Hot Pot Hair: Removing The Aroma From Your Locks

Hot pot might be delicious, but the smell it leaves in your hair can be a real turn-off. The good news is that there are several simple and effective ways to get rid of the odour. The key is to clarify and deodorise your hair. Start by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste, and apply this to your dry hair, concentrating on the ends where smells linger. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse. Baking soda helps to absorb and neutralise odours. Follow this up with an apple cider vinegar rinse – the vinegar helps restore your hair's natural pH levels and breaks down odour molecules. Dilute 1/4 cup of vinegar in 2 cups of water, pour over your hair after shampooing, and rinse with cool water. With these simple, natural tricks, you can say goodbye to hot pot-scented hair and fully indulge in your next spicy hot pot session without regret!

Baking soda paste treatment

Baking soda is a great natural cleansing agent that can help reset your scalp's pH, decrease dandruff and scalp irritation, and reduce dryness. It is also an effective deodorizer and can be used to remove unwanted smells from your hair.

To create a baking soda paste, start by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water. The goal is to achieve a spreadable paste with a medium-thick consistency, so add water gradually until you reach the desired texture.

Once you have your paste, apply it to your dry hair, focusing on the ends where smells tend to linger. The baking soda will help absorb and neutralize odors. Leave the paste on your hair for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out with water.

Baking soda can be drying, so it is important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. You can also use a natural conditioner containing coconut or argan oil to help restore moisture and nourish your hair.

It is recommended to use the baking soda paste treatment once or twice a month at most, as overuse can dry out your hair. Baking soda has a high pH level, which can strip the natural oils from your hair, leading to breakage and fragility over time.

By incorporating this baking soda paste treatment into your hair care routine, you can effectively remove unwanted smells and leave your hair feeling clean, soft, and refreshed.

Apple cider vinegar rinse

Apple cider vinegar is an effective way to get rid of the lingering smell of hot pot from your hair. It also has many other benefits for your hair and scalp.

To make an apple cider vinegar rinse, mix one part vinegar with five parts water in a spray bottle or hair applicator. Shake the mixture well.

Section your hair into four parts and spray the mixture onto your hair, focusing on the scalp and the hair shaft. Massage the mixture into your scalp and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with cool water and follow up with a deep conditioner.

Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory that can help clarify, detangle, and stimulate a healthy scalp. It is especially beneficial for those with an oily or dry scalp, dandruff, or product buildup. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar help maintain the pH level of the scalp, preventing dandruff caused by excess yeast on oily skin.

Apple cider vinegar can also help seal the hair cuticle, enhancing shine and reducing frizz. It may also help reduce hair loss by balancing the skin's pH and clearing the hair follicle of debris. In addition, it can be used to cleanse the scalp and hair by removing product buildup without stripping colour.

While apple cider vinegar is generally safe to use, it contains acetic acid, which may irritate or burn the skin if not diluted properly. It is important to always dilute apple cider vinegar with water before applying it to the hair or skin. If irritation occurs, it usually clears up within a couple of days. Avoid contact with eyes, and if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Tomato juice for stubborn smells

If your hair still smells strongly of hot pot, you can try using tomato juice. Puree one peeled tomato into juice and apply the juice to your dry hair. Let the juice sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it out in the shower. The acids in tomato juice act as a natural deodorizer to remove stubborn hot pot smells from your hair. Follow with shampoo and conditioner as usual.

Tomato juice is also recommended for removing the smell of perm from your hair. It can help cleanse your hair and balance its pH, which will help neutralize the chemical odour. You can use any tomato juice that you can find at your local grocery store, or you can manually squeeze the juice from the tomatoes at home. If you have blonde hair, be sure to buy canned diced tomatoes since the tomato juice may alter the colour of your hair.

Tomato juice is often recommended for removing skunk spray from dogs, but this is a common misconception. It only appears to work due to olfactory fatigue.

Lemon juice hair mask

Lemon juice is an effective way to remove the stubborn smell of hot pot from your hair. Not only does it help eliminate the unpleasant aroma, but it also has several benefits for your hair.

To make a lemon juice hair mask, mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with one teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this mask to dry hair, concentrating on the ends where the smell is most likely to linger. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water. The vitamin C and citric acid in lemons will neutralise the odour, leaving your hair smelling fresh.

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can lighten your hair colour when combined with sun exposure. It can also improve the pH balance of your scalp, reducing irritation and dryness. Additionally, lemons have antifungal properties, which can help treat seborrheic dermatitis and reduce dandruff.

However, it is important to note that lemon juice is acidic and can dry out your hair and scalp if overused. Make sure to rinse it out thoroughly and consider using a moisturising conditioner after applying the lemon juice hair mask.

Protective serum or oil barrier

Before indulging in your next hot pot feast, it is a good idea to coat your hair with a protective serum or oil barrier. This simple step can effectively prevent the strong aroma of hot pot from permeating your locks and lingering for days. Here are some tips to create a protective barrier and keep your hair smelling fresh:

Choose the Right Product:

Select a hair serum or oil that suits your hair type. If you have thick or curly hair, opt for a more concentrated serum to tame frizz and define your style. For dry hair, consider a nourishing oil to restore moisture. Oils with natural ingredients like castor, coconut, avocado, or argan are excellent choices.

Apply Correctly:

Hair serums and oils should be applied correctly for optimal results. Serums are typically applied after washing, conditioning, and towel-drying your hair. Start with a small amount, distributing it evenly from the tips of your hair and working towards the scalp. Hair oils, on the other hand, are usually applied before shampooing, especially if you have straight hair. This prevents the oil from weighing down your hair after washing.

Combine Serum and Oil:

For maximum benefit, consider combining a hair serum and oil treatment. Start with a lightweight serum, and then apply the oil for added nourishment. This combination will provide both protection and moisture, ensuring your hair is healthy and shiny.

Focus on the Ends:

When applying the serum or oil, pay particular attention to the ends of your hair. The ends are the most porous part of your hair, making them more susceptible to absorbing and retaining smells. By concentrating on this area, you can create a protective barrier that repels odours.

Be Mindful of Amount and Frequency:

While these products are beneficial, using too much or too often can be counterproductive. Excess product can make your hair feel heavy and greasy. Generally, applying serum or oil 2-3 times a week is sufficient. Adjust the frequency as needed, using less frequently for oily hair and more often for very dry or damaged hair.

Protection Beyond Hot Pot:

Remember that the benefits of a hair serum or oil go beyond just blocking smells. These products can also protect your hair from heat damage, tame frizz, add shine, and nourish your scalp and strands. So, incorporating them into your hair care routine can enhance the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Frequently asked questions