We usually know baking soda as an ingredient for muffins, cakes, and more. However, on the internet, the white powder is also often hyped as a miracle remedy for skin and hair. Among other things, baking soda is said to be able to remove hair dye. We reveal what is really true about this claim and what you should definitely consider.
This is how it’s supposed to work
The good news first: Baking soda can actually lighten your hair and thus help to eliminate an unwanted red, green or orange tint. There are two ways to use it:
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with the amount of shampoo you usually use to wash your hair. Then apply it to your hair and let it work for about five to ten minutes. Afterwards, rinse your hair with clear water. For best results, use dandruff or clarifying shampoo. You can read more about that in this post.
- Add two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda to 1 cup of lukewarm water and distribute the mixture in dry hair. After a soaking time of 20 minutes, rinse out the powder again.
How long does it take for baking soda to remove hair dye?
The answer depends on the type of dye you are trying to remove, but in general, it should only take between 10–20 minutes for the baking soda mixture to start lightening your locks. It is important not leave it on too long or else you may end up with brittle or dry hair! If after one application, there is still some residual color left behind, simply repeat until desired results are achieved (you shouldn’t need more than two applications).
Don’t get too excited too soon: There are two downsides!
Unfortunately, using baking soda to remove hair dye has two disadvantages. Firstly, baking soda can only remove color from colored hair – and only to a certain extent. You won’t be able to lighten hair from dark chocolate brown to ash blonde. Only one or two shades are possible. Baking soda has no lightening effect on natural hair.
Secondly, baking soda strongly dries out the hair and makes it brittle. The reason for this is that it changes the hair structure and makes it rougher. This makes split ends more likely. You should therefore use a hair mask afterwards to care for and moisturize your hair optimally.