How to Balance your Hair pH-Level (The Ultimate Guide)
- UKAllThingsHair
- Sep 1, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2020
In case you didn't know, the pH balance in your hair can be incredibly important when it comes to its health and shine, Keeping it balanced is key to a radiant head of hair. They're many ways this can be thrown off just by making simple mistakes, like choosing an alkaline based shampoo. To help you understand your hairs needs, I will explain the key elements that can disrupt your hairs natural state.
Your Natural pH Balance
When your hair is in its natural pH state, it should be sitting somewhere in between 4.5 and 5.5, depending on whether you have curly or straight hair. This is because our hair is slightly more acidic than alkaline so that the cuticles remain flat. To put it simply, when an alkaline based product is put on the hair the cuticle raises and opens, eventually causing split ends and breakage. When an acidic based product is added to the hair, the cuticle closes and protects the shaft from any further damage, leaving your hair soft and glossy.
Curly Hair
If your hair is naturally curly, your pH level is more likely to be closer 5,5 as it contains slightly more alkaline, this is why it is advised to use an acidic shampoo and conditioner or natural hair rinse to avoid frizz and dry ends. I will explain which shampoos and conditioners are best for this below, along with DIY treatments.
Straight Hair
If your hair is naturally straight, Your pH level would normally be closer to 4.5. This means if you have healthy hair, there is no need to overload with highly acidic products as it the cuticle already has a tendency to remain flat. This may be a different story if you have chemical damage, heat damage or mechanical damage.
How your pH Levels can Change
Ammonia contains alkaline, there for; every time you dye your bleach or use strong hair colorants, you are exposing your hair to a rich source of alkaline. This is why it is important to restore you pH balance before you cause unnecessary damage. Perming lotions and relaxants also contain a strong amount of alkaline, along with cheap shampoos and conditioners.
Signs your pH Levels are Wrong
If you are experiencing a dry scalp, itchiness or dry and tangled ends, these may be signs that your hair contains more alkaline than its supposed to, and your pH levels are off. If you are experiencing a lot of breakage, this is also a warning sign. When your levels are off balanced, you will notice a lack of elasticity when you hair is wet. You can do a simple test to see for yourself:
Take only a couple strands of hair and wet them thoroughly.
Simply tug slightly on the strand to test the elasticity,
If the hair stretched and returned back to its natural state this is a sign that your pH levels are good. If the hair broke, I advise following one or more of the steps below to restore you hair to its natural form.
How to Re-balance your Hairs pH Level
There are many methods that you can try to restore your hairs natural pH level. Its very important to remember not to over-use these methods or you can end up with a film-like texture on your hair, which can make it difficult to style. As you may already know there are a huge number of methods you can achieve this with, One including the ACV Hair Mask (Apple Cider Vinegar) which I have my own article on that you can read about here. But today I will be going over the treatments I found to work best specifically for unbalanced PH levels.
DIY pH Balanced Shampoo
Your are able to go ahead and buy a shampoo and conditioner of your choice and then purchase PH Tests Strips to ensure the level is below 7, You then know it does not contain high levels of alkaline.
You can buy them for just £3, Just click here.
When it comes to making your own shampoo, I have found a great formula by a blogger on ScratchMommy. She began by trying the ”no poo” method (shampooless lifestyle) and a couple of others but ended up coming up with this amazing formula. I highly recommend following the link to take a look at the DIY conditioner also.
1 can full fat coconut milk (about 13.5 oz) - PH 6.1-7.0
2 Tbsp liquid raw honey - PH 3.9
1 tsp jojoba oil - PH 4.21
1 tsp castor oil - PH 4.65
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar - PH 3.1
1 tsp essential oils of choice
Instructions;
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. This will separate some, so shake well before each use.
To use, massage a small amount on the scalp and use your fingers or a comb to spread through the hair. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off.
If your hair is naturally very oily, you can follow this up with an apple cider vinegar rinse made with ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup purified water.
The Natural Method
Sharon Taylor mentions on her blog an amazing technique and some interesting facts that I had to share with you;
"Other ways of closing the cuticle, aside from using acidic ingredients, include using soft water or a final cold-water rinse. The most ideal rinse for hair, at least before all the environmental issues of today, is rainwater. Rainwater, without the environmental impurities, was slightly acidic with a pH around 5.5. That slight leaning towards being acidic which would benefit hair and skin and is naturally the softest water, because of the minerals present within the water. If you had hair that was untreated and undamaged by chemicals and the environment and consistently showered with pure, cold, rainwater and we did everything else hair conscious individuals should be doing, your hair would be absolutely breathtaking!"
Highly Recommended PH Balanced Shampoo
One of my favorites and a product I would highly recommend to anyone looking to purchase a suitable PH balanced shampoo and conditioner would be;
Cruelty Free
Seals Hair Cuticle
Sulfate Free
Contains Keratin
Paraben Free
Suitable for Pregnant Women
SLS Free
Contains Caffeine
Gluten Free
Hydrocortisone Free
Alcohol Free
Calming and Conditioning Properties
Contains Amino Acids
Funugreek Extract
Refreshes Scalp
Stimulates Roots
Soothing Allantoin
Refreshes Scalp
With so many amazing ingredients you cant go wrong. This nourishing treatment effectively refreshes the scalp roots and lengths of your locks, without stripping the strands of its natural moisture. Does a perfect Job of restoring your natural balance while keeping your hair refreshed and moisturized.
The Amazing Benefits of Balancing out your Hairs pH Levels
Many of us out there have no idea how important is it to balance your hair pH level, protection from bacteria and fungus is just the start. By simply following the steps above you can achieve a healthy and glossy head of hair in no time. When everything is balanced, your hair has more ability to adapt to new products and surroundings (such as weather and heat) which will reduce breakage and help promote growth. By closing hair cuticles, you can also help lock in moisture and retain its sebum which is your hair’s natural conditioner. Lack of sebum can cause your hair to become hard and dry which may impact hair growth in the long term.
Please note that a few of the links in this article are actually affiliate links. This means that if you click on them, I will get a commission, without any extra cost to you. Feel free to check these out as I only recommend products or services that I personally tested and highly recommend. For more information, please read my affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.
We love to hear from the community!
Have you tried any of the methods above or want to give it a try? Let us know in the comments below!
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