Many women are still unsure what exactly their hair pH means and what that changes when choosing the products to use in their locks. PH, which means hydrogen potential, determines the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid substance.
Since the layer that surrounds the hair, skin and nail has a slightly acidic pH, the products used in them must be neutral, slightly acidic or have the same pH. The difference between the pH of the hair and the products used in it has a direct influence on the health of the hair.
The pH range is as follows: less than 7 indicates that the substance is acidic, pH 7 is neutral and pH above 7 is basic or alkaline. The chemicals used to transform hair, for example, have alkaline pH, so that the scales open and enable the transformation.
However, too high a pH damages the hair, leaving the hair rough and dry. Ideal for chemical treated hair is the lowest pH, ie acid products to close the hair cuticles.
As for shampoo, it is best to use products with a pH around 5, which is closest to the scalp pH. Conditioners and moisturizing masks should have a pH around 4. The pH of conditioners should always be lower than shampoo to close the hair scales tightly.
To avoid problems, always try to use the same product line, so you don't risk using a higher pH shampoo and a conditioner that doesn't have a low pH to make up for the difference. In addition, you can also resort to products that normalize the pH of strands, the so-called pH stabilizers that can be found in any beauty supply store.
The science of pH balance and natural hair care (Part 2 of 2) (April 2024)
- Hair
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