I did my best to explain this with visual aids in stories. See the highlight called “Hair 3” for that. This is an easy, inexpensive, non toxic, very effective way to remove buildup from the scalp and hair I’ve been doing on occasion for some time.
Over time the scalp and hair can accumulate build up of matter including dead skin cells, product, sebum, and other 🤢 things. This can contribute to dull and lifeless hair. It can also contribute to hair breakage, dandruff, fungus, itchy and flaky scalp, and more. Clarifying is for the purpose of breaking down and removing this unwanted … stuff.
Clarifying will open the hair cuticle which can lead to further damage so it’s not recommended to use clarifying treatments very regularly. I do this one a few times a year as I feel it’s needed. I’d probably not do it more than 1x/month. Opening the cuticle may allow for dye pigment to be lifted so it may not be great to do after a fresh coloring. Baking soda can be irritating to some skin so maybe sample a swatch first and avoid the scalp if necessary.
🧖🏼♀️ Baking Soda Clarifying Mask:
1 part baking soda
3 parts water
Mix and use as needed. Does not work well when made in advance. My hair is quite long so I did 1/2 cup baking soda to 1.5 cups water and that worked well. Adjust for your hair length and thickness. If you have extra, use it to scrub a sink or something.
Gently massage onto scalp and hair, root to tips. Leave on 1-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
🧖🏼♀️ Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:
1/2-1 Tbsp ACV per cup of water
After rinsing out the baking soda mask well, pour this mix all over the scalp and hair. This will help rebalance the pH and reseal the cuticle. This can help mitigate fungus and harmful bacteria. It can also help the hair to be more shiny and smoothe. You can rinse out but I don’t.
No other shampoo or conditioner necessary for this.
Remember, healthy skin or hair starts from within! A healthy gut lends to healthy skin. Scalp is skin. A healthy scalp lends to healthy hair. A sealed cuticle lends to less breakage and stronger, shiner hair.