Is Baking Soda Good For Your Hair? Risks, Benefits and Safest Alternatives (3 of 3)

Potential Benefits of Baking Soda Hair Cleansing

When used safely and occasionally, baking soda can offer a few great, short term benefits.

Product Build Up Removal:

Heavy creams used for styling, hairsprays, dry shampoo, and gels can accumulate on hair and the scalp over time. Baking soda can help remove this residue and help hair feel cleaner and lighter.

Reduces Oily Hair Problems:

If your scalp is on the oily side more times than not, baking soda is a great tool to use. It can quickly absorb excess oil for a temporary time, and provide a refreshed, clean feeling. But overusing this produce can actually make your hair condition worse as it can encourage your hair to make your oil to overcompensate for the dryness.

Clarifies Prior to Treatments:

Some people like to use baking soda before any deep conditioning or hair coloring so they can properly remove buildup that could interfere with the effectiveness of the hair treatment or product absorption. Even still, many stylists will recommend that you use a clarifying shampoo as opposed to baking soda because it is more specifically designed to cleanse hair without potentially disrupting your hair’s natural balance.

How to Safely Use Baking Soda

If you want to try baking soda for hair treatments, the key is moderation. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a thin paste, and then gently massage your scalp with the mixture instead of aggressively scrubbing your hair lengths.

The next step would be to rinse your hair thoroughly and follow that up with moisturizing conditioner to help restore any lost moisture. Avoid using this method too frequently. Occasional use is less likely to cause dryness if you don’t make it a regular part of your hair care routine.