Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has long been a staple in the kitchen and an essential ingredient in countless cleaning hacks. However, its benefits extend far beyond baking and cleaning surfaces. In recent years, baking soda has become a popular ingredient in DIY hair care, especially when it comes to cleansing and restoring balance to the scalp and hair. Baking soda shampoo, in particular, has gained popularity for its unique abilities to improve hair texture and health. Here are two surprising and lesser-known uses of baking soda shampoo that can transform your hair care routine.
1. Deep-Cleanse for Product Buildup and Oil Control
One of the most powerful uses of baking soda shampoo is its ability to deep-cleanse the hair and remove product buildup. Modern hair care routines often involve a range of products like shampoos, conditioners, serums, hairsprays, and oils. While these products can enhance hair’s look and feel, they also leave residue that builds up over time, causing hair to appear dull, weighed down, and greasy. This buildup can be challenging to remove with regular shampoo alone, especially if you use products containing silicones or heavy oils.
Baking soda acts as a natural clarifier, breaking down the buildup and restoring hair’s natural shine. Because of its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda helps exfoliate the scalp gently, removing impurities and excess oils. Here’s how to use baking soda shampoo for deep-cleaning:
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water. Adjust the amount based on your hair length.
- Step 2: Apply the mixture to your damp scalp and massage gently for a few minutes. Focus on areas where you feel product buildup or oiliness.
- Step 3: Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. You can follow up with a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse (one part vinegar to four parts water) to balance the pH of your scalp.
- Step 4: Rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and prevent any roughness.
By using baking soda shampoo once every few weeks, you can keep your scalp clean and prevent excessive oiliness without stripping away the natural oils that your hair needs. This deep-cleaning treatment leaves hair feeling light, soft, and refreshed.
2. Enhancing Volume and Texture
open next page to continue reading…
