What is the pH of the hair and how is it balanced to keep it healthy?

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Now what hair care is increasingly similar to skin care —and we realized everything that can alter its healthy nature—, it is likely that you have heard about the importance of keeping the pH of the hair in balance.

It turns out that both our hair and the formulas we treat it with have something called pH (potential hydrogen), a measure that determines the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It is calculated on a scale of 0 to 14, where 7 is the midpoint; Values ​​less than this amount are acidic and greater values ​​are alkaline.

Some products can unbalance the pH of the hair, making it frizzy and brittle. On the scalp, the consequences are even worse: excess sebum, irritation, sensitivity and more. Do you want to know how to avoid it? Keep reading.

Hands passing a comb through a straight and dyed blonde hair
Chemical procedures to change the color and texture of the hair can alter its pH. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels.

The pH of the scalp is 5.5 on the scale, very similar to the rest of the skin. The pH of the hair is equal to 3.6, so it is a little more acidic, which allows the cuticle to stay compact. This translates into a hydrated, shiny and healthy-looking mane. If hair is too alkaline, the cuticle opens, allowing moisture to escape, resulting in frizz. Therefore, if you have the curly hairyour cuticle is usually open and you may need a slightly acidic product to close it.

If the pH of the hair exceeds 7 on the scale, it is considered alkaline and of poor quality. On the other hand, a mane with the pH correctly regulated is soft, shiny and easy to comb.

Hair pH can be measured using pH paper strips or a digital pH meter.

To measure it with pH paper strips, you must first wash your hair with a mild shampoo and rinse well. Next, take a strip of pH paper and place it so that it is in contact with your skin or hair. After a few seconds, remove the paper strip and compare its color to a color chart to determine the approximate pH of the hair.

To measure the pH of hair with a digital meter, you need a pH electrode that can be placed on the scalp or in the hair. First, the meter must be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The electrode is then placed on the scalp or a section of hair, the meter is waited for the reading to stabilize, and the pH is recorded.

It is important to note that pH can vary depending on factors such as hair type, sun exposure, use of hair products, and general health. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a hair health professional to obtain a more accurate evaluation and determine the best treatment to keep it healthy.

The pH imbalance is usually caused by the use of products to dye or change the texture of the hair, as well as by the continuous use of shampoos with too high a pH, that is, alkaline (this happens to carry out its cleansing effect).

The sebum produced in the scalp, together with sweat, forms the acid mantle of the skin. This exists to prevent any harmful pathogens from attacking your skin, keeping bacteria, viruses and microbes at bay. It also coats hair and skin, blocking moisture loss. In addition, the acid mantle contributes to the closure of the cuticle. However, it can be altered by products, contaminants and exposure to the elements.

Seawater is another element that negatively affects hair, drying it out and making it more porous due to its high levels of alkalinity. And, of course, genetics also play a role.

Neutral shampoo to balance the hair's pH
A neutral shampoo respects the natural balance of hair and scalp. Credit: Jill Burrow.

The pH of the hair is important to maintain the health and appearance of the hair. A healthy mane has a slightly acidic pH, which helps protect the cuticle and maintain its natural shape.

If hair is pH unbalanced, it can become porous, dull, and prone to breakage. Here are some ways to balance the pH of your hair:

Use pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners

Look for products that have a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. we love the Bioexpert Coconut Oil shampoo, with 91% ingredients of natural origin and free of salt, parabens, paraffins, alcohol and dyes. FForms a protective film on your hair, leaving it radiant and beautiful.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals, such as hair dyes, can damage the hair cuticle and alter its pH. Try to avoid harsh chemicals as much as possible.

Rinse hair with cold water

Cold water can help close the hair cuticle, which can help maintain the natural pH.

Use apple cider vinegar as a rinse

He Apple vinager it has an acidic pH, so it can help balance the hair’s pH. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and use as a rinser after shampooing.

The post What is the pH of the hair and how is it balanced to keep it healthy? appeared first on All Things Hair Mexico.

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