If you can recall, I originally wanted to try a henna treatment. But I recently learned that there are alternatives to henna, with similar results. After much deliberation, I recognized that a messy, all-day henna treatment was probably not a sustainable hair treatment for an expectant mother.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay:
- Removes dirt, debri, and buildup from hair; draws excess oils to the surface (also great for skin)
- Defines/Enhances curl pattern
- Imparts shine
- Improves detangling
- Nutrients nourish hair
- Mineral Content:
- Silica- 61.4%
- Aluminum- 18.1%
- Iron- 3.5%
- Sodium- 2.3%
- Magnesium- 1.7%
- Calcium- 0.04%
- Titanium- 0.02%
- Potassium- 0.01%
- Moisture- 7.8%
- pH - 8.3 - 9.1 (I mixed it with Apple Cider Vineger, which should bring down the ph. Hair products should have a ph of 5.5 -7. But I'm not kimmaytube. I don't test the ph of my products. So don't take my word for it.)
- Don't use metal utensils (It draws impurities from metals; the warning is located on the container)
- It should be gray
- Can be purchased from health food stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Vitamin Shoppe. (I purchased mine at Vitamin Shoppe)
- Be careful trying to open container in store to check the color....you may end up with powder all over your black coat like I did.
- Don't let it harden on your hair! Leave in for 20-30 minutes. If you forget about it and leave it in longer, have fun taking it out. Don't worry. I only left it in for 25 minutes.
This is my hair after reverting and co-washing my hair.
I guesstimated a mixture of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. The result should be a yogurt consistency. Some people use water, oils and/or conditioners in their mix. I decided to keep it simple.
Clay on my hair. How flattering...
Rinsed out and Conditioned.
Flat twists in the front, regular two-strand twists in the back. Flat twisting gives me pregnancy carpal tunnel. So no more flat twists until I pop this baby out.
Twist-out results the next day.
Favorite twist-out products:
1. Shea moisture
2. Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera gel
3. Bee Mine Curly Butter
*Always seal ends with shea butter
*Thus far, I am pleased with the results. All of the stated benefits were achieved. I'm sold :-) I plan on doing this treatment once a month. I will keep you updated on the long-term results.
Need a video tutorial?
Check out BlackOnyx.
Has anyone else tried bentonite clay? What did you think? Does anyone else have any henna alternatives?
