If you’ve ever had a fish tank, you probably realize how important pH can be. Get it just a little off, and bye-bye fishies.
While the products we put on our hair probably won’t result in anything as dramatic as a tank full of fish going belly-up, it doesn’t mean that pH isn’t important for us, too. In fact, all living beings are very sensitive to changes in pH. That includes you.
Finding the right pH balance is also trickier than it may seem. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, scalp pH should be around 5.5, but your hair’s pH is more like 3.7.
So what are the benefits of a perfect pH balance for your scalp? We'll get to those in just a minute.
But first...
What Is pH Anyway And Why Does It Matter?
Been a few years since your last science class? No worries -- we'll refresh your memory. Hydrogen Ionic potential (pH) is a measurement of how acidic, neutral, or alkaline a substance is. Things like lemon juice have a low pH, while bleach has a high pH.
You might assume your scalp should be neutral, but in fact, it should be a bit acidic. And researchers have found that having a pH that is too alkaline can lead to frizz and hair damage.
Now that we've covered what pH is, let's explore the benefits of having a perfectly balanced pH for your scalp.
Smooth, Strong Strands
It turns out that when the pH of your scalp is too alkaline, it actually affects the electrostatic charge of your hair. Having a high pH increases friction, causing your hair to tangle and frizz.
It also increases static electricity. You know how it seems like in the winter when the air is dry, your hair flies everywhere and sticks to everything? That’s good old static electricity, and it turns out that products that cause your scalp to be too alkaline have the same effect.
To make matters worse, all those tangles and frizz can also cause your hair to break, particularly if it’s been colored.
In contrast, when the pH of your scalp is balanced, your hair is smooth, strong, and healthy. We’ll go with pH balanced, thanks.
A Healthy Scalp
The pH balance of your scalp can affect both how much dandruff you have and how much oil is on your hair. And when your pH isn’t balanced, it can also allow fungus and bacteria thrive. Additionally, the wrong pH exacerbates conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
When your scalp’s pH is balanced, on the other hand, you’re less likely to suffer from dandruff, excess oil, irritation, and sores.
The sebum (oil) your hair produces is naturally acidic, like your hair and scalp should be. If you’re using products with a high pH, the sebum can’t do its job of fighting germs.
Closed Cuticles
We’ve talked before about how important it is to make sure cuticles are closed when you step out of the shower. If you’re using products with an alkaline pH, your scalp pH may be too alkaline, and your cuticles may remain open.
Combine open cuticles with an increased electrical charge, and you have a recipe for disaster. A more acidic pH closes your cuticles and allows them to lie flat, which is what gives you smooth, tangle-free hair. And it prevents damage to the hair itself.
Viori’s shampoo and conditioner bars are always pH balanced. Give our bars a try. We’re sure you’ll see a difference, and we’d love to hear about your experience.
