Why Baking Soda is actually doing more harm than good to your hair and scalp.
We’ve all seen the posts and the craze that is using baking soda as a shampoo, but what is it really doing to our hair and scalp?
Have you ever felt someones hair after they have been using baking soda for a while? It feels like junk! Like there’s a thick waxy kind of coating to the hair.
So I’m going to break it down to simple science for you. Remember that test you did in school where you mixed solutions of different pH levels and watched how harsh the acidic/alkaline solutions could be when mixed at the wrong levels? Well the same science applies to your hair and scalp. Ideally your scalp and hair is at it’s best condition at a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 (acidic). Professional shampoos and conditioners are balanced to this pH. Baking soda, however, has a pH of 9 (alkaline). So, yes, it may feel like it cleans your hair because it is actually STRIPPING your hair and your scalp, and not in a good way. Over time it slowly strips away the cuticle (outter) layer of your hair and a layer of skin on your scalp which is not ready to be stripped. This can cause weak and fragile hair, an excess production of sebum leading to plugged hair folicles and eventually thinning hair, and dandruff because your scalp is being stripped of all the healthy oils your hair naturally produces. Your hair will start to feel “gummy” over time and lose it’s luster.
Using baking soda in place of normal shampoo is like using a very strong clarifying shampoo every day, it’s very hard on your hair/scalp. Do your hair a favor and invest in a shampoo that is properly pH balanced and suited to your hair texture.
For those who want a natural option, Davines has a 98% natural line that is vegan, cruelty free and friendly to the environment! Ask your stylist about their Naturaltech line today!
Lauren M,
Social Media Leader