Multani mitti for hair : A clay that can make your hair slay

Mar 31, 2025

Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja

Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

A day in Kansas is precisely like its golden wheat fields, bright and full of life. One sunny afternoon, as I relaxed on the porch swing, I noticed my Indian mother applying some kind of clay to her face and hair.

I amazingly went to her and asked, “Mom, why are you applying clay on your face and hair?”

My mom laughingly replied, “Son, it is not some random clay.”.

“Then, what is it, Mom?” I asked out of curiosity.

“This is Multani Mitti, Son.”. My mom replied.

Ohh, Multani mitti. Sounds like a neighbor’s product.

My mom chuckled and said, Well, it indeed is a neighbor’s product.

But Mom, applying it on the face is fine, as I have seen people doing so. Why are you applying it to hair?

I'm applying it to hair because it is as good for our hair as it is for our face. My mom replied.

Mom, can you please elaborate on it further so that I can understand the logic behind using Multani mitti for hair?

Sure, son. But before just jumping into the utility of Multani mitti for hair. Let's understand its backdrop, history, and composition.

Table of content

Backdrop of Multani Mitti
Composition and properties
How to use Multani Mitti for hair?
Benefits of using Multani Mitti for hair?
Do’s and Don’ts of using Multani Mitti for hair?
Final thought

Backdrop of Multani Mitti

Multani mitti(fuller's earth), which means soil of Multan, is a famous clay whose history predates to centuries. A popular skincare component used for many generations in South Asian countries, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, multani mitti comes from Multan, the former city of Punjab state, which is now a province in Pakistan.

The Multani mitti has traditionally been used for healing and cleansing purposes, but wait, this is not it. The utility of multani mitti is beyond this.

Historical Significance

Historically, the Multani Mitti has been used for several purposes. Some of them are as follows:

Ancient Skincare and Haircare: Mughal queens and Indian royals used multani mitti, a royal beauty secret, to achieve radiant skin and hair. Ayurvedic and Unani medicine used it to treat skin and scalp issues. Industrial and medicinal use: Apart from its beauty benefits, multani mitti was used to clean delicate fabrics and as a natural remedy for skin conditions.

Composition and Properties

This is not ordinary clay, it’s a clay that has many properties. The Multani Mitti contains prominent minerals such as magnesium, calcium, silica, and iron, making it extremely absorbent. It is a necessary component of skincare and haircare regimens due to its ability to absorb excess oil, dirt, and pollutants.

How to use multani mitti for hair?

Multani Mitti is nature's gift that has some unreal cleansing and oil-absorbing properties. It is popularly used in the skincare products, but do you know how good it is for our hair?. The Multani mitti possesses eminent properties that help in making hair thicker and glossier. Aside from this, it also helps in the removal of extra oil, dirt, and dandruff.

Here are some ways to utilize Multani Mitti for different hair concerns:

Natural Home Remedies for Oily Hair & Scalp

1. Controls oily scalp and dandruff.

Multani Mitti is a highly absorbent herb that helps manage excess oil production while reducing scalp irritation.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons Multani Mitti
Two tablespoons of yogurt
One tablespoon of lemon juice

Tips for Use:

Combine all of the ingredients and produce a homogeneous paste.
Gently massage it into your scalp.
Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.
Apply once a week for a dandruff-free scalp.

2. For Dry & Frizzy Hair

Multani Mitti can be combined with hydrating substances to soften and hydrate dry hair.

Ingredients:

2-tbsp Multani Mitti.
1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon of coconut oil.

How to Use:

Combine all of the ingredients to produce a creamy paste.
Apply to the scalp and hair strands.
Leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with a gentle wash.
For added moisture, apply a conditioner or hair serum afterward.

3. For Hair Growth and Strengthening

This pack feeds the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, hence minimizing hair loss.

Ingredients:

2-tbsp Multani Mitti.
One egg yolk
1 tablespoon of hibiscus powder.

To use

Combine the components to form a thick paste.
Apply it evenly throughout your scalp and hair length.
Allow it to rest for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
Use once per week for thick, strong hair.

4. As a natural shampoo alternative.

Multani Mitti can be used as a chemical-free hair cleaner in place of shampoo.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp Multani Mitti, water as needed.

To use

Mix Multani Mitti with water to form a runny paste.
Apply to wet hair and rub gently into the scalp.
After 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly.

Best for oily scalps; apply twice a week for clean, fresh hair.

Benefits of using Multani Mitti for hair

Multani mitti is a very useful component for your skin. It is a popular substance used to treat acne and pimples. However, it is extremely successful in achieving long, luscious locks.

Here are some incredible multani mitti for hair advantages.

1) Deep Conditions

Multani mitti is good for all hair types. It deep cleanses your hair and conditions it thoroughly, minimizing dryness and frizz.

2. Strengthens Your Strands

Multani mitti is high in important minerals and nutrients, which promote scalp health by removing dandruff and flaky skin. It also helps to strengthen your follicles, promoting hair growth.

3. Increases Blood Flow

Multani mitti increases blood circulation and promotes hair follicles. Improved blood flow can significantly boost hair development and give your mane more volume.

4. Safeguards Your Scalp

Multani mitti cleanses hair naturally. It aids in thoroughly cleaning, purifying, and eliminating microorganisms from your scalp and hair.

5: Fixes Damage

Your hair may suffer greatly from chemical treatments. Multani mitti is an excellent option if you want to cure and heal the damage in a natural and organic method. It keeps your hair feeling silky and lustrous by strengthening and nourishing the hair shaft.

6. Sebular Oil

Multani mitti may be the answer to all of your problems if you have an oily scalp. Multani mitti, which is well-known for its absorbent qualities, can remove all of the extra oil and leave your scalp feeling healthy.

Did you know?

Multani mitti is also called Fuller's Earth as in medieval Europe, it was used by fullers (workers) to absorb grease, dirt, and oil from woolen fabrics during the textile-making process.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Multani Mitti for Hair

Do’s:

Mix with Hydrating Ingredients – The Multani mitti is often drying, hence in order to nourish your hair, don't forget to mix it with yogurt, aloe vera, or honey
Apply on wet hair –To enhance the absorption, it is always advised to apply it on slightly wet or damp hair. It also becomes easier to spread on wet hair.
Use in Moderation – Remember, not to overuse. Using multani mitti once a week is enough; applying it too frequently can dry out your scalp.
Massage Gently – Always gently massage your scalp while applying multani mitti, it will help you improve your blood circulation.
Rinse with Cool Water –Only cold or lukewarm water should be used to rinse it off.
Follow Up with Moisture – As multani mitti can cause dryness, don't forget to apply a mild conditioner or hair oil after wash.

Don’ts:

Avoid If You Have Very Dry Hair – As discussed above, the multani mitti is known to absorb the oil.So, in case, your hair is already dry, either avoid using it or use it with a hydrating base.
Don’t Leave It on for Too Long – Don't leave multani mitti paste on your scalp for more than 20-30 minutes as it may strip away too much moisture.
Skip It If You Have a Cold – Multani mitti has a cooling nature. So, if you are having a cold, avoid using it as it can aggravate cold symptoms if applied to the scalp.
Don’t Overuse It – Excessive use of multani mitti can dry out your scalp and can cause irritation as well.
Always Do a Patch Test – Don’t forget to perform the patch test in order to check the suitability. This can help you to ascertain whether you can have allergic reactions or not.
Avoid Using with Hard Water – Hair may feel thick and rough due to residue left by hard water.

Multani mitti can be a boon for your hair, if used correctly. Hence, if you want to obtain the best results, don’t just read and forget, inculcate it in your mind

Final thought

As we get into the final furlong, it's important to know that the fuller’s earth, which is commonly referred to as Multani Mitti, is a wondrous ingredient that is no less than a boon for your hair. Known for its cleansing and oil-absorbing properties, the multani mitti not only gives you a glowy and clean look but also provides strength and shine to your hair.

From safeguarding your scalp to fixing the damages, it is an affordable ingredient that solves many issues.

Moreover, you can use it as per your convenience and needs by making DIY pastes using different bases.

However, on the contrary, it is important to understand that right usage is more important than just usage. It will not yield the desired result in case you are not using it correctly.

Always be aware of the product or ingredient you are applying; for that, you can perform a patch test just to ensure the suitability.

Hair is our most beautiful and greatest natural ornament. Thus, it is imperative to take the utmost care of it.

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