How to use Aztec clay mask with apple cider vinegar
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This Aztec Clay & Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask Is The Perfect Hair Refreshermbg Beauty Director By Alexandra Engler mbg Beauty Director Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com. March 29, 2021 Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission. Buildup does a number on your hair and scalp. Perhaps the most well-known side effects are those that affect the latter: Excess buildup in the area can cause issues ranging from flat roots and flakes to skin inflammation and even hair loss. And while buildup tends to accumulate on the scalp more easily, buildup on the strands is also a particularly frustrating issue—one not to be ignored. And if you're dealing with strand buildup—we've got the two-ingredient DIY clarifying mask to save the day. AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Why you should care about buildup on your strands.Buildup on your strands comes from styling products, leave-ins, and even some conditioners. See, these products work by coating the strand in order to help coax the cuticle to lie flat, seal in moisture, and increase manageability. These are all good things, mind you. But as with most things in life, using these too much or not correctly can lead to unintended damage. Allow me to explain: Applying hair care and styling products often leaves a thin film on the hair—it's this film that does much of the work. But if we don't wash our hair diligently enough, this film can start to layer over itself, one layer after another. When this happens, any good-for-you ingredient you try to apply can't penetrate the barrier. (Think of it like trying to apply a face serum without first washing your makeup off.) You may see the sneaky effects of this: It can lead to dullness, brittleness, dehydration, and flat texture. How this Aztec Clay & ACV mask can help.What are we to do about this situation? Well, this is where clarifying shampoos and treatments come into play. "I love that these new shampoos are healthier for your hair, but the problem that many stylists are seeing now is that they are so gentle that people aren't properly cleaning their hair or scalps," says certified trichologist Shab Reslan. "If you want to stick with your low-lather shampoo, you absolutely should, but you might need to do a weekly clarifying shampoo or treatment." However, not all options are created equal—nor work the same for everyone. There are traditional clarifying shampoos, which rely on strong sulfates to clean the hair. There are clean versions, which use botanicals and gentler cleansing agents to get the job done. You can make DIY versions, like this baking soda one (however, many people have sensitivities to baking soda and thus stay away from it). Or you can use this DIY Aztec Clay and ACV mask. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a fan-favorite, do-it-all, 100% natural calcium bentonite clay. (To say that this product has amassed devoted users the size of a small nation would arguably be an understatement.) Bentonite clay contains natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron; the ingredient is extremely porous and absorbs gunk quite effectively, holding on to it before you wash it down the drain. "Calcium bentonite is gentle and provides the body with lots of minerals," says holistic skin care expert Samantha Story, M.S., LAc. What makes this option additionally so great for hair is the apple cider vinegar. ACV has long been used as a hair ingredient, notably for apple cider vinegar rinses, as the acidic nature can help balance your scalp's microbiome, naturally seals down the cuticle, adds shine, and gives the strands a dose of vitamins and nutrients. AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. A simple DIY recipe.As curly hair influencer Curlsbykeish recently shared on her TikTok, it's quite simple to make. However, the application may take a bit of time and diligence. Here's her go-to method for this classic treatment:
AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. The takeaway.If your hair needs a bit of a refresh, reach for a clarifying treatment. While there are plenty of clarifying shampoos on the market, this DIY version can help bring hair back to life in no time—and does so gently and with natural ingredients. AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Can you mix aztec clay mask with apple cider vinegar?You can mix the clay with either water or 100% apple cider vinegar to create the mask, but most users prefer using ACV. The combination of the clay and the vinegar creates a more even, clump-free paste than water makes.
Does aztec clay mask go on wet or dry hair?You can dampen your hair first but I prefer to apply it to my hair completely dry. I find that if my hair is wet or damp, the mask will never dry and most likely lead to a difficult mess when I try to wash it out! This may be a personal preference depending on your porosity.
Should I wash my face before using aztec clay mask?Wash your face with warm water and soap or a gentle cleanser. This gives the mask a clean start, allowing for better penetration. If you like, you can even begin with an herbal steam facial, to really cleanse and open your pores. Pat dry.
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