Is Epsom Salt Bad for Your Hair? What You Need to Know

Epsom salt — aka magnesium sulfate — is a household staple people use for everything from muscle relaxation to skincare. But what about hair? Is Epsom salt bad for your hair, or does it offer benefits?

Some swear by Epsom salt for clarifying the scalp, reducing oiliness, and adding volume, while others warn it can dry out hair and cause damage.

Let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of adding Epsom salt to your hair care routine. We’ll also cover tips for using Epsom salt for hair health.

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a mineral compound often used in baths, skincare practices, and even gardening. Unlike table salt, Epsom salt doesn’t contain sodium chloride, making it less drying but still capable of drawing out impurities and oils.

As it’s said to have anti-inflammatory properties, Epsom salt baths are often used as a natural remedy for muscle pain, stress, and sleeplessness. But there’s no evidence that magnesium sulfate can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.

In hair care, Epsom salt is sometimes used to:

• Remove excess oil and product buildup

• Add volume and texture to limp or fine hair

• Exfoliate an itchy, flaky scalp

Though these benefits sound promising, using Epsom salt the wrong way or too often could do more harm than good.

Depending on your hair type and goals, Epsom salt may be worth adding to your hair care routine. It might benefit your hair by:

• Giving it volume and texture

• Clarifying your scalp

• Reducing oiliness

Keep scrolling for insight.

1. Epsom Salt Gives Hair Volume and Texture

There’s something so alluring about healthy, voluminous hair — but achieving volume can be a struggle for some guys.

If you have flat or fine hair, Epsom salt may help by removing excess oil that weighs hair down.

Anecdotally, many people say it adds texture to their hair — in other words, it can be great for emphasizing naturally wavy or curly hair.

Sea salt spray can have a similar effect. Learn more in our guide to sea salt spray for hair.

2. Epsom Salt Clarifies the Scalp

A healthy scalp is the basis of healthy hair. Are there Epsom salt for scalp benefits? Epsom salt acts as a natural scalp exfoliant, helping remove product buildup and excess sebum.

Although we couldn’t find evidence that Epsom salt reduces dandruff, it can exfoliate the scalp to keep itchiness and flaking at bay.

If you frequently use heavy styling products, an occasional Epsom salt rinse could help reset your scalp.

If you have a dry or flaky scalp, proceed with caution, as Epsom salt can also be drying.

Learn more about keeping your scalp healthy in our guide to scalp care.

3. Epsom Salt May Reduce Oiliness

Your scalp naturally produces sebum — an oily, waxy substance that keeps skin and hair healthy and moisturized. While some sebum is important for hair health, too much can make hair look and feel greasy.

If your hair tends to get greasy or oily quickly, Epsom salt might be worth a try, as it can help sop up excess oil. Some clarifying shampoos even contain magnesium sulfate as a key ingredient for oil control.

Epsom salt has some potential perks, but it’s not for everyone. Depending on your hair type, you might want to avoid it altogether. You should also avoid overuse, which can lead to a range of side effects.

Why is Epsom salt bad for your hair in some cases? It can result in:

• Dryness and breakage

• Scalp irritation

• Residue buildup

Here’s what to know.

1. Dryness and Breakage

Epsom salt is known for drawing out oil — which is useful when your hair gets greasy. But if you have dry, curly, or color-treated hair, this can backfire. Stripping away too much moisture can leave hair brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.

Even if you have oily hair, be careful — if you overuse Epsom salts, your hair can become dry and brittle.

2. Scalp Irritation

Exfoliating can be great for scalp health. However, if you have a sensitive scalp, eczema, or psoriasis, Epsom salt may worsen irritation or cause a stinging sensation.

Although it’s very rare to have an allergic reaction to Epsom salts, some people may experience itching, redness, or discomfort on the skin.

Always do a patch test before using a new product on your scalp to make sure it doesn’t cause a reaction.

3. Residue Buildup

If it’s not rinsed thoroughly, Epsom salt can leave a gritty residue on the scalp and hair, which can feel unpleasant. If it builds up, it can irritate your scalp. The residue might also cling to hair strands, making hair look waxy, dull, or lifeless.

There’s no evidence to suggest Epsom salt can stop hair loss.

According to the internet, there are many alleged “natural remedies” for hair loss. You might’ve come across the claim that Epsom salt can stimulate hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth or preventing excess shedding. Unfortunately, this isn’t true.

If you’re showing signs of hair loss — like excessive hair fall or thinning — it’s crucial to get help ASAP. Hair loss tends to get worse over time if you don’t treat it.

The good news? There are many science-backed hair loss treatments that work. For example, finasteride and minoxidil are two FDA-approved medications clinically proven to slow down male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).

If you think you’re experiencing hair loss, make an appointment with a healthcare professional right away to explore treatment options.

There are a few ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your hair care routine.

But first, a quick disclaimer: Since Epsom salt can be drying, use it only once a week at most — less if your hair is on the drier side. Additionally, always follow with a moisturizing treatment or leave-in conditioner.

1. Use It as a Hair Rinse

One of the easiest ways to use Epsom salt is in a DIY hair rinse. Here’s how to do it:

• Mix one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt with one cup of warm water.

• Pour the mixture over damp hair after shampooing.

• Let it sit for one to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Follow with a conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture.

2. Mix It With Shampoo or Conditioner for Volume

Some people mix Epsom salt with their regular shampoo or conditioner to remove oiliness without stripping too much moisture. Here’s what to do:

1. Combine equal parts Epsom salt and shampoo or conditioner.

2. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on hair roots.

3. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes, then rinse well.

Don’t use Epsom salt every time you wash your hair. Limit it to once a week or less often.

Our guide to shampoo versus conditioner breaks down what each does and why they’re both essential.

3. Use It To Exfoliate Your Scalp

If you have an oily or flaky scalp, a DIY Epsom salt scrub can help remove dead skin cells while promoting blood circulation.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt with two tablespoons of a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil). You can also add a drop of essential oil if you’d like.

2. Apply the scrub directly to your scalp. Massage for a few minutes using gentle circular motions.

3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a mild shampoo to remove any residue.

4. Finish with a hair conditioner or scalp serum to maintain hydration.

While scalp scrubs are great, you shouldn’t use them more than once a week, as the exfoliation can strip away natural oils and lead to irritation. Avoid this if you have an irritated or sensitive scalp, as Epsom salt can be very abrasive.

What are the best oils for hair growth? Our blog has answers.

If you’re taking an Epsom salt bath, you may wonder if it’s safe to submerge your hair. Though it’s generally fine to do occasionally, soaking your hair in Epsom salt water regularly can be drying, especially if you have color-treated or naturally dry hair.

To minimize dryness:

• Rinse your hair with clean water before getting into the bath (this helps prevent excessive absorption)

• Rinse your hair with clean water after washing it in Epsom salt

• Apply a conditioner after soaking to avoid dryness

If your hair is very dry after washing it in an Epsom salt bath, consider using a nourishing hair product — like a hair mask or leave-in conditioner — to restore hydration.

Is saltwater good for your hair? Read our blog to find out.

Epsom salt is popular in natural wellness circles, but it has its limitations. While it may offer benefits for hair, it’s not suitable for all hair types.

Keep this in mind when considering Epsom salt hair treatments or exposing your hair to magnesium sulfate:

• Epsom salt has its benefits. If you have oily hair, it can help reduce excess oil and product buildup. Plus, it can give your hair volume and texture.

• But it also has side effects. Epsom salt can cause dryness and irritation if used too often. It may also be too drying for dry, curly, or color-treated hair.

• Use it sparingly. Limit applications to once a week or less, and follow with a hydrating conditioner to keep your hair soft and strong.

Contrary to internet claims, Epsom salt can’t boost hair growth or slow down hair loss — nor can it stop dandruff. If you’re experiencing persistent dryness, dandruff, or hair thinning, consult a healthcare professional to explore your treatment options.

Dealing with hair loss? Take our free hair loss quiz to see what products might work best for you.