PH Levels
pH Balance in Hair Products
The pH scale was first developed in 1909 by the scientist Soren Peder Lauritz Sorensen. The system allows us to compare
our body chemistry to the chemical makeup of our environment. In order to comprehend hair chemistry, it is important to
first understand the pH scale and how it relates to our bodies. The pH scale is a measure of the amount of hydrogen ions
that are found in a substance. The scale ranges from 1-14, which 7 being a neutral substance, such as pure water, and the
two chemical extremes being either acidic (0 – 6.9) or alkaline (7.1-14).
Healthy curly hair should have a pH balance of approximately 4.5 – 5.5, making it slightly acidic. There are many factors
that can negatively affect the pH balance of your hair, such as using chemical relaxers, harsh shampoos and styling products
and thermal styling aides like flat irons. When hair is properly pH balanced, the cuticle remains closed which means it
does not frizz. It also increases the shine and strength of your hair. However, a higher pH balance will raise the cuticle,
causing tangles, dullness and frizz. The raised cuticle will also expose the cortex of the hair shaft, making hair much
more susceptible to damage.
Learning to keep the hair cuticle closed will make an enormous difference in your hair's strength and appearance. By nature,
curly hair cuticles tend to remain in an open state, as the spiral pattern of a curl makes it extremely difficult for the
cuticles to lie flat. Since these open cuticles are what cause frizzy hair, it is particularly important for curly heads
to be aware of the pH levels of the products they use. The first step in creating and maintaining healthy hair is balancing
the pH levels by using products with a low pH balance to restore the hair’s ideal balance. Curly Hair Solutions™ products
are formulated specifically for curly hair, as they are designed to correct mild to severe frizzy conditions. All of our
conditioners have a pH balance of 3.5-4, and our shampoos all have a pH balance of 4.5 – 5.5.
