Cleansing the hair with Baking Soda

Written by Samara on January 10, 2010

NOTE: I no longer support this method to cleanse your hair. Baking Soda has a pH of 8-9, even when diluted in water which is too alkaline for natural hair! Read more here…

If you have decided to stop using shampoo, your hair will still need to cleansed and clarified every once in a while. Co-washing the hair, even with conditioner that does not contain silicones, mineral oil, beeswax, etc., will eventually cause buildup on your scalp and hair if you don’t clarify your hair at all. My suggestion is to clarify your hair every 4-6 weeks with either sulfate free shampoo or by cleansing the hair with baking soda. I usually mark the 1st of the month on my calendar as a reminder to clarify my hair.

This method can be used on both natural and relaxed hair. Co-washing the hair is beneficial for both types of hair and clarifying the hair without the use of harsh clarifying shampoo’s is better for your hair’s health as well as your pockets. While the average bottle of shampoo is about $5, you can purchase a box of baking soda for as little as $1.

Baking Soda Clarifier Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp baking soda

Mix the above ingredients in a cup or small bowl until the baking soda is dissolved. Do not use more baking soda than suggested because using too much baking soda will cause your hair to become very dry and brittle. A rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of warm water per tablespoon of baking soda. Once you have this mixed thoroughly, rinse your hair completely with water. Next, pour the baking soda mixture on the hair paying close attention to the scalp. Make sure it runs on your scalp and use your finger tips to massage your scalp releasing any buildup. For intense buildup try the Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub along with this clarifier. Next work the mixture down to the ends of your hair by smoothing it down with your finger tips. For longer hair, double or triple this mixture.  Rinse your hair throughly and follow up with your deep conditioner.

Credits: Photo from 1greengeneration.elementsintime.com

Related Articles

• Why I don’t like baking soda for my natural hair anymore
• Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub
• 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo – Giovanni