Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) might be a natural alternative for hair care. Possible benefits include removing excess oil and buildup, softening hair, and restoring pH (acid/base balance). However, this method comes with disadvantages, including the risk of hair damage over time.
What is referred to as the “no poo” (short for “no shampoo”) method has popularized using baking soda for hair. This hair fad replaces commercial shampoos with baking soda and other homemade products. The no poo method includes other natural options for shampooing hair, including apple cider vinegar.
Learn what the research says about using baking soda in your hair care routine, including possible benefits, risks, and other ways to achieve your goals.
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Baking soda is a common household product that goes by different names, including sodium bicarbonate, bicarbonate of soda, and sodium hydrogen carbonate. The chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3.
Baking soda is composed of sodium and bicarbonate ions. It is known for its alkalizing effects at a pH of 9.
Sodium bicarbonate’s history begins about 4 million years ago when salt lakes evaporated and formed trona rock deposits. Trona is the rock that is processed into soda ash (baking soda).
The state of Wyoming has the world’s largest deposit of trona, producing over 17.4 tons of trona and employing 2,225 people in 2018.
Dissolving baking soda in water for use on the hair might offer some hair and scalp benefits.
Such benefits may include:
A Word From Verywell
Be aware that baking soda may cause scalp irritation. If the scalp becomes irritated, it is best to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to nourish the scalp and minimize redness, dryness, and flaking.
Baking soda might help to break down oils and dirt that accumulate on the hair and scalp. Hair can be restored to its natural shine and luster when product buildup is cleared from the scalp.
While a baking soda solution may clean the scalp, it should be used in moderation to avoid scalp irritation and other skin problems. Too much solution could strip natural oils from the hair and scalp.
The crystalline consistency of baking soda allows it to act as an exfoliant to remove dry skin from the scalp. Its alkalinity also allows it to clarify the scalp without lather and suds.
Baking soda may also help soothe inflamed, dry skin to reduce skin irritation and itching. It is typically used to treat skin irritations related to plant rashes, so it may help reduce itch related to dry scalp.
While baking soda might help clarify the scalp, there has been no evidence to date suggesting that it stimulates hair growth. If anything, it may actually lead to hair breakage and other damage and irritate the scalp if used too often.
Most scalps have a pH level of 5.5, while hair shafts have an average pH level of the hair shaft is around 3.67. These are both in the acidic range. When the pH balance of the scalp is interrupted, it can lead to hair and scalp problems, including dandruff, itch, and dryness.
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes skin on your scalp to flake. It is usually related to rapid skin cell turnover.
While the research is lacking, there have been reports that baking soda’s alkaline properties may neutralize the scalp and restore pH levels.
Research suggests that hair products with a high pH might actually damage hair, leading to breakage, frizz, and scalp irritation. Baking soda may not have a pH as high as many commercial hair products, but its pH is still high at 9.
Some websites on the no poo method suggest using a baking soda solution with diluted apple cider vinegar to restore the scalp’s pH level. No evidence suggests that this method can restore hair pH.
Apple cider vinegar has a pH level of 2 to 3, which is much lower than the scalp’s natural level. That means that while it may not cause harm, it will likely not improve pH levels in the hair and scalp.
One thing that apple cider vinegar might help with is treating dandruff related to a fungal cause. Apple cider vinegar is an antifungal and can work as a natural sanitizer to inhibit fungi growth. However, excessive use may lead to dryness and more dandruff.
Baking soda is an abrasive. A baking soda manufacturer, Arm & Hammer, says it can lighten and fade dyed hair when mixed with regular shampoo. It can be a natural remedy for removing semipermanent hair dye. It may take a few washes to achieve the desired effect.
There are claims that baking soda’s alkaline properties may help neutralize pH levels in the scalp, reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi. However, there is no evidence to back up such claims.
Dry shampoo is a haircare product that absorbs dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp and hair without actually washing it. It is applied to dry hair to freshen it when you are not able to wash it.
But all shampoos, including dry shampoos, contain synthetic ingredients like sodium benzoate, parabens, and alcohol. Baking soda does not contain any of these harsh ingredients.
It might be an alternative that allows hair to look less greasy or oily. You can even rub baking soda into your hair’s roots between washes for an odor-neutralizing treatment.
Much of the evidence used to support the benefits of baking soda for hair is anecdotal (based on personal accounts and not hard evidence). However, it is possible that baking soda can produce some of the benefits claimed.
For example, products (natural and chemical) with higher pH levels have been found to be effective at removing product buildup and drying out the scalp. However, long-term use of any high-pH product can cause hair to lose natural oils and cause skin irritation.
Some people find that washing hair with baking soda offers good results. For others, the risks can outweigh the benefits.
Risks associated with using baking soda in the hair may include:
You may consider using baking soda as a natural alternative to commercial shampoos.
To make a baking soda hair solution, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. Apply the mixture to wet hair and massage into the hair and scalp. Rinse out thoroughly with water.
Arm & Hammer suggests mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of shampoo and using this mixture to shampoo your hair.
You might consider adding an essential oil to your baking soda solution, such as:
While baking soda can be a natural alternative to commercial shampoos for your hair care, it may not be a suitable option for everyone, especially for people with dry hair or a sensitive scalp.
Some alternatives to consider include:
Baking soda as part of your hair care routine might allow you to replace commercial shampoos. People report that baking soda dissolved in water can remove excess oil and buildup in hair, restore pH levels, treat dryness and dandruff, and lighten dyed hair.
However, the research does not support baking soda as a replacement for shampooing your hair. And research shows that using baking soda in your hair might actually cause more harm than good. It may lead to additional dryness, breakage, and irritation.
Many other products and ingredients might be better for your hair. These include clarifying and natural shampoos, conditioners, and natural oils.
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