Bentonite clay for the scalp is one of the most effective ways to get rid of an irritated scalp. Not at all expensive and easy to apply, clay is an excellent solution. If you have this kind of problem with your hair, try it. You never know! You might just find something you like!
I. What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is derived from volcanic ash dating back several million years. Its deposits are found in the United States.
Bentonite clay is generally beige or light green, its powder is fine and does not have a special fragrance.
Compared to other clays, its healing abilities and absorption properties are superior. By consuming it, our body can largely benefit from its revitalizing effects.
Indeed, bentonite helps cells to get oxygen by absorbing excess hydrogen.
Bentonite clay is versatile. It can be used externally and internally. You can use it as a face mask, body scrub, and even as a hair shampoo.
II. How to Prepare a Bentonite Clay mask for Scalp and Hair?
clay can be used for a variety of hair masks.
Here are some recipes for clay masks.
1. Clay Mask for Oily Scalp and Hair
Oily hair is a category of hair that produces a lot of sebum. This gives them a constant feeling of heaviness.
In addition, it is prone to dandruff because the scalp is suffocated.
If you are among those who have this type of hair, the clay mask is for you.
The absorbent properties of clay are excellent for this type of hair.
The recipe for this mask is extremely easy.
Preparation:
Start by mixing clay with mineral water, to make a paste. Four tablespoons of clay powder are usually enough. To increase its effects, you can add honey or essential oils.
Application:
Apply the clay paste directly to your scalp. Be sure to cover your entire head, but do not touch your ends.
The clay will dry them out even more.
Once your mask is well applied, proceed to a light massage of your scalp. Then, leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes for maximum effect.
Once the time is up, shampoo your hair, insisting on removing the clay.
Your hair will be lighter after the first application.
2. Clay Purifying Mask for the Scalp
Preparation:
As with the previous mask, mix your clay with clear mineral water. But to this paste, add drops of Ylang-Ylang essential oil or tea tree essential oil.
These oils will help fight against dandruff.
But before that, for a better action of your bentonite clay mask, make yourself a scrub. This one can be with almond or coconut powder. It will rid your scalp of its impurities.
Application:
Apply your clay paste, avoiding your ends, and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Then do your usual shampoo.
Add some cider vinegar to your rinse water. Your hair will come out shinier.
3. Bentonite Clay and Egg Hair and Scalp Mask
Eggs are allies for our hair. We can apply an egg mask to repair hair, regulate excess sebum and treat hair loss.
In general, in egg masks, we find olive oil and honey. But to make your hair mask more effective, add a spoon or two of bentonite clay to the egg, honey, and olive oil mixture.
4. How Often Should you use Bentonite Clay on Hair and Scalp?
It is possible to use bentonite clay as a mask or shampoo several times a month. In general, it is recommended to use it a maximum of three times a week.
It is important to know that the more you wash your hair, even with natural products, the more your scalp may feel stressed.
5. Is it Okay to Use Bentonite Clay Mask Everyday?
Just like a bentonite clay face mask, the hair mask should only be used a few times a week.
If you have hair that has no particular problems, you can use this mask once a week.
But if the hair is brittle and very dry, a hair mask three times a week will not be too much.
6. Do you Shampoo After Bentonite Clay?
Your bentonite clay mask should be left on for about 15 minutes. To remove it, you just need to rinse your hair with clear water thoroughly so as not to leave any residue. And you don’t need to shampoo.
But if you insist on washing your hair after the mask, we suggest natural, gentle shampoos that are free of parabens, silicones, and controversial substances. This is to take care of your hair.
Bentonite clay-based masks can replace your regular foaming shampoo.
7. Is Bentonite Clay Good for Low Porosity Hair?
Bentonite clay is suitable for all hair types, whether dry, oily, colored, or fine.
So, if you have hair with low porosity, bentonite clay is your best bet to restore its strength.
8. Can you Leave Bentonite Clay on Overnight?
If you put a bentonite mask on your hair, you only need to leave it on for 15 minutes to benefit from its virtues. It is therefore not necessary to leave it on longer.
9. Does Bentonite Clay Detangle Hair?
Yes, applied as a mask or used as a shampoo, bentonite clay can detangle hair.
You can mix bentonite clay with warm water and cider vinegar to form a homogeneous paste.
However, cider vinegar is not mandatory. Bentonite clay alone can be used as a hair and scalp purifier and effectively detangles hair.
III. Benefits of Bentonite Clay for an Itchy Scalp
An irritated scalp is a calamity to live with. Unpleasant and annoying, itchy scalp can develop on all hair types.
First, it is important to know the causes of an irritated scalp.
These are numerous and can be both external and internal.
Pollution, dust, and dust mites are all elements that can irritate a scalp.
Another external cause of itchy scalp is the use of chemicals. Products rich in parabens or silicones are very dangerous to the health of the hair over time. They can easily cause irritation and even allergies.
Diet, as well as stress, are other internal causes of itchy scalp.
A diet that is too rich, or on the contrary a dietary deficiency, can create a hormonal imbalance. The latter can cause hypersensitivity of the scalp, which will start to itch.
Dry and frizzy hair are the ones that are usually the most easily affected by this phenomenon. But even oily hair is not spared.
Frequent washing of oily hair, especially when done with sulfate shampoos, can cause itching. Other itching factors include dandruff and eczema.
The benefits of clay on the irritated scalp are numerous. Because of its composition, Bentonite clay helps heal irritated and even injured scalps.
Moreover, clay is remineralizing and acts on dandruff by cleansing the scalp. It is also very useful against toxins and pollution.
It is a product of choice for oily hair, for which it allows the regulation of sebum. This avoids too frequent washing, one of the causes of scalp irritation.
Because it is healing and antiseptic, clay is a compound that helps the scalp regain its health in cases of infection.
As a softening agent, clay brings a soothing sensation to the irritated scalp.
IV. Bentonite Clay for Scalp Psoriasis
In case of psoriasis on the scalp, simply mix bentonite clay with water and apply it to the affected area.
Leave on for about ten minutes and rinse with warm water. Bentonite clay calms the itching crisis very quickly.
This tip works very well on different parts of the body such as the arms, hands, or back.
V. Bentonite Clay for Scalp Fungus
If you have fungus on your scalp, repeated use of bentonite clay as a hair mask or shampoo can help you get rid of it.
To do this, you can wash your hair with bentonite clay up to three times a week.
And after a few uses, you will be satisfied with the results.
VI. Bentonite Clay for Scalp Detox
As we said above, bentonite clay is effective for the hair if you use it as a hair mask or shampoo. This clay helps to remove toxins from your scalp and the accumulation of chemicals from various hair products.
For a scalp detox, mix clay with warm water and a tablespoon of cider vinegar.
Dose the water and clay mixture according to the length and thickness of the hair.
Apply this mask on wet and dry hair for 30 minutes and rinse until there is no more residue.
VII. What Are the Other Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Hair and Scalp?
The benefits of bentonite clay for the scalp and hair are numerous:
- It helps protect your scalp from infections
- It helps to get rid of dandruff
- It removes all impurities from the scalp and hair due to its detox properties
- It has antimicrobial properties
- It helps hair growth
- Brings shine to the hair
- It softens and conditions the hair
- Effectively moisturizes the scalp and hair
- Restores energy and strength to damaged hair
- It treats hair loss problems
VIII. Which Clay for an Irritated Scalp
There are several clays. Ranked according to their color, they all have particular properties.
If you have an irritated and oily scalp, you should use a lump of bentonite clay. This one is the most adapted to absorb the excess of sebum and remineralize the fatty hair.
But for dry hair, white clay, softer and less drying, is to be preferred. As a mask, it is perfect for scalps that are already very dry, which it soothes without drying out further.
IX. Other Natural Remedies for Scalp
To improve the health of your scalp, there are some tips and natural remedies.
1) Plant Oils
Vegetable oils are a simple and effective way to combat an irritated scalp. Often, the scalp itches because it is dry and lacks moisture.
In this case, nothing is better than oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Castor oil can also be used to improve the hydration of a dry scalp.
To do this, simply make an oil bath before your shampoo.
You can mix several oils or choose just one. Massage your scalp with it, making sure to soak it in.
After about 30 minutes of rest, wash your hair.
2) Baking Soda
In cases of itching due to dandruff, do not hesitate to use baking soda. This kitchen ingredient is also a beauty treatment.
For hair health, baking soda is an excellent exfoliant. It cleans the scalp and allows it to breathe better.
You can use it by mixing it with water to make a paste. This should then be applied to your scalp for about ten minutes.
After that, rinse it off. It is also possible to mix a certain amount of baking soda with your shampoo and wash your hair with it.
This is a very good way to clarify the scalp.
3) Cider Vinegar
It can be used in your rinse water. It will bring strength and shine to your hair. But cider vinegar can also work wonders before your shampoo if you have an irritated scalp.
After massaging your head with a little cider vinegar, wait 5 minutes before shampooing.
Once or twice a week, you will quickly notice improvements.
X- What Good Ingredients to Add to Bentonite Clay to Heal Hair
The bentonite clay mask can be complemented with various other ingredients.
Oils, both vegetable and essential, can go very well with your clay mask.
Tea tree essential oil or Ylang-Ylang vegetable oil are great allies in the fight against dandruff. Cider vinegar, combined with bentonite clay, also soothes itchy scalps.
For moisturized hair, opt for richer oils such as olive or coconut oil. Jojoba oil, although dry, is suitable for all hair types.
Lemon juice is an ideal ingredient to enhance the action of the clay mask on excess oil. While an egg yolk added to this mask allows the hair to be stronger.
Before coloring your hair, you can make a bentonite clay and coconut milk mask. This will protect your hair and allow your color to last longer.
XI. Are There Side Effects of Bentonite Clay on Scalp?
The side effects of bentonite clay are practically non-existent.
However, to be sure that it is safe to use, it is recommended to test a small amount on the skin. Wait a few days to see if you have a reaction or allergy.
If you don’t have a rash, itching, or redness, you’re fine. If you have sensitive skin or scalp, you should use the clay very carefully.
As a shampoo or hair mask, once a week is more than enough.
Useful Links:
Healing and edible clays: a review of basic concepts, benefits and risks
Characterization and Short-Term clinical study of clay facial mask
What are the different uses of green clay in gynecology? [vagina & pubis]
Clay poultice with cling film for inflammation [Benefits & recipe]
Benefits of Bentonite Clay for the Feet
Bentonite Clay for Cysts [Uses & Benefits]
Does Bentonite Clay Detox the Liver and Cleansing it?
How to heal a fissure fast with clay Soil?
How to Use Bentonite Clay for Receding Gums and Tooth Decay?
How to Treat Ganglion Cyst with Clay?
Bentonite Clay for Colitis and Crohn’s disease [Benefits and Use]