Hey Maicurlies,

It’s all about the Clay today (yay)!

I am finally sharing my DIY Ghassoul Clay Mask.

But first let me share a little information about the Clay:

Ghassoul Clay is derived from deposits within the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. It is an organic byproduct created by the natural geothermal process of volcanic activity. Aside for being known as Ghassoul is is also more commonly referred to as Rhassoul Clay  (but is also known as Red Clay, Red Moroccan Clay or Oxide Clay).

Side note – this clay can be used on both the hair and skin, so yes, I shall also be sharing a DIY Face Clay Mask Recipe (soon to come).

Benefits of Ghassoul Clay:

• Cleanses the hair – removes impurities, leaving the hair bouncy and voluminous.
• Cleanses the scalp – heals the scalp from irritations by removing impurities to detox and cleanse the scalp.
• Softens the hair – due to it’s cleansing properties it removes product build up and toxins in the hair that helps to soften your curls.
• Nourishes the hair- due to it’s natural properties, it provides the hair with natural minerals.
• Reduces flakiness – while it cleans the scalp it doesn’t strip the skin of natural oils like some shampoos can so it doesn’t leave the scalp dry or irritated. 
• Clumps the curls – it’s nourishing properties leaves the hair healthy which allows curls to clump and “pop”. 

Ingredients:

• 2.6 oz (1/3 cup) Ghassoul Clay
• 6 oz water*
• 0.6 oz Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)**
• 0.2 oz Coffee Infused Almond Oil
• 0.2 oz Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
• 2 capsules Vitamin E Oil
• 5 drop Peppermint Essential Oil (optional) ***

Alternative Ingredients:

* You can do 50/50 water & rose water. Add less liquid versus powder if you prefer to have a paste consistency. 

** Apple Cider Vinegar can be replaced with Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ). 

*** Essential Oil (EO) is optional and should not be used if you are pregnant. You can use any EO of choice. 

Mixing:

I prefer using the container I use to apply my clay to mix (a nozzle tip applicator bottle) to avoid the clay from flying around (the powder is very light weight and can get carried around by air easily). 

I first add the clay (with the help of a funnel to avoid spilling) and then pour in the the water. The next step is to add my ACV. When you add the ACV or AVJ you will notice that the clay mix starts to foam up and rise, this is normal and due to the pH level of the ACV or AVJ with the clay. I then make sure the clay is well mixed by putting on the nozzle cap and shake the container really well and then add the remaining ingredients and give it one last shake. That’s it! 

Application:

My preferred consistency of this mix is to have it more runny versus a paste (just personal preference, a paste works just as well.). I apply onto damp hair while in the shower to avoid making too much of a mess because the clay will drip. I start from the ends of my hair to my roots making sure each strand is covered and that I have the clay treatment on my scalp as well. I leave it on for roughly 15 minutes covered with a shower cap or plastic bag before rinsing and deep conditioning. I tend to apply this mix when my hair needs it, I can tell when my hair looks “tired” eg. my curls aren’t popping, looks dull or isn’t absorbing my leave-in conditioner as normal (usually happens with product overload/hair coated with ingredients that just sits on the hair).  Please note:  it can get messy with the clay treatment, regardless of if it’s runny or a paste). 

I would love to hear if you use Ghassoul Clay (or any of the other names it goes by). What’s your recipe?