5 Best Bentonite Clays For Hair Growth in 2021

Brief History on Bentonite Clay

Extracted directly from the earth, bentonite clay is an all-around natural healing substance that’s been around for centuries. It comes from volcanic ash mixed with water. Though the clay is dried completely before it is packaged and sold in the market.

It was in Fort Benton in the state of Wyoming, where the clay was first discovered. The name actually comes from Benton Shale, a geologic formation where large amounts of it were found. These days, one of the largest producers of bentonite is the United States through several other European countries like Italy, Greece, and Germany are also known to be important players in the clay industry. Asian countries such as India and Japan also produce bentonite clay.

This wonderful mineral has been used in countless ways though it’s now mostly known for homemade skin and hair care remedies. Bentonite clay can be used to detoxify, cleanse, moisturize, and replenish your face or your hair.

The reason why it’s such an effective natural agent is that of its strong negative electromagnetic charge. Simply put, when the clay is activated by water, its negative charge means that it acts as a magnet that draws toxins and metals into it. Chemical, heavy metals and any impurities are washed away by bentonite clay. Not only that, but it’s also antimicrobial so it heals as well as cleanses!

Bentonite Clay for Natural Hair

Nowadays, people are more and more conscious of the manmade chemical they put on and in their body which is why there’s been the growing trend of preferring homemade hair care products made of natural ingredients. Let’s face it, as convenient as buying a tub of regular shampoo and conditioner is, you just know that the chemical buildup will damage your hair in the long run.

Bentonite clay, on the other hand, will effectively cleanse your hair and scalp without running the risk of leaving nasty manmade chemicals behind. You might think that making your own shampoo at home will take too long or be too complicated, but it will actually only take you a few minutes to whip up your own bentonite clay shampoo. And you’ll only need to follow just a few steps too.

While there are different ways you can make your own shampoo – largely depending on your type of hair – experts do advise that you make sure that you don’t leave the bentonite clay shampoo on for too long. You might end up drying your hair if you don’t rinse at the right time.

How to Use Bentonite Clay for Natural Hair

There are no exact measurements for making your own homemade shampoo. How much bentonite clay you use varies based on hair length and thickness. Generally, most start with one tablespoon of clay and mix in enough water so that it has the consistency of egg yolk. Water is fine, but apple cider vinegar is better preferred since it can (similar to aloe vera) strengthen hair and encourage hair growth.

The way you apply it on your hair is mostly similar to regular shampoo. First, wet your hair thoroughly but not to the point where it is dripping. Dip the tips of your hair in the mixture, make sure the strands are properly coated, then work your way up. Work the bentonite clay through with your hands. Don’t be surprised when it doesn’t foam up like regular shampoo.

Leave the mixture on for around five minutes then rinse thoroughly. Take note that if your hair seems to dry out afterward, next time you use your bentonite clay mixture, leave it on for less than five minutes.

Bentonite Clay for 4C Hair

If your hair type is classified as 4c hair, then you know that you have the most fragile curly hair type there is. 4c hair is the type of kinky hair that doesn’t have a defined curl pattern in its natural state. Maintaining your beautiful curls can be a real challenge. If you style it too often or use too many hair products, you’ll severely damage your fragile hair. And, on its own, 4c hair is prone to shrink quite a lot. A lot of 4c gals can even experience up to 70% shrinkage.

One way to combat breakage and damage on your hair is bentonite clay. You see, besides cleansing and detoxifying hair, bentonite clay can also help define curls and increase hair luster.

You can follow the aforementioned steps for a bentonite clay shampoo, or you can try to experiment with varying amounts of clay and water apple cider vinegar. In time you’ll find the perfect clay to liquid ratio for your natural 4c hair!

Bentonite Clay for Low Porosity Hair

What does it mean for a hair to be considered as low porosity hair? Well, basically, all hair is able to take moisture in varying degrees. This is known as porosity. Low porosity hair is a hair type that has trouble absorbing and holding in moisture. In fact, low porosity hair resists moisture when you try to soak it in water. Typically, this type is difficult to treat since chemicals can’t easily penetrate it. On a more positive note, because low porosity hair has a tightly bound layer of cuticle, once you are able to penetrate it with moisture, it will stay hydrated much longer than other hair types.

Lucky for ladies with low porosity hair, bentonite clay can add moisture to your strands. Here’s what you need: around three tablespoons of bentonite clay, a cup of rosewater, and a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar.

All you need to do is mix all the ingredients thoroughly and then apply the mixture to your hair. If you want to achieve maximum results, you can place plastic wrap over your hair, seal it well, and let the bentonite clay mixture sit for half an hour. Rinse your hair afterward and, if you want, you can apply conditioner to really get soft hair.

If you’re not sure if you have low porosity hair or high porosity hair, you can do a quick test to find out. There are two ways you can determine your hair’s porosity. You can take a strand of your hair and try to feel up the shaft for any little bumps. If you feel any ridges as you slide your finger, that means you have high porosity hair. If you don’t feel any bumps, you have low porosity hair.

Another way is taking a strand of hair and dropping it in water. Wait for about three minutes. If it floats, you have low porosity hair but if it sinks you have high porosity hair.

Bentonite Clay Hair Mask Recipe

One other way you can use bentonite clay on your hair is by mixing it into a clay mask. A hair mask deeply nourishes and strengthens your hair, and it’s a fun treat you can enjoy once a week.

While there are plenty of store-bought hair masks, it’s really so much better if you prepare one of your own. You’ll not only be assured that what you’re putting on your hair has nothing but the best and most natural ingredients; you’ll also probably be saving yourself a couple of dollars. Moreover, if you have a specific hair concern, sometimes it can be tricky hunting down the right hair mask at the store so making your own is the more practical option.

If you haven’t tried using hair masks before, what you need to know is that a hair mask is typically a mixture of natural oils, butter, and other healthy ingredients. In this case, you’ll be mixing bentonite clay. A hair mask is going to take a little bit more work and ingredients than your homemade bentonite clay shampoo but, believe us, and it’s all worth the effort.

What you need:

• Bentonite clay (1/2 cup)
• Coconut oil (1 tbsp.)
• Castor oil (1 tbsp.)
• Sweet almond oil (1 tbsp.)
• Unfiltered apple cider vinegar (6 tbsp.)
• Water (3 tbsp.)
• Plastic/glass bowl
• Plastic/wooden spoon

The first thing you’ll need – and one of the most important ingredients next to bentonite clay – is coconut oil. For one hair mask, you’ll need a tablespoon of coconut oil. Just about everyone knows that coconut oil is incredibly good for your hair. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that can help your hair look smooth and shiny. Plus, it prevents protein loss, so your hair is as strong as it is long.

Next, you’ll need a tablespoon of castor oil for its antibacterial properties. Castor oil keeps your scalp healthy which, in turn, keeps your hair healthy.

A tablespoon of sweet almond oil will not only boost your hair’s shine but also control shedding. Your hair will feel strong and silky with this oil mixed in, plus it smells incredible. It locks in moisture so if you’ve got naturally dry hair, make sure to include this ingredient in your hair mask.

Then you’ll need a half cup of bentonite clay. Pour all the ingredients in a plastic or glass bowl (remember, no metal bowls or utensils). Make sure to stir the mixture of bentonite clay and oils well.

Next, you’ll need to add six tablespoons of the unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Don’t worry about the vinegar’s murky appearance. It actually contains enzymes, protein, and friendly bacteria. Let the mixture foam for a few seconds before adding in three tablespoons of water.

When stirring, make sure to incorporate all the ingredients. It might be a little tricky since you are mixing oil and water and clay together. Don’t stop stirring until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.

How to apply the bentonite clay hair mask:

After you’ve thoroughly mixed your hair mask, it’s time to apply it on your hair. You’ll need to dampen your hair a bit beforehand. For best results, work in small sections and coat your hair with your fingers. You can use a small brush too if you want.

When you’ve applied the mask all over your hair, put on a shower cap to keep it all in. Let the hair mask sit for about half an hour.

Additional heat can really amplify the hair mask’s effects so if you have a hooded dryer you can make use of it. However, it’s not completely necessary.

After the thirty minutes are over, it’s time to rinse. Getting in the shower to rinse it all off is the recommended option since dipping your head on the sink to get the mask out won’t be easy. Right before you’ve got all the hair mask washed off, apply your choice of hair conditioner. Let it sit for a moment and then rinse your hair thoroughly.

Bentonite Clay for Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Hair loss is caused by different reasons. Stress is a common cause though hormonal imbalance and genetics can play a part in it as well. If you’re worried about your losing your long locks, you can turn to bentonite clay for help. You can fight back hair loss with a special hair mask for people suffering from mild hair loss.

What you need:

• Bentonite clay (4 tsps.)
• Apple cider vinegar (enough to make a batter)
• Cedarwood essential oil (3 drops)
• Lavender essential oil (3 drops)
• Rosemary essential oil (3 drops)
• Thyme essential oil (3 drops)
• Marshmallow root (1 dose)
• Nettle leaf (1 dose)

The essential oils might be a challenge to find, but they are necessary for stopping hair loss and stimulating hair growth.

All you need to do is mix the ingredients in more or less the same way as the regular hair mask. Applying the mask is the same as well though with this mask you’ll need to let the mixture sit for 45 minutes.

Bentonite Clay Side Effects

Despite its surplus of benefits, bentonite clay also comes with a few side effects. It largely depends on the individual’s disposition. None of these side effects are guaranteed, but there have been instances where people have experienced them, so it’s best to be informed.

• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Headaches

Fortunately, most of the side effects have only been observed when the bentonite clay is consumed so applying the clay on your face or hair is much safer. But, like with all things, too much of a good thing can cause negative effects. For instance, if you let bentonite clay sit on your hair for too long, your hair will dry out.

Overall, bentonite clay is a miraculous product that can transform your hair beautifully if you know how to use it right.