I have a confession…
I have kept a secret from you all and decided to come clean….I have been using bentonite clay for 4 years and it’s been giving me BANGIN hair ever since… I know I know, should have been up front with you sooner… please still like me :o((
lol just playin, well not really, I have been using this AMAZING clay. The results of treatments are phenomenal. I was first introduced to this clay back when I was stalking Fotki hair photo albums (do people still use those??). I can’t remember who, but I saw a girl use it as a hair mask and she was ranting about how it made her hair so clean, soft and defined. I used this treatment about 3 times a month for about a year and my hair was probably the healthiest it had ever been...oh how I miss those days lol I’ll get there again ;o)
I discovered that this clay was sold at Whole Foods for less than $10 for an entire pound (It’s usually sold in the facial care section). The brand I use is Aztec Secret Indian Healing clay which is actually intended to be used as a facial mask (which is EXCELLENT for oily skin btw) In a nut shell, bentonite is a natural occurring green clay derived from volcanic ash and its super magical powers come from trace minerals like aluminum, iron, sodium, calcium, titanium but the main ones are:
- Magnesium –It is a very necessary mineral in the body so cells in the body can survive. It is an anti-aging mineral used by the cells to function and produce energy. It rejuvenates and detoxifies the cells. Thus, without these minerals, the hair is not capable of growing and it becomes dull.
- Potassium –This is the mineral that transport cellular wastes into the external surface so it will be washed away. Without this, the wastes build up, causing the cells to malfunction and will not be able to produce more cells. With potassium, the hair becomes healthy and supple making it resistant to breakage and split ends.
- Silica- If silica is deficient, the hair becomes lifeless and dull, prone to split ends and the scalp turns dry for it aids in moisture retention. When the natural moisture is retained in the body, the connective tissues become resilient so, pre-mature aging possibility is hindered. Thus, silica can provide strength to the hair, stops hair fall and hair breakage.
Source http://www.vissastudios.com/bentonite-clay-hair
So I’m sure by now you’re like, what is so special about this daggone clay, well it cleanses, conditions and clarifies your scalp like no other. It literally sucks out all impurities, toxins, dirt, excess oil and restores your scalp back to “normal”. It’s anti-fungal and relieves itchy scalps. It’s like a magnet, it just attracts everything “bad” going on in your hair lol (this is why it is so good for your face) The best part is it is not drying and actually conditions your hair making it more manageable, soft and light. I’ve noticed my curls stay defined longer and even a little more elongated.
NOTE: Yes I have tried the Terresentials mud wash (it’s still sitting in my shower) that Naptural85 made famous. Although the mud wash smells great and works well, the main ingredients are simply aloe vera juice, bentonite clay and essentials oils….all of which I have. So I will use up the wash that I have and just continue make my own “mud wash”. It is WAY cheaper too…
So I mix my powder with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water. It fizzles like soda when you mix it hehe fun stuff. I recently tried Aloe vera juice with a few drops of essential oils after one of my twitter curlfriends suggested it. The great thing about this clay is you can mix it with a bunch of things i.e. coconut milk, marshmallow root, conditioner, yogurt, tea, etc. I have yet to try any of these but I certainly plan to.
Oh and I read somewhere that you should NOT use a metal spoon or bowl to mix. I guess the properties of the metal interact with the clay minerals and decrease the potency. Clearly I used a metal spoon…oops…
You can apply the paste on dry or wet hair but I prefer wet because the water helps distribute the paste better. I keep my spritzer bottle at hand and spray each section as I go. I tend to go a little heavy with the application and make sure I really cover my scalp and message it in. I am sure my excessiveness is just wasteful but I’ve always done it this way lol Oh and thank goodness I have an understanding/non-judgemental boyfriend because I know I look craaaaazay.
See exhibit A….
Such a mess, I’m a big azz kid, I like to play with mud haha I’m sure you can do a better job at keeping it on just your hair and not all over the place like me :o)
Told you I’m a little heavy handed lol ever seen Link in that movie Encino Man….? lol
I leave the clay in for up to 60 mins but you can leave it in for as little as 15-20. Rinsing out the clay is surprisingly a breeze, even after the clay starts to dry. It softens up almost on contact with water. But be sure you rinse really well because I’ve missed a couple spots and had little dried up patches of clay on my scalp lol cuuuute
Once you rinse, rinse, rinse, you’ll notice how incredibly soft your hair is. Some curlies even skip the conditioner BUT if you’re a product junkie like me, you don’t miss out on any opportunity to use your fav conditioner lol
If you are skeptical about this treatment, TRY IT. Your hair will LOVE it :o) Thank me later..
lol











Just ordered the ingredients to try this at home. Will let you know how this works! ~ Eboni
Awesome!! YES please share!!! You will LOOOOOOVE it!!
Lauren, I’m doing a bentonite clay mask for my face and just googled Bentonite clay metal your post popped right up! I was like, “I know her blog!!” LOL!! Anywho, love this post! I haven’t done a bentonite clay mask in a long time and only did it once or twice when I did a few years ago. But, I’ve used the Terressential Mud Wash and came to the same conclusions as you … I can make it myself for far cheaper. I even bought Marshmallow Root and Nettle months and months ago to make it. They are still unopened. LOL!! I think I might try making my own in a week or two … FINALLY. But, in the interim, was wondering if I could share your post here on my site? Let me know! You can shoot me an email at hairscapades (at) gmail (dot) com if you are interested!!
Shelli
Hey Shelli!! :o)
Yes the clay masks are WONDERFUL for the face! I keep telling myself to use it for my face regularly too lol I was just thinking about it the other day myself. I need to stop being lazy! I will have to buy some marshmallow root and nettle and try that. Did you use nettle extract? Where’d you buy it from? Go head and crack open those bottles girl!!
And feel free to post this on your site! Just link back to me if you don’t mind :o)
I’m baaaaaaack!! LOL!!! Of COURSE I’ll link back to you!!!! Your name and blog will be linked right under the first pic! And girl … I haven’t used either the nettle or the marshmallow root at all ever!! DOH!! I have just read that they are good slip agents and for hair generally! I’ll let you know how they work out! As to where I bought them, my local health food store carries all kinds of goodies:).
Hello Your hair and skin is beautiful. I have that clay, acv, and aloe vera juice at home, will that clay mixture fade acne blemishes? You say you have used it for 4 years how long did it take for you to see results?
Thank you!! It’s amazing to get a compliment on my skin because I have super troubled skin. I have been battling oily, acne prone skin my whole life! The clay mixture definitely helps get rid of pimples because it draws out all of the impurities from your face. But keep in mind that since it is drawing out impurities, you may have new blemished appear because it is basically your skins way of “detoxing” everything out of your skin but if you use the clay consistently your skin will stay clear. It’s one of those “it has to get worse before it gets better” type things.
As far as results, I noticed my skin felt amazing right away but I have to do the mask weekly to keep my skin clear. I do get lazy at times and don’t do every week and my skin definitely suffers from it. But It’s definitely a mask that you will get instant results as far as smoother, softer skin :o)
Hey you are making a mistake by using the metal spoon in the mixture. You should either use a rubber spatula or your finger to mix. The metal reacts with the properties in the clay.
Hello! Yes I know :o) I stated that in the post.
I’ve never tried the clay, but I did just get Terresentials and I like it. This is definitely a cheaper alternative.
Love your blog.. I’ve read every single post. Great timing… I actually have a jar that I purchased a while ago but never used (recovering PJ)… Question..how do you mix it when using it as a face mask? I have oily skin so I’d like to try it out.
Thanks for the info. I looked at the same clay yesterday at Whole Foods. I will be going back to get it. Your hair is beautiful!!!
YES go get it! use it for your face too :o) and thank you kindly for your words!