You would probably never guess that clay came out volcanic ash could nourish your hair. As a matter of fact, bentonite clay can nourish skin, hair and even the digestive tract. The Clay itself is soft, but forms a yogurt like paste when mixed with water.
Up to this point much research has used animal and cell models to measure bentonite clay's effectiveness, so no one knows how effective it is for humans. Bentonite clay is said to absorb oils and dirt from the skin and remove toxins from the body.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay
Balances the oil production
Bentonite clay balances how much oil both skin and hair produce. Bentonite removes toxins from the body by binding to their molecules or irons. When you remove the mask or when it leaves the digestive tract, the clay takes the attached toxins with it. Its the same with hair.
Bentonite clay has negatively charged iron, while many heavy metals or body toxins have a positive charge. When two objects have opposite charges, they stick to each other, making bentonite clay easier to stick and remove toxins.
Some people like to use Bentonite clay as a shampoo as well as a conditioner as it removes excess dirt from the hair like normal shampoo. Bentonite Clay might even work as a more natural, less aggressive alternative.
Supports hair growth
Bentonite Clay contains natural nutrients like calcium, sodium and potassium, all of which help hair growth. This is also why many people consume bentonite clay as a regular supplement.
It also cleans the hair follicles and removes dead skins cells from the scalp, facilitating hair growth. It does not stimulate the scalp per se, but it can at least remove build-up dirt from the scalp.
Eliminates dandruff
Sometimes you get dry skin on the scalp or it gets infected with a fungus Malassezia, which thrives on the oil of your scalp produces. Either way, your scalp gets dry and dead skin cells fall like snow on your shoulders.
Bentonite clay soaks up the excess oil in our scalp making Malassezia growth impossible and thus preventing further dandruff accumulation. It also prevents similar infections that can cause excess oil and other build-up on the scalp.
Deep care of hair
Lots of people like to use Bentonite clay for hair as a conditioner. It not only cleanses your scalp but also has a cleansing and moisturising effect on the hair. Also, the internet is full of various homemade recipes for Bentonite clay masks, so you can do as much or as little as you like.
Bentonite clay works well for most hair types. It might even help define and create tight curls better
You can use the clay alone, but you can mix a variety of natural ingredients with bentonite clay. Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera or some therapeutic oils like rosemary or lavender are great for this purpose. Experiment with different materials to see which give the best results without drying out or irritating your scalp.
Precautions when using bentonite clay for hair
While bentonite clay is excellent for all sorts of hair issues, care must be taken when assembling it and using it as well.
First make sure you rinse or mist your hair with warm water to prepare it for the mask. Be careful when applying the bentonite clay.
After rinsing the bentonite clay out of your hair, run some hot water down the drain to keep the clay from damaging or clogging your plumbing.
Bentonite clay dries quickly after application, so before drying, you need to wash the mask from your hair with warm water. You might also consider misting your hair lightly so the mixture stays wet a little longer.
Do not use metal materials when mixing your bentonite clay mask. Using this material can negate the benefits of the clay because the clay reacts quickly with metal. A wooden spoon or plastic spoon should do the trick.
Most people recommend using bentonite clay for hair no more than a few times a month. Although it contains natural materials, it can dry out your scalp if used too much. It also cleans your hair pretty thoroughly so you don't need to shampoo after rinsing.
Final thoughts
Although there isn't much scientific evidence to support bentonite clay's effectiveness, its use is still safe for most people. With a little water and a few other household ingredients, you can make a nourishing bentonite clay mask that will add a little shine to your hair.
