Benefits Of Dawn Dish Soap For Hair And How To Use It

Washing your hair with dawn dish soap is the newest trend in the beauty industry. Many YouTubers have demonstrated this method but with a cautionary warning. Keeping this in mind, let us move on to some of the benefits that come with using Dawn as a shampoo. beauty vloggers are going gaga over its hair benefits. The strong formula of this detergent may help remove excess oil and dandruff. But is washing your hair with this liquid soap really safe?

This article explores the benefits of dawn dish soap and how to use it on your hair. Keep reading.

Can You Wash Your Hair With Dawn Dish Soap?

The simple answer? Yes, but within reason!

Like every other dish soap out there, the primary purpose of this kitchen product is for dishwashing and removing grease from them. Keeping that in mind, this dish soap can technically be used to help in cleaning and removing the oil and gunk from your hair, too.

But, although Dawn dish soap can be useful in removing scalp build-up, it is important to remember that the harshness of the product can damage your hair. Therefore, we suggest washing your hair with Dawn dish soap only as a last resort.

We have explained how Dawn dish soap works on your hair in the section below. Read on.

How Does Dawn Dish Soap Work On Hair?

Dawn dish soap acts similarly to a clarifying shampoo. It breaks down residue build up on your scalp and your strands which weigh hair down and leave it looking dull. However, its strong formulation can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage if used too frequently.

Therefore, while Dawn can be thoroughly cleansing, it’s best reserved for occasional use. Always follow it with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and softness to the hair.

Did You Know?

Paul Andrecola invented Dawn dish soap in 1973 at the young age of 26 years.

What Are The Active Ingredients In Dawn Dish Soap?

Dawn dish soap typically contains active ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, known for its grease-fighting abilities, and sodium laureth sulfate, a strong surfactant that helps break down stubborn grime. To ensure its effectiveness, Dawn often includes preservatives, fragrances, and dyes in the mix. These elements work together to not only tackle grease and grime effectively but also leave your dishes smelling fresh. However, these ingredients may be too harsh for your hair and strip away its natural oils, leading to hair damage. So it is recommended that you don’t include this soap as a regular hair care product as it may cause more harm than good in the long run.

Even though it has a strong formula, it may be beneficial for your hair in some cases. Read on to find out what these benefits are.

Benefits Of Using Dawn Dish Soap For Hair

Even though frequent use of this product can damage your tresses, there is no denying the immediate benefits that come with using Dawn as shampoo. Here are some of them:

• Due to its strong formula, Dawn dish soap can be used to remove dandruff, grease, and oil from your hair that cannot be removed with normal shampoos.

• Shampooing with Dawn is a great option for those with protective styles as the soap helps deplete the extreme build-up present around the roots.

• Licensed cosmetologist Laura Dale says, “Dawn dish soap has a high pH level so it opens the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to be washed away and can, therefore, be used to remove or lighten hair color on your hair.

However, these benefits are not clinically proven. There is not enough scientific evidence to prove the safety of using Dawn dish soap as a hair treatment. Anecdotal evidence from certain cosmetologists seems to support the efficacy of the soap to treat hair issues. When washing hair with soap like Dawn, it’s important to monitor how your hair responds, as it may not be suitable for everyone. However, stop using the soap if it dries your hair out or causes damage.

Now that you know the benefits of washing your hair with Dawn, let us discuss the correct way to use this soap.

How Do You Use Dawn Dish Soap As A Shampoo?

To achieve the best results possible, we recommend washing your hair with Dawn dish soap by following the steps mentioned below:

• Measure out the amount of product needed based on your hair requirements. For example, if you want to remove any product build-up or oil from your hair, use a pea-sized portion of dish soap as they are already tough on stains. Wash your hair with a larger amount of Dawn soap if you want to strip your hair color.
• Dilute the Dawn soap with an equal amount of water to avoid any negative reaction when washing your hair.
• Wet your hair and work the mixture through it until suds and bubbles form.
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse out the soap from your hair completely.
• Apply some conditioner to your hair and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing it out. This is done to replenish the moisture lost from your strands.
• Blow-dry your hair and style it as preferred.

Quick Tip

Do not use Dawn dish soap on your hair regularly, as it may dry out your mane. Oil your hair to make up for the lost luster.

Youtuber Yana Irbe tried washing her hair with Dawn dish soap and vlogged the whole experience. She cautioned, “When you first put this in your hair it is going to feel very soapy and not nice at all (i).” She explained that this is normal and your hair will feel nice after washing off the soap.

Pro Tip: While more research is required in this regard, it is said that adding a pinch of baking powder to the dish soap mixture may help wash out the color of your hair.

Washing your hair with dish soap may feel exotic but understand that the pros of this do not truly outweigh the cons. This is a potentially hair-damaging process and must be performed very cautiously. The next section explains how. Keep reading.

Cautions and Recommendations For Using Dish Soap For Hair

Using dish soap as a hair cleanser can be tempting due to its strong degreasing properties. But it is not recommended. If you are resolved to do so, understand its repercussions and recommendations.

Cautions

1. Stripping Natural Oils

Dish soap is designed to remove grease and grime, which can strip the hair of its natural oils.

2. Irritation

The harsh chemicals and fragrances in dish soap can irritate the scalp, causing allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin.

3. Color Fading

If you have colored hair, dish soap can cause the color to fade more quickly due to its strong cleansing agents.

4. pH Imbalance

Dish soap typically has a higher pH than regular shampoos, which can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, and other issuesc .

Recommendations:

1. Use It Sparingly

If you choose to use dish soap, do so rarely. Consider it as a last resort for removing heavy product buildup or grease.

2. Dilute It With Water

Diluting dish soap with water can reduce its harshness and make it safer for occasional use on hair.

3. Follow With Conditioner

Always follow up with a good quality conditioner to help restore moisture and nourish the hair after using dish soap.

4. Opt For Gentle Alternatives

Whenever possible, choose a gentle clarifying shampoo or a sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for hair care to avoid the negative effects of dish soap.

5. Perform A Patch Test

Before using dish soap on your hair, do a patch test on a small area of your scalp to check for any reactions.

While dish soap can be effective for removing buildup, its harsh properties can cause more harm than good for hair health. Use it cautiously and sparingly, and always prioritize hair-specific products for regular cleansing.

Here are some alternative products you can use instead for a clean scalp and hair.

Alternative Products To Consider Other Than Dawn Dish Soap

Check out these products that are safer and work wonders for your hair health.

1. Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are specifically formulated to remove buildup without overly stripping the hair of its natural oils. They are a gentle yet effective alternative to dish soaps!

2. Baking Soda

A natural exfoliant, baking soda, can be mixed with water to create a paste that gently removes buildup from hair, although it should be used sparingly to avoid dryness.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural clarifier and conditioner, helping to remove product buildup while balancing the scalp’s pH. Make sure you use it diluted for the rinse.

4. Cleansing Conditioner

These products cleanse the hair while providing moisture, making them a great alternative for maintaining clean, healthy hair without harsh detergents.

5. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoos are ideal for refreshing hair between washes. They absorb excess oil and add volume without needing water, making them a convenient option.

6. Homemade Vinegar Rinse

A mixture of water and vinegar can be used as a final rinse to help remove buildup without the harshness of dish soap.
These alternatives offer effective cleansing without the harshness associated with using dish soap.

Infographic: Who Shouldn’t Use Dawn Dish Soap On Their Hair

As mentioned in the article above, Dawn Dish Soap can be used in moderate amounts to keep your scalp and hair clean. However, there are some people who should not use this soap as it can cause adverse reactions like scalp burning, swelling, irritation, and redness. It may also aggravate their existing hair and scalp issues.

Check out the below infographic to learn more about who should not use Dawn Dish Soap on their hair.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I safely use Dawn dish soap on my hair?

You can use Dawn dish soap on your hair once every few weeks, but it’s best to limit its use as far as possible to avoid stripping natural oils and causing dryness.

Is Dawn dish soap cancerous?

There are concerns regarding the cancer-causing effects of Dawn dish soap. However, scientific data is lacking regarding its carcinogenic effect.

Is Dawn dish soap harmful to humans?

A few synthetic ingredients in Dawn dish soap may trigger allergic reactions like skin irritation and breathing issues. Therefore, avoid excessive exposure to it and wear gloves while using synthetic detergents and soaps.

What happens if you mix bleach and Dawn dish soap?

Mixing soap and bleach may release toxic gasses, which may irritate the eyes and skin.

Will Dawn dish soap get toner out of hair?

Dawn dish soap may get toner out of hair. However, it is not advisable to use dish soap on your hair. Instead, use a clarifying shampoo.

Illustration: Benefits Of Dawn Dish Soap For Hair And How To Use It

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the surprising results of using Dawn dish soap to wash hair in this eye-opening video. Find out how this unconventional method revitalizes and cleanses your locks. Check it out!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist

   

Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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