About three weeks ago, I had a blast when two of my closest friends came over to visit. One was visiting from Honduras, (Hey Anika!) and the other from around the corner in Raleigh. (Hey Genelle!) All three of us, along with our husbands, laughing, talking and eating...a lot. Among many things, one of the subjects that we bonded over was hair. Genelle, who is my hair inspiration from that wedding that I mentioned in my hair story, has been natural for more than 10 years. Anika, who lives in La Ceiba, Honduras, went natural about 2 years ago.
One of the things that came up was bentonite clay. I have heard of it for years, but never thought of trying it. Anika was raving about it. But, mud in my hair?!? Well, it turns out that bentonite clay is great as a shampoo and conditioning mask. Plus, it has many other health benefits. And, it's cheap! I checked Vitacost.com and iherb.com. Both sold a very moderate amount for under ten dollars.
What is bentonite clay?
Bentonite clay is a literal clay that can be found all over the world, but the largest deposits
lie in North America and the Italian mountains. The clay has a negative ionic charge which makes it attractive like a magnet to things that have a positive charge, like heavy metals, toxins, harmful bacterias and pathogens. This amazing substance has been used for years. It contains important minerals including magnesium, calcium, potassium,
etc, which are important for hair growth and skin rejuvenation. Because of it's porous nature, when added to liquids such as apple cider vinegar or aloe vera juice, and then applied to the skin or hair it draws out the impurities and any build up. It works just like a sponge.
How do you use Bentonite clay for a hair mask?
Here are a couple of recipes via revitaliseyourhealth.com. These can be adjusted according to your hair length.
Also, here is a link Naptural85's video tutorial for using a Bentonite clay hair wash. She uses Terressentials Hair Wash. I bought my clay before I watched her video. But, I'm sure the application is the same.
Conditioning Treatment #1
Mix Bentonite and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar together until you
reach a smooth creamy consistency, similar to yogurt. Add more vinegar
if needed to achieve required consistency. Apply to scalp and hair ensuring to coat thoroughly. Leave treatment in
for around 30 minutes. Do not allow the clay to set.
Rinse out thoroughly using cold water. Rinse hair again using 1 cup of
apple cider vinegar. Apply leave-in conditioner and style.
*You can replace apple cider vinegar with alternative liquid ingredients
such as coconut milk or any herbal concoction of your choice
Conditioning Treatment #2
• 1 part Bentonite clay
• 2 parts water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
Firstly, mix together Bentonite and water until you achieve a creamy
consistency. Apply thoroughly to either wet or dry hair, whatever your
preference.
Cover with plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave in for around 20 minutes.
Shower as normal, with the cap left on. Remove cap towards the end and rinse thoroughly.
Apply conditioner as per normal, 2 applications are recommended.
Once completed, detangle hair with a wide tooth comb and apply a leave-in conditioner.
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