A good hair day can lift the spirits of any person. It can positively impact every other area of your life, including your work life. The added sense of confidence from having great-looking hair cannot be substituted.
This prompts us to try out anything and everything to attain good-looking hair. Several fad hair treatments have gained widespread popularity due to this. This article looks at one such fad treatment known as cola hair rinse.
Using Cola for Hair
Several influencers have popularized the idea of rinsing your hair with colas to achieve better hair. The sugar syrup and acids found in colas are thought to be effective in adding shine and volume to hair.
They are considered effective treatments for healthy hair that lacks shine and bounce and is especially recommended for those with wavy hair.
Generally, Coca-Cola is used for such treatments, but any kind of cola can be used for this purpose. It can be performed from the comfort of your home with minimal equipment and preparation.
How to Use Cola for Hair?
If you wish to add the cola-rinse to your haircare regimen, here are the steps to follow:
(i) Get a sufficient amount of cola to rinse your hair. Around 35 ounces should be sufficient.
(ii) Lean your head over a large bowl and pour the cola over your scalp and hair tips, letting it collect in the bowl.
(iii) Dip the ends of your hair in the cola collected in the bowl.
(iv) Massage your scalp and hair for a few minutes.
(v) Squeeze the excess cola out of your hair.
(vi) Wash your hair thoroughly with water.
(vii) Cleanse your hair and scalp with a mild shampoo.
(viii) Pat dry with a clean towel.
(ix) Blow dry to style as per preference.
Benefits of Cola for Hair
Several benefits are attributed to using Cola drinks for your hair. Some of them are:
(i) Improved hair shine:
Cola drinks are generally acidic in nature. This acidity helps them close hair cuticles to add gloss to your hair. This gives a shinier look to your hair. This gives the impression of healthy hair that is well-nourished and free from scalp conditions.
(ii) Enhanced hair volume:
The corn syrup in colas creates a layer around the hair shafts, giving them an extra coating to improve texture. This leads to greater hair volume as the strands stand separated due to the covering on separate hair shafts. This adds more body to your hair and makes it look fuller.
(iii) Increased hair thickness:
The sugar content in colas can cause mild build-up in your hair. These sugar molecules coat the hair follicles, making them appear thicker. The improved texture and volume also contribute to the thicker appearance of hair.
(iv) Gives a bouncy, wavy look:
The phosphoric acid found in colas tightens the hair cuticles to give it a nice strong bounce. The added volume and thickness also aid in the hair maintaining a firm upright stance. This can be especially fruitful for those with wavy hair as it helps achieve the alluring beach hair look.
Downsides of Using Cola for Hair
While there are a few benefits to using cola for your hair, there are potential downsides as well. Some potential ill-effects of using cola for hair are:
(i) Can make your hair sticky:
High-fructose corn syrup and similar ingredients can cause buildup on the scalp. Such buildup can lead to the accumulation of dust and dirt in your hair. In worse cases, such build-up can lead to scalp irritation, redness, scaling, and itchiness.
(ii) Can lead to dandruff:
Colas' sugar and syrupy content, such as high fructose corn syrup, leads to a greasy scalp. This can lead to dandruff on the scalp. Dandruff can be difficult to get rid of once your scalp gets infested.
(iii) Can affect the absorption of nutrients:
Colas seal hair cuticles and cause buildup on the scalp. Both outcomes are detrimental to the hair’s ability to absorb nutrients. This can render other haircare routines, like hair masks, ineffective.
(iv) Can damage hair:
The acid in colas tightens hair cuticles while its sugars seal hair shafts. This can temporarily enhance the appearance of healthy hair.
However, this can have negative consequences for split, broken, or weak hair. Additionally, it is not recommended if you have any open wounds on your scalp.
Precautions When Using Cola for Hair
Take certain steps to maximize benefits and minimize downsides when using cola for hair. Such as:
(i) Use it sparingly:
Using it once a month can boost the appearance of your hair on various fronts. However, using it multiple times a week can leave your hair greasy. It can cause build-up and lead to conditions like dandruff, itchiness, and irritation in the scalp.
(ii) Let the fizz out:
Leave the bottle of cola open overnight or at least for an hour to let the fizzy carbon dioxide out of the drink. The benefits come from the other ingredients, and the carbon can be counterproductive to your goals.
(iii) Avoid cold cola:
Cold cola can be damaging to hair and make it vulnerable to breakage. Additionally, it can make the hair look dull. It is better to use cola at room temperature.
(iv) Don’t leave it in:
Cola is not a conditioner and should be rinsed off thoroughly from the hair. Leaving sugary residue on your hair can be damaging. It is also not a hair mask and should not be left on the hair for too long.
Apply for a few minutes and wash it off with a mild shampoo and cold water.
Conclusion
Using Cola for hair can be beneficial as long as your hair is healthy and doesn’t suffer from any pre-existing conditions like spit ends.
Moderation is extremely important as using it too often can be counterproductive and cause build-up and additional damage to your hair. When used sparingly, it can be an effective hair treatment.
When used in moderation, it can be a great way to add volume, shine, and bounce to your hair.
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