One of the most noticeable signs of aging is gray hair. For some, it evokes elegance and wisdom; for others, it’s an unwelcome reminder of the ticking clock. When it comes to the numerous solutions to combat graying, the natural ones are among the most popular, one of the most common of which is baking soda.
But, does the common household ingredient hold the power to both reverse and prevent the appearance of gray hair? Let’s separate fact from fiction.
Why Does Hair Turn Gray?
The pigment melanin, which cells called melanocytes create, provides color to hair. The reduced melanin production by these cells results in color loss over time. Genetics is the main underlying cause of this change, but environmental factors such as stress, smoking, and nutritional deficiencies can accelerate the process.
Though graying is a natural process, many people seek methods to slow the graying process down or improve the health of their hair to ease the transition. And for this reason, people turn to baking soda when they want to address these issues.
What is Baking Soda & Why Use it for Hair?
Like many of the items you have in the kitchen, sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) has properties that extend beyond its use as a rising agent. Many use it for its cleansing and exfoliating powers, but it’s also an ingredient in many DIY beauty and hair care treatments. Proponents claim that it can:
- Use baking soda to wash away buildup from your scalp.
- Neutralize the scalp’s pH, resulting in a more favorable environment for hair.
- Dealing with dry and flaky scalp, use it to exfoliate dead skin.
These qualities make baking soda an interesting hair-care ingredient. But what does it actually do for gray hair?
Baking Soda for Gray Hair: Can It Reverse or Prevent Gray Hair?
The Claims
Supporters of baking soda as a gray hair remedy believe it works by:
- Detoxing the Scalp — They suggest it removes impurities that contribute to premature graying.
- Balancing Scalp pH — Supporters claim a healthy-scalp microenvironment can promote melanin production, which offers some color to hair.
The Reality
Unfortunately, these claims don’t hold up under scrutiny. Research shows:
- Melanin and Genetics Drive Graying — Hair grows gray as less melanin is produced in hair follicles. This can happen due to age, genetics, or oxidative stress. Baking soda does not affect melanin production.
- No Proven Effect — Research has not shown that baking soda can reverse or prevent grays. Its effects are cosmetic, not biological.
Baking Soda for Gray Hair: Pros and Cons
Though it won’t stop the appearance of gray hair, it still helps keep your scalp clean by removing product buildup and oil.
But its high alkalinity (pH of about 9) means it can harm your hair if overused or applied in a large amount. Here’s what to know about the benefits—and how to use it safely.
1. Deep Cleansing and Clarifying
While over time, hair products, pollutants, and hard water leave residue that makes your hair dull. Baking soda serves as a gentle abrasive that will help scrub away build-up, so your locks will feel cleaner, fresher, and saucy.
How to Use:
- Combine 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to create a paste.
- You should apply the paste on the wet hair of your head, giving preference to the roots and the scalp.
- Gently massage on for 1–2 minutes and rinse with cool water.
2. Neutralizing Brassiness in Gray Hair
Gray hair often develops yellow or brassy tones from exposure to hard water or chlorine. Baking soda can restore the natural silver tone.
How to Use:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water.
- After shampooing, apply the solution over your hair, paying attention to brassy areas.
- Leave it on for 1–2 minutes, then rinse with plenty of cool water.
3. Boosts Volume and Texture
Hair often becomes thinner and loses volume as we get older. A sprinkle of baking soda helps create light texture and fullness that gives gray hair a fuller appearance.
How to Use:
- Dust a little baking soda on your roots before styling.
- Work it in lightly, then brush through to create body and volume.
4. Soothing Scalp and Dandruff Control
The exfoliating nature of baking soda assists in unclogging hair follicles, reducing flakes, and soothing scalp irritation. It can also prevent dandruff due to its antifungal properties.
How to Use:
- Combine two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water to create a paste.
- Massage the paste into your scalp for 1–2 minutes, wash with cool water.
5. Restores Shine and Brightness
Instead, the cleanser dissolves residue that dulls your hair, leaving it shiny and healthy-looking.
6. Affordable
Baking soda is an affordable alternative to specialized gray hair products.
- Baking soda (1 lb box) — $1.00
- Gray hair shampoo — $15.00
- Gray hair conditioner — $18.00
DIY Baking Soda Hair Care Recipes
Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Why it works: Baking soda removes impurities from hair, and apple cider vinegar helps maintain pH balance and creates shiny hair.
Recipe:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water.
- Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water in a separate container.
- Start with a baking soda solution wash followed by an application of apple cider vinegar solution.
Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Mask
Benefits: Hydrates hair while deeply cleansing.
Recipe:
- Stir 2 tablespoons of baking soda together with 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil.
- Use this mixture on wet hair by paying extra attention to your hair ends.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes before performing a thorough rinse.
Baking Soda and Honey Mask
Benefits: Dull hair receives hydration and gloss from this treatment.
Recipe:
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
- Put this mixture on wet hair and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it out.
Using Baking Soda with Caution
Baking soda is strong but sometimes harsh. Using too much can remove natural oils from your hair and make it dry or brittle.
Here are 5 tips to avoid damage:
- Use it occasionally, not more than once a week.
- Always follow with a conditioner or vinegar rinse to rehydrate.
- Do not use if you have dry, curly, or chemically treated hair.
- Patch test before use for skin sensitivities.
Bonus Tips for Safe Use
- Identify Your Type of Hair: Baking soda is most effective for oily or heavily product-damaged hair.
- Rehydrate After Use: Use a hydrating conditioner or natural oils.
- Be Gentle: A light massaging will keep you from damaging your scalp or your hair strands.
Alternative Natural Remedies for Gray Hair
Here are some natural remedies that might help improve the appearance of gray hair:
Remedy | Benefits | How it Works | How to Use | Extra Notes |
Coconut Oil | Softens, nourishes, may slow graying, adds shine. | Fatty acids deeply moisturize hair. | Warm oil, massage into hair/scalp, leave for 30+ min, shampoo. | Use natural oil, 2-3 times/week. |
Curry Leaves | May preserve hair color, strengthens hair. | Vitamin B helps hair produce color. | Grind leaves, apply to hair/scalp, leave for 30-60 min, rinse. | Can also eat them or take supplements. |
Black Tea | Darkens hair, covers gray, adds shine. | Tannins stain hair darker. | Brew strong tea, cool, apply after shampoo, leave 15-20 min, rinse. | Use 1-2 times/week, may not work on very light hair. |
Onion Juice | May help reverse graying, promotes growth, scalp health. | Sulfur helps with hair growth and may boost color production. | Blend/grate onion, apply juice to hair/scalp, leave 30-60 min, shampoo well. | Strong smell, can mix with honey/lemon. |
Baking Soda for Hair: FAQs
Does baking soda help to restore or prevent gray hair?
No, baking soda does not stop or reverse gray hair. Gray hair occurs because the body produces less melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color) as we age. This process is primarily dictated by genetics, and baking soda does not affect melanin production.
Is it safe to use baking soda on silver hair?
Baking soda is safe for gray hair. Yes, but you have to tread carefully. It cleanses your scalp and hair by removing product residue. But it can also dehydrate your regular hair if overused. You should use it no more than weekly and always follow up with a good conditioner to maintain moisture in the hair.
What mechanisms does baking soda use to treat yellow discoloration in gray hair?
If you notice a yellow or brassy tone in your gray hair due to chlorine or hard water, baking soda can fix this. It does this by stripping away the buildup that causes hair to look yellow so it appears cleaner and brighter.
What natural remedies exist for gray hair care that substitute baking soda?
Several natural alternatives exist for gray hair care. Your hair benefits from natural remedies such as coconut oil, curry leaves, black tea, and onion juice, which both protect its health and enhance its appearance. The natural ingredients provide moisture while adding shine and potentially delaying the graying process.
Last Words
Baking soda is useful for gray hair in a few ways, including eliminating buildup and correcting brassy tones. But be careful, as this can dry out your hair. Be certain to follow up with a conditioner or other moisturizing treatments. People who would like to opt for natural remedies for gray hair can find alternatives like the application of coconut oil and curry leaves.