What advantages does sodium bicarbonate have for hair? Are there any possible side effects from using it on hair? And what is the correct way to use it? This article contains the solution.
There are many benefits and uses of sodium bicarbonate , but what exactly are the benefits of sodium bicarbonate for hair? Read on because this article has been especially written to give you an appropriate response and other crucial details:
Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate for Hair: Does It Really Exist?
There is still a need to conduct more studies to prove the benefits of sodium bicarbonate for hair, and here are some of the potential benefits as follows:
1. Maintain a healthy scalp pH level
When sodium bicarbonate and apple cider vinegar are combined, the pH of the scalp may be balanced, which may help treat a variety of issues, including dandruff, dry hair, and irritation of the scalp.
2. Dispose of surplus oils and unused hair care products.
One of the most significant advantages of sodium bicarbonate for hair is that it may help remove extra oils and product residues, leaving hair shiny, clear, and smoother.
3. Eliminating dead skin from the scalp.
Sodium bicarbonate exfoliates the scalp, which may aid in removing dead skin.
How to get the benefits of sodium bicarbonate for hair
The most straightforward way to use sodium bicarbonate for hair is by following the steps below. After highlighting the salient potential advantages of sodium bicarbonate for hair, it is helpful to discuss how to use it for hair. However, it must be noted that it should not be used on a daily basis to prevent potential damage.
- Mix sodium bicarbonate with an appropriate amount of water until you have a cohesive dough.
- Apply the paste on the scalp and distribute it along the length of the hair after wetting it.
- Leave the paste on the hair for 1-3 minutes, then wash it well with water.
Side effects of using sodium bicarbonate for hair
Now that you are aware of the advantages of using sodium bicarbonate on your hair, it is necessary to discuss the potential drawbacks. The most significant of these are listed below.
1. Dry hair
Although removing excess oils is one of sodium bicarbonate's most significant advantages for hair, overusing it can cause the natural oils that keep hair moisturised to be drained from the hair, which results in dry hair and a dull appearance.
2. Hair breakage
Crystals of sodium bicarbonate have the potential to rupture hair fibres, resulting in split ends and breakage.
3. Scalp irritation
One of the most significant side effects of using sodium bicarbonate for hair is that it may cause scalp irritation, so it is not advised for use by people with dry skin, scalp problems, or skin conditions like eczema.
4. Weaken the hair
While using sodium bicarbonate causes the hair's cuticle to open, allowing water to enter, doing so will weaken the hair's structural integrity and increase its brittleness and susceptibility to breakage rather than hydrating you further.
Sodium bicarbonate alternatives for hair
Although sodium bicarbonate has some advantages for hair, it should only be used sparingly and for brief periods of time. As a result, we saw that it is helpful to discuss alternatives to sodium bicarbonate for hair, which include the following:
1. Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is the best choice if you want to get rid of extra oils or product residue, but you should avoid using it for extended periods of time to prevent dry hair.
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil works to moisturise the hair shaft and stop hair breakage. It also works as a hair conditioner, and we advise you to use it in moderation to avoid the greasy appearance of the hair.
3. Hair conditioner
The outer layer of the hair is covered by hair conditioner, which adds to the softness of the hair. We advise you to choose a hair conditioner that contains silicone, keratin, or some oils, such as: argan oil or jojoba oil.