15
June
Baking Soda for Hair Wash
Baking Soda for Hair Wash
If you are looking for a natural, chemical-free option to shampoos then baking soda might be the perfect solution for you. It’s a simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly hair care ingredient that cleans your scalp, removes buildup and adds volume to your hair.
But is it really that good as it sounds when compared to commercial shampoo?
Let’s learn about all the benefits you can get from using baking soda as your hair care and most importantly the side-effects so that you can protect your hair from damaging more.
Why use Baking Soda for Hair?
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a powerful tool known for its cleaning and deodorising properties, making it a popular choice for those looking to wash their hair with baking soda. Here's why so many people are using baking soda these days instead of shampoos: it acts as a natural cleanser that can improve the health of your hair and scalp.
Natural Cleanser: Baking soda can easily help to break down oil, dirt and buildup from other chemical-based hair products like - hair sprays, shampoor, heavy oils and conditioners.
Environmental benefits: Since everyone is promoting a green environment. When you switch to baking soda, you reduce the number of harmful chemicals and plastics that come from commonly used shampoo bottles.
Cost-Effective: A packet of baking soda can easily cost way cheaper than any other commercial hair care.
Volume and shine: Some say using baking soda gives them better volume and shine to their hair than shampoo.
Oil Control: Mostly for oily hair types, baking soda helps with controlling the excess oil production.
Suits different hair types: Whether you have a curly, wavy or straight hair type, baking soda is going to help you with any kind of hair by maintaining a fresh and clean look.
To wash your hair without shampoo, check - How to Wash Hair Without Shampoo
How to use Baking Soda as a Hair Wash
Mix the solution
Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water. It’s important to fully dissolve the baking soda in the water to create a smooth, even mixture. The water reduces the harshness of baking soda which might harm your scalp.
Application
Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the baking soda to open up your hair cuticles, so that the baking soda works more effectively.
Apply this mixture by pouring it directly onto your scalp and hair. Then massage your way through the roots towards the end. You can also use a spray bottle to evenly distribute the product.
Massage
Gently massage your scalp using your fingertips, in small circular motions for about 1-2 minutes. As it helps to stimulate not only blood circulation but also it breaks down oil, dirt and any type of buildup. If your scalp is sensitive make sure you are extra gentle.
Rinse well
After massaging, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Make sure there is no baking soda left as it might lead to irritation and itching.
For better results and to restore the pH balance of your scalp, you can use apple cider vinegar solution. Mix 1 part of vinegar with 4 parts of water, then pour it onto the hair and then wash it after a few minutes. This solution helps to close the hair cuticles and neutralise the alkalinity of baking soda.
How long can baking soda stay on your hair?
Never leave your baking soda for more than 3 minutes. It will definitely harm the pH balance of your scalp which will cause further itchiness. Even for an oily scalp it will strip out the natural hair oils.
Post Wash Conditioning
After all the wash, apply a very lightweight conditioner just on your hair and not the scalp to restore the moisture and softness.
Disadvantages and Side-Effects of Using Baking Soda
Some people might avoid the potential side-effects of baking soda. Some of them includes:
Dryness and Damage: As baking soda is an alkaline product, overusing it can cause dryness. For people with dry scalp it might cause severe damage. If you have coloured hair you should consult a specialist.
Sensitive scalp issues: if you have sensitive scalp, it is highly recommended that you consult with a dermatologist or beauty specialist before using baking soda on your hair.
Colour fading: if you have dyed hair, using baking soda might make the colour more fade. So if you want to make your hair colour last longer, using baking soda might not be a good idea.
Extra Tips for Using Baking Soda on Your Hair
Must mix your baking soda in the water and never use the powder form directly on your hair. No matter what good it does, the powder definitely has harsh reactions.
Not only water but also you can use apple cider vinegar solution to help balance the alkalinity of baking soda. It will also make the solution strong enough to fulfil your purpose for your hair.
Limit using baking soda only once a week or only once in 2 weeks.
Baking Soda Hair Mask: A deep Cleanse
If you want to give your scalp a detox then using a baking soda hair mask might be a great solution. Unlike once in a week baking soda hair wash, hair masks will provide a deeper, more intense cleansing. This can be particularly beneficial, if you use a lot of hair products like hair mousses, gels sprays or dry shampoos.
Make the Mask:
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon honey + 3 tablespoon of water
Baking soda is the key ingredient here. Other than that, honey works as a humectant meaning it helps retain the moisture. Water helps all of these to mix together, that makes the mask easier, smoother and quite spreadable. Mix all the ingredients until it forms a thick paste.
Application:
You can apply this either on wet or dry hair, both ways work. Apply directly onto your scalp and spread evenly from roots towards the end. Then massage it according to previous instructions.
Let it sit:
Leave this mask for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the baking soda to kill the bacteria, remove the buildup and allows honey to moisturise your scalp. This short time frame allows the baking soda to do its job without drying out your hair.
Rinse thoroughly:
Avoid using cold water, and use warm water instead. The warmth of the water will help make your scalp feel fresh.
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FAQ
What if I use baking soda on my grey hair?
Answer: Grey hair type is usually dry. Using baking soda on grey hair can cause more dryness and brittleness to your hair, especially if you don't follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse.
What does vinegar do to your grey hair?
Answer: apple cider vinegar on grey hair can reduce dullness, dryness and even hair loss. It cleans the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles with proper nutrients.
Can baking soda help with hair growth?
Answer: Yes! It helps remove buildup which stimulates blood circulation and makes the hair strong and healthier.
Does baking soda whiten hair?
Answer: if you use hydrogen peroxide with baking soda it might help you to lighten your hair colour one or two shades.