Bentonite Clay Mask is a soft, absorbent clay that is made out of montmorillonite (a phyllosilicate mineral) and derived from volcanic ash deposits. Large amounts of this clay was found in Fort Benton, Wyoming which is where the name “bentonite” comes from and the type of clay “montmorillonite” comes from the region Montmorillon in France where the clay was first found.
Historically bentonite clay has been used for its antibacterial and purifying properties. It basically soaks up impurities, toxins and excess oils so it’s no wonder it has become popular in skin and hair care. Beyond that, bentonite clay has been ingested by humans for its therapeutic properties. In animal and human studies bentonite clay has been seen to excrete higher amounts of toxins like those in mold and organic pesticides or reduce the uptake of these toxins when ingested.
Bentonite clay seems to be the magical detoxifier.
I wanted to test out the bentonite clay on my 4C hair and then my chemically permed hair to see any differences in outcome. I also applied it to my boyfriend’s straight, thick Asian/Mexican hair.
Bentonite Clay On My 4C Hair
I mixed the Aztec Indian Clay Mask made of 100% natural calcium bentonite with enough water to create a paste (but not too much where it becomes runny).
- Detangled my hair with water prior to applying mask
- Applied mask from roots to end of hair.
It applied very well and felt moisturizing. Left it on for about 25 mins (or until completely dried) and then rinsed off. Hair felt soft and detangled easier.
Bentonite Clay On My Curly Permed Hair
This time I was using the mask as a deep detoxing mask so I applied about 2-3 capfuls of apple cider along with water to clay.
- Detangled my hair in big sections with water and wide-toothed comb
- Applied apple cider/water-mixed clay throughout my hair attempting to go from roots to ends.
While applying the mask to my hair I definitely noticed at first it felt more drying than the first time, presumably due to the apple cider. I was a little worried at first especially because my curly perm needs hydration and so any detox treatment has potential for over-drying. However, once the clay mask was naturally heated by my scalp, that same moisturized, soft consistency returned. I put a shower cap over my hair to retain the moisture and left it on for only about 10 minutes to avoid drying. When washing, my hair felt sensational. Incredibly soft and bouncy and the color of my hair even looked richer.
Bentonite Clay On Straight Hair
- Detangled boyfriend’s hair with wide-toothed comb
- Applied left over clay mask to his hair and scalp
Again, the mix with apple cider was harder to apply so next time I may just use water or the tiniest amount of apple cider. I tried to get the crown of his scalp as he tends to get eczema and itchiness there. He’s also prone to dandruff so really tried to massage it in there but he has alot of hair so it was tough. He left it in for about 15 minutes and also felt his hair was the softest it has ever been after a wash.
We applied the mask on our faces as well which provided a matte but nourished look to the skin.
Highly recommend the clay mask for a monthly detox for the hair or skin.
References
Moosavi M. (2017). Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review. Iranian journal of public health, 46(9), 1176–1183.
Lee, J. Y., Suh, H. N., Choi, K. Y., Song, C. W., & Hwang, J. H. (2022). Regenerative and anti-inflammatory effect of a novel bentonite complex on burn wounds. Veterinary medicine and science, 8(6), 2422–2433. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.908
Park, J. H., Shin, H. J., Kim, M. H., Kim, J. S., Kang, N., Lee, J. Y., Kim, K. T., Lee, J. I., & Kim, D. D. (2016). Application of montmorillonite in bentonite as a pharmaceutical excipient in drug delivery systems. Journal of pharmaceutical investigation, 46(4), 363–375. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40005-016-0258-8
Wang P, Afriyie-Gyawu E, Tang Y, Johnson NM, Xu L, Tang L, Huebner HJ, Ankrah NA, Ofori-Adjei D, Ellis W, Jolly PE, Williams JH, Wang JS, Phillips TD. NovaSil clay intervention in Ghanaians at high risk for aflatoxicosis: II. Reduction in biomarkers of aflatoxin exposure in blood and urine. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2008 May;25(5):622-34. doi: 10.1080/02652030701598694. PMID: 18478481.
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