Herbs and Clays

I´d just like to report: I have been washing with the clay four times now, and seem to get the hang of it. It´s all about finding a technique for getting it all over, not the hair, not in my case anyway, but all over the some three inches closest to the scalp.

I find the best way is to lean over the tub, start with dry hair (the ends will tangle less if they are dry to begin with) and use a sponge, just like Uzma recommends. I don´t let it sit the 30 minutes, though, just massage lightly and rinse it out.

It does take the grease away, for sure. It does not leave the hair squeeky clean, like a shampoo, but soft and thick-feeling. It takes longer to dry, also, why - I have no idea. And it doesn´t grease up as quickly as it does after a shampoo wash. And - it handles more easily for up-dos. Which is my preference, of course, so I´m very happy with it. I´m even managing a ponytail, which I rarely do, because of my too often sore scalp!

Of course, this is only preliminary, although promising. I´ll really know after a few months. But my scalp feels great, the hair is good looking and I´m absolutely giving it a go!

Hi Strawberryfine! Sorry I'm late to join the welcome party... Anyway, I'm glad to hear you enjoy this board. I see you want to grow your hair to its terminal length; what's the longest it's ever been? Any idea how long it might be able to get (based, maybe, on other family members)?

Having registered mere minutes apart, I guess you and Ildjarn are hair "twins"

Thank you, Viktoria, for finding and sharing the contents of Uzma's post here.

Hi guys, I used the search-function at the bottom and found Uzmas post from summer 2003. I simply copied her recipe and here it is:

"CLAYs and herbs for washing the hair.....

CLAYs used are:
(one of the following)
Rhassoul
Bentonite
Fuller's Earth (my current fave)
Dead sea silt
Optional additions: Powdered kelp seaweed or Basil essential oil.

Technique:
Mix up your CLAY of choice with a sufficient quantity of carbonated spring water to make a runny paste.

Apply paste in sections to dry scalp and hair using a small natural sea sponge.
Ensure hair is thoroughly soaked in the paste.
Cover hair with plastic wrap or similar.
Leave for 30 mins.
Rinse, rinse, rinse.
Result = clean and soft hair and scalp. No need to condition.


Herbs used are:
(mix of the following)
Shikakai
Amla
Neem
Reetha
(al in powdered form, available from east Indian grocery stores)

Technique:
Lightly oil bone-dry hair from roots to tips. Leave overnight or for at least and hour.

Put herbal powders in an earthenware or heatproof glass container.
Cover with boiling water and leave for 10 minutes.
Strain through muslin.

Apply the strong solution to wet hair and scalp while holding head over a large plastic bowl, to catch all the liquid.
Keep pouring the mixture through the hair. There will be no lather and yet the hair will be left clean.
Rinse, rinse, rinse.

Result = clean and soft hair and scalp. You will need to condition as this cleanser is much stronger than the CLAYs.

Yeah, it sounds like hard work, but the results are very good.
You are not using synthesized chemicals/sulphates on your skin or hair, and once you have a routine going (say once or twice a week), it becomes a pleasure to carry out this ritual.

Would be interested to know if you try any of the above and what you think of the results.

Best wishes,

Uzi"

And she said clay can be ordered from www.mountainroseherbs.com.

I have a jar of the ghassoul stuff now, and have used it once. It seems promising, but I have not yet found a good technique to apply it. I´ll try Uzma´s way next!

Well, maybe this is the ghassoul I´ve been asking for in another thread? It´s a clay from Marocko that one uses for hair and skin washing in general. It´s the only washing clay I have heard of. I have not tried it yet, but they called from the health store today, and it has arrived. I´ll post again when I have tried it. Supposedly, one can mix the clay with herbal "teas" of different kinds.

I have not seen Uzma here for ages, sadly.

Hi Everyone,
I''''m new here but have been "lurking" and just now figured out how to post on this board!

I read a post, maybe by Uzma, about using herbs and clays to wash your hair-now I can''''t find it again.

Anything anyone could tell me about this would be appreciated--how to, where to buy online, etc.

I love reading this very entertaining board!

TIA,
strawberryfine
strawberry-auburn-not-so-bright-redhead