Know why you need to chelate your hair. Also, learn how to chelate your hair at home with simple yet effective chelating agents from your kitchen.
What is Chelating? And Why is it Necessary?
We are all aware of the need to clean the chemical and product build-up from our hair every month. However, we often neglect cleaning the dirt, chlorine, and mineral build-up due to hard water. This essential detoxification process of removing the metal and minerals build-up from hair refers to chelating.
The build-up of dirt, metals, minerals, and oils on hair prevents it from being nourished and moisturized thoroughly, as it creates an unhealthy barrier on the hair surface. This barrier prevents the nourishing products from being as effective as they should be and also makes the hair look dull and dry. Therefore, it is advisable to chelate hair when they appear dull or before a dye so that the color adheres to the hair better.
Chelating Agents
Chelating agents are products that help create a cage that entraps all these culprits in one place, which can then be washed easily with water. There are chelating shampoos with chemical agents present in the market. Some salons also provide chelating hair services. However, you can chelate hair at home as well. The process is easy, inexpensive, and can be done with readily available products.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
In addition to grabbing and removing minerals and metal deposits from your hair surface, the mildly acidic agent helps restore the pH balance of the hair. ACV can also help you get rid of brassy hair.
2. Club Soda
Club soda breaks down the mineral deposits on the hair surface and neutralizes the pH balance of the hair and the scalp for healthier hair.
3. Lemon Juice
The acidity of the lemon juice helps break down the collected deposits on the hair.
4. Chelating Shampoo or Gentle Dishwashing Soap
There are chelating shampoos available in the market that can easily break the mineral and oil deposits on the hair. Some gentle dishwashing soaps, especially dawn dish soap is very helpful in breaking and trapping these deposits that can be rinsed off easily.
How to Chelate Your Hair
You’ll Need:
- Chelating shampoo or Dawn dish soap
- Apple cider vinegar (or lemon/club soda)
- Hair conditioner
Method:
- Wet your hair and apply the chelating shampoo on your hair, working it to the scalp.
- After that, rinse the shampoo properly.
- Next, apply around three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar on your hair and let it sit for a minute.
- Wash your hair thoroughly and use your hair conditioner or a hydrating hair mask.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before cleaning your hair.
Note: Using a hair mask or conditioner is a must after the process to nourish the hair.
You will be able to see the difference in your hair instantly; they’ll be clean, shiny, and nourished. Chelate your hair once a month for exceptional results.
