Few people know that hair has a slightly acidic pH. On the pH scale, 7 is considered a neutral value, while all the higher values are considered alkaline and the lower ones are acidic. The pH of the scalp is around 5.5, while hair normally has a pH of 3.6. Chemical hair products and treatments can alter its nature, increase its alkalinity and make the pH value too high.. Fortunately, there are natural remedies to bring the pH back into balance and restore the shine to the hair that is typical of when it is healthy.
Steps
Method 1 of 8: Reduce the pH of your hair if it is dry and frizzy
Step 1. If the pH of the hair is not balanced, it is usually because it is too high, ie too alkaline
When this happens, the cuticles open and therefore the hair is dry, frizzy and dull. The cause is generally attributable to the chemicals contained in the dyes or smoothing treatments. However, even some shampoos made with natural ingredients can raise the pH of the hair. You may also have scalp problems caused by fungi or bacteria.
In curly hair, the cuticles are open by nature. Therefore, if you have curly hair, you should use more acidic products to reduce the pH of your hair
Method 2 of 8: Use a shampoo and conditioner with a balanced pH
Step 1. If necessary, you can later apply an acidifying treatment
Many shampoos based on natural substances are quite alkaline and therefore extremely aggressive on the hair. This is why you should choose products with a pH that is around a neutral value. You can look for a solid or natural ingredient shampoo with a neutral pH, otherwise you can buy pH test strips to measure the acidity of all the products you buy. Ideally, shampoo and conditioner shouldn't have a pH higher than 5.5.
- The easiest way to lower the pH of your hair is to use a shampoo with an acidic pH. However, since many shampoos based on natural ingredients are alkaline, you may be forced to abandon the green philosophy and go for a classic product.
- If you use an alkaline shampoo, you can rinse or use a mildly acidic conditioner afterwards to restore the natural shine of your hair. However, if you intend to use a shampoo with a very high pH and then a very acidic solution, you could damage your hair, so it is best to opt for a pH balanced regimen.
Method 3 of 8: Make a homemade pH balanced shampoo with rye flour
Step 1. Prepare them a little at a time to prevent them from spoiling
Rye flour is very popular with those who want to take care of their hair naturally. Pour 2 tablespoons (13 g) of rye flour into a container and add enough water to make a very fluid mixture. Apply the mixture to your scalp and lengths, then rinse your hair thoroughly.
If your homemade rye shampoo is left over, you can keep it for 2 or 3 days. When it's time to use it, if you notice it smells like yeast, throw it away and make more
Method 4 of 8: Use baking soda followed by an acid product for a periodic cleansing treatment
Step 1. Baking soda is very alkaline, so it is not suitable for regular use in place of shampoo
Many people claim to have used it successfully during the transition period that usually takes place after abandoning commercial products, before starting to use natural ones. The baking soda cleanses the hair deeply and, in the short term, can give the hair a healthy and shiny appearance. However, since it is very alkaline, it is necessary to perform an acid rinse, for example with aloe juice or apple cider vinegar, in order to keep the pH in balance. Since this is a very aggressive process on the hair, it is best to only do it occasionally, for example if you need to remove the residues that synthetic products leave on the hair.
Don't use an alkaline product like baking soda for a long time, or your hair will most likely start to get frizzy, dull and tangle easily
Method 5 of 8: Spray aloe juice on your hair to reduce its pH
Step 1. Being slightly acidic, aloe juice is able to counterbalance the effects of basically alkaline shampoos
Pour the aloe juice into a spray bottle (you can find it easily at home and body care stores) and spray it from the roots to the ends after washing your hair. Aloe juice has a pH of around 4.5, which is very similar to natural hair. When you apply an acid product to your hair, the pH is reduced, the cuticles close and the frizz decreases.
You can use aloe vera gel instead of juice, but you will have to rinse your hair very carefully, otherwise it will have the effect of a strong hold gel and make it hard
Method 6 of 8: Rinse your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar to lower its pH
Step 1. Do not use pure apple cider vinegar as it is generally too acidic
Apple cider vinegar has a pH of around 2 or 3, so it's lower than that of hair. To prevent it from being too aggressive, it is important to dilute it in water. The ideal is to use one part of vinegar and five parts of water. After shampooing, you can pour or spray the solution on your hair as you like. Leave it on for about 30 seconds before performing the last rinse.
Usually, the vinegar smell gradually fades as the hair dries
Method 7 of 8: Apply a moisturizing mask if you need to raise the pH of your hair
Step 1. This can only happen if you have made excessive use of acid products
Since they are slightly acidic, hair is healthier when the pH is low. However, if you've used a powerful undiluted acid, such as pure apple cider vinegar, they may start to look dull and weak. If so, stop using the acid product that damaged them. Also apply a moisturizing mask; it won't do much to balance your hair's pH, but it will restore moisture and shine. You can make your own hair mask at home by following these guidelines:
- Blend 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil to make a mask that deeply nourishes your hair.
- Another option is to mix the pulp of half an avocado with 1 or 2 egg yolks and 120 ml of mayonnaise to obtain a mask capable of moisturizing even very curly hair.
- If, on the other hand, you want the mask to make your hair as beautiful as it is fragrant, mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey and 8 crushed strawberries.
Method 8 of 8: Try to balance your diet
Step 1. Pay attention to the pH of the foods you consume
Nutrition can affect the whole body, including the hair and scalp. If you tend to eat a lot of alkaline foods, such as poultry and dairy, your hair may begin to show signs. Try to include foods with a more acidic pH in your diet, such as berries, yogurt, and vinegar, to see if the situation improves.
