Yellow Clay: What are its benefits for hair?

Yellow clay also possesses adsorbent properties, derived from its ionic composition and crystalline structure. Indeed, yellow clay carries a negative charge at its core and a positive charge on its surface. This charge difference allows it to bind certain microorganisms to its surface for elimination. Thus, the application of a treatment enriched with yellow clay contributes to "purifying" the scalp and cleaning it.

Yellow clay is composed of several metals, some of which possess antioxidant properties. This is particularly the case with iron, which is capable of neutralizing free radicals through an electron donation. These reactive species can potentially weaken the hair follicle, and promote hair loss and split ends. Therefore, the hair application of yellow clay has a protective effect on the hair and limits the effects of exposure to UV radiation and pollution.

Furthermore, it slows the appearance of gray hair, which a study has shown to be correlated with the presence of free radicals. Indeed, although the mechanism by which these operate at the level of hair fibers remains poorly understood, it seems that free radicals could trigger a chain reaction leading to the degradation of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.

This pertains to indirect evidence, as no study has demonstrated that yellow clay itself prevents the occurrence of split ends and white hair.

The presence of copper in yellow clay suggests that this ingredient may have a strengthening effect on the hair bulb and hair fiber. Indeed, this metal plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, a protein that surrounds and structures the follicular units. Additionally, copper is necessary for the activity of lysyl oxidase, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of aldehydes from lysines. The aldehydes produced during this reaction then assemble together, which leads to the cross-linking of collagen fibers.

According to some studies, collagen may stimulate the synthesis of keratin, the main component of hair. This fibrous protein contributes to the structure and protection of hair fibers. It makes up the scales of the cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair. This layer ensures the impermeability of the hair fiber and the protection of the cortex.

Let's note that once again we are dealing with indirect evidence, as scientific studies have not been conducted on yellow clay, but rather on copper, antioxidants, and collagen.