Natural hair is often dry and prone to frizzies, split ends, and breakage, which is why it’s so important to use a pH-balanced shampoo to keep it in its best condition.

To understand why the benefits of pH-balanced shampoo are important for natural hair, you first need to understand what pH is. (Don’t worry, we’ll make the explanation fast and keep it simple!) 

Basic Facts About pH

pH Fact #1 = pH is a symbol that represents a unit of measure.

pH Fact #2 = The “p” stands for “potential,” and the “H” stands for “hydrogen.”

pH Fact #3 = pH measures the acid or alkaline level of a particular substance.

pH Fact #4 = The pH scale runs from 1 (low acidic) through 14 (high alkaline), with 7 being completely neutral.

What is the Healthiest Level of pH for Natural Hair?

Natural human hair shafts have a pH of 3.67, and the pH of the scalp and sebum (oils produced by hair follicles) is 5.5. This acidity level is ideal and offers natural prevention against fungus, bacteria, and other free radicals that can cause problems to the hair and scalp.

It also keeps the keratin (protein) layers of the hair cuticle closed, which means that hair is healthier overall.

How Do the Hair and Scalp Lose this Ideal pH Level?

Using high-alkaline shampoos and products can strip away the hair’s natural acidic sebum and adversely affect pH levels. Certain medications and medical treatments as well as genetic and hormonal conditions can also affect the hair and scalp’s pH levels.

What Happens if pH Levels Are NOT in the Normal Range?

The Hair

The higher the pH value, the more alkaline the substance becomes. An alkaline pH level in hair can cause static electricity and friction between the strands, leading to breakage.  It also causes the hair’s cuticle to soften and open up — think of roof shingles or pine-cone layers — allowing moisture from the internal cortex to escape.