Side Effects of Applying Baking Soda on Hair (Hidden Risks)

Safer Alternatives for Hair Care

Natural Ingredients with Similar Benefits but Fewer Risks

Instead of using baking soda, there are several natural ingredients that offer similar benefits without the potential risks:

• Honey: Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to attract and retain moisture in the hair. It also has antibacterial properties that can help to cleanse the scalp without disrupting its natural pH balance.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It can help to moisturize the hair and scalp, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy hair growth.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that can penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize and strengthen the hair. It helps to prevent protein loss from the hair, making it less prone to damage and breakage.

Proper Hair Care Routines and Gentle Products

In addition to using natural ingredients, adopting a proper hair care routine and using gentle products can help to maintain hair health:

• Use a Mild Shampoo: Opt for sulfate-free and pH-balanced shampoos that are gentle on the hair and scalp. Look for products that are specifically formulated for your hair type and concerns.
• Condition Regularly: Use a conditioner after every wash to replenish moisture and improve manageability. Choose a conditioner that matches your hair type and addresses specific needs, such as hydration, repair, or volume.
• Limit Heat Styling: Reduce the use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, as excessive heat can damage the hair and cause breakage. When using heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
• Protect Your Hair from the Sun: UV rays can damage the hair cuticle and cause dryness and color fading. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
• Avoid Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. Aim to wash your hair no more than two to three times a week, or as needed based on your hair type and lifestyle.

 Personal Testimonies and Case Studies

• Alyssa’s Color Fading Nightmare “As someone who loves coloring my hair vibrant shades, I tried baking soda to help remove some product buildup. Unfortunately, it stripped my hair color far more than I anticipated. My bright red hair turned into a washed-out pink after just one application. I was devastated. I stopped using baking soda and began using color-safe products to preserve my hair color. It was an expensive lesson to learn.” – Alyssa, 25
• Mark’s Experience with Weakened Hair Shaft “I used baking soda as a shampoo alternative for about a month. Initially, it felt like my hair was cleaner, but then it started feeling weak and straw-like. It lost its natural shine and became really rough to touch. I stopped using baking soda and started using a protein treatment once a week to help strengthen my hair again. It took a while, but my hair eventually regained its strength and softness.” – Mark, 27

Dermatological Insights

• Dr. Alan Bauman, Hair Restoration Physician “While baking soda has its uses in other areas, it’s not suitable for hair care. Its high pH level can cause significant damage to the hair’s structure and the scalp’s health. Modern hair care products are formulated to balance cleansing with maintaining hair health, something baking soda simply cannot achieve. For anyone looking to improve their hair care routine, I’d advise sticking to products that are specifically designed for that purpose.”
• Dr. Jennifer Trent, Dermatologist “Baking soda can act as an abrasive, which is why it might seem effective for cleansing at first. However, this abrasiveness can damage the cuticle, the outer protective layer of the hair. Over time, this can lead to increased hair breakage, split ends, and a general weakening of the hair shaft. It’s important to use products that maintain the integrity of the hair cuticle rather than compromise it.”

In conclusion,

Using baking soda on hair can have harmful effects. It can make the hair dry, brittle, and more likely to break. Baking soda may also irritate the scalp, leading to redness, itching, and flakiness. For those with colored or chemically treated hair, baking soda can cause the color to fade faster. To keep hair healthy, it’s best to avoid using baking soda and instead opt for gentler hair care products.

References

• “The effects of alkaline pH on hair: A light and scanning electron microscopy study.” Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2014. doi: 10.1111/ics.12133.
• “The cuticle and cortex of human hair investigated by scanning electron microscopy.” Journal of Microscopy. 2012. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1980.tb01513.x.
• “Scalp problems: Causes and treatment.” American Academy of Dermatology. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-and-scalp-problems/scalp-problems.
• “Hair care: Dealing with dry hair.” Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hair-care/faq-20057952.