Healthy, full hair starts with a clean, pH balanced scalp — and that's exactly what proper hair care should deliver. You've probably heard about pH balance in skincare, but did you know it's equally important for your scalp and hair? Understanding and maintaining your scalp's natural pH could be the missing piece in your hair care routine.
What Is Scalp pH?
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline something is, on a scale of 0 to 14. Your scalp's natural pH typically falls between 4.5 and 5.5—slightly acidic. This acidity isn't a flaw; it's a feature. This "acid mantle" serves as a protective barrier against bacteria, fungi, and environmental pollutants.
Your hair shaft itself is also slightly acidic, with a pH around 3.67. This acidity keeps the cuticle—the outer layer of each strand—lying flat, which results in smooth, shiny hair that's resistant to damage.
What Disrupts pH Balance?
Many conventional hair products are alkaline, with pH levels between 8 and 10. When you use these products, you temporarily raise your scalp and hair's pH. This causes the cuticle to lift, making hair more porous, prone to frizz, and vulnerable to damage.
Other factors that can disrupt pH include hard water (often alkaline), chemical treatments like colouring and relaxers, and even environmental factors like pollution and sun exposure.
Signs of pH Imbalance
How do you know if your scalp pH is off? Common signs include:
- Persistent dryness or excessive oiliness
- Itching or flaking
- Dull, lifeless hair
- Increased frizz and tangles
- Colour-treated hair fading quickly
- Scalp congestion and slow growth
How Botanicals Help Restore Balance
The good news is that restoring pH balance is straightforward with the right approach. Natural, pH-balanced products work with your scalp rather than against it.
Key ingredients that support scalp health include:
- Tea Tree Essential Oil: Natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that soothes irritation and fights dandruff-causing bacteria and fungi.
- Juniperberry Essential Oil: Improves circulation, detoxifies the scalp, encourages stronger follicles, and reduces excess oil.
- Calendula Infused Oils: Soothes irritated scalps and regenerates skin cells.
- Birch Silver Leaf Extract: Improves circulation and combats inflammation for natural regrowth.
The Deep Cleansing Approach
A deep-cleansing botanical shampoo that purifies and refreshes the scalp is essential. Look for formulas that gently remove build-up and impurities without stripping natural moisture, promoting a balanced, healthy-looking scalp environment — the foundation of strong hair.
At Lokió, our Natural Hair Growth Shampoo is specifically designed to work with your scalp's natural pH. Using plant-derived cleansers like Decyl Glucoside and Coco Glucoside, we provide a mild, eco-friendly lather that cleanses effectively while supporting the scalp's protective barrier. The result? Reduced scalp dryness, flakiness, and discomfort, with hair that feels stronger, cleaner, and more resilient after each wash.
