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Have you heard of Rhassoul or Ghassoul or Thassoul?
Well, they are different names of the exquisite, brownish pink clay from the regions of Morocco. Okay, the first two names are real and the last one (Thassoul) I made up.ย But what I didnโt makeup is its amazing benefits.ย
Rhassoul or Ghassoul is very high in minerals such as magnesium and silica, making it excellent for rejuvenation of your skin and hair. Whatโs also fascinating about this clay is its ability to draw impurities from the skin. Thatโs why rhassoulโs use as a natural shampoo, hair mask and face mask is getting so popular.ย
And if you want to know how to use this exquisite clay, I have some wonderful hair and skin recipes for you. But before that, a little bit more about the clayโฆ
Thereโs just one natural deposit of Rhassoul clay in the world, and itโs in the ancient lake beds of Morocco near atlas mountains. This clay was formed thousands (or rather millions) of years ago due to weathering and geological processes.
How does it get to us??
The pink-brown clay is manually dug out; it looks rocky and soap-like when first brought to the surface.ย Itโs then washed with mountain sourced river water, filtered and left to dry naturally in the desert sun. The sun dried and โalmost untreatedโ clay has a smooth, silk-like feel. Later on, someone packs it and sends (sells) it abroad.
If you are wondering about the quirky name โRhassoulโ, itย comes from the Arabic word โrhassalaโ which means โto washโ. Itโs very aptly named as it can nicely wash your hair and skin. But rhassoul is not your ordinary body wash. Itโs high in minerals and has amazing detoxifying abilities, which makes this clay a stellar beauty aid.ย
Because of these wonderful benefits, Moroccan women have used rhassoul clay for centuries. Whatโs also interesting is that royal and elites of Egypt and Greece too have adored this lovely clay.ย Itโs said that people would come all the way from foreign lands to experience the luxurious full body clay wrap in Moroccan hammams.ย Even today, rhassoul clay is such a prized beauty ingredient thatย brides are gifted it before their wedding.ย
A clay fit for a bride and royal and commoners alike is something to be not missedโฆ You can use it for your hair and skin or both. Letโs start with the hair.ย
Rhassoul clay has a negative charge (all clays have it). No, it wonโt give you any current, it just helps to suck up impurities from your hair and scalp.
How does this happen?ย When you mix clay with water, the clay particles quickly absorb water and puff up, turning into a gel-like substance. The gel works by attaching to dirt, grease and impurities on the scalp and giving it a deep clean. In the process, the clogged hair follicles also get nice cleaning, which frees up room for new hair to grow faster.ย
You might not think of mud as particularly hair-softening. But rhassoul is different. Itโs, in fact, knownย to moisturise and condition hair, improve elasticity and make hair super shiny. Yes!! And the minerals such as silica and magnesium strength the hair and renews the scalp tissues.ย ย
Thereโs more. It even helps with dandruff, eczema and product build-up. Itโs a fab fab clay! Now, letโs get to making shampoo and detox maskโฆ
First up is homemade shampoo made just with clay and water. If you are trying to avoid store brought shampoo, you got to give it a try. But even if you are not, itโs still worth a tryย โ shampoo with no-nonsense makes both your scalp and hair happy and merry.ย
All hair types can use rhassoul shampoo, it cleans the hair beautifully, without stripping away your hairโs natural oil. And it takes only a few seconds to make it โ which is great.ย
You will need:
Place the clay and aloe vera gel in a bowl, slowly add warm water to make a runny paste. Thatโs it! Your shampoo is ready.ย
To use, massage the rhassoul shampoo into the scalp and hair, and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse well.
Your hair will be squeaky clean and bouncy.ย
Tip: To give the shampoo extra boost, you can add ingredients such as rose water or honey.
Storage:ย It will keep in the fridge for a week. Also, use a non-metal container (glass, wood, ceramic or plastic) to store as clay may react with metal and loose it effectiveness.ย
Rhassoul clay detox is another superb way you can pamper your hair. If you prefer, just use the clay and water to make the mask, but I have added a few hair-nourishing ingredients to make it more exotic.ย
To make the mask you will need:
Place all the ingredients minus the water in a bowl. Next, slowly add water and stir, add water and stir and keep doing until you get a smooth paste (more liquidy than thick, so itโs easy to apply).ย
You can apply on dry hair, but I prefer to use in damp hair. Apply section by section all over your scalp and hair, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to do its magic. Rinse it out with water. Shampoo as usual.
Your hair will look and feel super healthy and glossy.
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You saw above how to make your hair pretty with rhassoul clay now itโs time for your skinโฆ
Our skin doesnโt need expensive creams and potion, all it needs is a little care with natural ingredients. And rhassoul is a great natural ingredient for your skin.ย
It does a superb job of detoxifying and purifying your skin. Rhassoul quickly soaks up excess oils and impurities like a sponge and it helps to clear clogged pores and shrink pore size. This is especially beneficial for acne prone skin as well as those who get blackheads and whiteheads.
Another advantage of using rhassoul is its high mineral contents. Once the impurities and dead cells are cleared out, rhassoul then works to repair and renew the skin cell, improving skin clarity and elasticity.ย
You can use this mask to minimise pores, reduce/prevent breakouts and fade blemishes.
Mix 1 tablespoon rhassoul clay, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 drops tea tree oilย and some water to form a paste. Apply on skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Your skin will be clear and smooth.
You can ditch your regular face wash and use this. Itโs gentle cleansing action wonโt strip your skin of beneficial oils and leave it soft and glowing.ย
Mix 1 teaspoon rhassoul clay with a few drops of water (or something like rose water) to make a paste. Massage into your face and neck and wash out.
No more dryness or skin irritation.ย
This soothing and healing mud wrap will give you a spa experience at home.
Take ยฝ cup rhassoul clay, ยฝ cup oatmeal and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Add water to make a smooth paste. Apply as a full body wrap before bath. Leave it on for 10-15 mins, and then wash off.
Enjoy your soft, smooth, glowing skin.
I like toย buy rhassoul clay that is stored in glass jar Here. Itโs always best to buy 100% pure clay that is free from any additives and parabens.
How do you use rhassoul clay for hair and skin? Let us know in the comment box below!