Scalp & Hair · Carbonated Care

Carbonated Scalp

How this page was made
This page was written with AI assistance and reviewed against the sources listed under References below. It is general information only, not medical advice. See our full disclaimer for how SHEA creates and reviews treatment information.
01

What it is

Carbonated scalp treatment uses a carbon dioxide (CO2)-containing liquid, foam, mist or other topical preparation as part of a scalp-care session. The exact formulation and method of application can vary by provider.

CO2 has been investigated in human studies using several forms of topical or transcutaneous delivery. CO2-enriched water has affected cutaneous blood flow in the feet, while a separate transcutaneous CO2 system has produced changes consistent with increased oxygen release from hemoglobin. These studies show that CO2 can produce physiological effects under particular experimental conditions, but they did not study commercial carbonated scalp treatments.

The delivery method matters
Carbonated water, CO2 gas delivered through a hydrogel, and a high-concentration CO2 facial formulation are different interventions. Evidence from one method should not automatically be transferred to another, including a commercial scalp treatment.
02

Why people consider it

  • As an additional step within a cleansing or multi-step scalp-care session
  • Because some scalp-care programs include carbonated water, foam, mist or other CO2-containing products
  • As part of a head-spa or other treatment package rather than as a standalone treatment
03

What the experience is like

The experience depends on the product and equipment used. A provider may apply a carbonated liquid, foam, mist or another CO2-containing preparation to the scalp.

It may be used during cleansing or as another step within a longer scalp-care protocol. Because there is no single standardized carbonated scalp treatment, the application method and duration depend on the provider's protocol.

04

Limitations & considerations

  • Direct clinical evidence evaluating commercial carbonated scalp treatment as a distinct intervention is limited
  • The available human studies identified for this page did not investigate hair growth, hair density or follicle function
  • Research showing changes in circulation or oxygen-related physiology at other body sites does not establish that a commercial scalp treatment produces the same effects
  • The studies used substantially different CO2 delivery methods, including CO2-enriched water immersion, transcutaneous CO2 gas with a hydrogel system, and a specific facial formulation. Their results should not be treated as interchangeable
  • The facial study evaluated repeated twice-daily use of a specific formulation for eight weeks, so its findings cannot be transferred to a single scalp-care session
  • If a carbonated scalp service includes cleansing, massage, exfoliation, topical products or other devices, the evidence and limitations for those components need to be considered separately
  • Products applied to irritated or injured scalp may cause discomfort or further irritation depending on their formulation, so the condition of the scalp and the specific product being used matter
Evidence note
Hartmann and colleagues studied patients with mild peripheral arterial disease. Their lower legs and feet were immersed for 20 minutes in either fresh water or CO2-enriched water under controlled conditions. CO2-enriched water produced changes in cutaneous circulation and transcutaneous oxygen measurements. This was a foot-immersion study, not a scalp study.
Sakai and colleagues investigated a different transcutaneous system using pure CO2 gas, a hydrogel and an adaptor. Human measurements showed changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin consistent with CO2-induced oxygen dissociation from hemoglobin. The system was not carbonated water or a commercial scalp treatment. Two authors were employees of NeoChemir, and the study was funded by NeoChemir through their employment; those employees participated in the research.
Yuki and colleagues studied a high-concentration CO2 liquid formulation applied to facial skin twice daily for eight weeks in healthy men. The study reported changes in several skin measurements, but it did not investigate the scalp, hair growth or a one-session scalp treatment. All authors were employees of Kao Corporation.
Together, these studies show that particular forms of topical or transcutaneous CO2 exposure can affect human skin circulation, oxygen-related physiology or skin measurements under specific conditions. They do not establish a clinical benefit from commercial carbonated scalp treatment.

References

Human studies relevant to topical or transcutaneous CO2 exposure. None evaluated commercial carbonated scalp treatment.

1. Hartmann BR, Bassenge E, Pittler M. Effect of carbon dioxide-enriched water and fresh water on the cutaneous microcirculation and oxygen tension in the skin of the foot. Angiology. 1997;48(4):337–343.
Peer-reviewed · Human study · Foot immersion · Not scalp-specific
2. Sakai Y, Miwa M, Oe K, et al. A novel system for transcutaneous application of carbon dioxide causing an “artificial Bohr effect” in the human body. PLoS ONE. 2011;6(9):e24137.
Peer-reviewed · Human study · Transcutaneous CO2 system · Industry funded
3. Yuki K, Kawano S, Mori S, Murase T. Facial application of high-concentration carbon dioxide prevents epidermal impairment associated with environmental changes. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2019;12:63–69.
Peer-reviewed · Human study · Facial skin · Kao employees
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