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Hair Care requires a lot of intentional care, possibly a routine. And as though that’s not some work, dandruff often comes on to make the hair growth journey tougher than it should be. Dandruff gives much concern, from its consistent embarrassing itchiness to its hindrance to hair growth.
If you have found yourself in this embarrassing situation, there may be a solution. Something on your kitchen shelf, something cheap and ever readily available. The Baking soda! Baking soda has proven effective in the treatment of dandruff as well as the improvement of hair growth. This article explores the processes for use, the benefits, preventive measures, and side effects.
Dandruff
When you comb your hair and see flaky droppings, that’s dandruff. Dandruff affects the scalp, causing the skin on the scalp to flake (1). The flaking may result in itchiness, the most embarrassing sort of itchiness that makes you scratch your scalp even in public. Dandruff also results in scalp damage and hair loss (2).
Possible causes of dandruff
You may be prone to dandruff breakouts if you
- Have dry skin that extends to your scalp
- Do not shampoo your hair enough
- Have a sensitive scalp
- If you have skin conditions
Baking soda has been expressed as been a safe, easy to use, and economical solution for the care of dandruff as well as hair growth.
Baking Soda
If you attended chemistry classes, then you learned about baking soda, but probably in its chemical term “Sodium Bicarbonate.” However, if you didn’t, here is a general overview. Sodium bicarbonate is salt and exists in a white solid crystalline state (3). It is crushed into a fine powder for practical purposes and exists primarily in that state, in our shops and counters (4). This substance is known as sodium bicarbonate in the chemical lab and baking soda in the kitchen and can be used for various purposes.
Its numerous beneficial properties may be traced to its pH level. pH means the power or potential of hydrogen. Hydrogen possesses the power to make something acidic or basic(alkaline). Baking soda is a basic(alkaline) substance in its free state and is salty to taste.
Also Read – Baking Soda – The Best Natural Way To Remove Color From Your Hair
How does Baking soda work?
Baking soda has antifungal properties. When used on the scalp, its alkaline pH level balances the pH level of your scalp. It does this by absorbing the excessive sebum on the scalp, an action that prevents dandruff build-up and flaking.
Benefits of using Baking soda on Hair
- Baking soda is a cleanser. It cleans the scalp of grease, product buildup, dirt, dust, and oil that may result in dandruff. It doesn’t matter how intense the hair care product on your hair has accumulated; baking soda cleanses the hair thoroughly. This leaves your hair clean, shiny, and soft.
- Baking soda treats fungal infections. Fungi cause dandruff, and baking soda is anti-fungal.
- It absorbs excess oil without resulting in flakiness. Baking soda has oil-absorbing properties and may absorb excessive sebum on the hair scalp; it may also reduce excessive oil production. It does this effectively without ripping the scalp of its natural oil.
- It may help in the growth of healthy hair. Baking soda makes the roots and shafts of hair stronger, thereby stimulating the growth of each strand significantly.
- Baking soda balances the ph of the scalp. This may reduce scalp itchiness and dandruff.
- Baking soda is a natural disinfectant; it may destroy infection-causing bacteria or fungus
7 ways to use baking soda for dandruff and hair growth
Adding baking soda to your hair routine promises to bring improvements. Baking soda may be used alone or alongside other products, mixed into a fine blend to be used as a hair mask. This hair mask may be applied to the scalp twice weekly until complete treatment.
1. Apply directly on your scalp
Baking soda can be applied directly to the scalp. However, this process is not recommended if you have a sensitive scalp, as it could come on strongly on your scalp and damage hair roots.
Also Read – Dark Underarms? Whiten Them Naturally With Baking Soda
How to use:
- As a dry rub – Here, you will wet your hair generously, then, using your fingers, apply baking powder to the scalp. Massage gently to the scalp. Rinse out with cold water.
- As a spray – Dissolve one part of baking soda into three-part plain clean water. Ensure it is well mixed. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray generously to the scalp. Make sure to shake before each use. Let it stay in for 4 to 5 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.
- As a hair mask/paste – Dissolve three tablespoons of baking soda into a cup of water. Stir gently until you get a lump-free fine blend. Apply the paste directly to the hair scalp, massaging gently with your fingers for 3 to 4 minutes. Wash off with plain cold water.
2. Olive Oil and Baking soda mixture
Olive oil is a sealant. This means it locks in hair moisture and prevents hair dry out. Baking soda tends to dry out hair locks. Hence, a mixture of olive oil and baking soda may effectively combat dandruff while locking hair moisture and preventing hair damage. This mixture may also condition your hair and nourish its growth.
How to use:
- Dissolve two teaspoons of baking powder in water, and stir gently to make a lump-free paste.
- Add two tablespoons of olive oil to this paste and mix in thoroughly.
- For extremely dry hair, you may add an egg yolk to this mixture and blend in properly. It serves to enhance conditioning and improves hair growth.
- Apply this paste generously to your scalp and massage it with your fingertips.
- Leave to sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse out with lukewarm water.
3. Lemon and Baking soda mixture
Lemon has astringent properties that may instantly kill off infectious fungi and bacteria. Lemon can be mixed with baking soda to make an effective paste for dandruff care and hair growth. This mixture will relieve irritation and hair itchiness while absorbing excess oil and sebum, resulting in a flakes-free scalp.
How to use:
- Extract the lemon juice
- Dissolve baking powder in the lemon juice and mix into a fine batter
- Add a little water to the paste for fluidity purposes
- Apply the paste generously to the scalp
- Massage into the scalp for 8 to 9 minutes
- Rinse off with warm water
- Apply a good conditioner
This mixture may cause stings and a burning sensation as an aftereffect. If you experience such an effect, discontinue subsequent use.
4. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda mixture
Baking soda is alkaline. Apple cider vinegar is acidic. A balanced mixture of baking soda and apple cider vinegar results in a paste with neutral ph properties. This paste can balance the scalp ph. It may also control excessive sebum production scalp, inducing hair shine and gloss.
How to use:
- Dissolve baking soda in apple cider vinegar to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the hair scalp
- Massage gently for 2 to 3 minutes
- Rinse out thoroughly with water
- Apply a good conditioner
5. Tea tree oil and baking soda mixture
Tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties and is used in the treatment of fungi. The addition of tea tree oil to baking powder may create the most potent anti-dandruff mixture and yield immediate results on the use.
How to use:
- Dissolve baking soda in a proportional quantity of tea tree oil.
- Mix the substance until a fine batter is made
- Add water to the mixture and beat to the perfect blend.
- Apply the paste generously to the scalp
- Massage gently for 12 to 13 minutes
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Apply a good conditioner
If there is irritation on the sensitive scalp, you may reduce the quantity of oil in your subsequent mixtures to reduce the potency.
6. Coconut oil and baking soda mixture
Coconut oil has good moisturizing properties, which may help protect your hair tenderly and reduce hair protein loss. It is also a natural disinfectant with the ability to facilitate the antifungal ability of baking soda. Baking powder can be mixed with coconut oil to create a paste for improved hair growth and dandruff treatment.
How to use:
- Get virgin coconut oil, baking powder, and natural honey in proportionate quantities.
- Mix all three into a lump-free paste
- Add water to the mixture
- Apply the paste generously to your scalp
- Massage gently for 20 minutes
- Wash off with lukewarm water
Also Read – Recipes To Make Lemon And Baking Soda Mask For A Clean, Flawless Skin
7. Hair shampoo and baking soda mixture
Add baking soda directly into your favorite shampoo. Mix it. Use the mixture to wash your scalp.
Helpful Tips when using baking soda for hair treatment
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your use of baking powder yields expected results without damage to your hair.
- For the use of the apple cider vinegar and baking soda mixture – After use, if the soda effect is high on your scalp, you may have an extra rinse with the vinegar. This rinse will counter the impact of the baking soda and restore your scalp to its normal pH.
- Your hair may seem very dried out during and after the first wash. Do not panic; it is normal with baking soda.
- A few fallen hair may also be present on your towel. However, a lot of fallen hair should be treated with precaution, and the use of baking soda mixture should be discontinued immediately.
- For hair growth and treatment of dandruff, it is most recommended to combine baking soda with other products into a mixture rather than use the baking powder alone. It may be too harsh on the scalp.
- Always wash off your scalp after a few minutes. Leaving baking soda on your scalp for extended times and probably overnight could lead to hair loss.
- Use a conditioner after hair wash for further moisturizing of your hair.
Possible Risks and Side effects
As with benefits also comes side effects, which could be minimal or obvious.
- Extended use of baking soda on the scalp may cause hair tangles, frizz, and breaks.
- Due to the abrasive nature of baking soda, it may be harsh on the hair, especially for sensitive scalp.
- Hair dryness -Baking soda is a great cleansing agent. However, it may also relieve the hair of its natural oils, which are required to keep the scalp healthy. This could result in completely dry hair lacking hair luster and shine. The use of natural conditioners such as coconut oil may help in sealing hair moisture.
- Hair breakage – In its free state, baking soda exists as crystalline salt. Even in its ground state, baking soda shows its abrasive qualities. This may result in hair fiber tears, split ends, and breakage (5).
Scalp irritation – If you have dry skin and a dry scalp, the use of baking soda may irritate your scalp strongly.
Summary
Dandruff is the flaking of the hair scalp, caused by fungi. This fungal growth is increased by the presence of excessive hair sebum, accumulation of oil, dirt, and hair products on the scalp (6) which may result in hair itchiness and poor hair growth. Treatment of these issues may lead to improved hair growth. Baking soda has proven beneficial for hair growth and the treatment of dandruff. It is a salt, existing in its free state as a white, abrasive crystal, salty. Baking soda is highly alkaline in nature, with a pH level of 9, and has strong cleansing properties. The high pH level of baking soda may be too harsh for some scalp, especially dry hair. Extended use of baking soda on the scalp is not recommended, as it may strip the hair of its natural oil necessary for hair care. This could result in damaged hair roots, hair breakage, and split ends. Baking soda is a great natural hair care option, especially if your hair is oily. After the use of baking soda, always follow with the use of a conditioner for efficient moisturizing of the hair scalp.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Would baking soda stop your hair loss?
The use of baking soda would cleanse your hair of dirt, excessive sebum, and dandruff. It may also promote the growth of new hair strands and reduce hair loss.
Can you have baking soda on your hair for an extended time?
Having baking soda on your hair for an extended time could lead to a damaged scalp and various forms of hair damages. Massage the baking soda mask to your scalp for effect, and do not carry on for more than 25 minutes.
Is baking soda good for everyone’s hair?
If baking soda is suitable for your hair, you will have minimal side effects and notice improved hair growth. However, if you have dry hair or an overly sensitive scalp, you may need to discontinue the use of baking soda, as it may lead to hair damage.
References –
- “Seborrheic Dermatitis” -pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Dandruff” -nhs.uk
- “Springwater geochemistry” – sciencedirect.com
- “Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought Of“
- “Is it safe to use baking soda on hair?” – medicalnewstoday.com
- “The role of sebaceous gland activity and scalp microfloral metabolism in the etiology of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff” – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
