The pH or potential of Hydrogen is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. We use a logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14 to determine pH. A neutral pH is 7, while a pH less than 7 indicates acidity and a pH greater than 7 indicates alkalinity. This scale measures the hydrogen ions (H+) concentration in a solution. Maintaining homeostasis, which refers to the stable internal environment necessary for optimal organ functioning, relies on pH. In living organisms, certain body fluids must maintain pH levels within a narrow range to ensure proper enzyme and biochemical function. Deviations from this range can lead to disease, which is also true for our scalp. The natural oils produced by our scalp are acidic, preventing fungi growth and killing bacteria. Without external factors, the body maintains a range of around 5.5, preventing the overgrowth of fungi and bacteria. pH affects the hair cuticle's texture, appearance, absorbency, and curl shape. PH changes can result in hair shedding, dryness, and adverse scalp conditions. Therefore, it is essential to use pH-balanced products.
Alkaline products can disrupt the natural pH balance of your scalp and strip away the protective sebum layer. The disrupted sebum layer leaves your skin vulnerable to attack from bacteria and other harmful germs, which can cause dryness and irritation. When your scalp becomes dry, it signals your body to produce more oil to compensate. The excess oil can then build up on the scalp, leading to dandruff or worsening seborrheic dermatitis. Moreover, using alkaline hair products can also damage your hair. These products can open up the cuticle layer of the hair strand and make it more porous. Porous hair, in turn, can cause friction between hair fibers, leading to frizz, breakage, and cuticle damage. In hair coloring treatments, alkaline products open up the hair's cuticle, allowing the coloring pigments to be deposited inside. It's also worth noting that water can also affect your hair's pH level. Using water to hydrate your hair can elevate your hair's pH level and open up the cuticle. Most tap water falls within the range of 6.5-9.5, above the optimal pH level for your hair. Therefore, if you don't use a product to lower the pH level, your hair cuticle remains open, making it easier for moisture to escape.
Acidic products can significantly impact the scalp more than the hair. If the pH levels of your scalp become too acidic, it can lead to inflammation, resulting in redness, acne, increased greasiness, irritated skin, sensitivity, and itchiness. Using acidic products on the hair can cause the cuticle to tighten and close, potentially altering the texture of your hair and causing damage to the strands. Constant hair cuticle opening and closing can lead to brittle and weak hair. In the haircare industry, shampoos with a pH that is too low can make the hair appear dull and lifeless. The ideal shampoo for healthy hair has a pH close to the natural pH of the hair, which is around 4.5-5.5. While using products with acidic pH values is better than alkaline products, it does not mean we should use highly acidic substances.
Products with a pH of 4.5-5.5 offer the best health for your hair and scalp. They help to close the hair cuticles, which results in less damage and breakage and protects hair color and treatments. Using products not optimized for the pH of your scalp and hair when your hair's pH is balanced can lead to hair shedding, dryness, and adverse scalp conditions. Tracking every pH value can be a hassle, but I am here to simplify it. Our isRiel hair products are formulated to maintain the perfect pH balance for your scalp and hair. Our products' pH ranges between 4.5-5.5, which means they are perfectly pH-balanced.