What Does Baking Soda Do for Gray Hair?

As we age, our hair starts to lose its natural color and turns gray.

Some people embrace their gray hair as a symbol of wisdom and experience, while others prefer to keep their youthful appearance by coloring their hair.

However, coloring your hair can be expensive, time-consuming, and damaging to your hair.

That’s why some people turn to natural remedies, such as baking soda, to enhance their gray hair. But does baking soda do anything for gray hair? Let’s find out.

What Is Baking Soda?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used in baking as a leavening agent.

It can also be used as a natural cleaning agent, deodorizer, and toothpaste.

Baking soda is alkaline in nature, which means it has a pH level greater than 7.

This makes it effective in neutralizing acidic substances and removing dirt and grease.

Does Baking Soda Do Anything for Gray Hair?

While baking soda is known for its many uses, its effects on gray hair are not well-researched.

However, some people claim that baking soda can enhance the appearance of gray hair by making it brighter and shinier.

Here are some ways that baking soda may benefit gray hair:

Cleanses the scalp

Baking soda has cleansing properties that can remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp. This can help to unclog hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

Removes yellow tones

Gray hair can sometimes develop a yellowish tint due to exposure to environmental pollutants, UV rays, and hair products. Baking soda may help to remove these yellow tones and restore the natural silver color of gray hair.

Adds shine

Baking soda can help to smooth the hair cuticle and increase its reflectivity. This can make gray hair appear shinier and healthier.

Improves hair texture

Baking soda can also help to soften and smooth the hair, making it easier to manage and style.

How to Use Baking Soda for Gray Hair

If you want to try using baking soda to enhance your gray hair, here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Mix baking soda with water: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. The consistency should be similar to that of a thin shampoo.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair: Wet your hair and apply the baking soda paste to your scalp and hair, focusing on the gray areas. Massage the mixture into your hair for a few minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove all the baking soda. You can follow up with a conditioner if you feel that your hair is too dry.
4. Repeat once a week: You can use baking soda on your hair once a week to maintain its brightness and shine.

Precautions

While baking soda is generally safe to use on hair, it’s important to take some precautions to avoid damaging your hair or scalp:

1. Don’t use too much baking soda: Using too much baking soda can dry out your hair and scalp, causing irritation and flakiness.
2. Don’t leave it on for too long: Leaving baking soda on your hair for too long can cause damage to the hair cuticle, making your hair brittle and prone to breakage.
3. Don’t use baking soda on colored hair: If you have colored hair, using baking soda can strip away the color and leave your hair looking brassy or orange.

Conclusion

Baking soda may have some benefits for gray hair, including cleansing the scalp, removing yellow tones, adding shine, and improving hair texture.

However, it’s important to use it with caution and to avoid overusing it to prevent damaging your hair or scalp.

If you’re considering using baking soda for gray hair, consult with a hairstylist or healthcare professional to determine if it’s right for you.