Your hair's power of hydrogen [pH] may seem neutral, but did you know that hair's pH is usually slightly acidic? On the pH scale, an acidity of 7 means neutral, above 7 means basic, below 7 means acid. A normal scalp acidity is around 5.5 and a normal hair acidity is around 3.6. However, the chemicals in hair styling and grooming products can increase the alkalinity so that the pH of the hair is too high. This wikiHow teaches you how to maintain the pH balance of your hair using natural ingredients to keep it healthy and shiny.
Step
Method 1 of 8: Lower your hair's pH if it's dry and bouncy
Step 1. Usually, the alkalinity of the hair is too high if the pH of the hair is not balanced
This condition causes the cuticle of the hair to open so that the hair looks dull, dry, and fluffy. This can happen if your hair is exposed to chemicals when you color it or straighten it. In addition, shampoos made from natural ingredients can increase the pH of the hair. This can cause problems due to the development of fungi or bacteria on the scalp.
If your hair is naturally curly, your hair cuticle usually stays open. So, you need to use a product with a low pH to lower the pH of your hair
Method 2 of 8: Use a pH balanced shampoo and conditioner
Step 1. Treat your hair with an acidic product if needed
Many hair cleaning products have a very high pH, which can damage hair. So, use a hair cleaning product whose pH is close to neutral. In addition, you will need to find out the pH of the product you purchased using a strip to test the pH. Ideally, the pH of shampoo and conditioner is below 5.5.
- The easiest way to lower the pH of your hair is to use an acidic shampoo. However, you can't use shampoos and conditioners made from natural ingredients because these products are usually alkaline.
- After washing your hair with an alkaline shampoo, apply a conditioner with a low pH to keep your hair healthy and shiny. However, hair can be damaged if you wash your hair with a very high pH product followed by a low pH product. So, you should use products that are pH balanced.
Method 3 of 8: Make your own pH balanced shampoo from rye flour
Step 1. Prepare rye flour as needed so that it is not wasted
This shampoo may be less popular, but rye flour is very popular with people who treat hair with natural ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of rye flour to a little water and stir until it becomes a very runny paste. Apply on the scalp and hair shaft evenly, then rinse hair thoroughly.
If there is still shampoo left, keep it for 2-3 days. Don't use it again if it smells bad because it's already leavened
Method 4 of 8: Use baking soda followed by an acidic agent to remove chemical deposits every few months
Step 1. Baking soda is alkaline with a very high pH so it shouldn't be used for regular shampooing
Many people use baking soda in place of the manufacturer's shampoo every few months because it makes hair really clean and shiny for a while. However, you should rinse your hair with an acidic substance, such as aloe vera juice or apple cider vinegar, to keep your hair pH balanced, as baking soda has a very high pH. Keep in mind that this step risks damaging your hair. If you choose this method, don't use it often and only use it to clean your hair from chemical deposits that come from styling products.
If you frequently use alkaline products, such as baking soda, your hair will become dull and coarse, making it easy to tangle
Method 5 of 8: Spray aloe vera juice on hair to lower hair pH
Step 1. Aloe vera juice which is low in acidity can balance the pH of the hair after shampooing with alkaline products
Buy pure aloe vera juice at a health food store or supermarket, then put it in a bottle with a spray. After shampooing, spray aloe vera juice from the scalp to the ends of the hair. The acidity level of aloe vera juice is almost the same as the normal pH of the scalp, which is around 4.5. Treating hair using acidic products can lower the pH of the hair so that the cuticle is closed and the hair does not expand.
You can use aloe vera gel, but you need to rinse your hair thoroughly so it doesn't feel stiff
Method 6 of 8: Rinse hair with apple cider vinegar mixed with water to lower hair pH
Step 1. Do not use pure apple cider vinegar as its pH is very high
The acidity of apple cider vinegar is lower than the pH of your hair, which is about 2-3. In order not to damage the hair, apple cider vinegar should be mixed with water in a ratio of 1 to 5 (1 part vinegar and 5 parts water). After shampooing, rinse your hair with an apple cider vinegar solution or spray it on your hair. Wait for 30 seconds, then rinse hair thoroughly.
Usually, the vinegar smell will go away once your hair is dry
Method 7 of 8: Use a hair mask if you need to raise the pH of your hair
Step 1. Do this step only if you frequently treat your hair with very high pH ingredients
Hair condition is very healthy if the pH is low because hair is basically acidic. However, hair becomes dry and breaks easily if you treat your hair with an ingredient that has a very low pH, such as undiluted apple cider vinegar. Do not use the material again if the hair feels dry and stiff. In addition, you need to treat your hair with a hair mask. Even if the pH of your hair doesn't change much, this step is useful for restoring moisture and shine to your hair. You can make your own hair mask from natural ingredients according to the following instructions:
- Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil to nourish hair.
- Add of a mashed avocado, 1-2 egg yolks, and cup (120 ml) of mayonnaise and mix well. This mask is very effective at hydrating curls, even frizzy hair.
- Add 8 mashed strawberries, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey and mix well. This mask is beneficial for nourishing and smelling hair!
Method 8 of 8: Eat a balanced diet
Step 1. Pay attention to the pH of the food you eat
Diet affects physical conditions, including the scalp and hair. If you often eat foods that are alkaline, such as dairy products and poultry, the pH of your hair also goes up. Therefore, increase the consumption of acidic foods, such as various berries, vinegar, and yogurt to maintain the pH balance of the hair.
