How to Make a Baking Soda and Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Do you suffer from an itchy, dry scalp? Does your scalp feel weighed down with layers of product build-up?

If so, this post is for you! We’ll teach you how to make your own DIY baking soda and anti dandruff shampoo that will help reduce itching, nourish your scalp, and leave your hair soft and manageable.

Keep on reading to see how to make a baking soda and anti dandruff shampoo…

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that is characterized by the presence of white flakes and itching. It occurs when your scalp becomes irritated, and the skin cells begin to shed more quickly than usual.

This is often a result of an imbalance in the natural oils (sebum) produced by the scalp, which can become disrupted due to various factors such as stress, weather changes, and the use of harsh hair products.

What Causes Dandruff?

Different factors can contribute to the appearance of dandruff on your scalp. In this section, we will explore the role of skin conditions and fungal infections as the primary causes of this common issue.

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause dandruff due to their influence on the scalp’s health.

Psoriasis affects your skin by causing inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. On your scalp, this leads to the formation of thick, silvery scales, often accompanied by itchiness. This process results in the presence of dandruff flakes.

Eczema is another skin condition that can contribute to dandruff. This condition leads to dry, irritated, and itchy skin, particularly on the scalp, which can cause the skin to flake off as dandruff.

Managing these skin conditions thanks to a healthcare professional can significantly reduce dandruff and improve the overall health of your scalp.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections, primarily caused by the Malassezia fungus, can also lead to dandruff. Malassezia naturally resides on your scalp, where it feeds on the sebum (natural oils) produced by your skin.

In some cases, the fungus can grow out-of-control and cause irritation, leading to an increase in skin cell production. The excess skin cells then shed as flakes, giving rise to dandruff and an itchy scalp.

It is important to maintain a balanced scalp environment to prevent fungal overgrowth.

An anti-dandruff shampoo containing ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole can help you manage the fungal infection and keep your scalp healthy.

Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Its Composition

Common Ingredients

Anti-dandruff shampoos are specially formulated to help combat and prevent dandruff.

They often contain various active ingredients that target the source of dandruff. Some of the common active ingredients found in anti-dandruff shampoos include:

• Selenium sulfide – This ingredient is known to reduce the presence of yeast on the scalp, which can be a primary cause of dandruff.
• Coal tar – By slowing down the growth of skin cells on your scalp, coal tar can help alleviate dandruff symptoms.
• Hydrogen peroxide – With its antifungal and antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide can help address dandruff issues.

It’s essential to choose an anti-dandruff shampoo that aligns with your hair type and specific scalp needs.

Chemical Content vs Natural Alternatives

While these conventional anti-dandruff shampoos are effective, they often contain chemical ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, or synthetic fragrances, which can irritate sensitive scalps.

For those looking for a natural alternative, you can opt for baking soda as a DIY dandruff treatment.

Baking soda can help lift and remove dirt, excess oil, and loose skin cells from your scalp, which can cause dandruff.

However, use this treatment sparingly, as baking soda has an alkaline pH level that can throw off the natural pH level of your hair.

To make a baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo at home, you can simply mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with water to create a paste.

Apply the paste directly to your scalp, massage it gently, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Remember, whether you choose a conventional anti-dandruff shampoo or opt for a natural alternative like baking soda, it’s essential to understand the ingredients and choose a solution that works best for your hair and scalp’s unique needs.

How to Make a Baking Soda and Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Ingredients Required

To make your own homemade baking soda anti-dandruff shampoo, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 cup of water
• 2-3 drops of essential oil (optional, but recommended for additional benefits and fragrance)
• 1 tablespoon of an anti-dandruff ingredient (e.g., apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or tea tree oil)

Preparation Process

Follow these simple steps to create your baking soda anti-dandruff shampoo:

1. Measure out one cup of water, and pour it into a mixing container.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the water, and mix well until the baking soda dissolves.
3. If desired, add 2-3 drops of your choice of essential oil to the mixture for added benefits and a pleasant scent.
4. Choose your anti-dandruff ingredient, and add 1 tablespoon of it to the mixture. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

If you choose solid anti-dandruff ingredients like coconut oil or aloe vera gel, gently warm them before adding to the mixture for easier blending.

Application Method

Follow these steps to apply your DIY baking soda anti-dandruff shampoo:

1. Before getting into the shower, ensure your hair is wet and easy to manage.
2. Pour the prepared baking soda shampoo over your scalp and hair.
3. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp for a couple of minutes, focusing on areas with noticeable dandruff.
4. Leave the shampoo on your hair for about 3-4 minutes to allow the baking soda and anti-dandruff ingredients to work effectively.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the shampoo.

Remember to use the DIY baking soda anti-dandruff shampoo once or twice a week, depending on your needs, as overuse might dry out your scalp and hair.

Benefits of Baking Soda Shampoo

Hair Health Benefits

Baking soda shampoo is an excellent natural remedy for improving hair health. It helps maintain the natural oils in your hair, which can lead to more volume and less frizz.

This makes it an ideal alternative to harsh chemicals found in conventional shampoos.

Baking soda also acts as a deep conditioner that can effectively remove odor and any buildup from hair products, leaving your hair looking and feeling cleaner without stripping essential moisture.

Using baking soda shampoo can also promote hair growth by gently exfoliating the hair follicles.

This exfoliating action removes dead skin cells and unclogs the follicles, creating a healthier environment for hair growth. The result is stronger, healthier hair with fewer split ends and breakage.

Scalp Health Benefits

As well as providing numerous benefits for hair health, baking soda shampoo is an effective treatment for scalp issues.

Its natural exfoliating properties help remove dead skin cells and reduce itchiness caused by dandruff or other scalp irritations.

With restoring the scalp’s pH balance, baking soda assists in maintaining a healthy environment for both your scalp and hair.

Home Remedies For Dandruff

Essential Oils Usage

Introducing essential oils into your anti-dandruff shampoo routine can provide additional benefits, such as soothing an itchy scalp and promoting healthy hair growth.

Two popular essential oils for dandruff treatment are rosemary oil and tea tree oil. They both possess antifungal properties that can help combat dandruff-causing bacteria.

To use these oils, simply add a few drops to your baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo mixture. Tea tree oil is potent, so be cautious not to overuse it.

Mixing a few drops of rosemary oil with coconut oil can also create a nourishing pre-shampoo treatment.

Massage the blend into your scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before shampooing.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

An apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse can be a beneficial addition to your dandruff-fighting routine. ACV’s acidic nature helps remove buildup and maintains your scalp’s pH balance.

After shampooing with your baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo, prepare an ACV rinse using the following ratio:

• 1 part apple cider vinegar
• 2 parts purified water

Apply the mixture to your wet hair, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water to seal your hair cuticles and ensure a shinier, smoother finish.

Natural Hair Conditioners

Baking soda can sometimes dry out your hair, so it’s essential to follow up with a hydrating conditioner.

Some natural options include coconut oil, coconut milk, or aloe vera. These natural ingredients provide deep conditioning and nourishment to your hair.

For a DIY conditioner, mix equal parts of coconut oil and jojoba oil. Apply the blend to your hair and scalp, massage for a few minutes, and cover with a shower cap.

Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Alternatively, you can create a coconut milk-based conditioner by blending one cup of coconut milk with one tablespoon of castile soap.

Apply this mixture to your wet hair after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

 

Summary

DIY baking soda and anti dandruff shampoo is an effective, natural solution for treating common scalp issues.

This homemade remedy is very simple to create using ingredients such as baking soda, water, essential oil, and an anti-dandruff ingredient.

You can use it once or twice a week in place of a conventional shampoo.

For additional benefits to your hair’s health, consider adding other natural treatments like essential oils, apple cider vinegar rinses, or conditioners made out of coconut milk or aloe vera gel.

With the right combination of these treatments and regular use of your DIY shampoo recipe, you can reduce dandruff flare-ups and keep your scalp healthy!

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