There are all kinds of shampoos available for every hair problem. The promises and ultimate ingredients are overwhelming. But what often gets overlooked when buying shampoo is the pH value. It's much more important than you probably think! An incorrect pH value can cause a lot of damage, while the right pH value can make your hair shine and recover. That's why today we're sharing everything you need to know about pH values in shampoo.
What is pH value?
The pH value is a term that shows how acidic or not acidic something is (the latter is called basic). This is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic, while anything above 7 is considered basic. To get a bit more technical: each step is 10 times more acidic. So a pH value of 4 is 10 times more acidic than a pH value of 5. Got it?
pH value on your head
So we know that a pH of 7 is neutral, but that's not the case on your scalp. Water, for example, has a pH value of 7 and is completely neutral. Your hair and scalp have a pH value of about 5.5, making them slightly more acidic. The use of hair products and hair dye can affect this acidity. It's important to keep that value as close to 5.5 as possible to prevent any damage. You can discover your pH value by looking at your hair and scalp.
pH value for an oily scalp
Do you often struggle with oily hair? Then your acidity level is likely below 5. In that case, it's good to use a shampoo that has a higher pH, for example, one with a pH value of 6 or higher. This will help balance the acidity on your scalp, bringing it back to 5.5. Just be careful not to go for a pH that is too high, as that can dry out your skin too much.
pH value of a dry scalp
Do you have a dry scalp? Then your pH value is likely above 7. In this case, you can balance your pH value by using products that are below this, such as a product with a value of 5. This will make your scalp less dry, your scales will close up, and your hair will start to shine again. Again, be careful not to go too low, as that will make your hair oily faster. And we don't want that either.
pH value of a normal scalp
If you don't have a dry or oily scalp, then your scalp is around 5.5, and you can simply go for a pH-neutral shampoo: one that has a pH value between 5 and 6.
How to find the pH value on products?
Unfortunately, not every shampoo displays the acidity on the packaging, unless they are truly pH-neutral. Generally, professional shampoos are often below 5.5, while cheaper shampoos tend to be above 5.5. This is because cheaper shampoos often contain more water, which raises the pH value.
When you buy products for damaged hair, you can assume that they are pH-neutral or slightly acidic. If you're buying products for oily hair, the acidity is likely higher. The same goes for products that promise more volume: the hair scales need to open up, which can be achieved with more acidity.
If you're really unsure which direction to go, we recommend the shampoos from OGX. These shampoos are completely pH-neutral, so you can hardly go wrong! Curious about the lines? You can check them out here.
Do you have any questions about pH-neutral shampoos or are you unsure which shampoo is right for you? We're happy to help. Ask your question in the comments below or send us an email!
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