There are various things that should be considered when discussing natural hair growth, one is the aspect of basic science. The science of your scalp’s pH is just as important. A pH is the measure of how acidic a substance is, on a scale from 0-14. Substances that are between 0-6.9 are acidic, 7 neutral and 7.1-14 is alkaline. Your hair’s pH balance plays a vital role in overall natural hair health, from dry to itchy scalp, hair growth, and how your hair reacts to various chemical and non-chemical products. These are the 4 reasons as to why balancing your scalp’s pH matters for healthy hair growth.
Your hair’s pH balance plays a vital role in overall natural hair health
1. Fights and protects hair from bacteria and fungus
A healthy pH balance is a barrier that helps fight bacteria and fungus. A normal pH balance seals your hair cuticles to maintain its moisture and natural oils while preventing unwanted breakage. Try to keep your hair’s pH balance between 4.5-5.5 and use products that have less alkali and to help maintain acidity.
2. It determines how well products work for your hair
Using shampoos, conditioners, and other products that are base substances are highly alkali will affect your hair’s pH balance. Products that are more alkali will cause the hair follicles to expand and release much needed moisture. The loss of moisture stunts your hair growth and causes it to becoming hard, dry and frail. This is why it’s important to use products that work in conjunction with each other to remove dirt and buildup without stripping your hair away from the moisture it needs to thrive. Try to avoid products that include Sodium hydroxide and Triethanolamine, which are highly alkali with a pH of over 7 .
3. Helps to maintain your hair’s elasticity
Your pH has a lot to do with your hair’s ability to hold moisture and maintain its sebum. Sebum is your hair’s natural conditioner, a protective shield that is responsible for maintaining moisture. Moisture is what gives your hair the ability to bend and not break during manipulation. When your hair loses its moisture, it becomes dry and prone to breakage. Always remember to keep your hair moisturize, as it’s a vital to your hair’s elasticity and natural hair growth.
4. Reduces the risks of breakage from chemical treatments
Your hair is very sensitive to any changes to your pH. Anything that throws off your pH balance will affect your hair’s ability to retain its strength and behavior to other products. Chemical treatments such as dyes and relaxers will alter your hair’s pH, weakening protein structure, causing dry, brittle hair that will ultimately stunt hair growth. This occurs when there is a sudden or drastic change to your pH balance and increases in alkalinity. When deciding to use a chemical treatment, always consider your hair’s pH balance and its behavior to other products beforehand.
