Clay, mud, and fine-grained earth are all words that describe our mineral-rich favorite detoxifying miracle for our bodies and hair. Whether you choose bentonite, rhassoul, or kaolin clay, they all offer benefits that to some far outweigh shampoos. If you want to ditch shampoos for their harsh sulfates and surfactants, but find co-washing inefficient, then a clay wash may be the perfect solution.

These clays are born of the earth, and as we love using what the earth has to offer, clays never disappoint. In recent years they are becoming popular but many cultures throughout our history have been using clays to heal and rid their bodies of toxins. According to Wellness Mama, there are animals that will even eat dirt and clay to remove poisons from their systems during illness and distress. They are natural, potent, and mineral-rich to clean, detoxify, and condition our hair and skin. If you are new to them do not worry, as I am about to share some of the plentiful benefits for your hair, body, and even wallet!

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Affordable

Most clays are inexpensive and the pricey clays tend to be harder to access. Once such clay would be the Dead Sea clay aka black mud. Harvested from the banks of the Dead Sea, it is hard to find any that is 100% Dead Sea mud so you pay more in comparison to other clays. Clays like rhassoul and bentonite can run you around $6 to $15 for a 1lb jar. A little goes a long way, as it has great shelf life and is usually mixed with water and aloe vera juice for application.

Availability

Now, nearly all products are accessible because of the internet! You can find just about anything anywhere with a Google search. Amazon.com, Etsy, and sites are making even the most remote product available to every consumer, but if online shopping is not your preference, then just going to your local Whole Foods or Sprouts will garner a wealth of products formulated with clays.

Detoxifying

Clays rid the body of toxins. Bentonite clay has the ability to produce an electric charge when hydrated and that charge gives it the ability to absorb toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and even chemicals. Bentonite clay is amazing at pulling heavy metals and toxins from the body with the montmorillonite that come in two forms: sodium and calcium. Both use the negative charge in attract and attach to the toxins and heavy metals. This clay is almost like a magnet to toxins.

Natural

If you oppose to using non-natural cleaning methods, then clay or mud are an excellent way to steer clear of them. Wikipedia says that clays have been used for thousands of years and the first recorded use of a medicinal clay was in 200 B. C in Mesopotamia. They are from this earth, natural, potent, mineral-rich and made with ingredients most can pronounce.

Prevent hair loss

Dead Sea clay, among others can be extremely beneficial for preventing hair loss. Heredity, stress, and even scalp conditions can be attributed to hair loss by the blood vessels in the hair follicles that shrink and cut off food and oxygen. According to Livestrong, Dead Sea mud contains manganese, which is a mineral that increases blood flow, so merely massaging Dead Sea clay or mud into your scalp and let sit for ten minutes will improve the health of your scalp.

Most healing clays and mud have amazing benefits for your skin and hair. Clay washing is affordable, natural, and easily accessible. Whether you DIY or buy pre-made bars with clay in them you will walk away feeling like you stumbled across something great.

How do you incorporate clays in your hair care regimen?

Sabrina Perkins

Sabrina, founder of seriouslynatural.org and contributor to several online publications, is a freelance writer who engages her audiences on the relevance of natural hair, beauty, and style.

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