Clay can be an effective way to maintain healthy hair and scalp conditions. It works to clarify product buildup without the need for vigorous scrubbing or chemical-laden clarifying shampoos, helping your locks remain clear of buildup without harmful side effects. Bentonite clay also helps prevent dandruff by absorbing excess oil and keeping Malassezia dormant, providing an easy DIY bentonite clay treatment to detoxify hair and scalp while leaving both feeling soft and hydrated.
Benefits
Bentonite clay is an effective natural remedy to clarify and detoxify skin and hair. Used extensively in beauty products to remove impurities, such as product buildup from hair shafts. The conditioner can soften strands and help define curls, which is perfect for textured hair. Furthermore, conditioners can be an effective alternative to clarifying shampoos, which typically contain harsh chemicals like Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) and Sodium Laurel Sulfate that may dry out hair further. Clay treatments can also benefit those with Type 4 kinky hair because they deeply cleanse and detangle each strand, helping to deter frizz for smooth, sleek results and absorb excess oil from your scalp. Be aware that clay treatments should only be applied occasionally to avoid drying out hair and scalp. Additionally, it’s advisable to perform a patch test first to ensure there won’t be an allergic reaction from using one on your scalp.
How to Use
Bentonite clay provides an effective hair cleanse by drawing out negatively charged toxins that accumulate on oily hair and scalp, acting as a detoxifier and clarifying shampoo in one step. Bentonite can also draw out product buildup on low-porosity locks to help prevent frizz and dryness while drawing out extra product buildup that could otherwise remain. To use bentonite clay for hair treatment, follow these steps:
Combine one teaspoon of bentonite clay with two tablespoons of water in a plastic bowl or mug. Avoid using metal, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the clay.
Spray each strand of your hair with warm water to hydrate it.
Apply the clay mixture starting at the roots and working your way down, covering all strands evenly. Avoid applying the mixture to the scalp.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse off the clay wash and follow it with a deep conditioner treatment.
Side Effects
Clay can absorb negatively charged toxins, such as product buildup and heavy metals, from hair while simultaneously cleansing the scalp. This treatment also refreshes and purifies the environment. However, clay can be drying on the hair and skin. After using a clay mask, apply a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture balance. Follow up with a quick rice rinse to soften cuticles and eliminate breakage. This can be done after every shampoo or as part of a weekly regimen for dry hair. A vegan-friendly dry shampoo like VEGAMOUR can keep your scalp and locks fresh between regular shampoo sessions. It has a no talc/benzene formulation to protect color-treated locks while absorbing oil, sweat, and odors.
Precautions
Integrating bentonite clay into your hair care routine is a great way to show your strands some TLC. Curly girls often utilize different cleansing techniques such as deep conditioners, LCO method treatments, and hot oil treatments to keep their locks healthy. Bentonite clay, also called montmorillonite clay, has long been used to rid skin and body of impurities. It has antimicrobial properties, particularly helpful for scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Bentonite clay’s negative electrical charge attracts positively charged substances (products, minerals, and toxins) that have an attraction for hair and scalp areas, drawing them away to effectively clarify strands. This natural solution makes an affordable alternative to expensive clarifying shampoos containing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and other harsh chemicals.
