Is baking soda good for your hair?

Baking soda, dissolved in water, can be effective at removing excess oil and buildup from hair as part of the "no poo" method, which is a shampoo alternative. However, its use for hair care has significant risks and is not universally recommended. Baking soda has a high pH level (9), which is much higher than the pH of a healthy scalp (around 5.5). Continued use can lead to dryness, hair breakage, frizz, irritation, and damage, especially for those with dry, brittle, or chemically treated hair.

While anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda can produce short-term benefits, such as softness and a squeaky-clean feeling, research does not support baking soda as a long-term shampoo replacement due to the potential for lasting damage to hair and the scalp.

It's essential to consider whether baking soda is suitable for your hair's specific needs and to choose hair care products based on hair type and overall health. For those interested in more natural hair care, there are other alternatives that can be considered. In general, while baking soda can be used occasionally as a clarifying treatment, it should be approached with caution and ideally followed by a conditioning step to prevent dryness and damage.