Clay masks are very effective for purifying skin and hair, as clay is a natural substance with antibacterial properties. To do such a treatment on your face, try a simple clay mask or prepare a variant based on your skin type and preferences. If you want to make a hair mask, you can make it yourself with clay, water, and apple cider vinegar, then apply the mixture to damp hair. To have perfect skin and hair, it is not at all necessary to have expensive treatments in a beauty center!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare and Apply a Clay Mask to the Face
Step 1. Mix the clay (bentonite) powder and water in a non-metal bowl
Mix 1 teaspoon of bentonite with 1 teaspoon of water in a glass, plastic, or wooden bowl. Mix the ingredients with a non-metal tool (such as a plastic spoon or wooden stick) until they form a paste.
- If you want to prepare a larger amount of mask, just respect the proportions. The mixture must always consist of one part of powdered clay and one part of liquid.
- Bentonite can be bought at a herbalist's shop or on the internet.
Warning:
never use metal objects with clay, as they can activate it. This would nullify the purifying properties of the minerals it contains.
Step 2. Apply the mask all over your face, creating a thin layer about half a centimeter thick
Spread the paste onto the skin with your hands. To distribute it evenly, massage it with your fingers making small circular movements. Avoid the area around the eyes and mouth, as the mask should not be swallowed and can cause burning eyes.
Do not rub it vigorously during application, you could irritate the skin. Just tap it on your face or apply light pressure
Step 3. Wait for 10 minutes before rinsing it off
Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face or wipe it off with a damp cloth to remove the clay.
- You don't have to wait for the clay to dry completely before rinsing it off. Leaving it on for 10 minutes is more than enough, even if some damp areas remain.
- If for some reason you start to feel an uncomfortable burning or irritation sensation, rinse the mask off immediately.
- After rinsing, pat your face with a clean towel.
Step 4. Use a moisturizer if you have dry skin
After rinsing the mask completely and drying your face, apply a moisturizer if you have dry skin or want to make it smooth and radiant. Spread the product all over your face by massaging it gently on the skin.
Look for a moisturizer that contains vitamin B3, amino peptides or hyaluronic acid, all of which are highly moisturizing ingredients
Step 5. Repeat the treatment 1 or 2 times a week for best results
Since clay masks work deeper than products you use for daily face cleansing, limit their use to 1 or 2 times a week. If you use them more often, their cleansing action can dry out the skin.
If you have particularly oily skin, you can try using the mask 2 or 3 times a week
Method 2 of 3: Use a Homemade Clay Mask on Hair
Step 1. Mix clay, water, and apple cider vinegar
In a non-metal bowl, mix 120 g of clay (bentonite), 240 ml of water, and 120 ml of apple cider vinegar. Use a non-metal spoon or wooden stick to mix the ingredients into a paste.
- Bentonite can be bought at a herbalist's shop or on the internet.
- Instead of a metal spoon you can use a plastic or glass one, otherwise a wooden stick. The metal can activate the clay before it is applied to the hair, decreasing its effectiveness.
Advise:
you can also add 1 or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender or rosemary if you want to prepare a scented mask.
Step 2. Apply the mask to damp hair
Take the paste and massage it into your hair. Make sure you coat every single strand. Do not apply the clay mask to dry hair, otherwise it will be very difficult to remove.
To help you distribute the mask evenly from the scalp to the tips, comb your hair after applying it
Step 3. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave the mask on for 30 minutes
After dressing your hair, spread a shower cap over your head. Arrange it to collect and cover all the hair. Then, wait for about 30 minutes for the mask to penetrate deeply into the shaft. During the shutter speed avoid moistening or touching the hair, otherwise you risk removing the mask.
- If you have long hair, try pinning it to the top of your head with pliers before putting on the cap to help cover it more easily.
- If you want, you can leave the mask on for longer. This will not damage the hair.
Step 4. Rinse the mask off by washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner
To remove the mask, wash your hair as usual. Start by applying the shampoo, then rinse. Then, put on the conditioner and rinse again. After the final rinse, touch your hair to make sure no bits of dry clay are stuck.
Another way to verify that you have removed the clay is to observe the water as it flows out of the hair. If you see it flowing clear for 30-60 seconds, the clay should have been completely removed
Advise:
if you have dry hair, use an intensively moisturizing conditioner instead of a regular one. This will help you regain the moisture lost during the purification process carried out by the clay.
Step 5. Do not use this mask more than once a week
While it is effective for cleansing your hair, it can also make your hair dry, so apply it every 7 days or so. If you find that your hair is particularly brittle or frizzy, do the treatment less often.
If you have oily hair, you can use this mask 2 times a week, as long as it doesn't dry out too much
Method 3 of 3: Try Different Variants of the Clay Face Mask
Step 1. If you want to thoroughly cleanse your pores, make a mask using bentonite calcium powder
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite calcium powder (which removes dirt and oil from pores) with 1 tablespoon of water. Then, spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Avoid using metal bowls and spoons. Prefer plastic or glass ones to mix the ingredients. The metal can alter the properties of the minerals contained in the clay
Advise:
if you have sensitive skin, leave the mask on for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2. Replace water with yogurt or honey if you want to reap additional benefits
Instead of 1 part water, use 1 part yogurt or honey to enhance the healing properties of the mask. For example, the lactic acid in Greek yogurt refines pores and smoothes wrinkles. Honey, on the other hand, has antibacterial properties and helps remove blackheads.
- Since these ingredients are perishable, discard the leftovers at the end of the treatment. If you try to keep them, they will go bad.
- Use plain Greek yogurt, with no added sweeteners.
Step 3. Add 1 or 2 drops of an essential oil if you want to take advantage of the benefits of aromatherapy as well
Choose an oil based on the result you want to achieve. For example, peppermint or lemon essential oil has energizing properties. The essential oil of lavender and chamomile are soothing.
If you have dry skin, add an essential oil such as rose, myrrh, or sandalwood
Step 4. Experiment with different types of clay for dry, sensitive or oily skin
While bentonite is great for most skin types, you can also choose a type of clay powder based on your skin's specific needs. For example, if it's oily, try French green clay or Fuller's earth. If you have dry skin, opt for white or pink clay.
