1. Mix It up Just before Using It

The first step in washing with baking soda is to create your mixture just when you’re ready to use it. It won’t hurt your hair to use it if it’s a few days old, but it’s a lot more effective if it’s fresh. When you get ready to hop in the shower, simply create your baking soda shampoo and then follow the rest of these easy steps.

2. Use One Part Baking Soda to Three Parts Water

Combine one part baking soda with about three parts water to form a paste. You can add more water, if needed to create the consistency you want. It shouldn’t be too thin because it will just run off your hair, but if it’s too thick, it will be hard to spread. Getting the perfect ratio may take a bit of trial and error, but once you get there, it’s easy to recreate it whenever you want to.

3. Scrub the Mixture All over Your Head and Hair

Now, scoop up your paste and massage it directly into your head. Make sure you get your scalp and all the way down your strands to the very end. Rub it in well because this will help strip the nasty stuff out so that you can rinse it away when you’re done. Don’t be so rough that you break your hair, but not so gentle that it doesn’t do the trick.

4. Allow the Mixture to Sit for a Couple of Minutes

Now kick back and relax for a couple of minutes while the baking soda works its magic. This is when I’d cruise Pinterest or catch up on Facebook. Or grab a book and finish that chapter you’ve been meaning to get to for a few days. Once your two or three minutes is up, get ready to rinse.

5. Rinse with Warm Water for Several Minutes

You want to get all the baking soda out of your hair or it will weigh your strands down and make your hair limp and lifeless. Use warm water and let it run over your head for several minutes. You should be able to tell if it’s working by feeling your strands. If you feel residual paste, keep rinsing.

6. Follow with a Vinegar Rinse

Remember the experiment where you combine baking soda and vinegar and it bubbles? This is the effect you want. The vinegar will help strip any remaining junk out of your hair. To do it, combine white or apple cider vinegar with three times as much water. Douse your hair with the mixture, then take another break for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

7. Towel Dry Gently and You’re Done

Now that your hair is as clean as possible, squeeze it dry with a towel. Never twist or pull on it because this can lead to breakage. Once you have most of the water removed, comb your strands gently and allow it to air dry.

Have you ever tried baking soda shampoo? Do you think you will? What other tips do you have for fabulous hair?