Baking soda was also very drying for me. Most folks who use conditioner as a shampoo use the cheap stuff like Suave naturals or VO5, I personally use Suave Everlastng Sunshine, I get it at Walmart for 1.85$ for a reasonably big bottle.

I use Aussie Moist to condition my length.

Also, BS, in my opinion will mess with your scalps oil balance because it is so drying it encourages even more sebum to be produced. So give CO a try, or look for a gentle shampoo without Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.