Ever noticed your hair feeling heavy, greasy, or just plain blah—even after you wash it? This could be due to product build-up from your favourite styling sprays, leave-in conditioners, or serums. But before you run out and splurge on a fancy deep-cleansing shampoo, let me share an easy, effective, and affordable solution you can whip up at home: a shampoo and bicarb soda (baking soda) deep cleanser.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why this DIY cleanser works wonders, the simple steps to do it yourself, and some pro tips to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh.
Why Shampoo + Bicarb Soda Works
The secret behind this powerful cleanse lies in the combination of your regular shampoo and bicarb soda (scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate). Here’s why:
1. Bicarb Soda is a Gentle Exfoliant
Bicarb soda has mildly abrasive properties, which makes it perfect for loosening and removing residue. It effectively breaks down layers of styling products, oils, and environmental pollutants that cling to your hair and scalp.
2. Alkalinity Helps Open Hair Cuticles
Bicarb soda is alkaline, which means it raises the pH of your hair, gently opening the hair cuticles. This allows it to deeply cleanse the hair shaft, removing hidden dirt and product build-up from inside. (Don’t worry—after rinsing and conditioning, your hair cuticles will close again, leaving it smooth!)
3. Shampoo Boosts Cleaning Power
While shampoo is formulated to clean, it sometimes struggles with stubborn residues. When mixed with bicarb soda, shampoo gets an extra boost to deeply cleanse and reset your hair, leaving it bouncy and refreshed.
How to Make Your DIY Deep Cleanser at Home
Here’s how you can do a deep cleanse for your hair in a few easy steps.
What You’ll Need
- Your regular shampoo
- 1 tablespoon of bicarb soda (baking soda)
- A small bowl
- Water (optional)
- Conditioner or hair mask for after-care
Steps to DIY Deep Clean Your Hair
- Mix the Cleanser:
In a small bowl, combine a dollop of shampoo with 1 tablespoon of bicarb soda. Stir until the two blend into a smooth paste. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out. - Apply to Wet Hair:
Hop in the shower and wet your hair thoroughly. Then, massage the bicarb soda-shampoo mixture into your scalp, working it through the roots and down the length of your hair. Focus on areas that tend to get the most build-up (like the crown and hairline). - Let it Sit:
Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for 2–3 minutes. This gives the bicarb soda time to break down any lingering residue. - Rinse Well:
Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, making sure no cleanser is left behind. If hair has extreme build-up you can shampoo again. (Pro tip: If you have hard water, consider using filtered water for the final rinse to avoid minerals re-depositing on your hair.) - Condition:
Because bicarb soda opens the cuticles, it’s important to follow up with a conditioner or hair mask. This will help seal the cuticles, restore moisture, and leave your hair feeling silky smooth. - Style as Usual:
Enjoy your refreshed, bouncy hair—free of build-up and grime!
How Often Should You Use a Bicarb Soda Cleanser?
This DIY deep cleanse is great for occasional use—about once a month is perfect for most people. However, if you’re a heavy product user (hello, dry shampoo lovers!), you can do it every 2–3 weeks. Avoid using it too often, as overuse of bicarb soda can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness.
Bonus Tips for Build-Up-Free Hair
- Clarifying Rinse:
Add a vinegar rinse after your cleanse for extra shine and to restore your hair’s natural pH. Just mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and pour it over your hair post-rinse. - Rotate Products:
Regularly switch up your styling products. Sometimes, your hair builds resistance to certain formulas, leading to more residue. - Scalp Health Matters:
A healthy scalp means healthier hair. Massaging your scalp regularly can improve circulation and prevent product build-up from clogging hair follicles.
Why Buy When You Can DIY?
The beauty of this DIY deep cleanser is that it’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and free from harsh chemicals. It also helps you cut down on unnecessary purchases, proving that a great hair day doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
So, the next time your hair feels weighed down by too much product, reach for that box of bicarb soda in your pantry. Your hair will thank you for it!
Give this DIY a try and let me know how it works for you! Got any hair care hacks of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
Happy Hair Days!
~ Anita x ☀️❤️
