Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Annamarya Scaccia — Updated on July 9, 2018
What are the benefits of using baking soda on your hair?
Popularized by the “no poo” method, the baking soda hair fad is meant to replace commercial shampoos. People report that baking soda, dissolved in water, can remove excess oil and buildup, soften your hair, and restore shine. But the method is not foolproof — some people have reported severe damage to their hair over time.
Read on to learn what research says about this treatment and if you should use it.
What the research says
There is no evidence that baking soda can soften your hair or restore shine. There’s more research to support baking soda as a risk for hair damage and skin irritation.
The average scalp has a pH level of 5.5, and the hair shaft has a pH level of 3.67. Maintaining this balance helps with hair health, but baking soda has a pH level of 9.
Research shows that products with a high pH level can increase:
- cuticle damage
- hair breakage
- frizz
- irritation
Your skin also has a pH level around 5.5. One study found that an alkaline soap (pH 9.5) significantly decreased the skin’s fat content and irritated the protective layer of the skin.
Evidence to support the benefits of baking soda is mostly self-reported. It’s possible for baking soda to produce benefits at first. Ingredients with a high pH are effective at removing buildup and drying out the scalp, but long-term use can also strip your hair of its natural oils and irritate the scalp.
