Bentonite Clay for Hair Care

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“I used a bentonite clay detox on my scalp. I have noticed less tenderness on my scalp, any correlation?”

 

People from many different cultures have used clays, including bentonite clay, for centuries.  Often called the ‘healing clay,” bentonite clay has been used to detoxify the skin and body, as well as to aid in defending against illness and disease and to promote healing. 

 

Bentonite Clay for Hair Care

Bentonite clay, also called montmorillonite, is a finely ground natural material derived from volcanic ash.  It gets its name from the Benton Shale formation found in Wyoming.  Bentonite clay mud washes and hair masks may have many benefits for the hair and scalp, including:

• Improved curl definition
• Decreased frizz and tangles
• Increased hair smoothness
• Soothing an itchy scalp
• Improved hair moisture levels
• Improved shine

 

Hair Benefits of Bentonite Clay

1. Binds Toxins

The negatively charged (anionic) properties of bentonite clay help it to bind to toxins and other positively charged material.  This may be how it helps rid the hair and skin of toxins and contaminants, and how it helps to clean and refresh the hair and skin.

 

2. Antibacterial

Can help kill certain bacteria.

 

3. Reduces Irritation

One study showed that bentonite clay helps with irritation form poison ivy. Another study showed that bentonite clay helped improve irritation from diaper rash.

 

4. Healing and Repair

 

5. Sun protection

 

Bentonite Clay Hair Mask Recipe

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup bentonite clay

• Mix this up in a plastic or glass bowl.  Do not use a metal bowl or spoon, as this could interact with the clay.
• Add more water as needed to get the consistency you like.
• Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse.

 

Here’s a helpful video of The Gloved Natural doing a bentonite clay mask:

 

 

Does Bentonite Clay Grow Hair?

Unfortnately, unlike with products such as minoxidil, there really isn’t much scientific data to support the claim that bentonite clay helps grow hair.  One study did find that sheep treated with bentonite clay had improved wool growth, but that’s about all I could find.  Bentonite clay masks can definitely help improve the health of your hair, which can help with length retention.  But in terms of growing longer hair faster, there isn’t much hard data evidence of that.

 

Cautions

Like all things, what works for one person may not work for another.  While many people use bentonite clay without any problems, if you develop any irritation from bentonite clay, you should stop it.  Also, I’d recommend doing a test spot a day or two before you plan to use it for the first time, just to make sure that you’re not sensitive to it.  There are also reports of intestinal problems and electrolyte imbalances from people eating the clay.  As always, if you have irritation on your scalp or severe dandruff, you should definitely consult with your dermatologist before starting bentonite clay!