You probably associate clays with beauty treatments such as facials and body masks, but did you know that you could use them on your hair?
This ingredient draws toxins out of your hair, leaving it refreshed and shiny, with great volume. There are three clays that are known to be great for all types of hair:
1. Bentonite Clay
It is named for its largest known deposit in Fort Benton, Wyoming. Bentonite clay is a gray/cream colored clay composed of aged volcanic ash. When combined with water, it swells and like a sponge, absorbing toxins. Here’s a great recipe for a bentonite clay cleanser, courtesy of CurlyNikki and HippieChicChick.
You will need
- Bentonite clay
- Apple cider vinegar
- optional: Aloe vera juice and your favorite essential oil
Directions
1. Use plastic or wooden utensils to combine bentonite clay and equal parts ACV and aloe vera juice—metal will lessen the effects of the bentonite.
2. Add a few drops of an essential oil for extra benefits. The mixture should be the consistency of cake batter.
3. Section your hair, apply the mixture from root to tip, then allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes under a plastic conditioning cap.
4. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water; ensure that the clay is completely washed out of your hair, or the clay will dry out your hair. Follow your rinse with a deep conditioner and style as usual.
2. French green clay
Also known as sea clay, French green clay contains a variety of healing elements, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, among others. It is often used in spa treatments, including facials and body masks, because it is great for removing dead skin cells.
The clay can also be used to cleanse oily hair types—it will draw dirt, oils, and toxins from the hair. The following is a very simple recipe for a “clay lotion” that will leave you with healthy, detoxified hair.
You will need
- French green clay (true French Green Clay will be green, not white or gray in color”>
- Milk
- Your favorite essential oil
Directions
1. Mix 1 teaspoon of green clay, 8 ounces of milk, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil–for oily hair, I recommend lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary or basil.
2. Stir and apply the lotion on your scalp and throughout your hair. Leave the lotion for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing and shampooing as usual.
3. Rhassoul Clay
Rhassoul clay originates in Morocco and can be used in soaps, shampoos, and skin conditioners. Like the aforementioned clays, it is incredibly mineral-rich. Try using rhassoul clay in a deep conditioner (recipe from Delicious Obsessions“>
You will need
- Rhassoul clay
- Coconut milk
- Honey
Directions
1. Mix 4 tablespoons of Rhassoul clay, 5 tablespoons of coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons of honey. The final mixture should be smoother and thinner than a face mask so that it spreads easily over your hair.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and massage it into your scalp.
3. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on your hair for 30 to 60 minutes. Do not leave the clay mixture for longer than an hour or it will begin to dry your hair out. Finally, rinse it out in the shower and shampoo/condition as usual.
Have you used clay in a DIY recipe before?