Blog - How to Use Bentonite Clay for Natural Hair
November 23, 2018 by Swirly Curly
If you have product build-up or irritating scalp conditions, you might be wondering how to use bentonite clay for natural hair.
Are you unknowingly causing damage to your hair? Get the Natural Hair Mistakes Free E-Guide to make sure!
Filmy hair and itchy scalp can be annoying and even embarrassing. It can be VERY frustrating if you’ve tried different shampoos and nothing seems to work.
In this post, you’ll find out about the benefits of bentonite clay and how to use it for natural hair. If you’re interested in a total detox treatment for kinky and curly hair, keep reading.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite is an absorbent clay that typically forms from aging volcanic ash. It was named after Fort Benton, Wyoming which has the largest source of bentonite clay in the world.
Bentonite can absorb negatively charge toxins from the body when consumed. It can also be used topically on the skin and hair for beauty treatments.
This post is about using the clay for your hair, but make sure you choose a food-grade bentonite clay if you’re wanting to take it internally.
Bentonite clay is also known as Montmorillonite clay.
What are the Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Natural Hair?
Bentonite clay has numerous benefits for the scalp and hair. Here are a few:
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Draws out impurities from hair and scalp. Bentonite is a negatively charged clay that attracts positively charged product build-up and heavy metal toxins. Using it on your curls results in 100% cleansed hair.
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Has Antimicrobial Properties. Bentonite kills bacteria, viruses, and fungus from the scalp and hair. It’s perfect to use if you have dandruff, scalp fungus, or seborrheic dermatitis.
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Defines Curls. Naturals swear by the clay’s ability to clump curls together and define them.
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Enhances Shine. If you have product build-up, you’ve probably noticed that your hair has taken on a slightly white or gray tone. This film can hinder your hair’s natural ability to shine.
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Softens and Conditions Hair. A bentonite clay mask can help with manageability by softening and conditioning the hair. You’ll enjoy having fewer tangles to deal with on wash days.
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Promotes Healthy Hair Growth. Bentonite clay doesn’t exactly stimulate the scalp, but it does unclog hair follicles. Cleansing the scalp thoroughly can enhance healthy hair growth by creating the perfect environment for growing hair.
How to Use Bentonite Clay on Natural Hair
The most popular way to use the clay is by doing a mask. The clay can be used plain, but you may want to mix it with aloe vera, apple cider vinegar (ACV) or a mix of therapeutic oils.
Once you've applied the mask wear a shower cap and put on your bonnet over the top to keep the heat and moisture in.
The clay is a natural ingredient, but it is by no means weak. It truly clarifies, and that could mean stripping natural oils from your hair too.
So, you’ll want to do a deep conditioning treatment after you use the clay. You won’t need to shampoo when you do your clay treatment because the clay is so cleansing.
However, the great thing about bentonite clay is that it can give you a clean slate to apply your products. You’ll find that your products work a lot better after using the clay because they can effectively reach the shaft.
Always use a wooden spoon when you’re making your clay mixture, as clay reacts to metal.
Recipe for Bentonite Clay on Natural Hair
If you have scalp irritations or itchiness, you may be getting frustrated or annoyed that the regular dandruff shampoos aren’t working.
Or maybe you’re fearful of using the conventional sulfate and clarifying shampoos because they’re too harsh for your natural curls. And rightly so, common shampoos can wreak havoc on your strands.
Bentonite clay is a natural way of clarifying your skin and hair without using harsh shampoos. It can make scalp conditions disappear quickly as it draws toxins away from the scalp.
Want to try it out?
Here is a great recipe:
Easy Bentonite Clay Detox Recipe for Natural Hair
Ingredients
½ cup bentonite clay
½ cup apple cider vinegar (ACV)
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon of rosemary or lavender essential oils (optional)
Instructions
1. Place clay in a plastic or ceramic bowl.
2. Pour the ACV and water into the bowl.
3. Mix until smooth and creamy like the texture of yogurt.
4. Your bentonite clay recipe is ready to use!
How to Apply Bentonite Clay to Natural Hair
Doing a bentonite clay treatment may sound intimidating, but it is super easy to apply. It will probably be well worth your time, especially after you see how well this treatment can define your curls.
Begin your bentonite clay treatment by sectioning your hair and spraying warm water onto your curls to hydrate them. It’s always a good idea to hydrate before working with your hair to prevent tangles and breakage.
Apply the clay mixture onto your hair from root to tip. Massage the clay into your scalp and hair until every strand is coated. Avoid allowing the clay to dry onto your curls. Keep them moist, soft, and hydrated while you do the treatment.
You can prevent the clay from drying by placing a shower cap over your head while you’re waiting for the time to pass. Spraying the water on your hair beforehand will help too.
How long should you leave bentonite clay on natural hair? Bentonite clay works very quickly to draw out toxins and heavy metals from your hair and you’ll only need to apply it for 5-20 minutes before hopping in the shower.
Rinse the clay from your hair thoroughly. Then apply a deep conditioner to moisturize. You’ll probably find that your hair really soaks up the deep conditioner after being thoroughly cleansed of all build-up.
Remember, for best results, always wear a satin lined bonnet at night to keep the moisture in, stopping any frizz or damage occuring at night.
Bentonite clay can make a wonderful addition to your natural hair regimen. Do it once per month, or whenever you need a complete reset on your natural curls.
Have you tried bentonite clay for natural hair?