Bentonite healing clay, aka montmorillonite clay, has been used for centuries as a facial mask as well as taken internally to help detoxify the body.
Bentonite clay was initially discovered in Montmorillon, France where the name montmorillonite clay was given to it.
Significant amounts of healing clay can also be found in Fort Benton, Wyoming, USA. Bentonite clay is derived from ash aged over time. This ash is usually found in volcanos.
6 Benefits of Bentonite Healing Clay for Hair
1. Draws Out Toxins
Bentonite clay draws toxins, impurities, and residual hair products out of hair.
These toxins, impurities, and residual products are retained within the mask so when you rinse it off, your hair comes out squeaky clean.
2. Doesn’t Strip Hair
Even though bentonite clay makes hair squeaky clean, it doesn’t strip the hair of moisture.
On the contrary, it opens up the hair’s cuticle so when you apply your finishing products, the hair absorbs it better before your cuticle closes.
3. Especially Beneficial for Curly Hair
Bentonite clay is especially beneficial for kinky curly hair. It helps define your curls and aids in curl clumping.
Bentonite clay is a key ingredient in the Max Hydration Method.
4. Tames Frizz and Flyaways
Healing clay helps keep frizz and flyaways under control and promotes shiny hair.
5. Stronger and Shinier Hair
Healing clay contains many nutritional components but when it comes to hair, the best properties include silicon, protein, calcium, sulfur & iron – all vital for stronger & shinier hair.
6. Alleviates Scalp Issues
Bentonite clay can help alleviate certain scalp issues such as dandruff.
Moisturizing Aztec Secret Healing Clay Recipe for Hair
Ingredients
This is a recipe I’ve been using on my hair for over 2 years and it works wonders.
- 3 heaped tablespoons of Aztec Secret Healing Clay
- 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- Applicator bottle
- Silicone whisk
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Directions
- Pour the Aztec Secret Healing Clay in a plastic bowl.
- Add in hot water and start mixing until it’s a smooth, creamy consistency. You can add more hot water if you prefer a thinner consistency, which is best when you intend to use it as a shampoo.
- Add the grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil. Use a whisk for easier mixing.
- Add the apple cider vinegar. Whisk until you’re satisfied with the consistency.
- Wait until cool then pour into an applicator bottle like this one or a large plastic bottle if you plan to use over a few days.
- Below is a mix I use. I’ve combined 2 different types of clay here. My hair really liked this.
Related Content: The Best Clay to Use for Step 3 of the Max Hydration Method
How to Use Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask on Hair
Use As a Shampoo
- As a shampoo, apply to your hair as you would a conditioner.
- Make sure every strand is coated and work into your scalp as well.
- Cover with a disposable cap or wrap cling film around your head and leave on for 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Rinse out and deep condition your hair.
Use As a Detoxifying Treatment
- After shampooing (mild shampoo) like Davines Momo Shampoo for Dehydrated Hair and deep conditioning your hair, apply the clay mask.
- Leave on for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
- Rinse out and apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a suitable natural oil.
- Style your hair.
You can see a picture of my hair below after a typical hair care session that includes bentonite clay.
Where to Buy Aztec Secret Healing Clay?
You can find Aztec Secret Healing Clay on Amazon HERE. If you’re unable to find it on Amazon or live abroad, you can purchase it on iHerb HERE.
If this is your first time using iHerb, use code NAH479 for 10% off orders over $40.
Other Recommended Brands of Healing Clay
While Aztec Secret Healing Clay is the best brand of healing clay, it isn’t always possible to acquire it.
Below are other recommended brands of healing clay, which work just as well and come highly recommended:-
Now Foods Solutions Bentonite Clay Powder
Molivera Organics 100% Pure Bentonite Clay
Bonne Terre 100% Pure Bentonite Clay
Anjou 100% Pure Bentonite Healing Clay
6 Best Tips for Using Bentonite Healing Clay for Hair
1. Use Small Amounts at a Time
Bentonite clay swells significantly when mixed with hot water so mix in small amounts at a time.
While you can freeze the leftovers for next time without any issues, I prefer to mix a fresh batch every time.
2. Check pH Level
Buy pH test strips to check the pH level of the bentonite clay every time you use it. It shouldn’t be more than 8.
If it is, you need to add a few things to lower the pH level such as apple cider vinegar.
3. Reduce Time Left on Scalp
If bentonite clay makes your scalp itch, then leave it on for no longer than 45 mins the next time you use it although this is very rare.
4. Moderate Use
Overuse of bentonite clay without balancing out with proper moisturizing products will lead to dry hair over time.
Ideally, once every week is more than ok unless you’re on the 7 Day program of the Max Hydration Method.
5. Mix in Plastic Components
Always mix your clay in a plastic container with a plastic spoon or silicone whisk. Metal utensils will reduce its effectiveness.
6. Avoid Processed Clay
Look out for clay that’s green/cream/brownish in color. White means it’s been processed in some way, which would have stripped the nutrients.
How to Store Bentonite Clay Powder
Leftover Clay from a Session
Pour it into a clear, non-metallic, airtight bottle or container and refrigerate for up to a month. It can even last longer in some cases. When ready to use, check the smell.
If it smells iffy, throw out and make a new batch. Ensure the batch you’re refrigerating hasn’t been contaminated with a comb, brush, or your fingers.
Dry Bentonite Clay Powder
If the bentonite clay powder is dry, keep it in its airtight container and store it in a cool, dry area. Stored properly, it can last for years.
The next article will discuss the different types of healing clay, benefits of healing clay for skin, the best way to use topically as well as safety points for internal use.
I burned my scale while dying my Hair and got some blistering not bad but like 2 or 3 bumps with doing this will it help and will it strip the color?
I burned my scalp while dying my hair and I only got like 2 or 3 bumps. And I wanted to know, will it stop the color of my hair if I do this? And will it help my scalp?
Clay can help detoxify your scalp. However, before you apply it, you should address the burns on your scalp first and let them heal. Some useful oils for treating scalp burns include Lavender Oil, Calendula Oil and Tamanu Oil among others.
Once the burns are healed then you can use the bentonite clay. Bentoite clay doesn’t strip colour from my experience. Hope this helps.
can this be used on non ethnic hair?
Yes it can be used on non ethnic hair. You can thin it out considerably with more water if you have very fine hair.
The only way to preserve my clay mix, is it by freezing it ?
You don’t have to freeze it. Just pour it into a clear, non metallic container and store in the fridge for up to a month and even longer in some cases. However, if it smells iffy at any time, throw out and make a new batch. Also, this works best if you haven’t contaminated the mix by dipping your fingers in it or other items you’re using on your hair. Hope this helps 🙂
I use to have shoulder length 4 c hair and I used a children’s texerizer on my hair thinking it was safe. No! Now I have bald edges, mutiply spots and a full of severely dry damaged hair. Which hair care products would work best for me?
Hi Nikiti, sorry to hear about your hair problems. The texturizer always leads one to think the damage will be less because it’s for kids but quite the contrary. Below are some resources I highly recommended for bald edges, bald spots, and damaged hair:-
https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/2013/09/rolling-bald-spots-for-growth.html
https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/2013/08/regrow-bald-spots-with-jamaican-black-castor-oil.html
https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/the-ultimate-hair-growth-guide
https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/2014/10/using-ceramides-in-natural-oils-for-moisturised-healthy-hair.html
Did you know that you’re not supposed to use metal while mixing? It takes away from the affect.
Yes. It’s mentioned twice in the article. Thanks.
Hello, can i use the aztec bentonite clay right after dying my hair?
Hello Lisa, without knowing what type of dyeing you did, you should probably wait for at least 5 days for the color to take to your hair before doing other things like shampooing and clay washing.
Can the clay be mixed with a deep conditioner?
Bentonite clay is primarily for drawing out toxins for the hair and helping to open up the cuticles to receive treatments better. I would not recommend mixing it with deep conditioner as it might affect its efficacy. It’s best to clay wash/rinse then deep condition your hair.
If I want to blow out/ silk press my hair after using the Aztec Healing Clay will it affect my hair? What will be the outcome?
Hello Lesa, the clay tends to make your hair curl and promotes definition. It seems counterproductive to then do a blow out/silk press after this. It may take longer than usual to straighten in this case, which may cause damage.