It’s easy to make your own nourishing facial masks and hair treatments at home with just a few ingredients.
We love rhassoul clay, which suits all skin types; even sensitive ones.
Clay can be used as a gentle soap for both body and hair as well as a cleansing mask. It makes the skin smooth and soft and the hair shiny and healthy. Plus, it’s an affordable product.
What is Rhassoul clay?
Rhassoul clay is a special type of clay that has been used since ancient times for cleansing skin, hair, and scalp.
Rhassoul (also called ghassoul, rhassoul, rassoul) is a type of clay formed during the Tertiary period and is mined from underground shafts in a valley near the Atlas Mountains, 150-200 km from the city of Fès.
Here are the only known clay deposits in the world. Rhassoul clay belongs to smectite, a group of clay minerals characterized by swelling when in contact with water.
After the clay is transported from the mines, it is first washed with water and spread out on large flat surfaces to dry in the sun. Once dried, it is broken into pieces or ground into powder.
Mineralogical and chemical tests are regularly conducted to guarantee consistent quality that meets the Moroccan government’s standards. The clay contains no microorganisms.
The clay is locally called Ghassoul, which comes from the Arabic “rassala” meaning to wash. Today, rhassoul clay plays an essential role in the ritual of the Turkish bath (Hamam).
In Morocco and Tunisia, the clay is sold in its natural state and the recipes for how to prepare it are passed down from mother to daughter.
Rhassoul clay – a multi-purpose product
Clay is a multi-purpose product that can be used:
- as a facial mask.
- as a body scrub.
- instead of shower gel.
- instead of shampoo.
- as a hair treatment.
Clay absorbs oil and dirt, reduces dandruff, and gives hair volume. Rhassoul clay is usually mixed with hydrosols (see more below).
It gently cleanses and has a unique cleansing effect that absorbs oil from the skin without damaging the skin’s natural protective oil layer. At the same time, the clay has a naturally good pH value of pH 6.
Facial mask with rhassoul clay
The great thing about making your own mask is that you know exactly what’s in it and you avoid synthetic additives. It’s fun to experiment until you find a mask you like.
We have chosen a super simple mask with two base ingredients. You can then let your imagination run wild and add more ingredients you like. It is preferably mixed with a hydrosol, which acts like a gentle facial toner. Clay and hydrosols go well together!
- 2 teaspoons of rhassoul clay.
- Pure water or an organic hydrosol suitable for your skin type. See examples below.
Add hydrosol or water to the powder in a bowl and stir until it becomes a smooth paste.
If you find the mask too thick, just add more liquid.
If you want to boost your mask with superfoods, you can mix 1 tsp Rasullera clay and 1 tsp spirulina powder or chlorella powder.
The mask should be wet enough so that a fairly thick layer can work on the skin for about 5 minutes before it dries. Then rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply your preferred face cream.
Instead of Rasullera clay, you can also choose:
- Clay that suits normal to dry skin.
- Green clay that suits blemished, combination, and congested skin.
What is a hydrolat?
Hydrolats are a byproduct of distilling herbs and flowers when producing essential oils.
Hydrolats are also called flower water or herbal water. They prepare the skin for a cream as they have a mildly astringent and cooling effect on the skin.
Each hydrolat has its unique properties and effects on the skin.
Which hydrolat suits which skin type?
- Rose water suits normal, dry, sensitive, and mature skin.
- Neroli / Orange blossom suits sensitive and mature skin.
- This plant suits irritated skin, problem skin, and oily skin.
- Tea Tree suits oilier problem skin prone to acne.
- Lavender water suits most skin types.
- Suitable for dry, sensitive, and red skin as well as skin with rosacea.
- Chamomile water suits dry, itchy, sensitive skin.
- Water-based sage infusion suits oily and blemished skin.
Body wash with Rasullera clay
Clay is easy to use as a body "soap." Mix clay with water to the desired consistency, about equal parts water and clay. Use as a washing clay instead of soap.
Hair wash with Rasullera clay
- Mix clay with water until the consistency is like thick yogurt.
- Let the clay swell for at least 15 minutes. The trick for clean, shiny, and soft hair is to let the mixture sit for 15 minutes or longer until the clay particles “soften” and a gel-like consistency is achieved.
- Feel free to add a couple of drops of oil if you have a dry scalp or dry hair.
- Wet your hair and rub some clay between your hands, then gently massage into hair and scalp. Don’t rub hard as that can damage your hair. You’ll be surprised how clean, smooth, and soft your hair becomes.
- Rinse out and repeat if needed.
The best part is that you don’t need to wash your hair very often as it stays clean for a long time. Conditioner may be needed at first but usually isn’t necessary after a while, though it also depends on how long your hair is.
Many like to rinse with an acidic rinse afterwards. Any leftover clay can be saved in a clean jar with a lid and lasts about 7 days.
Your hair, scalp, and the environment will thank you.
Hair treatment with Rasullera clay
- Do the same as when using the shampoo above.
- Add a few drops of hair oil to dry hair.
- Let it work in hair and scalp for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Please take a look at our clay wash category.
Do you have tips on how to use clay at home? Feel free to share in a comment or ask a question and we will answer!
