Is Ketchup Good For Your Hair?
We all love fries with ketchup, burgers with ketchup, heck, even chicken parm with a little ketchup never hurt anyone! But I recently came across an article about using tomato ketchup on green hair, and it blew my mind.
Naturally, I think every mom in the world has had ketchup in her hair unintentionally at some point (toddler moms, I am looking at you).
However, if your blonde hair turns green after a swim, ketchup might just become your new best friend and the DIY hair fix you have been dreaming of. The question is: does it actually work? And if so, how does it work?
Join us and let’s find out!
Why Use Ketchup As A Hair Toner?
When it comes to hair care, anything from high-end shampoos to DIY remedies found in your kitchen, whether it is coconut oil or, yes, ketchup goes. But why use a condiment like ketchup instead of something like mayonnaise or mustard?
Well, aside from the fact that it uses the colour wheel theory (i.e., in order to cancel an unwanted colour, you need to use the opposite shade), your toddler’s favourite sauce is mostly made from tomatoes and vinegar. These contain natural acids and other ingredients thought to benefit your hair and help with chlorine discolouration.
To be slightly more specific, these natural substances include:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, tomatoes can potentially help promote your overall hair health by helping repair damaged hair and adding a fabulous shine. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect hair from damage caused by UV exposure and environmental stressors, all while improving scalp health.
- Vinegar: As most of us are aware, apple cider vinegar has gained significant popularity in recent years for its perceived benefits in gut health, skincare, and even hair care. However, the vinegar in ketchup is typically distilled white vinegar, which is less commonly used in hair care but may still offer similar benefits.
Just be aware that some ingredients in ketchup might not be ideal for your hair, such as sugar, which can make it sticky and cause scalp irritation if not washed out thoroughly. After all, ketchup was made for eating.
Another potential obstacle in the road is that it may also attract bacteria, potentially worsening scalp issues. Before you gasp, sugar is a pretty common ingredient in some shampoos (though not all). However, its presence can vary depending on the product’s intended purpose and formulation.
Salt can also be a concern in hair care. While small amounts typically will not harm your hair, excessive salt can lead to dehydration, dryness, or flakiness in both your hair and scalp. Similar to sugar, salt, usually in the form of sodium chloride, is a common ingredient in many shampoos. However, unlike sugar, some individuals have found that shampoos with high salt content can be drying, particularly for those with sensitive skin or curly hair. The more you know, right?
Luckily, sugar- and salt-free ketchup (and shampoo) options are available in most grocery stores if you are suuuper keen to put your kitchen ketchup to the test.
How To Use Ketchup On Your Green Hair
What You Will Need
- 1 cup of ketchup.
- A shower cap.
- An old towel (to protect your clothes, of course).
Instructions
- According to various online sources, it is recommended to apply ketchup to dry hair.
- Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Shampoo and condition as normal.
- Allow your hair to air dry or style as usual.
Disclaimer: If you are not a fan of ketchup, brace yourself, because it will be all you can smell during the process. If you do not shampoo at least twice, it will linger afterwards too!
But, Can You Dye Your Hair With Ketchup?
It is best to leave the ketchup on your plate for this one, as no, you cannot dye your blonde, brown, black, or grey hair red with ketchup.
Sorry to burst that bubble. Maybe in another lifetime, who knows?
Another question making the rounds online, does ketchup lighten hair? Even though we love the way you think, unfortunately, that is a hard no as well.
The Million Dollar Question: Genius Solution Or Old Wives’ Tale?
According to multiple online sources, many hair experts and tons of people online seem to swear by the power of ketchup on hair, though it is important to remember, that it is still just ketchup, not a miracle cure for mermaid hair.
Therefore, keep an open mind when you open your fridge door. While it may have worked for some by removing green tones, it might do nothing for your hair at all.
Alternative Home Remedies For Hair Care
If you are looking for more DIY options to enhance your hair’s health and appearance, consider trying these alternative home remedies. Just be sure to do a small patch test before applying anything to your hair or skin.
| Treatment | Method | Benefits (Claimed) | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | Apply to damp hair, leave for a period of time, rinse. | Deeply moisturises, reduces frizz, and can help with split ends. | Can be heavy and greasy, especially for those with fine or oily hair. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Dilute with water, rinse hair after shampooing. | Helps to close hair cuticles, adds shine, and balances pH. | Can be drying if used excessively or without proper dilution. |
| Lemon Juice | Dilute with water, apply to hair, leave for a short time, rinse. | Natural lightening effect, can add shine. | Can be very drying, especially for damaged hair, and may cause scalp irritation. |
| Honey | Apply to damp hair, leave for a period of time, rinse. | Moisturises, adds shine, and can help with frizz. | May be sticky and difficult to rinse out completely. |
| Coffee Grounds | Mix with conditioner, apply to hair, leave for a period of time, rinse. | Temporary dark brown tint, can add volume. | May stain hair and be difficult to rinse out completely. |
Ketchup On Hair: Our Final Squeeze
Yes, using ketchup on hair as a hair toner may seem super unconventional, but it has received the stamp of approval from many who have given it a shot.
If you have tried this unconventional approach, we would absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts! Did it work wonders for you, or did it fall flat? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation about this fascinating beauty hack.
