Balance your Hair’s PH

Welcome back to our Hair Rehab series, where we dive deep into the world of hair care. Today, let's unfold the mystery of hair pH and its significant role in maintaining the health and beauty of your locks. Understanding and balancing the pH of your hair can be the game-changer in your hair care routine.

Understanding Hair pH

Our hair and scalp have a natural pH level, typically ranging between 4 and 5.5, leaning towards the acidic side. This acidic environment is essential for keeping our hair cuticles closed, ensuring moisture retention, and preventing bacteria and fungus growth. An imbalance in this pH level can lead to various hair woes, including dryness, frizziness, and scalp irritation.

The Role of Conditioners

Conditioners are more than just a softening agent; they play a pivotal role in restoring the hair's natural pH balance. Most conditioners have a lower pH, around 3.5, which helps to close the hair cuticles that were opened by the alkaline nature of shampoos. This process seals in moisture, reduces frizz, and enhances shine.

Choosing the Right Products

Selecting the right hair care products is crucial. pH-balanced products are designed to maintain the natural acidity of the hair and scalp. Be wary of products with high alkalinity, as they can increase the negative charge on the hair strands, leading to swelling, frizziness, and increased susceptibility to damage. I encourage you to do a little research. Use websites like the EWG to help you find products that resonate with your price range and needs.

Natural Remedies for pH Balancing

Incorporating natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar and aloe vera can be a great way to balance your hair's pH naturally. For instance, a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse can control frizz and dryness, while aloe vera gel can soothe and restore your scalp's pH.

Tips for Home Treatments

Here are some simple yet effective home treatments for maintaining hair pH:

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is generally preferred for hair rinses over white vinegar. ACV has a pH level that is closer to that of human hair, making it less harsh and more nourishing. It contains beneficial nutrients, amino acids, and antibacterial properties that can help balance scalp pH, enhance shine, and reduce frizz. While white vinegar can also clean the scalp and add shine, it's more acidic, lacks the nutrients of ACV, and has a stronger smell. ACV is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair, and should be used about once a week or every two weeks, without exceeding a five-minute application to avoid drying the hairAloe Vera Mask: Combine a cup of aloe vera juice, a teaspoon of honey, and two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply to your hair and leave on for 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Cautions with DIY Treatments:

While natural remedies can be beneficial, it's important to use them in moderation. Overuse or improper mixing can permanently alter your hair's pH, leading to dryness and damage.

Products

Innersense Organic Beauty offers a variety of hair care products that are naturally pH balanced to match the optimal pH range of hair and scalp (4.5 to 5.5). Their products, like the Hydrating Cream Hairbath, are formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, tamanu oil, and essential oils to nourish and hydrate hair, particularly beneficial for thick, coarse hair. Their focus on organic, non-toxic ingredients aligns well with a holistic approach to hair care.

For more details on their products and ingredients, you can visit Innersense Organic Beauty's website here.

I encourage you to explore and utilize EWG’s Consumer Guide or app on verified, clean beauty products and healthy living practices. You can also download the app Think Dirty to find out what is in the products you already use at home with a built in scan feature. They too offer great knowledge and guidance on clean, mindfully created products.

Conclusion

Balancing your hair's pH isn't just a cosmetic fix—it's a crucial part of hair health. By understanding the pH levels and choosing the right products and home remedies, you can maintain the strength, shine, and overall health of your hair.

Interested in exploring more about hair pH balance? Whether you're looking to fine-tune your hair care routine or simply have a chat about all things hair, feel free to reach out. Drop a comment, send a message, or book a casual chat. Let's make your hair care journey as unique and relaxed as you are. BOOK

Love, Erikka