Did you know that even our skin and hair have pH values? pH stands for potential of Hydrogen and measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral; a pH value less than 7 is considered acidic, and a pH value greater than 7 is considered alkaline.
Our skin and hair are slightly acidic, with pH values less than 7. The natural pH value of healthy, uncolored hair is between 4.5 and 5.5. Maintaining the ideal ph value of the hair is crucial for long, shining, and dense hair. When the pH value of the hair goes out of range, it starts looking frizzy and dull. This is why, it is very important to pay attention to the pH values of the hair care products like hair colors, hair dyes, shampoos, and conditioners so that they do not disturb your hair's natural pH value and work on restoring the imbalance in the pH value of the hair.
Dry, frizzy hair and pH:
Dry hair that is completely unmanageable is the common issue that most men and women globally face. Hair tends to become more drab and dull when the pH value shoots above the normal range, i.e. when it becomes more alkaline. At such times, the cuticles on the hair open up and the friction between the hair fibers gets increased; making the hair look lifeless. Your hair becomes alkaline primarily due to the usage of hair styling products like hair colors and hair straighteners. However, it can also become alkaline even because of shampoos. Another common issue with alkaline hair is the growth of microbes like bacteria and fungus on the scalp region that can hinder new growth and cause hair fall.
When you start seeing symptoms of alkaline hair like frizziness, dullness, and an itchy scalp, you need to take measures to bring down the pH value of your hair. You can restore your optimal hair pH values by using a hair care product like shampoo or chemical free hair color that is slightly acidic whose pH value is slightly higher.
Hair coloring and pH:
Chose the best chemical free hair color and hair dye without ppd and ammonia, and still not sure why your hair does not retain the color for a longer time just as it does for others? One possible yet main reason could be the pH value of your hair. You need a hair color with a slightly higher pH value, making your hair slightly alkaline.
The science behind this is interesting, and here it goes! When the hair becomes more alkaline with a pH value of a little more than 7, the cuticle layer in the hair becomes soft. The cuticles expand beautifully like a pinecone to accommodate adequate levels of hair color within them. Too much of anything is bad, and the same goes with your hair pH values too. When your hair is highly alkaline, it gets highly porous, and porous hair cannot retain color effectively. In such cases, the cuticles in the hair loosely hold the color pigments, and hair color rinses off prematurely while washing.
So, always choose an allergy free hair dye that is mildly alkaline for the best results!
Common home remedies that are effective in restoring ideal hair pH values:
While the term "pH value of hair" seems to be very technical, surprisingly, the ways to restore the pH value of your hair are not. You can try one of the below-mentioned methods to improve the texture of your hair.
Baking Soda and shampoo mask:
Baking soda opens the cuticle and lets water and cleansers in. Mix it with a gentle shampoo in an equal ratio and let them sit on your hair for a few minutes. Then, rinse it off, and finish off with deep conditioning. As baking soda is highly alkaline, follow this process only once or twice a month.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:
Apple Cider Vinegar can smoothen the cuticles on porous hair and keep the hair evenly moistened. You can mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar into a large bowl of cool or lukewarm water. Immerse your hair for about 5 minutes, and then wash it with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C can clarify your hair, giving it a silky smooth texture. Mix 1/8 teaspoon or less of pure Vitamin C powder with one cup of water. Soak your hair in the mixture for a few minutes, and then rinse off. Follow it by washing your hair with a hydrating shampoo and a deep conditioner.
We hope you are now aware of what those pH levels specified on hair care products mean and what it does to your hair. We suggest you make informed choices, and we wish you good luck in your hair care journey!
