You may be familiar with Bentonite clay for detoxification. However, if you’re into all-natural hair care, Bentonite clay for hair may work. But only if you have a certain type of hair….
From the remnants of spewing, ancient volcanoes is a mineral-rich ash. This hardened and cooled ash, better known as Bentonite clay, is named after the massive shale rock formation that spans from Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Colorado and Nebraska.
Bentonite clay has been used for thousands of years. According to this Bentonite-centric website, Native Americans washed their clothes in the clay.
Although Bentonite clay is impermeable in its natural state, it swells when water is added to it. Because of this, as well as its rich mineral content and how it binds to metals, bentonite clay for hair makes sense.
BENTONITE CLAY FOR HAIR?
Without doubt, all-natural hair care is not one of the most widespread uses of Bentonite clay. More familiar are Bentonite clay for detoxification from superbugs; wound healing; Lyme disease recovery and skin care.
In fact, according to this review of 100 articles on Bentonite in research journals, Bentonite clay has been used externally on skin for ages. And Bentonite is effective at treating poison ivy and poison oak.
It can also help treat ‘diaper dermatitis.’ Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common newborn skin disorders. And bentonite, say the research authors, may better treat diaper dermatitis than calendula oil. Calendula is one of the most common all-natural remedies for diaper dermatitis.
Furthermore, research shows minerals in Bentonite clay make for a potent sunscreen. These specific minerals and how they are arranged in the clay absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. That’s what makes Bentonite effective for healing skin lesions and ulcers, too.
But what about Bentonite for hair? Is their research to support its use? Unfortunately, out of the 100 articles reviewed by the researchers, they only found one. And it doesn’t really pertain to humans.
In sheep, Bentonite increases wool growth. And as you’re aware, sheep, well, have a lot of curly hair. If you’re hair is also curly, Bentonite may work wonders for you (see below).
True, there’s a dearth of research on Bentonite for hair. But that doesn’t mean there’s no evidence it doesn’t work. In fact, the researchers suggest humans have been using Bentonite for hair, for a long time:
“In many areas such as Iran it was long used as a hair cleaner and softener….”
WHAT DOES BENTONITE CLAY DO FOR HAIR?
When you add a mix of Bentonite to your hair, the clay provides a deep condition. It also moisturizes the hair and cleanses it.
But what’s so special about cleansing the hair? After all, doesn’t shampoo do that? Or other no poo methods like apple cider vinegar and baking soda?
The short answer is Bentonite is like shampoo on steroids. Regular shampoo can get rid of everyday dirt, dust and other flecks of this and that.
Bentonite is a super cleansing agent. The explanation as to why is forthcoming. However, before you rush to buy Bentonite clay for hair, realize it may not work for you if you don’t have a certain type of hair.
According to this haircare blog, Bentonite may only work if you have “low porosity” hair.
Low porosity means your hair does not easily retain moisture. It’s frequently dry and the cuticles are tight. If that’s you, then great news … Bentonite clay may provide that deep cleansing shine you’ve been wanting.
But CurlsUnderstood.com says that if your hair does indeed easily absorb water and other hair care products, Bentonite may damage your hair.
BENEFITS OF BENTONITE CLAY FOR HAIR
In New Age and natural health circles, there exists the phenomenon of feel good vibes called “negative ions.” Negative ions are invisible. They’re also odorless. Nonetheless, they are real compounds. And these compounds do in fact have some medical backing.
In fact, WebMd.com reports negative ion generators help fight depression in winter. If you’ve ever walked on the beach or been in another natural environment, it’s the negative ions as well as the beautiful scenery that make you feel groovy.
What does this have to do with your hair?
Well, it turns out that Bentonite contains negative ions. Does that mean your hair will be happier? Of course not.
But what it does mean is that the negative ions will cancel out the positive ions. Positive ions in hair are the culprits of frizzy, dull and dry hair.
Remember, Bentonite can help detox your body. But most people who use it for detox do so buy ingesting food-grade clay. However, when adding it to your hair, it can help purify it of residual buildup from toxic hair care products.
Looking for a more scientific explanation? According to EarthPaste.com, here’s how Bentonite works. The lead atoms in Bentonite are wound tight in a matrix.
Wait a second. Stop. Lead? Isn’t lead bad for you? Yes, but not in the tiny amounts contained in natural Bentonite.
OK, back to explanation….
Other atoms don’t break away from this matrix of naturally-occuring lead molecules. The clay molecules themselves have an unusually large surface area.
Because they have such a strong negative charge, they act like powerful magnets. This magnetic action draws positive ion lead out of the body. Consequently, they draw out toxins from your body (and hair.)
HOW TO MIX BENTONITE CLAY FOR HAIR
You can’t just buy Bentonite and rub the clay into your hair. You have to mix it. But, first, you should learn what kind of Bentonite to get.
If you want a clay that you can also use internally to purify your gut, buy calcium Bentonite. Do not buy sodium Bentonite for internal use. Use calcium bentonite instead.
Indian Healing Clay is one of the most popular commercial brands of bentonite. Especially for skin care.
But to make mix Bentonite for hair, here’s what you can do….
Place one cup of clay in a wood bowl. (Do not use metal. The interaction with a metal bowl and Bentonite may counteract the effects of the clay.) Then, add about a fourth of a cup of apple cider vinegar (the best vinegar contains “The Mother”).
Optional: add some of your favorite essential oil. Mix all the ingredients together. The mixture hopefully by now, will appear thick and smooth.
After mixing, apply to your hair. Make sure to thoroughly mix in. Place a shower cap on your hair. Wear clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty just in case the mix gets all over you.
Before washing the mixture out, wait for up to a half hour. It may take awhile to completely wash out your hair of the mixture.
Do take note that if you add apple cider vinegar to the clay, there will be a fizzing, says CurlsUnderstood.com. This reaction is completely normal and will subside.
There are several other all-natural ideas concerning hair growth and hair care. Hopefully, if you use bentonite clay for hair, it’ll work for you. If not, you can try these other remedies:
- Vitamin E for Hair Growth
- Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
- Marula Oil for Hair Growth
- Natural Remedies to Grow Hair Faster
