Before diving into this unusual hair-washing trend, get the facts straight and uncover the truth about this bizarre practice.
In the race for the most eccentric hair trend, Coca-Cola takes the crown, thanks to Suki Waterhouse’s Coca-Cola hair rinse! If you’ve ever been curious about whether Coke could be a suitable hair wash, keep reading to find out.
English model Suki Waterhouse popularized this quirky trend, claiming it turned her limp, fine hair into a gorgeous, tousled masterpiece (paraphrased). Naturally, this sparked a frenzy among vloggers and bloggers eager to try washing their hair with Coke. But is there any truth to the hype, or will this just leave your hair sticky and messy? Keep scrolling to find out.
Why Use Coca-Cola to Wash Your Hair? How Does It Work?
Coca-Cola, a sugary and acidic soda, contains carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, caffeine, natural flavors, and artificial coloring.
When you rinse your hair with this sweet, fizzy drink, these ingredients coat your scalp and strands, creating the textured “body” people rave about. The effect is similar to what you get from using a salt spray.
Additionally, Coke’s acidic pH helps close the hair cuticles, giving your hair a shinier appearance. However, since Coca-Cola lacks surfactants (the cleansing agents found in shampoos), it doesn’t actually clean your hair or scalp, despite what enthusiasts might claim.
Here’s the downside—leaving a sugary, acidic substance on your hair can be harmful. The corn syrup and other components may build up on your scalp, causing greasiness, itching, dandruff, and even hair loss.
If you’re still curious to give it a shot, follow the steps outlined below.
How to Wash Your Hair with Coca-Cola
What You’ll Need:
- A 1-liter bottle of Coca-Cola (or two 500 ml bottles)
- A large mixing bowl or colander
- A towel
- A blow dryer
Before You Begin:
- Detangle your hair.
- Gather all the necessary items.
The Steps:
Step 1: Place the bowl on a flat surface and submerge your hair into it.
Step 2: Saturate your hair with Coca-Cola, being careful to avoid spills.
Step 3: Dip your hair in the Coke a few more times, then gently squeeze out the excess liquid.
Step 4: Shampoo your hair to remove all traces of Coca-Cola, then air dry.
Once finished, you might notice a difference in your hair’s texture, as it may feel softer. However, you may or may not experience increased shine or volume.
For more texture and waves, skip the shampooing and simply rinse your hair thoroughly with water after using Coke. For visual guidance, check out the tutorial linked.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Using a Coca-Cola Hair Rinse:
- Coca-Cola is a sugary beverage, not a hair conditioner. Always rinse thoroughly to remove any sticky residue.
- Use a mild shampoo afterward to cleanse your hair.
- Detangle your hair before the rinse to prevent tangles.
- Don’t apply freezing cold Coke to your scalp; let it warm to room temperature.
- Ensure your hair and scalp are fully saturated. Otherwise, you may be left with sticky, gummy sections.
- Avoid frequent use of Coca-Cola rinses, as it can strip your hair of its natural moisture and shine.
