Did you know that your hair's natural pH balance should be slightly acidic, between 4.5 and 5.5?
Have you ever wondered what the term pH level actually means? Indeed, a balanced pH level may help shape the appearance and feel of your hair.
Apart from your diet and hair care routine, your hair's pH level also contributes to its health and strength. As a result, it's critical to maintain its balance to maximize its benefits and avoid becoming damaged, dried, and drab. Wondering how?
This article explores why the ph of hair matters and how to balance it for healthier, fuller-looking hair.
What Is The Natural Ph Of Hair?
The normal ph of hair is somewhat acidic. For example, the pH of the hair shafts is 3.67, whereas the scalp has a pH of 5.5, which is similar to the pH of your skin.
In simple terms, pH is a value that indicates how acidic or alkaline material is. It is often quantified on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. For instance, pure water has a pH of 7, which is neutral.
Any substance with a pH less than 7 is considered acidic, whereas substances with a pH of more than 7 are considered alkaline.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before making any changes to your hair care regimen, you should assess the current condition of your hair. Essentially there are four types of hair:
1. Straight Hair
Straight hair has the most shine and is also the most robust of all hair kinds. This hair structure is very tough and very challenging to curl. Because sebum quickly flows from the scalp to the ends without being obstructed by curls or bends, this is the oiliest hair structure.
2. Wavy Hair
Hair that is wavy in texture and has a luster that falls between curly and straight hair. Additionally, wavy hair is more prone to frizz than straight hair.
3. Curly Hair
Curly hair is defined as curly hair that has an S-shape or Z-shape. This kind of hair is often thick, frizzy, and prone to damage.
4. Kinky Hair
Kinky hair is hair that is tightly curled. Curly hair is often fragile but with volume. When wet, this kind of hair contracts, and it is more prone to damage.
Tips For Maintaining Balanced pH of Hair
To maintain healthy, damage-free hair, it is essential to retain the natural ph of hair. Take the following steps to maintain a healthy pH level of your hair.
The following tips will help to maintain the natural pH of hair:
Itchy Scalp
It's possible that your hair and scalp have become excessively alkaline if you have dryness, brittle hair strands, and an itchy scalp. That exacerbates eczema and raises the risk of infection.
A gentle acidic shampoo will protect and seal your hair's cuticles. It will also aid in the battle against infection-causing microorganisms.
Curly and Frizzy Hair
Your hair cuticles are likely to be somewhat open if you have natural curls. That makes your hair look dry or frizzy. Using a moderately acidic shampoo will aid in the closure of the cuticles. That allows them to lay flat on the hair follicle. Your hair will look smoother as a result of this.
One school of thought also believes that using satin linen helps prevent frizzy hair.
Color-Treated or Straightened Hair
If you've recently dyed or chemically straightened your hair, your hair may be somewhat distressed by the frequent acidic and alkaline treatments. So again, the best option is a slightly acidic hair care product.
Naturally Straight Hair
If you have naturally straight hair that shows no damage symptoms, a pH-balanced product should be sufficient to preserve your hair's health. The sebum generated by your hair contributes to the maintenance of a balanced pH. Therefore, avoid excessive washing to prevent your hair from changing its natural pH or drying out.
Drying Your Hair
Using a standard towel to dry our drenched hair is the worst thing that could happen. The harsh texture and roughness of a towel may cause damage to the hair.
When you squeeze out your hair or press it too tightly with a towel, you might roughen up the hair shaft. Therefore, it is a good idea to get yourself a special hair towel designed to remain on your head while swiftly and softly drying your hair.
Checking The pH Level Of Your Hair Products?
There are pH testers that may assist you in determining the pH of your hair products. These show a color change when applied to certain pH levels.
Litmus paper strips are the most often used pH testers. They come with a pH scale. You dip the paper strip into the product for a while and see a color change. Then you match the color with the pH scale provided.
It's that easy! Now you can check the pH of the hair care product you use and see if you need to change it.
The Effect of pH Level Of Products On Your Hair?
Your hair will be affected by the pH level of your hair care products. Several explanations for this include the following:
A Balanced pH Is Critical For Hair Health
Hair is rich in protein called keratin. An alkaline solution with a high pH degrades the keratin in your hair, leaving it more susceptible to breaking.
Additionally, it opens the hair's cuticles, leaving it more porous and enabling chemicals and impurities to enter the hair. A hair care product with a pH greater than 3.67 will cause your hair to get knotted and frizzy.
A Balanced pH Is Critical For Hair Health
A pH-balanced product minimizes excessive moisture loss from your hair without depositing or building up on your scalp.
Sebum released from the scalp has a naturally low pH. That low pH can be affected by using products with a high pH. Sebum contains natural oils that preserve and shine your locks.
Protection From Harmful Bacteria
Bacteria can only thrive within a very narrow pH range. So keeping a good pH balance for your hair and scalp can prevent infection-causing bacteria and fungus from invading your head.
Bounce Back to a Crowning Glory!
Hair that is healthy-looking and shiny is critical for women of all ages. Hair products and chemical treatments, on the other hand, might alter the ph of hair. For example, they may increase the alkalinity, resulting in an abnormally high pH level in your hair.
Fortunately, there are a few ways that may assist you in balancing the pH of your hair and restoring its healthy glow.
Check out our hair accessory items if you're looking to maintain your hair shiny, bouncy, and healthy!