Understanding Hair pH: Why It Matters for Healthy Hair

As a student, Chemistry has always been my favorite subject. Let’s leave aside Organic Chemistry though ;) With all the beautiful colours of chemicals and the hissing sound they make when you mix them with each other. Not to forget the slight acid burns and cough fits ;) So, the concept of pH is not alien to us: P

But I wonder why they made the definition so complicated for the 12 year old brain. “Potent of Hydrogen and blah and blah blah!” Ouch! If only they had told us in simple words? Everything has a level – its either acidic, or neutral or basic. Water is neutral, acid is acidic and almost all salts are basic. And why it is important to maintain a pH level.

Why am I talking about Chemistry? Because today, we shall discuss about your hair being pH balanced, class. *This is what happens when you give cosmetics and hair care to an engineer: D *

Why is our Hair Acidic?

Okay. So by default, our hair and sebum has an acidity of 4.5. Lesser the pH, greater the acidity. Water is neutral at 7. Why is our hair and scalp acidic? You guessed it right, to keep away germs, bacterial and fungal infections. This also helps in keeping the hair shaft and cuticles closed and healthy. This natural pH has to be maintained to maintain a healthy condition.

So what disrupts the pH then?

The products that we use. When the natural pH is disrupted, the scalp is more susceptible to infections and hair fall and other hair and scalp problems occur. How do we know what is up with the pH then?

Some products list the pH level in them, some don’t. A pH of 4-7 works well with the hair. It is interesting to know that different hair types have varying pH levels.

1. If you have curly hair, your hair cuticles are partially open due to the bending of the hair. You should maintain a level of 4.5-5.5 pH.
2. If you have rebounded or relaxed hair, then it is chemically treated. It was first treated with high levels of alkalis ie salts to open your hair cuticles and change them to that they are needed, and was sealed back to get a neutralization. All these extreme measures lead to stress on skin and the hair is damaged in the process. This is the reason your hair looks super damaged and hay like when the effects of straightening start to wear off. Dyed hair is the same too.
3. Straight haired people are pretty lucky when it comes to this as straight hair is already pH balanced and the sebum flows through the hair with less effort.

Dry hair has no pH. The pH I mentioned above is of wet hair with no products.

What you can do to restore the pH levels?

1. Always rinse all the cleansing products completely out of your hair to go nearer to your hair’s natural pH.  The products that are more alkaline open up cuticles and make your hair more susceptible to dryness and damage.
2. You can bring your hair to proper acidic level by using aloe vera or apple cedar vinegar. Dilute pure aloe vera and mist it on damp hair. Also, use apple cedar vinegar as a final rinse. Vinegar clarifies hair and removes any product build up and also adds in luster to your hair making it look healthier.

I hope this scientific information helps you girls achieve healthy hair
Let me know your views through the comments!

Stay Gorgeous