Baking soda is a scrubby villain in the hair world. It can lighten hair because it lifts the cuticle, but it’s also super drying. Like, crispy-dry.
If you want to try it, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and work it into damp hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes max, then condition like you’re trying to save a dying plant. Do not do this more than once a month.
I’ll be honest—I’m not a huge fan of this method. It works, but it’s risky. Save it for emergency situations, like if you accidentally dye your hair green from a pool. (True story.)
