How Often Can You Use Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay On Hair?
What is Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay?
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a 100% natural calcium bentonite clay sourced from Death Valley, California. According to the Aztec Secret website, this clay contains no additives, fragrances or animal products. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its healing and detoxifying properties.
Calcium bentonite clay has a strong negative charge which allows it to absorb toxins, oils and impurities from the skin. When mixed with water or apple cider vinegar, the clay becomes electrically active and is thought to pull out toxins as it dries.
The main benefits of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay are deep pore cleansing and clarifying the complexion. It is known for its ability to draw out impurities from the skin while deeply cleansing pores.
Benefits for Hair
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay provides many benefits for hair when used properly. Its main benefits include:
- Removes buildup, excess oil and impurities from hair and scalp – The clay is able to bind to and draw out impurities, dirt, toxins and excess oils from both the hair strands and scalp. This helps cleanse the hair and scalp deeply. Bentonite Clay For Hair: Benefits and How to Use It
- Helps restore shine, strength and manageability – Using the clay can help remove dull buildup from hair, allowing the hair to better reflect light and appear shinier. It may also help strengthen hair against damage. The deep cleansing can also help improve manageability and hydration. 6 Amazing Bentonite Clay Hair Benefits & How To Use It
- May help with dandruff – The clay is able to bind and remove excess oils and skin cells that can lead to dandruff and flaking on the scalp. Its absorptive properties help keep the scalp cleaner. Aztec Clay Hair Mask: 5 Amazing Benefits for Your Hair
How to Use on Hair
To use Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay on hair, the most common method is to mix the clay into a paste. You’ll need to mix about 1 part clay with 1-2 parts liquid. Many people recommend using apple cider vinegar as the liquid, but you can also use just water.
Mix the clay and liquid thoroughly until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency. It’s best to use a non-metal bowl and utensil when mixing to avoid any reactions with the clay. Once mixed, apply the paste directly to dry or damp hair, concentrating on the roots and scalp.
Let the clay sit on your hair for 5-15 minutes. Start with 5 minutes if this is your first time to see how your hair responds. As you get used to the treatments, you can leave it on for up to 15 minutes. Just be careful not to leave it on too long, as the clay can dry out your hair.
When ready, rinse the clay mask out thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to rinse all of the clay out of your hair to avoid any residue. Some people like to follow up with a moisturizing hair mask or conditioner after rinsing.
For measurements, a good rule of thumb is 1⁄2 cup of clay powder mixed with 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup of apple cider vinegar or water. Adjust according to your hair length and thickness.
Source: https://vitruvi.com/blogs/bodies/bentonite-clay-hair-mask-recipe
Recommended Frequency of Use
The recommended frequency of use for Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay on hair depends on your hair type and hair goals. According to this source, using the clay mask 1-2 times per week is ideal for most hair types as part of a regular haircare routine.
For those with dry or damaged hair, using the clay mask too frequently may cause excessive dryness. In these cases, limiting use to 1-2 times per month is recommended. Those with oily hair or trying to remove buildup may use the mask more frequently, such as 2-3 times per week.
In general, using the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay 1-2 times per week provides excellent benefits for most hair types without overdrying. Those with dry or damaged hair should limit to 1-2 times per month. Adjust frequency based on your hair’s needs.
Precautions
While Aztec clay masks offer many benefits for hair, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
The clay can be quite drying for certain hair types, especially for those with drier or more porous hair. It’s best to start slowly and only use the mask once a week or every other week. Monitor your hair’s moisture levels and adjust the frequency accordingly. Overusing the mask can cause excessive dryness and damage for some.
Be very careful to avoid getting any of the clay mixture in your eyes. The clay can be irritating. Use petroleum jelly as a barrier around the eyes or keep your eyes closed until the mask is fully rinsed out.
It’s recommended to do a patch test before first use, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to your arm and leave for 24 hours looking for any irritation. This will ensure you don’t experience any unexpected reaction.
Following the precautions will allow you to safely reap the rewards of this effective, natural clay mask for hair.
Sources:
https://naturallclub.com/blogs/the-naturall-club-blog/how-do-i-do-an-aztec-clay-hair-mask
https://www.texturedtalk.com/aztec-clay-hair-mask/
Other Tips for Use
There are several tips that can enhance and optimize your Aztec clay hair mask treatment:
Add oils like coconut or argan oil to the clay mixture to provide extra moisture and conditioning for your hair and scalp. The clay can be quite drying on its own, so adding a nourishing oil will help counteract that.
Wear a shower cap or plastic wrap over your hair during the treatment time. This helps trap body heat and allows the clay mask to penetrate more deeply. As noted in this Aztec clay hair mask guide, letting the mask sit with a shower cap for 20-30 minutes allows maximum benefits.
After rinsing out the mask, finish with a splash of cool water to close the hair cuticles. The temperature change helps seal in moisture and creates added shine.
By following these simple tips, you can enhance the results of your Aztec Secret clay hair mask and take better care of your locks.
Before and After the Treatment
It is recommended to shampoo and cleanse your hair before applying the Aztec clay mask treatment. As mentioned by Naturall Club (source), starting with clean hair allows the clay to better absorb excess oils and impurities.
After rinsing out the clay mask thoroughly with water, apply a moisturizing conditioner to your hair. The Aztec clay can be very drying, so it’s important to follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Focus the conditioner on the ends of your hair and any areas that feel dry or brittle after using the clay mask. This helps restore moisture and smoothness to your strands.
Results to Expect
After just 1-2 uses of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, most users notice less oiliness, product buildup, and dandruff in the hair and scalp. The powerful cleansing and exfoliating properties of the clay help remove impurities, dead skin cells, and excess sebum from the scalp (Source). This leaves the hair lighter, cleaner, and more refreshed.
With continued weekly or biweekly use over several weeks or months, many users report improved hair texture, increased shine and manageability. The minerals in the clay may help strengthen and repair damage, while removing buildup allows hair to better absorb moisture. Over time, the hair becomes softer, smoother, and more voluminous (Source). Less frizz, fewer split ends, and faster hair growth are also commonly reported benefits.
However, results can vary depending on hair type and the severity of any scalp or hair issues. Some may need more frequent applications to see a major difference. But overall, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is known to deliver noticeable improvements in hair’s appearance and feel after regular use.
Safety Considerations
When using Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, it’s important to keep some safety guidelines in mind:
Avoid contact with eyes. As with any hair or skincare product, you’ll want to be careful to not get the clay in your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water.
Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Some people may experience skin or scalp irritation from the clay. If you notice any redness, itching, or other irritation, stop using the product.
Not recommended for chemically-treated or porous hair. The clay can be drying and damaging to hair that is already dry, porous, or chemically processed. It’s best suited for use on healthy, natural hair.
Perform a patch test. Before using the clay on your whole head, do a test on a small area of your scalp or hair to check for any adverse reactions.
Don’t overdo it. Using the clay too often can lead to dryness or irritation. Start slowly and find the right frequency that works for your hair.
Rinse thoroughly. Make sure to rinse all of the clay out of your hair after the treatment to prevent buildup or drying.
The Takeaway
Aztec clay can deeply cleanse hair and scalp of impurities and buildup when used properly and in moderation. According to https://astoldbyali.com/2019/03/24/hair-diary-aztec-clay-mask-review-on-type-4-hair/, the clay draws out toxins and impurities from the hair and scalp while opening up the cuticle for better product absorption. However, overuse can lead to dryness.
For most hair types, limit use to 1-2 times per week maximum. Adjust frequency based on your hair’s condition – if your hair is dry or damaged, space out treatments further. As with any intense hair treatment, listen to what your hair needs. Aztec clay can provide benefits, but be cautious not to overdo it.