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How to Make an Easy Homemade Clarifying Shampoo

When your hair seems bogged down by styling products or dirt, or just won’t seem to come to life like it used to, you probably need a good clarifying shampoo.

Whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to remove buildup from the scalp and hair strands. They work by incorporating active ingredients that break down and strip away the residue that can accumulate from hair products, hard water, and even the natural oils our scalps secrete.

tablespoon baking soda

Benefits of Using DIY Clarifying Shampoo

Using a clarifying shampoo periodically can have several benefits for your hair and scalp health.

  • It can help to promote healthy hair growth by unclogging hair follicles and removing dead skin cells from the scalp. 
  • It can prevent hair loss and promote stronger hair strands.
  • Clarifying shampoos can help restore the proper pH balance to your scalp, which can keep it from becoming too dry or too oily.
  • Clarifying shampoos are a great option for anyone looking to refresh their hair and scalp health. With natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals, they offer a safe and effective way to strip away buildup and promote healthier hair.
  • DIY clarifying shampoos can also be more cost-effective than buying commercial products. With just a few simple ingredients like water, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar, you can make a batch of clarifying shampoo that will last for several washes. 

  • Because clarifiers strip away all the dirt and residue other shampoos, conditioners, and hair products leave behind, it can help free your hair to have body, movement, and even a brighter color again.
  • One of the biggest benefits of making your own clarifying shampoo is that you can tailor the ingredients to your specific hair type and needs. For example, if you have oily hair or scalp buildup, you might choose to use a mix of warm water and baking soda, which is effective at removing excess oil and product buildup. On the other hand, if you have dry or curly hair, you might opt for a recipe that includes more moisturizing ingredients like apple cider vinegar or honey.

Some store-bought clarifying treatments can be expensive, not to mention harsh, sucking all the moisture out of locks, as well as stripping your hair color.

So here’s a recipe for a simple, homemade clarifying shampoo that’s guaranteed to leave hair soft, supple, and moisturized, without negative effects on hair color.

DIY Clarifying Shampoo Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon baking soda
  • 1-2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Spoon baking soda into an empty water bottle or cup, then add water. (Note: Water must be warm, for baking soda to fully dissolve.) This mixture will not create suds or lather, but if you really feel the need for a foamy wash, you can add apple cider vinegar, too. Give the mixture a gentle stir and shake, if you’re using a water bottle, and it’s ready to use.

Apple Cider Vinegar

For best results, pour shampoo over wet hair and work through tresses and over scalp for a few minutes, leaving in for up to 15 minutes before rinsing. Your hair should feel softer, have more volume, and be nice and clean. This is an especially great cleanser for naturally kinky hair.

Homemade Shampoo vs. Store-Bought

When it comes to choosing between buying a clarifying shampoo or making your own DIY homemade version, there are several factors to consider.

Buying a clarifying shampoo from a reputable brand offers the convenience of a professionally formulated product designed specifically to remove product buildup, excess oil, and impurities from your hair and scalp.

These store-bought options often contain a balanced blend of cleansing agents and nourishing ingredients to maintain hair health. On the other hand, creating a homemade clarifying shampoo allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your hair's unique needs.

DIY recipes often use natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar or baking soda, which can be gentler on the hair and environmentally friendly. However, it requires research and experimentation to find the right combination for your hair type, and there's no guarantee of the same efficacy as store-bought options.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preferences, hair condition, and the level of involvement one is willing to invest in their hair care routine.

Can You Use Baking Soda On All Hair Types and Textures?

Baking soda has been a popular ingredient in home remedies for many years, and one of its uses is as a clarifying agent in hair care. Many people are drawn to the idea of using baking soda on their hair because it is affordable and natural. However, many wonder if baking soda is suitable for all hair types and textures.

The answer is that while baking soda can work well for some people, it may not be suitable for everyone's hair. It is important to consider factors such as your hair type, texture, and current condition before using baking soda on your hair.

For oily hair and scalp, baking soda can be an effective clarifying agent. It has alkaline properties that help to remove excess oil and buildup from the scalp, leaving the hair feeling clean and refreshed. However, using too much baking soda or using it too frequently can lead to dryness and damage to the hair.

For those with dry and coarse hair, baking soda may not be the best choice. Baking soda can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. This can be damaging to already fragile hair and can cause breakage and split ends.

Those with colored or chemically-treated hair should also avoid using baking soda. It can cause the hair color to fade faster and can strip the hair of the chemicals that are needed to maintain the color and texture.

Another important consideration is the pH level of baking soda. It has a high pH level, which can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair. This can result in irritation, dryness, and even scalp infections.

Remember... 

Clarifying shampoos are not meant to be used on a daily basis, as they can be harsh and strip the hair of its natural oils. Instead, it's recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month, depending on your hair type and how much product buildup you experience.

If you decide to incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine, it's also important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. This can help to restore any lost moisture and keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

Not into the DIY thing? Try our hydrating shampoo and hydrating conditioner!

Have your own homemade beauty secrets? Feel free to share them in the comments!

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