Discount Solution - Rhassoul Hair Mask

I recently had a conversation about hair care and was reminded of this enriching (and inexpensive) hair mask. If you have never tried a hair mask, I can heartily recommend this one.

It is easy, relatively quick to do, and gives an immediate, tangible result. I am always impressed with how glossy, clean, and naturally conditioned my hair is afterwards. (amazing what a few simple ingredients can do!)

This mask takes about half an hour from start to finish.

Ingredients

• Water (demineralized)
• Rhassoul clay (also known as Moroccan Soap Clay)
• Jojoba (excellent for hair and scalp care)
• Rosemary Essential Oil (this is optional but definitely worth adding. Rosemary essential oil is exceptionally good for the hair and scalp. Be sure you are buying 100% essential oil and not a 'scent oil'. There is a world of difference!)

Method

If you have long hair, you will need to make a larger portion. This portion is for short to medium-length hair

1. Fill 1/3 of a small (approx 1 cup) container with the liquid
2. Add clay until the container is approx 2/3 full. For an easy to work with, lump-free mixture, let the clay soak into the water – without stirring – until the clay has absorbed all the water. The ideal consistency for this mask is thick.
3. Add approx teaspoon and a half of the jojoba.
4. Add 5 drops (no more!) Rosemary essential oil to the mixture. (Note: Essential oils are powerful concentrates and must be handled with care. Do NOT apply essential oil directly on the skin)
5. Stir well (to distribute the essential oil) until the consistency is even

Applying and Removing the Mask

1. Wet hair, then blot dry
2. Apply the mask mixture to hair by hand (the mixture should be so thick that stays where it is applied)
3. Let sit for 15 minutes*, then rinse out. As you are rinsing, massage the clay-mixture around as you would a shampoo.
4. Dry and set your hair as usual.

Note:

Don't even think about using shampoo to remove this mask! There is a reason rhassoul is called soap clay. It really does clean both skin and hair gently and effectively. 

If you do a 'squeak test' on your hair as you rinse out, you will find that your hair is squeaky clean, but not so much that it feels dry.

Tips

The rinsing out process is a bit messy (it's mud for heavens sake, it's gotta be a little messy). You may find it easier to rinse out over a bathtub or in the shower.

If you want to take the time and trouble, wrap your hair in a heated towel while the mask is in your hair. This will boost the effect of the ingredients.