There are a number of popular home remedies for hair and most of them work quite effectively. At the same time, there are also a number of unconventional solutions which are slowly and surely gaining in popularity and have the potential of transforming your hair. Most people make the mistake of assuming that anything natural will be good for their health, but this might not always be the case. However, judicious use of certain ingredients with expert supervision could help bring about the desired results.
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is one of the suggested solutions for hair problems. It can be used as a single ingredient or in combination with others to provide relief from various hair ailments. Let us find out more about the benefits of baking soda for hair.
While research does not seem to suggest that baking soda can enhance the shine of your hair or add to its softness there is a possibility that it could damage the hair or lead to skin irritation. The solution, if at all, might be to use baking soda for a shorter duration to remove any sort of build-up on your scalp but to avoid using it over a longer period as you could end up stripping your scalp of its natural oils and causing dryness. The high pH levels of baking soda which are higher than the pH concentration of our hair could lead to harmful effects on your hair over time. The small crystals of baking soda might cause injuries to your scalp if rubbed forcefully. There is a possibility that your hair fibers might break and cause hair loss.
On the positive side, baking soda is an excellent exfoliant and can be very useful in removing dead cells from the scalp. It also helps reset your pH levels, to restore the natural pH balance of the scalp and reduce dandruff. However, one should not make the mistake of assuming that baking soda could assist in hair growth. The advantage is that baking soda can be used for most hair types but the trick is to use it as judiciously as possible with proper supervision. Baking soda is an extremely cost-effective treatment option for cleaning and maintaining your hair.
How To Use Baking Soda
Baking soda should not be used daily but utilized as a remedy for an oily scalp or to exfoliate your hair. Mix it with water to form a paste. You can then put it on your scalp along the length of your hair and let it stay for 1-3 minutes before you wash it off. One of the things you should do is rinse the baking soda out of your hair with apple cider vinegar.
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 4 tablespoons of water and make a paste of medium consistency. Add a few drops of essential oil to provide a good scent to the mix. Apply the baking soda paste to your hair, beginning from the roots and working your way toward the ends. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Again, do remember to use apple cider vinegar instead of your regular conditioner. This technique is essentially recommended for those who have oily hair; people who have dry hair will only need to use a creamier conditioner for moisturization after the baking soda has been rinsed out.
Another very effective remedy is a mix of coconut oil and baking soda; coconut oil has excellent conditioning properties and is capable of penetrating the hair shaft to reduce protein loss. The combination of coconut oil and baking soda reduces dryness and removes dandruff. Add a tablespoon each of honey and coconut oil to 1 teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Let this paste stay on your hair and scalp for half an hour before rinsing it off with cold water.
Baking soda can also be used with ginger as a very potent form of treatment for fungal infections.
Benefits Of Using Baking Soda On Hair
Use baking soda for hair wash as it does not contain any parabens or artificial fragrances and is as natural as can be. As long as you do not use it as a daily shampoo and use it sparingly you will be fine. Baking soda helps remove excess oils and the remains of hair care products from the scalp to keep it shiny and soft. It is also a good option for shampoos containing harmful artificial colours, silicones, and parabens. The residue from oil and its products mixes with the sweat on the scalp to create a bad odour and baking soda is a very potent solution for removing the bad odour from your hair.
Baking soda surprisingly might be effective for fine hair as it could help give it volume and also be effective in helping keep the hair in place. If your hair is limp baking soda will assist in making it coarser which might be the perfect texture to create more hairstyles. On the other hand, it is not useful for curly locks as people with such hair types have weak hair and are extremely prone to hair fall. Any attempt to change the structure of your dry hair results in hair fall.
Baking soda is also very effective as a hair colour scrub if you are looking to change the colour of your hair. It will help open up the hair cuticle to get to the section where the hair colours are stored.
Another remedy which is suggested for shiny hair is the unique combination of baking soda and beetroot. Apply a paste made out of 1 part baking soda to 4 parts of water to your hair and scalp. After 2 minutes add freshly made beetroot juice to your scalp. Let it stay for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.
Side Effects Of Using Baking Soda For Hair
Baking soda is a strong & natural cleansing agent but its harshness could lead to a number of adverse effects on your scalp and hair. Do not use it if your hair is already dry or you risk injury to your tresses. Those with scalp issues such as eczema or psoriasis should avoid using it altogether. Its regular or continuous use could dehydrate your hair and make it weak and lead to breakage later.
If you have coloured your hair baking soda is an absolute no as it enters your cuticles to strip away the colours. If you experience irritation, you should stop further use immediately. Also, avoid keeping baking soda on your hair for a long time as it could have negative effects.
Takeaway
So, is baking soda good for hair? While baking soda is generally for good hair it is more advisable to assess your hair quality before deciding on it as your chosen remedy; and yes, if you intend to use baking soda for hair growth, you will be disappointed. Baking soda could however be a very effective form of treatment for several hair issues. If you are focused on natural remedies then there are simpler and gentler options to enhance the quality of your hair. You can always approach our experts at Traya who will be able to suggest the appropriate treatment after the right tests to diagnose the condition of your hair.
FAQ
Q1 - How To Use Baking Soda For Hair?
You need to add 1 part baking soda to 4 parts of water. Once you have created the right mix apply it from the roots to the ends. Rinse it off with lukewarm water 5 minutes later.
Q2 - How To Use Baking Soda For Hair Dandruff?
Baking soda has effective antifungal properties that are useful in removing fungus-causing dandruff from your scalp. Its exfoliating properties help remove dead cells from the scalp. Add mint juice to 1 teaspoon of baking soda and make a paste. Apply this to your hair and let it stay for half an hour. Wash off with cold water later. You can also add lemon juice to a teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste. Apply this to your hair and scalp and wash it off after 10 minutes. This remedy should ideally be tried two times a week for effective results.
Q3 - Can I Add Baking Soda To My Shampoo?
Since baking is naturally harsh using it with a shampoo might not be recommended as it could dry up your scalp and hair. However, people with excessively oily hair could consider using it to clear up their scalps.
Q4 - How Long Can I Leave Baking Soda On My Hair?
You can keep baking soda on your hair for approximately 20 minutes before washing it off.
