Using Epsom Salt For Hair: Here’s What You Must Know

Have you ever considered using Epsom salt for hair care? This mineral salt is traditionally used in bath salt mixtures to relieve muscle aches. But, many people have now started using it on their hair as it is claimed to add volume. Although there is no scientific evidence to support Epsom salt’s hair benefits, there is a reasonable explanation as to why it may enhance your locks. This article explains how to use Epsom salt on your hair and its safety. Keep reading!

Know Your Ingredient: Epsom Salt

What Is It?

Colorless, crystalline powder made of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur

What Are Its Benefits?

Removes excess oil from the scalp, enhances hair texture, adds volume to hair, and helps manage dandruff.

Who Can Use It?

People with dandruff and itchy scalp or individuals with fine hair

How Often?

Once a month to treat dandruff and once every two weeks for oily hair

Caution

Avoid using it on your hair if you have recently undergone any chemical treatments like perming or coloring. Give your hair some time to recover.

Composition Of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt

is made up of:

• Magnesium (Mg)
• Sulfur (S)
• Oxygen (O)
• Water (H2O)

These elements play a role in various biochemical processes of the human body. The water molecules are called “water of hydration” and are not chemically bonded to the compound. Instead, they are responsible for the crystalline form of Epsom salt, giving it a salt-like appearance. However, Epsom salt is technically not a salt, but simply a mineral compound named after a saline spring called Epsom in Surrey, England.

Epsom salt has various traditional household uses and is quite popular for its therapeutic, rejuvenating properties as bath salts for exfoliation and sore muscle treatment.

Keep reading to know more about its uses in hair care.

Is It Safe To Use Epsom Salt For Hair?

Yes, it is safe to use Epsom salt for your hair and scalp. It is a naturally occurring chemical compound made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen – elements already present in the human body. Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate.

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel, Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate does not have any toxicity concerns. They concluded that accidental inhalation of Epsom salt in the form of sprays and topical application on skin and hair does not cause any adverse health hazard and is non-irritating (1).

Epsom salt is very different from regular table salts and sea salts as it has a different chemical structure. It is termed “salt” because of its texture and salt-like appearance. It is traditionally used to manage sprains, muscle pain, insomniaⁱ  A common sleep disorder characterized by trouble falling and staying asleep due to poor sleeping habits, anxiety, or illness. , and fibromyalgiaⁱ  A chronic condition characterized by muscle pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and emotional and mental distress. . While none of its benefits are scientifically studied, anecdotal evidence claims that Epsom salt is beneficial in addressing these ailments. Also, as a natural remedy, it can be used as a beauty treatment for your tresses. It may aid in hair strengthening and provide scalp and hair nourishment.

Epsom salt is widely used as a hair volumizer and hair and scalp spray. When dissolved in warm water, this salt can be used as a hair detoxification treatment and remove product buildup, which may hinder hair growth. The possible reason is that Epsom salt removes oil from the hair and scalp, reducing greasiness. Salt sprays also impart texture to the hair, adding natural waves and giving the strands a slightly crunchy texture.

Many people want to know how to treat dandruff with salt. Anecdotal evidence claims that Epsom salt sprays may also help curb dandruff and improve scalp health. Dandruff is caused by Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that feeds on the sebum and lipidsⁱ  Fatty substances that make up a small part of your hair’s overall weight and play a role in keeping your hair shiny and healthy. on your scalp. Epsom salt may reduce the excess grease, managing the proliferation of the fungus and helps in dandruff relief. That is one possible explanation for why it may work, although there is no scientific data to support this claim.

Quick Tip

While Epsom salt is safe for your scalp and hair, ensure you do not rub it over your scalp aggressively as it may cause cuts and scratches.

How To Use Epsom Salt For Your Hair

1. As A Volumizer

This is perfect for oily, dry, and curly hair. It will add volume and texture to the hair and define the curls without stripping excess moisture from your locks.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• 1 cup of sulfate-free hair conditioner

Method

1. Mix the two ingredients.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair after shampooing.
3. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Rinse well with room temperature water.

2. Clarifying Solution

If you use hair styling products, you can use this Epsom salt solution to remove excess product buildup and clarify your locks and scalp.You Will Need

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• 1 cup of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (diluted)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Cover this concoction and keep it aside for 24 hours.
3. After a day, wash your hair with the solution.
4. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Rinse well and condition your hair.

Did You Know?

If you want a soothing solution to relieve irritation, you can replace lemon juice or ACV with rose water or cucumber water.

3. Epsom Salt Scalp Scrub

Epsom salt has a rough texture. It can help remove excess oil and dry flakes from the scalp to manage dandruff.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of Epsom salt

Method

1. Massage the salt into the dry scalp for 2 minutes.
2. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse your hair well to remove the salt.
4. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.

4. Epsom Salt Hair Spray

Consider making an Epsom salt hair spray for a lightweight styling option. This easy method not only helps with styling but can also add a bit of texture and body.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt
• A spray bottle

Method

1. Start by dissolving the Epsom salt in the warm water until fully mixed.
2. Allow the solution to cool before carefully pouring it into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the mixture onto damp hair and style as you desire. This can enhance your hair’s natural waves or curls while providing a refreshing lift.

Melissa Bourget, a YouTuber, shared her experience with an Epsom salt scalp scrub for buildup in her video. She uses an oil mixture with Epsom salt and gently rubs it on the scalp. About the results, she says, “My scalp feels super fresh and clean and it just feels good and I don’t feel any itch at all (i).”

Infographic: 3 Ways To Use Epsom Salt For Healthy Tresses

While Epsom salt has always been used in bath salt mixtures to relax aching muscles, it has also made its way into hair care regimens. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this mineral salt may increase hair volume and improve its appearance. Check out the infographic below for 3 ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your hair care routine.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Epsom salt make your hair curly?

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has been used in many curl enhancers or leave-in conditioners. It is known for its natural curl-boosting properties.

Does Epsom salt soften hair?

Topical application of Epsom salt doesn’t soften your hair. Also, there are no studies to support these claims. However, Epsom salt, along with a conditioner, may help soften hair.

Is Epsom salt good for itchy scalp?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging your scalp with Epsom salt may help relieve itchiness. However, limited data is available in this regard.

Does Epsom salt water thicken hair?

Epsom salt water may thicken your hair and add texture to it. However, there are no studies to support these claims.

Illustration: Epsom Salt For Hair: How To Use It

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Epsom salt is a versatile and affordable home remedy. Watch this informative video and discover 20 brilliant ways to incorporate it into your daily haircare regimen.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour

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.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E