Did you know that you should give your scalp a deep clean every once in a while? Just like our homes need a good deep clean every so often, so does our scalp and hair follicles!
It is normal for there to be some product buildup on our scalp and hair follicles from the hair products we use such as shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, etc. Even though we are washing our hair with shampoo, sometimes you need to use something like a clay mask to really get in there and give your hair and scalp a great deep cleaning.
I love this simple diy hair clay recipe because it’s made with natural ingredients that will not only clean and detox your scalp, but also put back in some nutritious ingredients as well.
What kind of clay do I use for a Diy clay hair mask?
There are several different types of clay that are commonly used for these kinds of diy recipes
- Bentonite Clay
- Kaolinite Clay
- Rhassoul Clay
Each of these clays have some different benefits, so you can choose which one will best meet your needs for your hair, I used Bentonite Clay for this recipe.
What is Bentonite Clay:
Bentonite is a very old clay that forms when volcanic ash ages. It’s named after Fort Benton, WY, which has a lot of it. But it’s found all over the world.
This clay has been used for many years for many different uses. One of the common uses today is to make health and beauty products.
How does Bentonite clay work?
Bentonite clay contains some minerals like calcium, iron, copper, and zinc. This clay absorbs and attracts particles, like dirt and dead skin on your scalp and hair, that is why it works so well to deep clean.
Some of the other common uses for bentonite clay are:
- Allergic reactions to poison ivy or poison oak
- Treating bug bites
- Diaper rash ointment
- Help heal skin infections or acne
- Toothpaste
- Face masks
Here is an article that explains more about what this clay can do! 11 benefits and uses for bentonite clay:
How do you mix clay for hair?
You can mix the clay with water to create a paste and put that directly on your hair. I recommend adding a few other ingredients so that you can get the full benefits of a hair mask. My hair is on the dry side so I didn’t want it to dehydrate my hair too much.
How long should I leave bentonite clay on hair?
Since the clay draws out, it can also draw out your natural oils as well, so you don’t want to leave it on your hair for too long. Leaving it on for too long could dry out your hair.
Anywhere from 15-30 minutes should be good enough to do the trick. I left this mask on my hair for about 20 minutes.
What do I need to make this diy clay hair mask?
Here are the Links to the items in this recipe if you would like to shop on Amazon-as an amazon affiliate I can make a small commission on any purchases you make with these links.
- Hot water
- Bentonite clay powder
- Coconut oil -could also substitute for olive oil, shea butter, jojoba oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Vitamin E oil– can substitute with castor oil
- Essential oils (optional) I used lavender because I was going for the relaxing spa like vibe- Young Living Essential Oils
- Coconut Milk– can substitute for extra water if you don’t have this
How to make a diy clay hair mask using bentonite clay:
In a mixing bowl, combine your hot water and bentonite clay and mix well, the hot water will help to incorporate the clay.
Next, melt the coconut oil using a double boiler
Combine the coconut milk, apple cider vinegar, vitamin E oil and essential oils with the clay mixture and melted coconut oil.
Mix until smooth. I used my immersion blender to get it to the smooth and creamy texture I wanted.
It should be similar to a yogurt like consistency.
How to use a bentonite clay hair mask:
For best results apply to damp hair- you don’t need to wash your hair first but get it pretty wet and comb it out.
Using your hands, start at your scalp and apply the diy clay mask to your hair. Be generous and cover your scalp and hair completely down to the ends of your hair. You can clip your hair up or put a shower cap on to prevent the hair cleanser from getting on your shirt.
Allow to soak on hair for about 15-30 hair depending on your hair type and the thickness of your hair. If you have thick hair or oily hair you can leave on for up to 30 minutes. If you have more dry hair I would leave on for 15-20 minutes to avoid too much natural moisture loss.
Once you are ready to rinse your hair, get it wet and lather it up to loosen any dirt or dead skin cells and then rinse thoroughly.
Follow with a wash using your regular shampoo and conditioner to make sure to get all of the clay residue out of your hair.
How often should I use this diy hair mask?
This hair mask can be used every couple weeks for more oily hair types and about once a month for more dry hair.
This recipe makes enough for 2 people with long hair or 2 separate washes for 1 person.
If you have extra you can keep in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Diy Clay Hair Mask- How to naturally deep clean your hair
This Diy bentonite clay mask is a great way to naturally deep clean your hair and scalp without using any harsh chemicals.
Materials
- 1/4 C. Hot water
- 1/4 C. Bentonite clay powder
- 1 Tbs. Coconut oil -could also substitute for olive oil, shea butter, jojoba oil
- 1 Tbs. Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 Tbs. Vitamin E oil- can substitute with castor oil
- 4-5 drops Essential oils (optional) I used lavender because I was going for the relaxing spa like vibe
- 5 oz. Coconut Milk- can substitute for extra water if you don’t have this
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Immersion blender
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or plastic spoon
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine your hot water and bentonite clay and mix well, the hot water will help to incorporate the clay.
- Next, melt the coconut oil using a double boiler
- Combine the coconut milk, apple cider vinegar, vitamin E oil and essential oils with the clay mixture and melted coconut oil
- Mix until smooth. I used my immersion blender to get it to the smooth and creamy texture I wanted. It should be a yogurt like consistency
Notes
Apply generously to hair using your hands from the roots to the ends.
Leave on hair for 15-30 minutes
Rinse thoroughly and follow with a wash with your regular shampoo and conditioner
I hope you find this diy clay hair mask recipe a great option and natural alternative to the commercial products available to detox and cleanse our scalp and hair.
Natural products like these will help to promote healthy hair growth and shiny strong hair.
Here are some other posts you might be interested in:
Diy Essential oil Car charm Diffuser
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This sounds amazing! I have major scalp issues so I will definitely have to give this a try!
I hope it helps you!!
This looks like a beautiful (looks good enough to eat!) and simple way to take extra care of my hair. I’m excited to try it. Thank you!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for sharing such a great hair mask recipe. I am looking forward to trying it.
I hope you love it!
I’ve been seeing bentonite clay all over the interwebs and I’m so intrigued! I think you e courage me to take the plunge 🤗
You should totally do it!!
Great timing! I’ve been all about herbal tea for several years and haven’t experimented much with natural hair products with herbs and I’ve been thinking of trying. This may be a good followup for the herbal shampoo I may try.
That’s awesome,I hope you like it as much as I do!