Bentonite Clay For Hair: Benefits & Uses
You would probably never guess that clay formed from volcanic ash could nourish your hair. In fact, bentonite clay can nourish the skin, hair, and even 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 gauge the effectiveness of bentonite clay, so no one knows how truly effective it is for humans. Supposedly, bentonite clay absorbs oils and dirt from the skin and removes toxins from the body.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay For Hair
Below, we’ll look at some benefits and uses of bentonite clay for hair. Keep in mind that much of this evidence is anecdotal, and more studies need to confirm these benefits.
Balances Oil Production
Bentonite clay works to balance how much oil both the skin and the hair produce. Bentonite removes toxins from the body by binding to their molecules or ions. When you remove the mask, or when it leaves the digestive tract, the clay takes the attached toxins with it. It works the same way with hair.
Bentonite clay has negatively charged irons, while many heavy metals or bodily toxins have a positive charge. When two objects have opposite charges, they’ll stick to each other, making it easier for bentonite clay to attach to and then remove toxins.
Some people like to use bentonite clay as both shampoo and conditioner since it removes excess dirt from the hair just like regular shampoo. Bentonite clay might even work as a more natural, less harsh alternative.
Supports Hair Growth
Bentonite clay contains natural nutrients, like calcium, sodium, and potassium, all of which help with hair growth. It’s also the reason many people consume bentonite clay like a regular supplement.
It also cleanses the hair follicles and removes dead skin cells from the scalp, making it easier for hair to grow. It doesn’t stimulate the scalp, per se, but it can at least clear away built-up gunk on your scalp.
Eliminates Dandruff
Sometimes, you might get dry skin on your scalp, or it gets infected with a fungus called Malassezia, which thrives on the oil your scalp produces. Either way, your scalp gets dry, and flakes of dead skin can fall to your shoulders like snow.
Bentonite clay soaks up the extra oil in our scalps, making it impossible for Malassezia to grow, and therefore preventing any more dandruff from accumulating. It also prevents similar infections that excess oil and other buildups can cause on the scalp.
Deep Conditions the Hair
Many people like to use bentonite clay for hair as a conditioner. It not only cleanses your scalp but also works to cleanse and moisturize the hair. Plus, the Internet is full of various homemade recipes for bentonite clay hair masks, so you can make as much or as little as you like.
Bentonite clay works well for most hair types. It might even help to better define and clean out tight curls.
You can use the clay by itself, 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, work great for that purpose. Experiment with different materials to see which produces the best results without drying out or irritating your scalp.
Precautions of Using Bentonite Clay for Hair
While bentonite clay can work great for all types of hair problems, one must be careful when putting it together and also when using it.
First of all, make sure you rinse or spray your hair with warm water to prepare it for the mask. Be gentle when you apply the bentonite clay.
After you’ve finished rinsing the bentonite clay from your hair, run some hot water down the drain so the clay does not damage or clog your plumbing.
Bentonite clay dries fast after it’s applied, so you’ll need to wash the mask out of your hair with warm water before it dries. You might also consider lightly misting your hair so the mixture stays moist a little longer.
When mixing your bentonite clay mask, don’t use metal materials. Using this material can null the bentonite clay’s benefits since the clay reacts fast with metal. A wooden or plastic spoon should do the trick just fine.
Most people recommend not using bentonite clay for hair more than a few times a week. While it contains natural materials, it might dry out your scalp if used too much. It also cleanses your hair pretty thoroughly, so you don’t need to use shampoo after rinsing it out.
Final Thoughts
While there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence confirming bentonite clay’s effectiveness, it is still safe to use for most people. With a little water and a few other household ingredients, you can make a nourishing bentonite clay mask to help glam your hair up a bit.
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