Every method of natural hair care works well for some and not for others. Clay hair washing garners particularly mixed reviews – some swear by it for treating oily hair, while others complain it results in dry, brittle, staticky hair. The secret lies in plenty of conditioning, either by a pre-wash oiling or post-wash conditioning, and in allowing the hair a few weeks to adjust to this new washing method.

How to Mix and Apply Clay for Cleansing Hair

Traditionally, pieces of clay are used for hair washing rather than clay in powdered form. Powdered clay is better used for face masks. The amount of clay required for hair washing varies according to the head of hair – one third to half a cup of clay pieces is a good starting quantity.

Hydrate the clay by mixing the clay with a little water until it reaches a spreadable consistency. You can leave this paste in the fridge for up to a week, saving time for frequent washes – the clay may need to soak in the water for a while to soften. To this paste add more water – warm water is more pleasant to apply! - until the mixture reaches a runny shampoo consistency.

To apply, use a squeezy bottle with a narrow nozzle to squirt the clay mixture all over your scalp and length. You can also apply the clay using gloves or a spoon – it can be a little messy, so some people preferto apply the mixture in the shower. The mixture can be applied to wet or dry hair.

Leave the clay on for twenty minutes or so before rinsing out. The clay becomes very hard to rinse out if it dries, so cover your hair with a plastic bag or gladwrap for longer treatments. Rinse out under the shower, or dunk the length of your hair into a sink full of water first and swish to remove the bulk of the mud before rinsing.