Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

I can not count the number of recommendations about using the "clay mask" for the hair. Finally, I have tried this product and researched the concept of clay masks.

First of all, this mask is NOT a conditioner. Some people reported that clay masks dry their hair out. That is probably correct. This mask is a clarifier. In other words, it is a deep cleanser. If you have a lot of product built-up from dimethicones or waxes and you have loose hair (no locs) then this mask treatment will help reset the hair.

Be mindful that dimethicones seal Moisture in, AND they can block Moisture from getting into the hair.  You have to learn when and  how to use dimethicones. You also must strip or clarify them out periodically.

This clay mask works great on skin which is its recommended use. Face and body. Non-metal bowls and non-metal stirring utensil is highly recommended for preparing this mask to be used.

I felt a need to educate about this particular pictured clay mask because it had been on my wish list for awhile to see what the hype was about.

If you have scalp issues and you don't have locs, then the scalp is a skin so this mask can assist with clarifying the scalp.

Whether you use distilled water, apple cider vinegar, oils, etc. is up to you, but you need to mix as a separate step. This clay clumps easy and will not mix in your hands. I already tried.

A disposable cup and a coffee stir can be enough to spot treat the body or scalp. Happy clay masking!

Indian clay mask and a facial steamer.

If you wear makeup, then you need to also properly remove it to maintain youthful skin!

Reset Regimen for Overproteinized Relaxed Hair

So your hair feels soft, but has become unmanageable when it is wet?  Okay, do you have relaxed hair? If so, then it is very possible that you have too much protein in it, and it has filled the hair shaft to its capacity.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and some natural hair care lines can overproteinized relaxed hair depending upon the texture of the hair and the porosity of the hair.  So before you rip your hair out with a wide tooth comb, I have found another regimen to try:

1) Clarify the hair with a shampoo like "Malibu un-do-goo."
2) Use a low pH conditioner to detangle the hair.  Example:  Joico K-Pak Cuticle Sealer (pH of 2.5 to 3.5)
3) Recondition with a liquid based moisture conditioner to avoid adding more protein.  Example:  Mizani Butter Blend MicroFusion penetrating conditioning Spray.
4) Seal the hair with a Smoothing conditioner such as Rusk Sensories Pure Color Conditioner.

Make sure that you rinse the hair thoroughly after each step.  Upon completion of these four steps, the hair should be very manageable without any leave-in conditioners and ready for roller set or other wet styling.

If the hair is hard and brittle from calcium deposits,  please see my article on the "detox regimen."

Deep Cleansing is the Secret to Free Flowing Hair

Yes! Regardless to your hair type, Deep cleanse your hair at least once a week.

If you wear shades or eyeglasses- do you know how dirty the lenses can get in the course of a day? Imagine your hair attracting as much residue or debris?

There are clarifying shampoos and deep cleansing shampoos. If you have a relaxer without heavy gels or grease buildup, then I recommend a deep cleansing shampoo such as Paul Mitchell Shampoo one or Design Essentials Organic Cleanse.

If you have a relaxer and HEAVY grease or sticky gels, then I recommend clarifying shampoo such as Pureology Purify, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two or Rusk Clarify.

If you are color-treated or no chemicals at all, then choose clarifying shampoos for oily scalps. Careful, you do not need a clarifying shampoo every day! There are some daily shampoos and daily conditioners that are light.

Try to go for a clean scalp and clean strands without stripping excessive amounts of natural oil/shine.

If you have an extremely oily scalp, then clarify as much as possible. There are only a small population with extremely oily scalps. You will know your level of oil production by how fast your hair gets weighed down naturally.

If within 24 hours of a shampoo, your typically straight hair is weighed down again; then you probably have an oily scalp. This particular hair situation may need clarifying shampoo or a volume shampoo. Talk to your stylist about a good regimen for you.

After you clarify or deep cleanse, an appropriate moisture shampoo is needed and/or appropriate conditioner.

Relaxed hair definitely needs a moisture shampoo and a moisture conditioner layered with a little reconstructor after deep cleansing. (Careful, do not overdose on the protein.) Great reconstructors that also moisturize include: Paul Brown Hawaii Resurrect and KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque. Paul Brown Hawaii Resurrect should have an instant moisture conditioner followed behind it just to make sure the hair is balanced. However, KeraCare Intensive Restorative Masque does not need a followup conditioner.

In summary, everyone needs two types of shampoos and one conditioner at a mininum.
Others may need more.