Aztec Magic Healing Clay is, Well…Magical

I’m a big believer in natural products and remedies. The more I learn about plants the more convinced I am of the idea that there’s one (or a dozen) for nearly every modern ailment.

I started experimenting with essential oils, carrier oils, and natural remedies when I transitioned my hair almost 10 years ago. At the time, there weren’t a lot of good natural hair products on the market. Many of them were filled with silicones or mineral oils and did little to actually nourish or improve the condition of the hair. That’s changed, as the demand for products grew, but bang for my buck I still find most of the things that I mix up in my own kitchen to be more effective than much of what’s available off the shelf.

Aztec Magic Healing Clay is a ‘what DOESN’T it do’ product that has been touted to the moon and back for its ability to absorb impurities, cleanse the skin, scalp, and hair, and getcha glow on (some people even EAT the stuff!). I’d used it previously as a clay mask for my face, but never on my hair or scalp. In the past, commercial shampoos often dried out my hair, but I would suffer it bi-weekly to clarify and remove product build-up. With this mask, stripping shampoos have been banished from my routine for good.

Please Note: It’s a good idea to follow this treatment with a deep conditioner.

So why is this combination of clay and vinegar so good for hair & skin?

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is ideal for cleansing and detoxifying because it is negatively charged, or anionic. It has the ability to remove positively charged products that can build up on the hair and scalp like styling agents or conditioners while drawing out toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and impurities. This allows it to cleanse and lift impurities from the hair and scalp, leaving it soft, clean and more defined.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is an antimicrobial agent, meaning it prohibits the growth of harmful bacteria. It can also ease scalp itching and flakiness associated with conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, ACV balances the PH of the hair strand and flatten the cuticle layer which increases moisture retention and leads to shinier, smoother hair. Some users have reported improvements in overall hair porosity.

Let’s Get Mixing, Shall We?

Ingredients:

• non-metal bowl and stirring utensil (because the clay absorbs impurities, you do not want to mix it in or with metal)

• 1/2 cup bentonite clay (I use Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay)*

• 3 tbsp olive oil (feel free to sub for oils like coconut, sweet almond, and castor)
• 6 tbsp unfiltered apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ (I use Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar)
• 3 tbsp of water

• Conditioning cap, plastic wrap or plastic bag
• Your Favorite Deep Conditioning Treatment

Optional:

• A t-shirt that you don’t mind getting messy.
• Hair sectioning clips
• Spray bottle filled with water
• gloves for application

1. Put the clay in a mixing bowl and create a small space or ‘well’ in the center
2. Add the oil and your ACV then stir to mix
3. Allow the mixture to foam and aerate for a minimum of 15 seconds. This reaction between the clay and ACV is what activates the clay and is the key to a smooth mixture.
4. Once the reaction slows, stir in your water. Continue stirring until the mixture is the consistency of pudding
5. Part your hair into sections (I use 6 total)
6. One section at a time, thoroughly dampen your hair. You want it wet, but not dripping. A spray bottle is helpful for this step.
7. Apply the clay to each section from root to tip, squeezing through the hair to ensure it is completely coated
8. Cover your hair with your conditioning cap (I legit use a plastic grocery bag) and wrap that in a towel turban or t-shirt. This will help trap heat and allow the mask to work. If you have a hooded dryer, you can sit under that as well.
9. Allow the mix to sit for 20-30 mins
10. Rinse thoroughly. It may take multiple rinses to get all the clay out. You can also add more oil or a co-wash conditioner to give your hair more slip and aid with the rinsing.
11. Follow with your favorite deep conditioner. I like SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Rehydration Treatment Masque

*The amount of clay (and other ingredients) you need for your whole head may vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair.

**Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and, as such, I may be compensated for purchases made via Amazon links included in this post**