Dandruff- The problem might sound simple, but its effects are terrible! Dandruff can ruin your scalp, damage your hair and can cause you serious embarrassment. It makes you want to scratch your scalp till it bleeds and oh, the white flakes falling all over your new shirt! Gross! However, all is not lost! Experts opine that using baking Soda for dandruff is one of the most effective treatments for this problem. It is safe, economical and easy to use.
So, let’s get the ball rolling and understand how you can remove dandruff with Baking Soda, along with its benefits.
Benefits of Baking Soda For Hair Dandruff:
Baking Soda is a common ingredient found in most kitchens. Apart from its usage in baking cookies and cakes, Baking Soda is also known for cosmetic and medicinal properties. Here are some of the best advantages of using baking soda for dandruff treatment:
- Baking Soda is a natural disinfectant. It fights infection-causing bacteria and fungus.
- It can clean your scalp of excess sebum and grease that lead to dandruff.
- Baking Soda has antiseptic properties to clear scalp infections.
- It can balance the pH levels of your scalp.
- Baking Soda also removes any product buildups, dead skin and flakes.
How to Use Baking Soda For Dandruff?
The common method to use baking soda for dandruff is to rub it directly on the scalp. However, it can be quite strong on sensitive scalps and even damage your roots. The best way to use this ingredient is to combine it with other natural agents like olive oil or ACV for effective results. Depending on the severity of dandruff, you can choose from one of the following methods:
1. Olive Oil and Baking Soda:
Baking Soda is an effective anti-dandruff agent. However, it has a tendency to dry out hair and cause frizz. To deal with this problem, a few drops of Olive oil are added to the Baking soda paste. Olive oil seals in the moisture and protects your strands from external damage. It also conditions your hair and nourishes it.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons.
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.
- Water – To form a paste.
Preparation Method:
- Make a paste out of Baking Soda and water.
- Add Olive oil to this paste.
- Time To Prepare: 5 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on the affected scalp.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often Should I do this? Twice a week.
Precautions: If you have extremely dry hair, you can add the egg yolk to this pack for better conditioning.
2. Lemon and Baking Soda for Dandruff:
Another sure shot method of using Baking Soda for dandruff is to add it with lemon. Lemon is a natural astringent which can instantly kill the infecting fungus. The paste absorbs excess oil and sebum and makes your scalp free from white flakes. It can offer relief from severe irritation and itching caused due to dandruff.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp.
- Baking Soda – 1.5 tbsp.
Preparation Method:
- Add lemon juice to baking soda to form a paste.
- You can add little water for easy application.
- Time To Prepare: 5 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on the affected scalp.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often Should I do This? Once or Twice a week.
Precautions: This pack can cause stings and burning sensation on bruised and sensitive scalps. If you experience severe irritation, do not try this again.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda:
Apple Cider Vinegar is known for its pH balancing properties. Being an acidic agent, it neutralizes the alkalinity of Baking Soda. By mixing both the ingredients, this paste can control the production of excess sebum and fighting fungal infections at the same time. ACV also imparts a natural shine and gloss to your hair.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2-3 tbsp.
Preparation Method:
- Make a paste out of Baking Soda and ACV.
Time To Prepare: 2 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on your scalp.
- Massage for 2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
How Often Should I do This? Once or Twice a week.
Precautions: This pack can dry out your hair. Make sure to follow the procedure with a good conditioner.
4. Coconut Oil and Baking Soda for Dandruff:
Another safe and effective way to use Baking Soda as Dandruff remedy is to mix it with coconut oil. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil can protect your hair from the harshness of Baking Soda. Also, coconut oil is a natural disinfectant and can enhance the anti-fungal properties of Baking Soda. By adding a little honey to this mixture, you can enjoy dandruff free, smooth hair.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons.
- Coconut Oil – 1tbsp.
- Honey – 1tbsp.
Preparation Method:
- Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
- Add little water for easy application.
Time To Prepare: 2 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Use this mixture as a hair mask.
- Spread it evenly on your scalp.
- Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Use Virgin coconut oil and raw, natural honey for better results.
5. Baking Soda and Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-microbial agent, which can fight even the most stubborn fungus. By adding this to baking soda, the anti-dandruff properties increase bifold to experience instant results. It also cleanses your scalp and makes it free from oil, grease, dead cells and yeast.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons.
- Tea Tree Oil – 10 to 12 drops.
- Water – ½ Cup.
Preparation Method:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Time To Prepare: 2 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on the scalp.
- Leave it for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: This method can be a little strong on sensitive scalps. You can reduce the percentage of oil in the mixture to lower the potency.
Additional Tips To Use Baking Soda For Dandruff:
Before you try these methods, it is recommended to go through these tips and suggestions to ensure zero damage to your hair:
- Baking Soda can severely dry out your hair during the first wash. This is expected and is normal.
- You may also notice a few loose strands on your towel due to baking soda.
- However, if you notice an abnormally high amount of fallen hair, you must treat it as a caution.
- Using baking soda directly on the scalp can damage your roots. It is best to combine it with other agents.
- Never leave baking soda on your hair overnight. It can cause permanent damage to your scalp.
- Using a creamy conditioner after these masks can restore the moisture in your hair.
Dandruff is one of the most common problems faced by many people. Although there are plenty of over-the-counter medicines to treat this problem, it is better to try home remedies first. The side effects of medicated products outweigh their benefits due to the harsh chemicals in them. Using Baking Soda for dandruff is definitely a proven remedy, which is sure to give you results. Slowly, but surely!
Do let us know which method has worked for you in the comments section!
