The rhassoul or ghassoul is a natural mineral clay mined in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco since the eighth century. It is combined with water to clean the body and has been used by North African women for centuries to care for their skin and hair. Rhassoul contains silica, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, lithium, and trace elements.
Today, rhassoul is mainly used in Traditional Moroccan Hammams and in Turkish baths. Along with a glove, or "kessa", Rhassoul is used as a facial mask and poultice to the body. It is similar to a western style mud wrap. It is intended to soften the skin, reduce sebum secretion, regenerate the skin by removing dead cells, and rebalance the skin by tightening the pores.
Rhassoul clay is also used for hair washing. It is a suggested substitution for shampoo. Moreover rhassoul is useful for dandruff prevention and head skin nurturance. It is recommended to be used with natural oils or use oils after washing your head.
"Rhassoul does not replace shampoo, but can be used on greasy hair twice a week, and once a week on dry hair. It will not affect the color of dyed hair."