Natural Hair: Bentonite Clay Review

Hello All, today I’m switching it up a bit by doing a review on Bentonite Clay rinse for natural hair.

I started using Bentonite clay in my natural hair after reading about the Maximum Hydration Method (MHM) online via Pinke Cube and watching Ms. Dee Kay’s YouTube videos.

For those of us with tightly curly hair, the maximum hydration method is worth a try. Though it’s time consuming, there are aspects of it that I’ve adopted for my own hair. The method is geared mainly towards 4C hair or hair that does not curl easily but it works on various curly hair types in my opinion. Now, I do not have 4C hair; my curls are a bit looser and my hair curls naturally without product. I probably fall into the 4B category (I have no idea).

However, as many of you curlies know — with curls come knots and tangles.

This is where the clay comes in. What I’ve taken from MHM is the clay; it does wonders for my hair. Not only does it thoroughly cleanse my hair but it separates the curls to prevent knots and it makes my curls super defined.

Before using the clay, when my hair is in a wash and go style, I would always have my hands in my hair pulling out knots. What does that lead to? Breakage! With the clay, I was able to alleviate all that and I am now experiencing healthy hair growth.

Currently I use the Aztec Secret Calcium Bentonite Clay ($7.70) but I’ve also tried the Cosmetic Deriguer Sodium Bentonite Clay ($16.97). The main difference between these two brands is that one has calcium and the other has sodium. I personally prefer the calcium bentonite clay because it mixes better and feels better overall on my hair.

 

How I use the Bentonite Clay

For one-time use: Mix 1/2 cup of bentonite clay powder in a bowl with warm water until you get thick but liquidy consistency, add 1 tsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and 1/2 tsp of raw honey. I don’t go by exact measurements anymore so these are estimated. You can make more bentonite clay for future use but I make a new batch each time.

Every 3-5 days, I wash my hair with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter moisturizing shampoo, deep condition under dryer for 10  minutes, detangle hair and then apply clay rinse in sections and leave on for 15 minutes under plastic cap. After rinsing out the clay, I apply watered down conditioner and Kinky Curly Curling Custard in sections. For more information on the clay rinse, you can watch this video below:

I started this regimen in June (the entire regimen starts with the Cherry Lola Treatment with the ACV/baking soda) but I don’t like the idea of using apple cider vinegar and/or baking soda in my hair so often. The modified version works for me and I’ve been doing it for a few months now. I have, however, done the Cherry Lola Treatment twice now and I must say my hair loves it! I wish I had the time to do it more often.

Once the weather changes and it starts getting cold, I will go back to doing twistouts but hopefully continue with some of the aspects from the MHM. I have to see how that works out in terms of limiting myself to the products on their approved list. To read all about the maximum hydration method, I’ve included the link in the first mention.

I have been asked on numerous occasions how I get my curls so defined, this is one way. Prior to this, I would use either a leave-in conditioner or straight conditioner. Those methods give me curls as well but the clay, conditioner and gel have proven to be the best so far. I hope some of you will find this information useful.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

Cheers!