Most people are a tad puzzled when it comes to maintaining a correct pH value of their hair and scalp, so we have compiled some tips and tricks on how to do this with minimal effort.
Drink Alkaline Water
Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is a great way to restore your pH from the inside out, but experts believe that drinking alkaline water comes with extra benefits for the hair. This special type of water has an elevated pH thus reducing harmful oxidation. You can either prepare alkaline water at home, or buy it bottled, but first consult a trichologist to establish the current pH level of your hair and scalp.
Include a pH Balancer in Your Haircare Routine
In order to neutralize and treat common issues, such as inflammation, redness, excess sebum or dandruff, your hair will benefit from a pH balancer. Boasting natural active ingredients like Spa water, lavender, chamomile, nettle birch and blackcurrant, Emsibeth’s pH Balancer is a must-have: among many other benefits, it restores the scalp’s pH reactivating its physiological defence mechanism. It also prevents hair loss and neutralizes hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). And, since this formula is so lightweight, you can also spray it on the face and body as a soothing toner. Keeper.
Prepare a DYI ACV Rinse
Brittle and frizzy hair tends to be more alkaline, or higher on the pH scale. When properly diluted with water, apple cider vinegar, which has a pH of around 3 (meaning it’s an acidic substance), helps lower and balance the pH of the hair. Exposure to this acidic rinse hardens the outer layer of the hair and flattens the cuticles, resulting in shiny tresses that are easy to comb and style. Give it a try and see how it works for you.
Tip: Add 2-4 tbsp. of raw apple cider vinegar to 16 oz. cool water to create a proper rinse.
Consume Fatty Acids and Protein Rich Foods
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an important substance that protects hair from bacteria, conditioning at the same time. Mainly composed of fatty acids, oily sebum also moisturizes hair naturally and prevents flaking. A high concentration of fatty acids is found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, chia seeds and walnuts.
Consuming the right amount of proteins will help follicles produce healthy hair while lack of proteins will lead to brittle, weak strands. A high amount of protein comes from meats, eggs, fish and legumes. Try to include a bit of everything into your everyday diet to enjoy fantastic benefits on the long run.
Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Hair
As a rule of thumb, always take the time to read the labels and choose the product that is right for your hair type. If you own curly tresses, your cuticles are already somewhat open, so go for a shampoo that brings hair back to a slightly acidic pH level. An itchy, flaky scalp indicates an alkaline mane and scalp, and asks for a shampoo with a pH of 6-7. Straight hair? You need to use a pH balanced shampoo.
Formulated with lactic acid, an active ingredient known for its lenitive and rebalancing properties, Emsibeth’s Thermal Destress Shampoo will revitalize and soothe the scalp in the gentlest way.
Other benefits of a healthy pH level include maintaining hair’s elasticity, keeping color from fading, and breaking/drying less after chemical treatments and styling.
Now that you know how to keep the hair and scalp’s pH in check, it’s finally time to enjoy stress-free tresses.
