How to use Kaolin Clay for Hair Recipes

In the recent years, clays such as kaolin, have gained popularity in the beauty industry. Many people have turned to use clays for their natural skin and hair regimen. Not only because of their numerous benefits, but also being natural with very few to no side effects.

Following are the benefits of kaolin clay for hair, how to use, mask and hair wash recipes, how it differs from bentonite clay plus more.

Kaolin Clay & Hair use

First off, let’s date back to its roots. This type of clay is a naturally occurring type found globally but mostly from Asia. Also known as china clay, it can be found in different shadess, including pink, white, red, yellow, and green. The difference in hues allows them to identify, which clay is for which skin type – for instance, pink is not very sensitive skin and white for all skin types.

kaolin clay
Powdered Kaolin Clay

For years, kaolin clay has been used for the skin and hair not only to aid with itching and growth, but for various other benefits which shall be discussed below. However, this clay can be used in three different ways to improve your hair;

  • Dry shampoo – used to absorb excess oils and sebum.
  • Scalp nourishing mask – help to promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp.
  • Hair wash – rinse your hair daily with kaolin to stimulate growth.

Benefits – How is Kaolin Clay Good for Hair?

Kaolin clay has multiple benefits to one’s hair. These include;

Improve the health of hair and scalp

back to the first point on how the clay is used – like a dry shampoo. When you add the powder to your hair not only will it suck the excess oils in your hair, it will also get rid of impurities like dirt that clogs the pores of the scalp.

Alternatively, you can use it as a natural shampoo by adding essential oils and water like rose water and apply to the hair, leave it on and rinse for the same results.

Controlling oils in your hair

many people recommend the LOC (liquid, oil, and cream) method to keep the hair moisturized. But after some time, the oils can be become too much. Here’s where kaolin comes in, it can control the amount of oil needed for the hair without stripping it off the essential oils.

Improves elasticity

The skin is not the only thing than needs elasticity. The hair has to remain rigid to avoid bristling and damaging the hair. It also helps  to repair previously damaged hair.

Gets rid of dandruff

If you are suffering from constant itching and dandruff, Kaolin clay can soothe the scalp from itching and also clean it to remove dandruff.

Kaolin Clay Hair Mask

The kaolin hair mask is a prevalent remedy for hair that’s damaged, weak, dry, or lacking in nutrients. The mask will be used to rejuvenate not only the hair, but the scalp as well. Below is a mask recipe you can do by yourself at home.

  1. Take a wooden or glass bowl, some water, and a spoon.
  2. Add three tablespoons of kaolin clay powder to the bowl.
  3. Carefully, add water teaspoon by teaspoon until you arrive at a paste consistency.

This is the most basic recipe. To turn it up a notch, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of water. The ACV has been known to have cleansing abilities. You can also add essential oils like lavender or vanilla for some scent, rosewater for its soothing capabilities, or even olive oil.

Once the mask is complete, just use your fingers to apply to your hair. Let it sit for some time, then rinse it off with lukewarm water or cold water.

Kaolin Clay Hair Wash

If you’re looking for something more casual, a hair wash is best. You can use it daily before having your bath. Here’s a recipe for a kaolin clay hair wash.

Ingredients

  • Three tablespoons kaolin clay
  • One and a half tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or water
  • One tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut or castor oil
  • Two teaspoons of rosewater
  • Ten drops of essential oils (optional)

Method

  1. Using the method above, mix the clay, water/ ACV, oils, and rosewater in a bowl until you get a paste consistency or lighter.
  2. Apply to the hair and wash off after five minutes.

Because it’s lighter than the mask, you can use it every day for the best results.

Kaolin Clay vs Bentonite Clay for Hair

Kaolin and bentonite clays can both be used for your hair,  but they have different qualities and chemical compounds. Below are some of the differences between the two;

  • Kaolin clay has an active mineral referred to as kaolinite while bentonite has montmorillonite mineral. The two offer different benefits to your hair.
  • Kaolin has lower ph than bentonite hence less harsh to the hair.
  • Kaolin clay comes in varies kinds from pink and green variations to even red muddy colors and Multani Mitti, but bentonite is only one kind and its grey in color.
  • Bentonite clay is more absorbing to oils than kaolin clay. Although they can both be used to decrease oils in the hair
  • Bentonite clay originates from the USA, whereas kaolin clay is from China or rather Asia countries.

Besides these differences, they have almost similar results.

FAQs

What does Kaolin Clay do to your Hair?

On a general note, clays have been used for decades as alternatives to cleansing and conditioning products. The mud washes are said to have a more natural balance than chemicalized products bought from the store. The powder can be used not only on natural hair but also with relaxed, dyed, or transitioning hair.

Its numerous benefits include;

  • Detoxing and purifying – getting rid of dirt and excess oils is the most significant reason why people use these mud washes. Their powerful clarifying agents ate not only good for the hair but the scalp as well.
  • Balances the ph and oils from hair – it doesn’t matter if your hair is excessively greasy or not. It’s only function is to balance out the hair nutrients to ensure it remains healthy.
  • Helps build up on moisture- the reason your hair may not be growing well is because of lack of moisture, the clays can help with that.
  • Stimulate hair growth- by a long shot, once the clays clean out the pores on the scalp, the hair is then free to grow and become stronger.
  • Improves rigidity and elasticity – this is mainly for kaolin clay. Damaged hair tends to bristle fast – using the clay can strengthen the hair follicles allowing them to grow longer.

Can You Style Your Hair with Kaolin Clay?

From the ancient days, people used all sorts of things to style and preserve their hair. For kaolin clay, you can’t style the hair because it doesn’t hold up the hair as well as other clays can. Without this ability, the hair will look awful.

How Often Can One Use Kaolin Clay Mask; Can I Use It Every Day?

No, you can’t use the mask everyday. If you’d like a daily hair regimen, you should invest in a hair wash. A hair cover tends to have more lasting effects, which is why you sit with it for more time – let’s say 20 minutes.

One is advised to use the mask once to thrice a week maximum because you also don’t want to overdo on the mask. Even so, thrice is only meant to improve the hair for damaged hair. After that, once a week is enough to realize the benefits of using the clay.

Is Kaolin Clay the Same as Bentonite Clay?

No, they aren’t. Right from its originality to some benefits, each has their benefits.

Kaolin Clay

It’s originally from China, but can be found worldwide. It’s used both on the skin and hair because of its numerous benefits. This is the most subtle clay thanks to its low ph – hence favorable to those who are sensitive about using strong hair products.

Bentonite Clay

This is also from volcanic ashes but it originated from the USA – precisely Fort Benton. An excellent detoxifier and purifier for your hair. It can also be used to clean the interior of your body, this is why it’s equally prevalent.

Further reading: How to use Bentonite Clay for Hair

Is Kaolin Clay and Multani Mitti Same?

No, they aren’t. As mentioned above, kaolin clay is of various types. This is not only attributed to the difference in color but also the place of origin. Kaolin clay, is found globally but was originally from China. Multani Mitti, however, is from India.

They work by absorbing oils and cleansing the scalp from dirt and sebum. Plus,  they both come from decomposed volcanic ash and can both be used for skincare.

Other Clay Types for Hair

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