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What Are the Benefits of Baking Soda Shampoo?

M. Chambers
M. Chambers

There are several benefits of using a baking soda shampoo instead of a traditional shampoo, and many will find that their hair becomes softer, cleaner, and more manageable after using baking soda. Unlike regular shampoo, baking soda is all-natural and gentle on the hair and scalp. It will not strip that hair of natural oils like harsh shampoos do, but will leave the hair clean and healthy. In addition, baking soda shampoos are inexpensive and more-effective than regular store-bought shampoos. Typical shampoos can also be very drying to the scalp, but baking soda will cleanse the area without drying the skin and causing irritation.

Commercial shampoos are often made with harsh chemicals that some may find to be unappealing or irritating. In addition, shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate can dry the scalp and hair out and may leave the hair looking dull and lifeless. Baking soda, however, is completely natural and contains no additional chemicals. For those who have a sensitive scalp, the use of a gentle baking soda shampoo can significantly reduce irritation and itchiness. Baking soda also does not contain any added artificial fragrance, which is appealing to those who want a mild shampoo that doesn't leave a heavy, cloying scent behind.

Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

Traditional detergents can dry the hair out, mainly due to the fact that the majority of them contain sudsing agents. Often times, regular shampoo will completely strip the scalp of natural oils, which will result in dry, parched hair that is unmanageable. Baking soda shampoo does not contain sudsing agents or other drying components, and will gently cleanse the hair without stripping all of the oils. Regular use should result in hair that is healthy, shiny, and clean.

Using baking soda shampoo can significantly reduce irritation and itchiness.
Using baking soda shampoo can significantly reduce irritation and itchiness.

Another benefit of using a baking soda shampoo is that it costs significantly less than traditional shampoo. A large container of baking soda usually costs a fraction of the price of a bottle of shampoo. Most who use the baking soda also add water to it, which will make it last longer. Only a small amount of baking soda is needed to cleanse the scalp, and the shampooer isn't paying for the fancy packaging and labeling associated with regular shampoos.

Baking soda is completely natural and contains no additional chemicals.
Baking soda is completely natural and contains no additional chemicals.

Baking soda shampoo is also more environmentally-friendly than commercial detergents. Materials go to waste when shampoo bottles are thrown away, but the use of a baking soda shampoo will cut back on waste significantly. The ingredients in the baking soda are also non-toxic and are good for both your hair and the environment.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

@literally45-- You should try adding some apple cider vinegar to your baking soda shampoo. That's usually what is recommended for people with oily hair.

I love baking soda shampoo. It's basic, it works, it's cheap, what else can I want?

I also use homemade baking soda dog shampoo for my dogs. I use the same recipe and add a few drops of tea tree oil in it to treat fungi and also to deter fleas and bugs. It works great! It's gentle and doesn't harm their skin.

literally45

@alisha-- Yes, you do need to make it yourself. It's as simple as mixing baking soda with water. Of course, it doesn't look like a shampoo. It's more like a paste.

I actually didn't get very good results with baking soda shampoo because I have really long hair and an oily scalp. It definitely didn't damage my hair and I'm sure it helped it grow in that time period. But my hair also felt very oily to me. It was hard to use for long hair too.

I have been making a baking soda dry shampoo though and that has been working great! I just spray it on and brush through when I don't have time to wash my hair. It works great in between shampooing.

discographer

Wow, I would have never thought of using baking soda to clean my hair. In fact, when I saw the title of the article, I thought to myself, "what benefits could there be?!" Baking soda seems like something that would be harsh on the scalp. I usually use baking soda for cleaning, so I'm surprised to know that it's actually gentle enough for hair.

How does the baking soda clean the hair without stripping away the oil on the scalp? Will my scalp feel as clean as it does after using a regular shampoo?

Also, where do I find baking soda shampoo? Do I have to make it myself?

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    • Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
      Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
    • Using baking soda shampoo can significantly reduce irritation and itchiness.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Using baking soda shampoo can significantly reduce irritation and itchiness.
    • Baking soda is completely natural and contains no additional chemicals.
      By: Vidady
      Baking soda is completely natural and contains no additional chemicals.
    • Most who use baking soda as a shampoo also add water to make it last longer.
      By: Africa Studio
      Most who use baking soda as a shampoo also add water to make it last longer.
    • Regular use of baking soda shampoo should result in healthy, shiny hair.
      By: edwardderule
      Regular use of baking soda shampoo should result in healthy, shiny hair.
    • Most commercially produced shampoos are made with harsh chemicals.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Most commercially produced shampoos are made with harsh chemicals.
    • Typical shampoos can be very drying to the scalp while baking soda is much less likely to cause irritation.
      By: diego cervo
      Typical shampoos can be very drying to the scalp while baking soda is much less likely to cause irritation.