Dandruff -This is a common scalp problem that results in flaky scalp. Dandruff can be embarrassing and can lead to damage and hair loss.
It usually occurs in people with dry skin, under shampooing, sensitive scalps, or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Getting rid of dandruff is not easy, but baking soda can help in this regard.
It can absorb excess sebum on the scalp and prevent dandruff. Baking soda is known to have antifungal properties. That is why it is used to treat dandruff.
In addition, it can balance the pH of the scalp. You can use sodium bicarbonate alone or mix it with some other ingredient from the kitchen to apply to your scalp and say goodbye to dandruff. Here we will tell you how to apply it with other ingredients.
Although studies have not proven that baking soda is an effective dandruff remedy, anecdotal evidence suggests that people have had some success with it.
Proponents of the use of sodium bicarbonate for dandruff often cite the following studies to support their position, although the studies do not explicitly mention dandruff:
- UM 2013 laboratory study showed that sodium bicarbonate has antifungal properties.
- A UMA 2005 study of 31 people with psoriasis found that itching and irritation were reduced by baking soda baths.
- Why can baking soda be bad for hair and scalp?
- According to a 2014 study, the average scalp pH is 5.5. Typically, the hair shaft has a pH of 3.67. Maintaining this balance is important for hair health.
Research also shows that baking soda has a pH of 9 and concludes that using high pH shampoos can lead to an increase in:
- cuticle damage
- frizz
- hair tear
- irritation
- short term effects
Baking soda may seem helpful at first, as it can remove buildup and dry out your scalp. But over time, it can irritate your scalp and strip your hair of its natural oils.
Long term effects
Your skin’s pH is important for its barrier function. If the pH rises, it can lead to water loss, causing the scalp to:
- dry
- confidential
- less stable
What is pH?
PH, or hydrogen power, is a measure of the level of acidity. The pH scale has 14 units:
- Anything above 7 is alkaline or basic.
- Anything below 7 is sour.
- Pure water has a pH of 7, which is considered neutral.
Different parts of your body have different pH levels. For example:
- The pH of saliva is usually 6.5-7.5.
- Blood pH is usually 7.4.
- The pH of the hair is usually 3.67.
- What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Do not confuse these two products that are used to increase baked goods, even if they are both:
- usually in the kitchen
- white powders
- have similar names
The main difference between them is the following:
- bicarbonate Soda, baking soda, is alkaline in nature and is activated by liquid and acid when cooked.
- baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate and acid and is only activated by liquid.
What do doctors recommend for dandruff?
Depending on your specific condition, your doctor will most likely recommend a shampoo with specific characteristics to treat dandruff. These shampoos may contain:
- zinc pyrithione, antibacterial and antifungal agent
- coal tar
- salicylic acid
- selenium sulfide, antifungal agent
- ketoconazole, an antifungal agent