What Is Hair pH And Why Is It Important
While you must’ve left a good share of high school chemistry behind, the pH scale can still come in handy. In simpler terms, pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity level of your hair and scalp, which can largely sway the health and strength of your hair and can make a big difference in how your strands look and feel. And, yes, you do have a say in your hair’s pH balance. Along with a bit of patience and research, indulging in hair care that considers the pH level of scalp can work wonders for your hair.
WHAT IS THE PH OF HAIR AND SCALP?
The pH scale runs from 0 through 14. The scale remains neutral at 7, while anything below it (0-6) is acidic and anything above (8-14) is alkaline. The natural hair pH balance happens to be somewhat acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5, and is at its healthiest within this range.
WHY DO PH LEVELS OF HAIR MATTER?
The pH levels of hair have more say in its well being than you believe. Be it scalp, cuticles, or absorption, your hair pH balance makes a difference. The slightly acidic pH level of the hair keeps the cuticle, the outermost part of your hair, sealed off to maintain the moisture in your hair. The closed cuticle also helps you dodge frizz and damage caused by external factors. The hair pH balance also sustains your scalp health, not allowing troublesome bacteria to crowd.
When pH levels of hair lean towards the alkaline side, the end result is damaging. The cuticle—AKA the outer layer of the hair—starts to lift up and the health and strength of the hair fiber is ultimately affected, leading to issues such as breakage and frizz. Not to mention that a more alkaline state can also affect the bacteria and oil (which we all have) on the scalp, and potentially cause dandruff. The pH levels of hair also determine how well your hair absorbs the products you use and how much of it is left off as residue and buildup.
Needless to say, the pH level of hair—combined with protein and moisture—ultimately determines your hair’s health, strength, length, shape, and colour.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY HAIR AND SCALP PH?
Even after deciphering the vitality of scalp pH levels, we put our hair through several ordeals that push it into the alkaline side. We’re talking chemical processes such as colouring or bleaching, and even your regular shampooing. Most of your run-of-the-mill shampoos use alkaline cleansing agents that can compromise the integrity and pH levels of hair.
A few crucial changes are in order if you wish to maintain a healthy hair pH balance:
USE PH-BALANCING HAIR PRODUCTS
Given that shampooing is the most frequent hair care we indulge in, choosing the right ingredients is a must. Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate range is a must-have in your regular hai regimen to retain your hair pH balance. While maintaining pH levels of hair, this acidic formula strengthens weakened bonds and provides ultimate strength repair, intense conditioning, and colour fade protection for those with colour-treated hair.
STEER-CLEAR OF SULFATES & SUCH
It’s wise to stay off products with harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and strong detergents, which can disrupt the hair pH balance and cause dryness or irritation. Make sure that the nourishing shampoo you pick does not fuse nourishment with these ingredients to maintain healthy pH levels of hair.
REGULAR MONITORING
It’s not that complicated to figure out the pH level of hair after all. Try using test strips every now and then to keep a check on the pH level of scalp, ensuring they remain within the healthy range.
BALANCING HAIR PH WITH ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE
Luckily for us and our hair, the entire Redken brand is grounded in science and rooted in effective formulas that are pH balancing, such as the Acidic Bonding Concentrate shampoo, or the pH Sealer, which helps seal cuticles to reduce damage and add instant shine to your hair.
The secret to an optimal pH level of hair? Enter Redken’s hair care collection. Redken's shampoos are pH balanced, while the conditioners are slightly acidic, a uniquely developed combination that ultimately helps keep your hair’s pH balance within the sweet spot. Redken's hair care systems also have unique protein and moisture levels based on the specific needs of different hair types and colours. Whether your hair is damaged, dry, or colour-treated- Redken has the haircare range to provide the best results and keep the hair in the healthiest condition. So, when do you start?