Baking Soda as Shampoo

[helwen]

I read about using baking soda as a shampoo substitute a while ago, but I'd already bought several bottles of Jason Organic shampoo (very good stuff, btw) and conditioner, so first we needed to use those. Then we saw some locally-made shampoo bars and thought we'd try those. L can use either of the two available; I can only use one because the other one stings the skin near my eyes. Those worked all right, and don't come in plastic bottles or wrapping (just a paper band with info on it), so that was a step up.

Then a few weeks ago fitzw brought a small bowl of baking soda into the bathroom, figuring to finally give it a try. Initial results were mixed. I've read that it can take a week or two to adjust, but I think the problem I had was simply not knowing exactly how to deal with the whole process.

Basically, you put some of the baking soda in the palm of your hand -- I use about a tablespoon, but the amount will probably vary depending on hair type and amount (I have long hair, which can get in the way of putting the stuff on). Carefully add water, a few drops at a time -- you're trying to create a paste. I usually drip water on the pile from my hair, but short-haired people can catch some water with the other hand and drip it in.

Mix it up with your fingers, add a bit more water, mix again, until you get what looks like it's pasty enough (more like slightly watery toothpaste, less like marzipan). Take some up with a couple of fingertips and apply to scalp. Since it isn't a liquid-like substance like standard shampoos, if you have long hair you can't just smear it on and work it in. I move my hair to one side and do that side, then move the hair to the other and ditto, then run some down the top center and of course the nape, with the paste-holding hand eventually joining in to apply the remainder on the palm. It sounds more complicated than it is, really.

With your fingertips, gently massage the scalp with little circular motions. Once done, rinse.

***
Now, most of my hair was fine with this almost immediately. The only problem I had was sometimes the hair seemed to mat down on the crown. I asked gwynt_y_storm about this since she's been using baking soda for quite a while, and she said I needed to run my fingers through my hair and lift it up and away from the scalp, creating a bit of air space for more even drying. I imagine this might be useful no matter what type of shampoo one uses, but it definitely works for baking soda!

It also quite handily gets my hair about halfway orderly before I get around to brushing it, which is nice since I tend to get it mostly presentable and then run around the farm doing stuff while it keeps drying. I think this has also created the most body in my hair that I've ever had.

***
So, I'm quite pleased with the results, it costs less, uses only one ingredient (that occurs in nature even, and isn't toxic!), and less packaging too. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that we can use it for other things around the house. I'm a big fan of multi-purpose items and ingredients :)

***
gwynt_y_storm also conditions her hair with cider vinegar, but I forgot to ask if that was straight vinegar or dilute, and I haven't found the info online yet. So far I haven't really needed to condition, but it might be nice to do once in a while.

***
Oh, one more note... since we have the baking soda in an open dish, we keep it on the sink counter next to the tub, so it's out of the shower area and doesn't get prematurely wet. It's a small bowl so this works pretty well. I might consider a container with a lid, but only if it can be opened quickly and easily.

Comments

[tashabear.livejournal.com]

ACV (apple cider vinegar) is used in a dilute solution. I found it too drying, but my water is horrid.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Good to know, thanks :)

[amykb.livejournal.com]

Flat beer also works as a good conditioner--if you want to waste the beer...

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

If it's flat, it's already been wasted...

shampoo

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

For many months, I washed my hair with baking soda and rinsed with vinegar. I brought a cup with me to the shower to mix the baking soda in, finding that method the easiest. Also, I read that you're just supposed to put the soda on your scalp, not on your hair. Rinsing with a dilute solution of apple cider vinegar is a must if you want to avoid tangles/matts. I think I used something like one cup of vinegar to four cups water. I had a tall plastic container that I'd put a cup of vinegar in and bring to the shower with me. Id' fill it with water in the shower.

It worked really well, but I found that I couldn't do it on days that I worked because the vinegar smell didn't go away until my hair was dry. This took too long!

Now I use Aubrey's organics, which I really love.

Re: shampoo

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Yes, I did write that it's applied to the scalp. My additional comments about hair length have to do with the fact that despite my best efforts sometimes my hair gets in the way (the moving it from one side to the other part above), so sometimes I have to use more in order to get enough of it near my scalp. With short hair it's much easier.

If I remember to run my fingers through a few times during the initial drying process I don't have a problem with tangling or mats -- at least in the warmer part of the year. Winter is when I have more concerns. But everyone has different hair types and so different hair needs.

I agree though that it takes more time than regular shampoo and conditioners -- gwynt_y_storm was telling me she puts in the conditioner, wraps her hair in a towel for 10 minutes and goes from there (not sure if she rinses it out -- will have to ask).

Anyway, for folks going to the office, this won't work too well first thing in the morning, at least if they have long hair. When I had short hair it only took about 20 minutes to dry, so it wouldn't have been a big deal. I fluffed with a towel, ran my fingers through and if I needed to I brushed it after it dried. If a professional with long hair wanted to try this, I'd say do it on getting home from work, so that it has a chance to dry before going to bed. Not a bad idea really -- wash some aches and stress down the drain, and going to bed nice and clean :)

Thanks for the note on 1-4 dilution. I'll definitely have to try it out!

Re: shampoo

[druidharper.livejournal.com]

I use a tablespoon of of soda and mix that with water in a small stainless cup...then pour that onto my scalp. I rub it in with the fingertips, no scratching with nails. Takes a bit, but I've been doing it for something close to a year and a half now.

The Apple Cider Vinegar I use two tablespoons to a large cup of water...and I don't put that on the scalp, only on the hair itself. I do not rinse it out. The vinegar smell only sticks around for a very short time..the solution is quite dilute.

I wrap my head in a towel for five or ten minutes, take it off, fluff my hair with my fingers, and let it air dry.

As I say, I won't go back to shampoos...this stuff works for me just fine. Some adjustment of quantities and mixtures is common for folk though, so playing around is good.

Re: shampoo

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Hey, great you're back online!

Thanks for the rinse recipe.

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

I have been using these of late.
http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/shambar.htm
They ship in little paper bags, and the scents are
lovely! I can use them as soap and as shampoo.
The Cedarwood and lavender dog shampoo bar is a current favorite for its insect repellant
properties while maintaining a nice scent.
I have not yet tried any of these I would not use
again.
In with the shampoo-bars on the page there is a
recipe for a vinegar rinse that one of the other
customers has sent in.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'll check them out!

[helwen.livejournal.com]

btw, Love the icon :)