Thursday, 11 October 2012

PH levels of hair

   Potential Hydrogen (pH)

The pH, is the measurement of how acidic or alkali a substance is. This is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. Hair has a pH value of 4.5 and 5.5 this can be a good indicator if you are using the correct products for your hair and scalp.  A pH of 7 is considered neutral  anything above 7 is alkaline and any below 7 is considered acid based.

If you disrupt the natural pH balance this can lead to fungi and bacterial growth. The incorrect correct pH balance also affect your cuticle. If a product is too alkaline this will cause your cuticle to open. If a product is too acidic the cuticle will contract.

 If you have dandruff , fungi or bacteria on your scalp you are washing your hair with a product of a pH above 7 making your scalp too alkali. You are stripping away all of your sebum (which is acidic)
most shampoos will be more alkaline and have citric acid added to them to lower to pH. Too much citric acid can dry out the scalp and hair.

 When looking for the pH of shampoo it should be on the acid side, this will be better for your hair and scalp as it is milder. Most shampoos have a pH value of 7 or 8.  Shampoos designed to give you volume will have the highest pH value making it more alkaline, this will plump up your hair shaft making it full. This is bad for your hair as it leaves the cuticle open to all sorts of damage caused by everyday styling.

Lemon juice and vinegar have a pH value of 2 or 3 and baking soda has a pH of 8 or 9 which is why it makes your hair feel like straw. I would never recommend baking soda for your hair or scalp for this reason.


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