It's easy to make your own beneficial face masks and hair treatments at home with just a few ingredients.
We love Rasul clay that 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 hair becomes shiny and healthy. Plus, it's an affordable product.
What is Rasul Clay?
Rasul clay is a special type of clay that has been used since ancient times for cleansing skin, hair, and scalp.
Rasul (also called ghassoul, rhassoul, rassoul) is a type of clay that was formed during the Tertiary period and is extracted from underground mine shafts in a valley near the Atlas Mountains, 15-20 miles from the city of Fès.
This is where the only known clay deposits in the world are found. Rasul clay belongs to smectite, a group of clay minerals characterized by their ability to swell when in contact with water.
After the clay is transported up from the mines, it is first washed with water and spread out on large flat surfaces to dry in the sun.When it has dried, it is broken into pieces or made into powder.
Mineralogical and chemical controls are carried out regularly to guarantee consistent quality that follows the Moroccan government's standards. The clay contains no microorganisms.
The clay is locally called Ghassoul, which comes from the Arabic "rassala" and means to wash. Rasul clay today plays an essential part in the ritual of the Turkish bath (Hamman).
In Morocco and Tunisia, the clay is sold in its natural state, and the recipes for how it should be prepared are passed down from mother to daughter.
Rasul Clay – a Multi-Product
Clay is a multi-product that can be used:
as a face 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. Rasul clay is usually mixed with hydrolats (see more below).
It cleanses gently 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.
Face Mask with Rasul 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 to find a mask you like yourself.
We've chosen a super simple mask with two basic ingredients. You can then let your imagination flow and add more ingredients that you like. It's best mixed with a hydrolat, which is like a mild facial toner. Clay and hydrolats love each other!
2 teaspoons Rasul clay.
Pure water or an organic hydrolat that suits your skin type. See examples further down.
Add hydrolat or water to the powder in a bowl and stir until it becomes a smooth paste.
If you think the mask becomes too thick, just add more liquid.
If you want to boost your mask with superfoods, you can mix 1 tsp Rasul clay and 1 tsp spirulina powder or chlorella powder.
The mask should be moist 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 chosen face cream.
Instead of Rasul clay, you can also choose:
Clay that suits normal to dry skin.
Green clay that suits impure skin, combination skin, and congested skin.
What is a Hydrolat?
Hydrolats are a by-product from the distillation of herbs and flowers when producing essential oils.
Hydrolats are also called floral 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 effect 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 with tendency to acne.
Lavender water suits most skin types.
Suits dry, sensitive and red skin as well as skin with rosacea.
Chamomile water suits dry, itchy, sensitive skin.
Water-based infusion with sage suits oily and impure skin.
Body Wash with Rasul Clay
Clay is easy to use as body "soap". Mix clay with water to desired consistency, approximately equal amounts of water and clay. Use as washing clay instead of soap.
Hair Wash with Rasul Clay
Mix clay with water until the consistency becomes 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 stand for 15 minutes or longer until the clay grains "soften" and a gel-like consistency is achieved.
Add a few drops of oil if you have dry scalp or dry hair.
Wet your hair and rub a little clay between your hands and massage gently into hair and scalp. Don't rub hard as this will damage your hair. You will be surprised at how clean, smooth and soft your hair becomes.
Rinse out and repeat if needed.
The best thing is that you don't need to wash your hair particularly often as it stays clean for a long time. Conditioner may be needed in the beginning but is usually not needed after a while, but this also depends on how long your hair is.
Many people like to rinse with an acidic rinse afterwards. Any leftover clay can be saved in a clean jar with a lid and keeps for about 7 days.
Your hair, scalp and the environment thank you.
Hair Treatment with Rasul Clay
Do the same as when making the shampoo above.
Add a few drops of hair oil for dry hair.
Let it work in hair and scalp for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Feel free to check out our clay wash category.
Do you have tips on how to use clay at home? Feel free to share in a comment or write a question and we'll answer!
