Why You Might Want to Add Baking Soda to Your Shampoo

An article published on the medical platform Medical News Today by Dr. Debra Rose Wilson sheds light on using baking soda as a 'natural' conditioner added to existing shampoo. Social media is filled with dozens of testimonials about how using shampoo with a teaspoon of baking soda once a week benefits hair, making it softer and even increasing volume quickly. However, this recommendation comes with several warnings that should be noted.

"First and foremost, it is absolutely prohibited for the shampoo to reach your roots and scalp," explains Dr. Wilson. She notes that there are many people with sensitive scalps that tend to develop sores when using seemingly natural substances like baking soda and vinegar. "Not many people know that baking soda is a powerful ingredient for improving hair quality," Dr. Wilson explains but cautions. "However, there is no scientific backing for this, and you can't predict how you will react to the product."

She says that baking soda helps remove any oil build-up from hair care products that get 'stuck' in the hair. By removing this build-up, the hair remains shiny and soft. "There are also people who rinse their hair with apple cider vinegar after using baking soda as a shampoo. Baking soda has a high pH, and rinsing with vinegar is an attempt to restore the natural acidity balance. You can try this technique once a week, and it is recommended not to use it every day."

"It should also be remembered that hair type varies from person to person, and what works for one may not necessarily benefit another. While too much oil can make hair look unclean, a little oil is needed to maintain scalp health. Using a natural conditioner made from coconut or argan oil can help restore the hair's natural moisture," she concludes.