no shampoo - why baking soda questions

[alison77]

so i've been wanting to do this, but i still am unable to find out why baking soda wouldn't cause damage/drying to your hair? is it just that it's more 'natural' that it's suggested? it seems that it is used as a detergent for so many other purposes, and that it could just be causing the same problems as a regular shampoo. anyone research this and get good information? i couldn't find much.

[girlndocs]

I have no research except my personal experience.

Baking soda is a *very* effective oil stripper and certainly can be too harsh for hair if it's not used carefully. I had problems with dryness and damage until I switched from a creamy paste to a very watery, mild mixture.

If it's used well-diluted it's very gentle. Honey or molasses in the mixture help as well -- they're humectants and soften and moisturize. For dry or damaged hair, oiling the ends before washing can help protect them.