Hair and clay: the benefits of this collaboration

Clay is one of the most used natural products in skincare. And its many benefits for the skin are no longer to be presented. But did you know that this material is also used in hair care? 

Mask , shampoo , conditioner … This ingredient is present in various cosmetic products. It has many beneficial effects on hair . Whether it is to purify and revitalize the scalp, eliminate toxins or stimulate regrowth, its virtues are innumerable. However, what makes this material so beneficial for hair?

To answer this question, discover in this article: the different types of clay, their particularities and the method of use recommended for each type of hair. Finally, some recipes to properly integrate this ingredient into a hair routine.

What are the different types of clays? 

History tells us that clay was already used in ancient times . It was used to heal wounds and treat certain illnesses (for example, stomach aches). More recently, it was adopted in skincare.

But this mineral has also become very trendy in the field of hair care . To take advantage of it, you can, for example, use the 3 clay mask from Biocoiff . You should also know that this material helps maintain healthy hair . However, to ensure you get the desired result, the choice of clay to use is crucial.

• INCI name: Illite, Kaolinite, Montmorillonite (INCI)
• Composition: trace elements and mineral salts (iron oxide, potassium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide/magnesia, etc.)
• Texture and color : fine and powdery. Beige to pale green.

Its composition and texture give it sebum-regulating , absorbent and detoxifying properties.

This mineral is able to absorb excess sebum in a gentle but effective way. It can also attract and trap various impurities and bacteria present on the scalp.

White clay for dry/brittle hair and sensitive scalp

White clay is also known as Kaolin. Its name comes from the name of the Chinese city where it was discovered, Kao-ling.

• INCI name: Kaolin / Montmorillonite
• Composition: rich in aluminum silicates, but also contains mineral salts and trace elements
• Texture and color : fine powder. White to ivory color.

Just like green clay, it has a sebum-regulating characteristic, but weaker. Its main quality lies in its revitalizing power .

This product can, in fact, repair hair damaged by chemicals thanks to its high silicate content (dry, dull and brittle). It makes hair silkier , shinier and more supple. For those who have dandruff or irritation, know that this rock also has soothing properties.

Red clay for dull hair and sensitive scalp

This clay has the same INCI name as green clay. However, their composition and specificities are different.

• Composition: rich in iron oxide (hence its color red) and contains trace elements
• Texture and color : fine powder. From color orange red

Please note that this rock is considered the softest clay . It is therefore suitable for the most sensitive scalps . But this material also has circulatory, cleansing and purifying properties.

In other words, red clay helps to effectively remove impurities from the scalp. It also helps to stimulate blood circulation for faster hair growth.

This rock is an effective conditioner to restore shine to dull hair. It is suitable for all hair types, except kinky.

Yellow clay to combat excess sebum

Yellow clay is widely used in skincare. It also offers many benefits to hair . But which ones?

First of all, it helps eliminate impurities and therefore makes your hair softer . Particularly mattifying, yellow clay effectively absorbs excess sebum from the scalp .

By preventing the accumulation of sebum, this mineral is, in some cases, an excellent remedy against dandruff . In fact, the latter is sometimes caused by fungi of the Malassezia type that develop by feeding on the lipid film of the scalp.

The beneficial effects of this magical ingredient don't stop there! Yellow clay also helps strengthen the hair fiber and the hair bulb thanks to its richness in copper. This metal promotes the synthesis of collagen, a protein that stimulates the formation of keratin, the main component of hair.

Pink clay to treat dry hair

Do you have particularly dry hair and want to improve its quality? Then integrate pink clay into your hair routine . The latter is obtained by mixing red clay and white clay.

But what are the benefits offered by pink clay? This mineral has a great absorbent capacity . It fixes microorganisms and bacteria as well as toxins, which allows you to get rid of them. It is therefore a miracle solution to cleanse hair naturally .

Rich in trace elements, this type of clay is the ally of dry hair . Indeed, it nourishes and deeply hydrates your curls without weighing them down. Result? Healthy and silky hair every day!

How to integrate clays into your hair routine?

The most patient and DIY enthusiasts can prepare a hair mask . How to do it? Mix two tablespoons of powdered clay with chamomile water , rose water or warm water until you obtain a smooth paste . To make the product more nourishing, add drops of argan, jojoba or coconut oil . Include essential oils in this composition to enjoy their benefits.

Lavender essential oil, for example, helps soothe irritation, while tea tree essential oil cares for oily scalps. To use this mask, simply apply it to your scalp and hair. Wait 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Be careful! Make sure the clay doesn't dry completely, as this could damage your hair.

This is just one example since there are countless homemade hair care formulas based on clays . To name just a few, DIY shampoos based on green clay or even detox hair baths made with white clay.