bentonite clay

[the_dilettante]

after a couple of people mentioned using it as a hair mask, i tried the bentonite clay, and loved what it did for my hair, but found mixing with water to make a paste to be a total nightmare. because it doesn't. mix, that is. it just forms clumps that are far too stiff to spread well through hair and blocks the drains

Comments

[rawgirl75]

You have to prep the Bentonite Clay first before you use it.

http://www.eytonsearth.org/preparing-powdered-clay.php

"Complete hydration of the clay can take from 48 hours to five days, depending on the clay and the amount of clay being made."

[the_dilettante]

ah!
that would explain it!
i did google "bentonite clay" before i tried to use it, but found nothing at all like that. the "helpful" salesperson who sold me the stuff didn't mention it, either. so that link is very helpful, thankyou!
it's working very well dry, though -- any reason that you know of that i shouldn't continue using it that way?

[rawgirl75]

I'm just wondering now whether or not Bentonite Clay's reputation for "drying out your hair" is perhaps maybe just caused by using clay that's not been pre-soaked. I can imagine little microscopic clay particles sitting on your scalp sucking up all the moisture for days afterwards. Perhaps by pre-soaking the clay, its no longer a problem.

[2partswater]

did you buy your clay from a local store? i was trying to find out where i could purchase it where i live so i wouldn't have to wait to have it shipped if i ordered it online.

thanks!

[starshinedown]

ooooh. I never thought baout using it dry! I'll have to add this to my list of "things to try on my hair." Thanks for the idea--I'm glad you've found something that works!