Part 6
Other Natural Alternatives
Shikakai, egg yolk, apple cider vinegar — and why baking soda does not belong on your scalp.
Shikakai
Shikakai pods contain saponins that lather gently at a naturally low pH (~4.5), so they cleanse without stripping. Traditionally used in India, they also make a good scalp-stimulating wash. Start with 1–2× per week; overuse can be drying.
Egg yolk
Lecithin coats and conditions the hair shaft while proteins temporarily fill gaps in the cuticle, which reduces breakage and adds shine. Cool water only — hot water cooks the protein into your hair.
Apple cider vinegar
Diluted vinegar seals the cuticle, brings the scalp pH back down after washing and dissolves hard-water deposits. It cleanses nothing on its own. Skip it on rosacea-prone or broken skin.
Baking soda: skip it
Despite its popularity in no-poo circles, baking soda sits at pH 9+, disrupts the acid mantle and lifts the cuticle. Syed et al., J Cosmet Sci 1996, documented significant cuticle damage and breakage from alkaline treatments. Use it for your bathroom, not your scalp.
Recipes for this chapter
Not medical advice
This content is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. For any skin or scalp concern, please consult a dermatologist or physician.
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