And if you’re dealing with strand buildup—we’ve got the two-ingredient DIY clarifying mask to save the day. 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. 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.
