A Nice Do-It-Yourself Hair Clay Recipe

Written by Brandon Carder, Jay Patel, and Chad Truong

Our Complete Product in a Glass Jar

If you are anything like us, then you care how you style your hair and present it. Some people have so much care, err lack of care that they disregard the negative effects that products have on their hair. We took care of that part however, and have come up with a old, but gold recipe. Which is made of all natural ingredients - bentonite clay, beeswax, coconut oil, argon/sandalwood essential oil, and shea butter.

Here’s what You need to know about them:

• Bentonite Clay: Since its called a hair clay, we need clay. We choose bentonite clay because of its safety and extensive usage in other products. According to a 2003 report from the Journal of Toxicology, the use of Bentonite in cosmetics was safe. The only problem is that if you have sensitive skin, then you might be irritated. Wearing gloves should negate the effect. However, once mixed with the other ingredients, you won’t have to worry about it irritating your scalp.

• Shea Butter: Shea butter will be one of the things that form the texture of the hair clay. It is safe and like Bentonite Clay is commonly used in other cosmetics, specifically hair. It is safe when used and consumed in most circumstances. On top of that, studies have shown it being anti-inflammatory on hair.

• Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil as used in this recipe is a liquid softener and adds some fragrance if you don’t want to use essential oil. Since we like our hold to be medium, the end result of this product isn’t that greasy, and this is one of two factors. Along with that, a study found its aid in protection from combs. This is coupled with relative safety in usage means its in the same boat as Shea Butter. Just don’t eat too much!

• Beeswax: While optional, we used it in our hair clay to make it less greasy and hold better than most commercial brands, this being the other factor in achieving this besides Coconut Oil. It is also safe when used in cosmetics, this was declared by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review(CIR) in 2003 after, well, reviewing it, but the link might not work.

• Argon/Sandalwood Essential Oil: This is also optional, but we added it just like Beeswax. The oils are used to add fragrances and nice smells to the Hair Clay. Argan and Sandalwood essential oils aren’t toxic. Also, Sandalwood has been found to be anti-inflammatory.

Here's the Amount of each ingredient:

-Bentonite Clay; 40 grams

-Shea Butter; 2 grams

-Coconut Oil; 30 grams

-Beeswax; 5 grams

-Argan/Sandalwood Oil; 1 drop each

This will result in about 3 oz. of the Hair Clay

Us melting the Coconut Oil, Beeswax, and Shea Butter

Steps:

1. Gather all of the needed materials and measure them, so as to get the right amount.

2. Place the measured Beeswax, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter into a glass cup or appropriate container

3. Place that container with the ingredients into a pot with water set to boil

4. Turn the heat on high and wait about 10 to 30 minutes. While this is happening, place the Bentonite Clay into a bowl.

5. Take it out when you see the ingredients have mixed and liquefied.

6. Pour the liquid mixture in the Bentonite Clay filled bowl and drop the essential oils into it. Then mix it with your hands or gloves, if it's too hot or sticky.

7. Once you finally mixed it finely, put into a storage container and use it anytime you want.

When we did this, everything went well, except for the mixture. It took a while to melt and liquefy the beeswax compared the other ingredients, but everything else went nicely. The Hair Clay came out really good and the hold was nice. It wasn’t greasy at all! We also tried some on our hair. Since it was gray/darkish, it fit our black hair nicely. Which means we accomplished our goal. Now if you were to try this, we have no doubt it would work for you and we recommend for you change the clay color for your hair color. And as an added plus, you now know the relatively unknown benefits of each ingredient. So, as always have a good one.

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