As you know, I’ve regressed and have been playing with mud lately. LOL! Nah, but really, I used a bentonite clay mask on my face last Tuesday and the prototype for a new Wonder Curl clay hair mask the weekend before that. Well, this has me wanting to revisit bentonite clay for my hair. I tried it once before a couple of years ago, but wasn’t impressed. But, I’m also a firm believer in, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” I also have been wanting to try my hand at making my own Terressentials Mud Wash. If you remember, I liked it, but not the price and shipping costs. So, I started researching this a while back and resumed again this past week. In my search, I came across this post on La Coco Bella and asked if I could share as I thought y’all might be interested in bentonite clay for hair too!! Lauren kindly obliged!! 

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by Lauren of La Coco Bella

I have been using bentonite clay for 4 years and it’s been giving me BANGIN’ hair ever since. The results of treatments are phenomenal. I was first introduced to this clay back when I was stalking Fotki hair photo albums (do people still use those??). I can’t remember who, but I saw a girl use it as a hair mask and she was ranting about how it made her hair so clean, soft and defined. I used this treatment about 3 times a month for about a year and my hair was probably the healthiest it had ever been ... oh how I miss those days. lol. I’ll get there again. ;o)

I discovered that this clay was sold at Whole Foods for less than $10 for an entire pound (It’s usually sold in the facial care section). The brand I use is Aztec Secret Indian Healing clay, which is actually intended to be used as a facial mask (which is EXCELLENT for oily skin btw). In a nut shell, bentonite is a natural occurring green clay derived from volcanic ash and its super magical powers come from trace minerals like aluminum, iron, sodium, calcium, titanium but the main ones are:

• Magnesium –It is a very necessary mineral in the body so cells in the body can survive. It is an anti-aging mineral used by the cells to function and produce energy. It rejuvenates and detoxifies the cells. Thus, without these minerals, the hair is not capable of growing and it becomes dull.

• Potassium –This is the mineral that transport cellular wastes into the external surface so it will be washed away. Without this, the wastes build up, causing the cells to malfunction and will not be able to produce more cells. With potassium, the hair becomes healthy and supple making it resistant to breakage and split ends.

• Silica– If silica is deficient, the hair becomes lifeless and dull, prone to split ends and the scalp turns dry for it aids in moisture retention. When the natural moisture is retained in the body, the connective tissues become resilient so, pre-mature aging possibility is hindered. Thus, silica can provide strength to the hair, stops hair fall and hair breakage.

Source http://www.vissastudios.com/bentonite-clay-hair

So I’m sure by now you’re like, what is so special about this daggone clay? Well, it cleanses, conditions and clarifies your scalp like no other. It literally sucks out all impurities, toxins, dirt, excess oil and restores your scalp back to “normal.” It’s anti-fungal and relieves itchy scalps. It’s like a magnet; it just attracts everything “bad” going on in your hair lol (this is why it is so good for your face). The best part is, it is not drying and actually conditions your hair making it more manageable, soft and light. I’ve noticed my curls stay defined longer and even a little more elongated.

NOTE: Yes I have tried the Terressentials Mud Wash (it’s still sitting in my shower) that Naptural85 made famous. Although the mud wash smells great and works well, the main ingredients are simply aloe vera juice, bentonite clay and essentials oils … all of which I have. So, I will use up the wash that I have and just continue make my own “mud wash.” It is WAY cheaper too!

So, I mix my powder with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water. It fizzles like soda when you mix it … hehe, fun stuff. I recently tried aloe vera juice with a few drops of essential oils after one of my twitter curlfriends suggested it. The great thing about this clay is you can mix it with a bunch of things (i.e. coconut milk, marshmallow root, conditioner, yogurt, tea, etc.). I have yet to try any of these but I certainly plan to.

Oh, and I read somewhere that you should NOT use a metal spoon or bowl to mix. I guess the properties of the metal interact with the clay minerals and decrease the potency. Clearly I used a metal spoon … oops!

You can apply the paste on dry or wet hair, but I prefer wet because the water helps distribute the paste better. I keep my spritzer bottle at hand and spray each section as I go. I tend to go a little heavy with the application and make sure I really cover my scalp and massage it in. I am sure my excessiveness is just wasteful, but I’ve always done it this way. lol. Oh, and thank goodness I have an understanding/non-judgemental boyfriend, because I know I look craaaaazay.

See exhibit A….

Such a mess, I’m a big azz kid, I like to play with mud, haha. I’m sure you can do a better job at keeping it on just your hair and not all over the place like me. :o)

Told you I’m a little heavy handed, lol. Ever seen Link in that movie Encino Man? lol

I leave the clay in for up to 60 minutes, but you can leave it in for as little as 15-20. Rinsing out the clay is surprisingly a breeze, even after the clay starts to dry. It softens up almost on contact with water. But, be sure you rinse really well because I’ve missed a couple spots and had little dried up patches of clay on my scalp, lol, cuuuute.

Once you rinse, rinse, rinse, you’ll notice how incredibly soft your hair is. Some curlies even skip the conditioner, BUT if you’re a product junkie like me, you don’t miss out on any opportunity to use your fave conditioner. lol

If you are skeptical about this treatment, TRY IT. Your hair will LOVE it :o) Thank me later.

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So, as I indicated far above, I’ve been meaning to try this for a while … like, a year! LOL! So, I picked up some marshmallow root and nettle extracts last March or so at my local health food store. They are still unopened. Anywho, the plan is to try making my own mask with the bentonite clay, aloe vera juice (bentonite clay is alkaline, ACV brings the pH to a more acidic level closer to hair, but AVJ brings it to a pH in the hair range of 4.5-5.5), marshmallow root extract, nettle extract and maybe some coconut or EVOO. You know I’ll keep you guys updated on that!!

Do you use bentonite clay for hair? If so, what’s your recipe?! What benefits to you see from using bentonite clay?