Apple cider vinegar, honey, coconut oil and the list goes on...Now, it's baking soda's turn.
What does baking soda do to hair?
As it works in other sectors, baking soda according to hairdressers is used for a deep cleaning of the hair. "Baking soda helps remove excess dirt from the hair, but it doesn't affect the nourishment or shine," hairstylist Steven Picciano tells Real Simple. How exactly does it do it? Baking soda is basically crystals of small ones with sharp edges that can act on the cuticle (outermost layer) of the hair, tearing it apart or dulling its shine.
Baking soda dries out hair, both strands and scalp: "Hair has a natural pH of 4.5-5.5, while the scalp is around 5.5. "Baking soda has a high acidity, around 8, which makes hair drier and more brittle," explains hairdresser Sonna Brado.
Are there any hair types it is good for?
According to experts, no one should use baking soda regularly. The only people who should consider using it occasionally are those with very oily hair. You can make a paste consisting of water and some baking soda and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for just a few minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly and wait for the result.
What should you use instead of baking soda?
Both hairdressers Brado and Picciano say that if you're thinking of using baking soda to deep clean your hair, consider a shampoo with cleansing properties instead.
