How To Use Aztec Secret Healing Clay on Natural Hair

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m zoning in on my hair care practices. A lot has been shared online about the benefits of using the Aztec Secret Healing Clay mask, not just on the skin but also on the hair. Since I have a tub in the house, I thought I would try it out and share my thoughts in this post.

About Aztec Secret Healing Clay (9.7 pH)

Aztec Secret Healing Clay contains 100% calcium bentonite clay. Calcium bentonite clay is an absorbent clay that typically forms after volcanic ash ages. The name is actually from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where the largest clay source can be found, although it is found worldwide. Due to its unique composition, bentonite clay is most known as a skincare mask. The detoxifying properties of bentonite clay enable it to absorb “negatively charged” toxins. Although this may be my first time using it, the benefits of using calcium bentonite clay have been known for centuries as a way to detoxify the body, improve skin tone, and more.

Bentonite clay contains natural minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron. There are a couple of things to avoid when using the Aztec Scert Healing Clay Mask due to the high pH level of the clay. You can check out a previous post of mine explaining product pH. First, here are a few cautions you need to be aware of. When mixing your clay, you should avoid using metal (bowl or utensil to stir). The other thing to avoid is using it on chemically treated hair.

Summary of Benefits

Detoxifies: Bentonite Clay is a highly detoxifying ingredient that draws toxins from the hair, making it a good option for those trying to move away from sulfate shampoos.
Anti-inflammatory: If you suffer from dry scalp or dandruff, bentonite clay fights any irritation on the scalp, making it a good option.
Antibacterial: Any bacteria under and on the skin causing irritating, itchy flare-ups will be drawn out from the skin. This makes the clay mask an easy, at-home remedy for those who can’t see a dermatologist for their chronic dandruff.
Moisturising: Bentonite Clay provides amazing vitamins that feed the hair, softening it and allowing it to thrive. These vitamins, along with the hydration of the water in the mask, make the hair resistant to breakage and damage in general. This makes the mask a good option for those experiencing dull, dry, or damaged curls.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Bentonite clay is naturally anti-inflammatory and can help calm inflammatory acne, and sometimes it is used to soothe conditions such as dermatitis and diaper rash.
Oil Absorbing: I like using it before makeup as it massively reduces oily skin. Its ability to absorb excess oils makes it an excellent choice for those with an oily skin type.

How to Use Aztec Healing Clay on Natural Hair

To prepare, you must mix (no metal) with some water to quite a thick paste. I prefer it thick as it makes it easier to apply, as you don’t want it so watery that it drips all over the floor. Next, apply with fingers to the hair generously, ideally in sections, to ensure you can also get to your scalp. It is also essential that every strand is covered, and you want it distributed evenly from root to tip. As this is a cleansing mask, it’s meant to lift any product buildup from your scalp and your ends.

Finally, cover with a cap and leave on for 15-20minutes before washing out with warm water.

Since Aztec Healing Clay is a cleansing mask, there is no need to follow up with shampoo after the rinse. You can follow up with some leave-in conditioner and oil as usual.

Alternative options

The pH of apple cider vinegar is low (2-3 pH), so it works to neutralize the high pH level of the Aztec Healing Clay (our skin is around 7 pH). Because of this, some like to use ACV as an alternative to water when using it to cleanse their hair.

Washed/Unwashed – Another option is whether you apply to dry, unwashed hair, damp, unwashed hair or co-washed hair. Whether it is applied to wet or dry should mainly be dictated by the consistency of the mixture you’ve made, as it will be hard to apply a drier consistency to dry hair.

Although these are hair options, there are many additional recipes when using bentonite clay as a face mask which I still have yet to try.

My decision to use this mask was driven by the health of the underside of my hair, which is particularly dry and suffering from breakage. Currently, my hair lacks moisture due to the cold weather, so I was intrigued to try this method. I’m a regular washer, so I only used water in my clay mix. Before applying, I pre-pooed with some co-wash and left the mask on for over 20 minutes. The remaining mask on my face and neck felt like it had sucked the toxins out of my soul after about 10 minutes. Clay can block drains, so there’s no harm in being generous with water when removing it.

Following the removal my hair, everything felt matte and balanced. It’s unusual for me to feel my hair this way as it usually is either greasy or dry; however, after the mask, it finally felt cleansed. I followed up with a leave-in conditioner before applying oil. I would highly recommend trying this on the hair and the face simultaneously, as I instantly felt a difference, particularly around the hairline, face and scalp area.

Will you be giving the Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask a try?

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