Do you want to achieve fuller, softer and shinier hair? Are you looking for a natural remedy that can help with the overall health of your scalp?
Washing your hair with baking soda might just be the solution! If you’d like to find out all of the benefits of washing hair with baking soda, keep on reading…
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white, crystalline compound that has a variety of uses.
It is commonly found in many households for its versatility in cleaning, cooking, and even personal care. In this section, we will focus on what baking soda is and how it relates to hair care.
Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline compound that can help neutralize acidic substances and break down dirt, grease, and grime.
Its gentle abrasiveness can assist in removing buildup from your hair and scalp, making it an appealing alternative to conventional shampoos and conditioners. But how does this miracle ingredient work on your hair?
When mixed with water, baking soda forms a paste-like consistency that can be applied directly to your hair and scalp.
As you massage the mixture into your roots, it can help dissolve oil, dirt, and residue from hair products, leaving your hair feeling clean and refreshed.
It’s essential, though, to be cautious with the quantity and frequency of baking soda applications, as excessive use may cause hair dryness or irritation.
What Are The Benefits Of Baking Soda For Hair Care?
Baking soda can offer various benefits for your hair care routine. When used correctly, it can help reset your scalp’s pH, reduce dandruff, and control excess oil.
First, baking soda’s alkaline nature helps balance your scalp’s pH level, which can alleviate irritation and discomfort.
Regular use of hair care products, especially those with strong chemicals or artificial fragrances, can cause an imbalance in the scalp’s pH.
Using a baking soda hair wash can help restore this balance and promote a healthier scalp and hair.
If you struggle with oily hair, baking soda might be the solution for you. The absorbing properties of baking soda enable it to remove excess oil and buildup from hair products, environmental dirt, and overactive oil glands.
Mixing baking soda with water and massaging it gently into your scalp can help eliminate excess oil and give your hair a fresh, clean look.
Another benefit of using baking soda for hair care is that it may help prevent and reduce dandruff. Baking soda and apple cider vinegar, when combined, can act as an antifungal solution, preventing the appearance of dandruff.
To create a hair mask, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with apple cider vinegar and apply it to your scalp. This can help control dandruff and keep your hair feeling clean.
Baking soda is also a great alternative for individuals with natural or curly hair, as it can help maintain healthy hair without weighing it down.
It is a safer option for those with hair dye, as it is unlikely to strip the color from your hair.
While baking soda is safe to use on hair, it must be used in moderation. Using too much baking soda or using it too often can lead to dry, brittle hair.
It’s recommended to stick to weekly or monthly applications, depending on your hair texture.
To use baking soda as part of your hair care routine, mix one part baking soda with three parts water and massage into your scalp and hair.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water, followed by a vinegar rinse to balance your scalp’s pH even more.
Benefits Of Washing Hair With Baking Soda
Washing your hair with baking soda offers numerous benefits for your hair and scalp.
It is not only a cost-effective alternative to conventional hair care products but also has various advantages for your overall hair health.
Firstly, using baking soda helps to remove excess oil and buildup from your hair and scalp.
This is particularly beneficial for those with oily hair, as it can provide a deep cleanse without requiring frequent shampooing.
Plus, it can help to exfoliate your scalp, removing dirt and buildup from hair products that may be weighing down your locks.
Another benefit of using baking soda on your hair is its ability to control dandruff and scalp irritation.
As an antifungal, the baking soda helps to prevent the appearance of dandruff, reducing flakiness and itchiness of your scalp.
For an added boost, you can mix a tablespoon of baking soda with apple cider vinegar to create a hair mask that addresses dandruff and scalp issues.
Baking soda also possesses the unique ability to reset the pH level of your scalp and hair. A balanced pH is essential for maintaining healthy hair by preventing damage and breakage.
However, keep in mind that the frequency of using baking soda for your hair may depend on your hair type and texture.
While there are many benefits of using baking soda for your hair, be cautious about overuse, as it can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness.
It’s best to use baking soda as a weekly or monthly treatment, depending on your hair’s needs.
Are There Negative Effects Of Baking Soda On Your Hair?
While baking soda can offer some benefits when used on your hair, it’s essential to be aware of the potential negative effects.
Using baking soda on your hair might result in some undesirable outcomes, especially when used frequently or in high concentrations.
One issue with using baking soda on your hair is its abrasive composition.
The small crystals of baking soda can be too harsh for your hair and scalp, leading to irritation and damage over time.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to scalp issues, using baking soda might exacerbate these problems.
Baking soda can also strip your hair of its natural oils. While this might seem like a good thing for those with oily hair, it can lead to dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
Over time, the lack of natural oils can result in a dry, itchy scalp and increase the chances of developing dandruff.
Frequent use of baking soda on your hair can disrupt the scalp’s natural pH balance.
A healthy scalp has a slightly acidic pH, which helps maintain the integrity of the hair cuticle and protects against damage.
Baking soda is alkaline, meaning it can raise the pH of your scalp, leading to weaker hair and increased breakage.
To minimize the potential negative effects of baking soda on your hair, it’s essential to use it sparingly and dilute it with water before application.
Consider using it in conjunction with a moisturizing conditioner to help counteract the drying effects.
Remember, while baking soda can provide some benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone or every hair type.
Monitor your hair’s health and adjust your routine accordingly to prevent damage and maintain optimal hair condition.
Which Hair Types Work Best When You Wash Your Hair With Baking Soda?
Baking soda has become a popular alternative to commercial shampoos due to its ability to reset your scalp’s pH, decrease dandruff and scalp irritation, and help with scalp dryness.
When it comes to hair types, baking soda can be used on most hair types, but it’s essential to understand its effects on different types of hair, such as natural and curly hair, before using it.
For individuals with natural hair, baking soda may effectively cleanse the hair and scalp while maintaining the hair’s natural oils, which is essential for healthy hair growth and retention, when you’re dealing with hair loss.
However, since natural hair is often more delicate and prone to breakage, it’s essential to use baking soda sparingly.
When washing natural hair with baking soda, you should:
- Dilute it in water to create a semi-viscous paste
- Apply it gently to your scalp using your fingertips, avoiding vigorous rubbing
- Rinse thoroughly, as any residue may cause hair to become dry and brittle.
In the case of curly hair, baking soda can help wash away build-up from styling products and revitalize curls.
However, it’s essential to note that using baking soda on curly hair may strip away its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz if overused.
To counteract potential dryness, limit the use of baking soda on curly hair to once or twice per month.
Here are some tips for using baking soda on curly hair:
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water in equal parts
- Apply the mixture to your curls while gently massaging it into your scalp
- Rinse completely and air-dry your curls afterward
Remember that regardless of your hair type, it’s essential to listen to your hair and adjust the use of baking soda accordingly.
Start with once or twice a month, and depending on your hair’s response, you may increase or decrease its use.
Is Baking Soda Safe For Dyed Hair?
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient with various uses, including cleaning and personal care. You might be wondering if it’s safe to use baking soda on your dyed hair.
Baking soda has a higher pH level compared to your scalp and hair shaft. Using a higher pH product on your hair can potentially harm it by stripping natural oils and causing dryness. This effect might result in your dyed hair becoming damaged and losing vibrancy.
On the other hand, baking soda is great for resetting your scalp’s pH and reducing dandruff and irritation.
However, using it too often, especially on dyed hair, may lead to more harm than good.
When it comes to hair dye, you’re going to want to maintain the color and the hair’s overall health.
Using baking soda on dyed hair may cause the color to fade more quickly, as it can be quite harsh on chemically treated strands.
DIY Recipe For A Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda Shampoo
Baking soda is an excellent alternative to traditional shampoos. As a natural cleaning agent, it can effectively remove dirt, grease, and product buildup from your hair.
With its neutral pH level, baking soda also helps maintain your hair’s natural balance, making it an ideal option if you’re looking for a more affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative.
To create your own DIY baking soda shampoo, start by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water.
Stir the mixture well, ensuring that the baking soda is fully dissolved. If desired, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to enhance the scent of your homemade shampoo.
Once you’ve prepared your baking soda mixture, wet your dry hair as you normally would.
Apply the DIY shampoo to your scalp and massage it gently, avoiding any tugging or pulling. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water.
Now that your hair and skin is cleansed, it’s time to prepare an apple cider vinegar rinse as a natural conditioner.
Combine 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water and mix well.
After rinsing out the baking soda shampoo, slowly pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over your hair, making sure to fully saturate your strands. Leave the rinse on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
How Often Should You Use Baking Soda For Hair Benefits?
Baking soda has various benefits for your hair, such as resetting your scalp’s pH, decreasing dandruff, and soothing scalp irritation.
If you’re considering trying baking soda in your hair care routine, it’s essential to know the ideal frequency to avoid any adverse effects.
Overusing baking soda can lead to dryness. Since it cleans well, it may also strip away natural oils from your hair.
Therefore, the frequency of use will depend on your hair texture and how oily your scalp is.
In general, you can safely use baking soda on your hair weekly or monthly, depending on the texture.
For instance, if your hair is oily, you may benefit from using a baking soda hair wash more frequently.
Conversely, if your hair is dry or brittle, you should limit the use of baking soda as shampoo to monthly sessions or even less often to prevent even more dryness.
To use baking soda as a hair cleanser, mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste.
For added benefits and a pleasant scent, you can always mix a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oils into the mixture.
Apply the paste to your hair and massage it into your scalp. Rinse it thoroughly afterward.
Summary
Baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent that has various uses, such as hair care.
Washing your hair with baking soda can help reset your scalp’s pH, reduce dandruff and oil, and gently cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
However, it’s essential to use baking soda sparingly and in moderation to avoid potential dryness or irritation.
The recommended frequency of use depends on your hair texture and type.
For best results, dilute the baking soda in water before application and follow with an apple cider vinegar rinse for added benefits.
All products featured on Gemma Etc. are PR samples or gifted items, unless otherwise indicated. This post may contain affiliate links. If you wish to find out more, please see my Disclaimer within my navigation bar.