The pH level of a hair styling product is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral. Products with a pH below 7 are acidic, while those with a pH above 7 are alkaline. This characteristic influences how the product interacts with hair, affecting its texture, manageability, and overall health.
Maintaining an appropriate pH is crucial for hair products because the natural pH of hair and scalp is slightly acidic, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. Products within this range help to keep the hair’s cuticle layer closed, which contributes to smoothness, shine, and reduced frizz. An imbalanced pH can disrupt the hair’s natural state, potentially leading to dryness, breakage, or scalp irritation.
