What is Ph Balance?
Ph. Balance is a measure of the acidity of a solution. Solutions with a ph. less than 7 are said to be acidic anything greater is basic or alkaline.
Ph Balance and Natural Hair
The weather is changing again so if you’re paying close attention you will notice that for some of you your hair maybe taking a while to adjust to the change in temperatures. Our hair may also take time to adjust to the change in products as many of us may change the way we treat our hair as the temperature changes. The temperature change can make your hair too dry or too oily. Once you understand your hair it is quite simply to restore your hairs natural ph level.
Our hair secretes natural oil called sebum, which I have express is very important in our skin care and hair care from previous articles. Sebum is what maintains the moisture and balance in our hair. The hairs natural ph. balance is between 4.5 and 5.5. I have stress paying close attention to your hair because once you do this you are able to determine which products is right for your hair type. The ph scale ranges from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly alkaline).
If you are using products like shampoos that have a high ph level, then you are stripping your hair of its natural essential oil. This allows our hair to become dry, prone to breakage and further damage.
Tips
- If you would like to know ph level of your products here is a test: test your products ph. strips, if your shampoo is a 4, your conditioner a 5 and your leave in a 5, add the numbers together (14) and divide by 3 you will get 4.6. Keep in mind that the hair natural oil has a ph. of 4.5 -5, that is your goal.
- Add Apple cider vinegar into your regimen to restore a smooth, stronger look and feel of your hair, ACV will restore the hairs ph. balance.
- Dilute your shampoo with water so it does not strip your hair
- Remember a slightly high ph level in a shampoo can act as a clarify to remove product build up. A low ph level will condition the hair.
What to know
Hair is mildly acidic and closer to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse. Many hair care products we use are strongly alkaline, that is if you are still using products the same. Apple cider vinegar will not only restore ph balance but also remove build up that can result from the use of styling products and shampoos.
Rinsing your hair with a product to restore ph balance will close the cuticles and protect the hair shaft. This will leave the hair with a smooth surface, shiny hair, and easier to manage.
Smooth hair shaft
- ACV does have a slight vinegar smell when rinsing, this will disappear after your hair has dried
- Prepare your own ready to use mix and keep it in the spray bottle, use about 1/3 to a cup of ACV and mix with water.
- The amount all depends on the length of your hair and build-up, do not use to much ACV
- Rinse with ACV after you shampoo.
- ACV can be used once or twice a week.
source: ezinearticles, ehow, applecidervinegarbenefits.com
This one fact, pH balance, has changed my hair journey. It really has to be emphasized in the black hair community. When my hair is in pH balance, it feels like satin. Just incredible. And definetely helps to reduce breakage and detangling time. My curls pop like crazy. My absolute fav Conditioner for restoring pH balance is Aphrogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor. I call it the Lexus of conditioners. Of, course shampooing with a pH balanced or natural shampoo is key to getting the cuticle prepared and ready to absorb the conditioner. Otherwise conditioning is a waste. Great key article!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you made this comment. I have also been using a ph conditioner giovanni and along with my at home made products and it is amazing, my hair feels better, I find it is also not growing at .5 but i inch every month. I am truly happy and yes yu are right there needs to be more and more emphasis on ph balance for our hair!...thanks for stopping by hun
ReplyDelete"Remember a slightly high ph level in a shampoo can act as a clarify to remove product build up. A low ph level will condition the hair."
ReplyDeleteSo does that mean that ultimately have a shampoo with a pH of 7.0 or a tiny bit high is okay as long as the conditioner, leave-in and daily rinse is acidic.
Or is the ideal to have all products at a pH below 7.0/in the 4.5-5.5 range?