From face masks to cleansers, clay has been a staple ingredient in skincare for years, thanks to its clarifying properties, ability to unclog congested skin and power to stop excess oil production in its tracks.
Fast-forward to 2018, and the failsafe ingredient is slowly but surely making its way into hair conditioners, dry shampoos and hair masks to name but a few haircare products – but why has it suddenly become so big in the hair game?
"Similar to skincare, clay clarifies the scalp," explains Rose Ovenshei, hair expert and founder of Flora & Curl. "It helps get rid of excess product build-up, removes impurities and keeps dandruff at bay. Micro-minerals are also found in clay, and when applied topically, they work to stimulate circulation and blood flow to the scalp." And healthy scalp = healthy hair.
With that in mind, it makes perfect sense to incorporate clay into haircare, too. But how do you determine which clay – and there are heaps of them – is best for your hair type? Well, according to Rose, it's definitely not a one-clay-suits-all situation. "Clay washing in particular is good for all hair types because clay has fantastic cleansing and conditioning properties, but different products target different hair concerns," she explains. For example, French pink clay and kaolin clay have gentle but effective dirt-busting properties. "On the other hand, rhassoul (also known as ghassoul) clay is more moisturising and softening (perfect for thicker, drier hair types) whereas bentonite is highly absorbent, making it a better option for greasier scalps," says Rose.
From dry shampoo to leave-in treatments, click through for the best clay-infused haircare out there.
Think of this shampoo-mask hybrid like a blotter for your hair. Made from an 85% natural base including pure rhassoul mineral clay, it transforms from a paste into a lightweight foam that absorbs impurities and thickens from the root. It's SLS-free, so won't fade your colour.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste, £42.50, available at Space NK
Formulated for parched curls, this deep conditioning mask is packed with nourishing cocoa butter and avocado oil to hydrate and smooth, while Moroccan rhassoul clay cleans and removes product build-up without being too harsh or stripping the hair. The result? Softer, shinier, frizz-free lengths.
Big Hair Deep Conditioning Clay Mask, £20, available at Big Hair
No time to shower? No problem, because this is pretty much clean hair in a can with French pink clay, which mops up oil and sweat without leaving white residue. It has a subtle floral scent, so won't leave you choking, and the added benefit of UV protection. Tick, tick and tick. Spritz it through third-day hair for an instant turnaround.
Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Dry Shampoo, £24, available at Boots
This unassuming packet contains a combination of detoxifying red clay and hyaluronic acid, which work together to cleanse away dirt and hydrate overstyled hair. Rake it through wet hair after shampooing and leave on for five minutes. It untangles knots and makes split ends much less noticeable.
Davines The Quick Fix Circle, £8, available at Cult Beauty
If you have greasy hair, you might be tempted to overwash it but that actually increases the oil production on your scalp and dries out the lengths and ends. L’Oréal’s kaolin clay-infused shampoo has all bases covered; it balances oily roots and adds moisture. Two birds one stone.
L’Oréal Elvive Extrodinary Clay Shampoo, £4.99, available at Boots
This clever DIY concoction is formulated specifically for curls and works to remove impurities without taking away moisture, something that is typically lacking in curly hair types. A mix of plant oils stimulate the scalp and allow ingredients like coconut and banana powder to penetrate the hair follicle easily, encouraging stronger strands. Add two tablespoons of powder and four tablespoons of water to a bowl and mix to form a paste. Apply the product to wet hair, let it work 10 minutes, then rinse.
Flora & Curl Moroccan Lava Curl Refresh Clay Wash, £22.50, available at Flora & Curl
Kaolin clay and organic acacia gum build body and lift limp lengths by boosting volume from the root. The result is thicker, fuller hair that smells of peppermint, jasmine and ylang ylang. Smooth all over after shampooing, comb through, leave on for a few minutes and rinse.
Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Clay Conditioner, £22, available at Aveda
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
This Arty Instagram Account Will Inspire Your Next Haircut
5 Hair Dye Horror Stories That Might Make You Side-Eye Your Colourist
Why You Need To Stop Squeezing Those 'Blackheads' On Your Nose