The acronym pH stands for potential hydrogen. The term originally comes from the French "pouvoir hydrogen." the pH level is a reference to how many hydrogen ions are present in a substance. The pH level is used to indicate how alkaline a substance is or how acidic. Varying pH levels in shampoos have different effects on hair types.
The Levels
The pH levels in shampoos depend on their ingredients. Good-quality shampoos have pH levels between pH 5 and pH 7. Your hair contains a natural oil called sebum. The pH level of this is pH 5. Anything significantly higher or lower than this will strip your hair of its natural oils. In shampoos, anything above pH 7 is alkaline and anything below is acidic.
- The pH levels in shampoos depend on their ingredients.
- In shampoos, anything above pH 7 is alkaline and anything below is acidic.
Acceptable pH Level Variations
Shampoos fall in the middle of the pH scale since they are between pH 5 and pH 7. Conditioning shampoos have formulations that lower their pH levels a bit. This provides better care for your hair. Cleansing shampoos have a higher pH level because their ingredients are for cleaning stubborn residue on hair. Therefore, you may find shampoos with levels from ph 4 to ph 9.
- Shampoos fall in the middle of the pH scale since they are between pH 5 and pH 7.
- Cleansing shampoos have a higher pH level because their ingredients are for cleaning stubborn residue on hair.
Effect of High pH Levels
Shampoos that have high pH levels are alkaline, and this can remove natural oils that are present in the scalp. It can also result in the loosening of the substance that holds hair shafts together. While effects of such shampoos look promising with the first few uses, their effects will eventually make your hair dry and brittle.
Effects of Alkaline and Acidic Shampoos
The pH levels in clarifying shampoos are usually more alkaline to allow the hair shaft to open up for a thorough cleaning. You can use alkaline-based shampoos to soften your hair. Alkaline-based shampoos are also used in hair straightening.
Conditioners and moisturising shampoos are acidic to allow the hair shaft to soften and better retain moisture.
- The pH levels in clarifying shampoos are usually more alkaline to allow the hair shaft to open up for a thorough cleaning.
- Conditioners and moisturising shampoos are acidic to allow the hair shaft to soften and better retain moisture.
The pH Levels for Dry Hair
Dry hair is the most difficult to look after. For dry hair, choose shampoos that have a low pH level. This means their level of acidity is higher. These types of shampoos allow your hair cuticles to open up and take in moisture. They also help your hair to retain moisture.
- Dry hair is the most difficult to look after.
- For dry hair, choose shampoos that have a low pH level.
Pointers on pH Levels
Find a shampoo that lists its pH level. Whenever you see the words moisturising or hydrating, understand that the pH levels are low. Shampoos can also undergo the litmus test. You can easily find scales to measure against online. Just dip a litmus paper in your shampoo and compare its colour to the available chart.
- Find a shampoo that lists its pH level.
- Whenever you see the words moisturising or hydrating, understand that the pH levels are low.