Aztec clay mask on straight hair
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Although there aren't any scientific studies to back up the benefits of using clay on your hair and scalp, Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist (an expert specializing in hair and scalp health) and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis, said that there's anecdotal evidence that clay-based products can be beneficial for managing certain scalp conditions and for your general scalp and hair health, overall. Show Using a clay mask, like this one, can be helpful for people who have oily scalps or clogged hair follicles, added Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "Using a hair mask with bentonite clay helps to add moisture to the hair and removes toxins from the scalp," she said. According to the Aztec Secret website, the toxins in your skin and hair have positively charged molecules. Those in the clay, on the other hand, have a negative electron charge, which helps to draw out the toxins. "Because of its negative charge, it has the ability to remove buildup caused by styling products and break down inferior quality oils that build up over time," Hill said. "The minerals and natural silica in bentonite clay are highly nourishing and moisturizing, leaving hair hydrated [and] shiny and are ideal in helping to define curly hair." The mask comes as a powder, so you need to mix it with a liquid to get the right consistency before it can be applied. The brand recommends using equal parts apple cider vinegar, which ups the benefits of the mask. Apple cider vinegar can help fight bacteria and fungus (which causes dandruff), Jaliman said. The ingredient will help keep your scalp healthy by inhibiting their growth, as well as balancing the pH of your scalp. While most people on TikTok have been using the mask to help define their curls, Davide Marinelli, founder and creative director of Davide Hair Studio in Manhattan said that it can also be beneficial for those with oily hair or people who work out a lot. One Amazon reviewer who tried it as both a hair and face mask said she preferred for her hair. She said that she used the "miracle in a jar" on her thick, curly, coarse hair. "For the first time in my natural hair journey, I have been consistently wearing wash and go's," she wrote. "Takes me no time to style my hair, it’s moisturized, shiny and looks so healthy. I’ve had soooo many people tell me how much healthier my hair looks now. If I could give it 20 stars just for my hair, I would! How to use the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask on hairIf you've watched any of the videos featuring the mask on TikTok, you know that the application process can get a little messy. In her now-viral video, @curlsbykeish said that although the process is a pain, "the RESULTS make it so worth it!!!!" To try it out, mix the formula and then apply it to dirty, dry hair in sections, working from the root to the end, Hill said. If you're using it specifically to address a scalp condition, like dandruff or oiliness, divide your hair into smaller sections for maximum coverage. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash out with shampoo. It can also be used post-shower on towel-dried hair, using the same method and then rinsing with just water. Because the mask can be drying on the scalp, Marinelli recommends only using it twice per month. For more stories like this, check out:
Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more! Emma Stessman Emma Stessman is an Associate Editor for Shop TODAY. What is bentonite clay? Bentonite clay (montmorillonite) is a mudlike substance derived from volcanic ash. It’s sometimes used in the personal care industry as a face mask. Bentonite clay can also be used for hair as a natural way to add moisture and remove toxins. Bentonite clay is said to have a variety of healing properties for the body, inside and out. Historically, the clay has been used in alternative medicine to get rid of digestive issues, bug bites, dry skin, and more. When used for the hair, it’s thought that bentonite clay can offer deep moisture. This can be especially helpful if you have:
Aside from its moisturizing effects, bentonite clay may purportedly draw out excess dirt and oil as well. You can think of the mask as a shampoo and conditioner in one. To date, there are few scientific studies to support the benefits of bentonite clay for the hair. One review published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health found that bentonite clay can help make sheep wool grow quicker and softer. There are slight variations in home recipes for bentonite hair masks, but most recipes have three main ingredients:
Create your own mask at home with equal parts clay and water, as well as a half part of apple cider vinegar. For a single use, you may find the following recipe is sufficient:
You can make a large batch at once so you have more of the mask on hand. Mix all ingredients until you form a paste. Bentonite clay needs water to activate and attract toxins for elimination. Plus, the water thins out the clay a bit for easier application on your hair. If the clay is too thick to apply, you can add a bit more water until you achieve the desired consistency. For best results, use warm — not hot — water. Still, an effective hair mask may require more than water and clay. This is where apple cider vinegar becomes handy. This everyday pantry ingredient may help balance out the acidity in your hair, leading to better shine and overall health. Like a mask for your face, a bentonite clay hair mask is intended for use only a few times per week. You can use it as little as once a week. You may need to use it more often if your hair is extra dry and brittle. Once you have the ingredients for your hair mask, mix them together well until you have the desired consistency. The mask should be thick but still thin enough to apply evenly throughout your hair. Make sure you cover your scalp all the way down to the ends of your hair. You can use the bentonite mask in place of your daily shampoo and conditioner. Leave the mask on for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. This will help ensure that the product has had a chance to thoroughly penetrate your hair and scalp to provide maximum benefits. If you have any leftover product, store it in a closed-lid container to save for next time. Reported side effects from bentonite clay are largely nonexistent. However, more human studies on the effects of bentonite on skin and hair need to be conducted to rule these out. To be on the safe side, you can test a small amount of the clay on your skin before use. Apply the mixture to a small section of your skin and wait a day to see if any side effects occur. If no itchiness, redness, or rash develops, you’re likely in the clear. Discontinue using the mask if you develop any side effects. Use extra caution if you have a sensitive scalp. It’s also important to know that your results may slightly vary each time. The journal International Geology Review explains that this has to do with variations in bentonite mineral deposits. While scientific research is lacking for its uses on hair, bentonite clay has been used as a natural treatment for centuries. You might try the clay if you have dry, lackluster hair and you want to use a more natural product. If bentonite clay fails to benefit your hair, see your dermatologist for advice. They can recommend hair care tips based on your hair and skin types. What does the Aztec clay mask do for straight hair?Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask
"Using a hair mask with bentonite clay helps to add moisture to the hair and removes toxins from the scalp," she said. According to the Aztec Secret website, the toxins in your skin and hair have positively charged molecules.
Can you use bentonite clay on straight hair?The steps for applying a bentonite clay mask to natural hair are the same as straight hair. However, if your hair is colored, you should be extra careful with bentonite clay. It will absorb the chemicals and could leave your hair extra dry.
Can you use Aztec clay mask on your hair?No worries! Adding an occasional Aztec Secret Healing Clay mask to your regimen can cleanse your hair and reactivate your curl pattern in a snap.
How long should I leave Aztec mask in hair?After the mask has been applied to the whole of your head, you want to let it sit for around 5 to 15 minutes. Depending on how dirty your hair is or how deep of a treatment you want, you'll want to leave it on for the full 15 minutes.
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