worth the effort.
This clay mask for hair also helps increase the acceptance of other products. A lot of people are worried about their hair these days, and then they try on many products altogether. That can result in long-term damage.
Be on the safe side. Use products that are naturally produced.
Bentonite clay mask for hair hydrates moisturizes, softens, and makes your hair frizz-free. It encourages natural curls and makes your hair lustrous. For softer, smoother, and silky hair, use a bentonite clay mask.
For more health-related information, check this out.
Last Updated on by Sparsh Sehgal
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