Bentonite Clay for Hair

 

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 

• 6 tablespoons Bentonite clay
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

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 

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.

So, I just ordered my jar this morning from Vitacost.com. I'm so excited to try it. I'll update the pictures and results! Have you ever used bentonite clay? Please let me know your experiences. Leave them in the comment box.

How Long Must I Deep Condition?

                                 

 

When I first started to research how to take care of my hair, I noticed a lot of women saying that they were spending hours deep conditioning their hair. Like, a whole day dedicated to their hair. A little daunting for me. I have a very busy schedule . I don't have time a day to dedicate to my hair. Some ladies would deep condition overnight. It still seemed like it was excessive. 

I do deep condition my hair. Once a month. (More often if I feel like my hair needs it.) But, I usually spend fraction of that time doing it. I have discovered that what works well for others may or may not work well for me. So, I usually just wash my hair and then deep condition according to product directions. Usually between 15 and 30 minutes. Or...if I'm multitasking, I apply a deep conditioner then a plastic cap and do laundry, housework, read, cook, whatever I have to get done. I also do the same thing with warmed olive oil. Easy peasy!

If your hair is:

• Chemically treated
• Severely damaged and dry
• Bleached
• Relaxed 

Any of these conditions, you may need to deep condition more often to restore your hair.  

 

I wrote previously that I am allergic to the olive oil,and coconut oil.  Still true. So I try to keep it on the ends, and off of my skin. But, I'm still looking for a really good deep conditioner. Any suggestions? 

Also,  how do you deep condition your hair? What products do you recommend?

Diana Ross, My Way

So, this took a long time! As mentioned in my previous post I have been sick. Like really bad sinus infection. Finally, I'm getting to the point where I'm not taking anything. So, a couple of days ago, I washed my hair, deep conditioned it, let it air dry, and then straightened it. I love the fact that Diana's hair went from being slick and shorter, to huge and iconic. Like, to the point that no one would even think of her without the GINORMOUS hair that she rocks with ease.

I did this on flat ironed hair. ( with some frizz added in) However, I liked the bigness that the frizz gave me. I did figure out that I need would like to get some layers added into my hair to get it more shape and style options.

All in all, I love my big "Diana" hair. Plus, the bigger the hair, the bigger the drama! Everything just looks.....extra!

Tell me what you think. I can take it....



Remington Keratin Therapy 1-In. Hair Straightener (Google Affiliate Ad)

My Dorothy, way overdue

These past two weeks have been very busy. Sick family, (thankfully home now and  recovering very well) work, sisters' weekend, parent's anniversary...Whew! Still no trip to get my hooded dryer fixed. In between time, I did at least get to deep condition and wash my hair. I usually dry hair in twists for at least a day and a half.

Side note:   I'm still in the market for a good deep conditioner. I  have super sensitive skin. It reacts to everything. This time I used a conditioner I found at TJ Maxx called Electric C- I hairdressing. (The ingredients looked good and it was 4 bucks, why not try it? ) I was deep conditioning using extra virgin olive oil. But, I'm allergic to it. Not just that it causes my skin to break out, I get an itchy scabby skin. Very weird. Same thing with coconut oil and Shea butter. But, I loved how my hair looked ands felt afterward. I was trying to use the oils without it touching my skin, not easy. So, I have to find something else. I'm also trying Moroccan oil too, so we'll see how it goes! Any suggestions?

Anywho...I roller set damp almost dry twists on sponge rollers overnight. Hoping to get the Dorothy style I have been searching for. This is what I got. I liked it. I don't think necessarily it looks so much like what I was trying to do. I think, I need a few more layers around my face. ( See those cute curls that frame her face) I don't have that, lol.   My hair is pretty much the same length all the way around. All in all, I like how my hair looked. Got tons of compliments. I can add this style to my arsenal of styles. ( Now I just need some lashes and my gorgeous sister Erin to do my make up. Make me fabulous gal!)