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From cleaning the kitchen to bringing your hair care solution, the popularity of Baking Soda is increasing day by day. Baking Soda contains only one compound and that is NAHCO3. Baking Soda is a multipurpose and widely used natural ingredient that can be found in almost every home. While it is commonly used for baking and cleaning, it can also be used to treat gray hair. It is also used for skin and hair care. It can be used to restore the natural color of hair and prevent further graying. However, it is also important to understand the risks and benefits of using Baking Soda before trying it out in your hair.
Gray hair can be defined as a loss of pigmentation. This happens both for genetics and natural aging. If there is gray hair in your family genes, there is much possibility for you to get gray hair. Gray hair is different from natural color hair and that’s why it needs special attention whenever it comes to hair care. For taking care of gray hair, there are different methods of hair care solutions using natural and other ingredients.
6 Benefits of Baking Soda for Gray Hair
Baking Soda can be considered a potential remedy for gray hair. It is believed to be a natural alternative to commercial hair care products and can be used to address a variety of hair concerns. For gray hair, this can promote healthy growth and improve the texture of hair. Some of the ways how Baking Soda works for grey hair are given below:
1. Removing Buildup:
Over time, the use of different hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, or other styling products buildup on the hair and scalp. This makes the hair rough and appears dull. Baking Soda can help to remove this buildup by acting as a natural clarifying agent, Specially in gray hair. This can also help to dissolve access oils or other impurities.
2. Improving Hair Texture:
The texture of gray hair is different from normal hair. Baking Soda is believed to have a soothing effect on grey hair. This improves the hair texture of gray hair which makes the hair smoother and more manageable.
3. Promoting Healthy Hair Growth:
While used as a scalp treatment for gray hair, Baking Soda can help to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the scalp. This promotes a healthier scalp environment for hair growth. Baking Soda can also help to balance the PH level of the scalp which can prevent other hair issues.
4. Gentle on Hair:
Baking Soda is a natural ingredient that is gentle on hair. As a result, this works best in gray hair. Unlike other hair care products, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can cause hair damage over time. This makes it the best option for those with gray hair and sensitive hair skin.
5. Volume Increasing:
Baking Soda is a basic compound that has a high PH level which makes it effective in increasing the volume of the hair. When Baking Soda is used as a hair treatment, it helps to remove buildup from styling products, oils, and other substances.
6. Returning Shine to hair:
Baking soda is a natural and inexpensive remedy for restoring shine to hair. The cleansing action not only removes impurities but also allows the hair to reflect it and look shiny.
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Step-by-Step Method of Using Baking Soda in Gray Hair
Baking Soda can be used in hair as a natural alternative to traditional shampoo. But it’s important to use it properly to avoid damaging your hair. Baking Soda absorbs water. So before using it make sure you are following the proper method.
Mix Baking Soda with Water:
Initially, mix 1-2 tablespoons of Baking Soda with a glass of water in a small bowl. You can adjust the amount of Baking Soda depending on the length of your hair. You need to clear all the build-up from your hair for which this may work.
Apply the Paste:
Make sure you wet your hair thoroughly before applying this mixture. Pour the Baking Soda mixture on your scalp and massage it gently. Use your fingers to massage the paste into your hair and scalp. Make sure to cover all the areas of your hair. It is generally recommended to leave the Baking Soda Paste on your hair for 5-10 minutes before washing it out with warm water.
Rinse Thoroughly:
In this step, you should rinse your hair with water thoroughly to remove the Baking Soda mixture. Using warm water may bring you a better result.
Using Conditioner:
Baking Soda can be harsh on the hair. So, you should use conditioner after applying Baking Soda to your hair to restore moisture and keep your hair shiny and soft. You may also use Apple Cider Vinegar instead of conditioner as this also helps to reduce frizz and maintain the moisture of your hair and skin.
Rinsing your hair with Apple Cider Vinegar after washing it with Baking Soda can bring a great result. Because Apple Cider Vinegar can help to maintain the PH balance of the scalp. Here is a step-by-step guide for using Baking Soda on gray hair.
Disadvantages of Using Baking Soda on Gray Hair
Baking Soda can be a natural hair cleanser for some but this is not suitable for all hair types. It is important to note the cases where Baking Soda causes some damage to its users. Some possible side effects of using Baking Soda on gray hair are as follows-
Absorb moisture:
Using Baking Soda on gray hair can cause dryness, bitterness, and damage. This is because Baking Soda is alkaline and can disrupt the natural PH balance of gray hair. Gray hair tends to be more absorptive than other hair types. As a result, it can absorb more moisture and is more prone to dryness and damage. As a result, using Baking Soda on gray hair may cause more harm than good.
Discoloration of Gray hair:
Using Baking Soda in your regular hair wash routine can cause the yellowing of gray hair over time which can be difficult to reverse.
Scalp Irritation:
Gray hair people with sensitive scalps may experience scalp irritation and inflammation. So, people with dry scalp conditions are recommended not to use Baking Soda in their hair.
Hair loss:
The crystals of Baking Soda can cause abrasions on your scalp if it is massaged with force. Moreover, it can lead to hair loss and breakage of gray hair.
Hair Breakage:
Improper use of Baking Soda on grey hair can weaken them. As it loses hydration and moisture with time, it can damage the hair and can be resulted in hair fall and breakage.
It has a PH of around 9 which help to neutralize the acid. Though it can be good for you should think about its PH level of it which can disrupt the PH balance of your scalp if it is used incorrectly. Although there is limited scientific evidence many people with gray hair have suggested using this for making their hair strong and more manageable.
Baking Soda hair wash does not go with all hair types. If anyone with gray hair faces dryness or irritation, they should stop using this immediately. You should first pay attention to scientific evidence before using this on your hair.
4 Alternatives to Baking Soda for Gray Hair
Using Baking Soda can be harsh sometimes. There are several alternatives to using Baking Soda on gray hair that can be gentler and more effective. Here are a few options:
1. Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera can be beneficial for gray hair in several ways. It can help to nourish gray hair and prevent dryness. This is particularly important for gray hair which can be more prone to dryness. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated scalp which is common in people with gray hair.
Aloe Vera also promotes healthy hair growth, which can apply to people with thin or gray hair. It also contains vitamins and minerals which help to make gray hair shinier and softer.
2. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil can be considered one of the most applicable options to maintain the moisture of gray hair. Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that helps moisture and prevents dryness of gray hair. Coconut oil can help to smooth your hair and create a shiny and healthy-looking appearance. It also contains antioxidants that can help to protect your hair from damage.
3. Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil can be listed as an eco-friendly haircare solution. It can help maintain the oil balance of gray hair. It also helps to repair breakage and soothe the scalp which is a major concern for the gray hair people.
4. Rice Water:
Rice water is the starchy liquid that is left over after soaking or boiling rice. It not only strengthens hair rather it also improves the appearance of your hair. Gray hair can be more prone to damage and dryness; the nutrients in the rice water may help to reduce those effects. While there is limited scientific research on the benefits of rice water for hair, many people consider it a natural remedy for various hair concerns.
FAQs
Yes, you can use Baking Soda with Shampoo, especially for oily hair and scalp. It can help remove dirt, oil, and product buildup.
Foods containing antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables may help to prevent your hair from graying. A good diet plays an integral part here.
There are some natural oils that you can use at home to manage your gray hair naturally. Examples include Coconut oil, Castor Oil, Almond oil, etc.
Foods containing iron can increase the production of melanin in the hair. Foods include legumes, spinach, broccoli, dark chocolate, bananas, fish, tomatoes, lentils, soybeans, nuts, and seeds like peanuts, cashew, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Final Thoughts
Baking Soda can be considered one of the popular home remedies for gray hair. For avoiding harsh and harmful chemicals, Baking Soda can be a good choice for gray hair. However, you should keep in mind that Baking Soda is not that gentle and it can create dryness and other problems for some gray hair people. If you want to take care of your gray hair, there are many other alternatives and safe options available. Some of these include using gentle shampoos and conditioners, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, or some other natural ingredients. Also, Baking Soda is not applicable for all hair types or problems. So, you decide to choose your haircare items such as Baking Soda remembering the fact of your hair and skin type.
Key Points
- Baking Soda is a common household item which is now used as skin care and hair care too. It can also be used for gray hair and its treatment.
- Baking Soda can also help to remove buildup from hair. While using, you should also keep in mind that this can be harsh and can dry gray hair.
- There is no scientific evidence of the benefits of baking soda for gray hair. Rather, it can have bad effects if it doesn’t suit in your hair.
- There are some alternatives of Baking Soda for better results. For example- Aloe Vera, Coconut oil, Jojoba Oil, Rice water etc.
- Remember your hair and skin type before you decide to choose Baking Soda.
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