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How does pH affect shampoos/conditioners?
  • krsn89
    Hey everyone!

    I'm just wondering if the pH of a shampoo or conditioner can affect its performance. I like using a particular L'oreal shampoo marketed for kids just because of the great scent but I'm wondering if there's a difference in the pH of a children's shampoo and a regular shampoo.

    I've read on some forums that the pH of baby shampoo is different and can be damaging to hair but I've always been skeptical of that so I just want to see if it's true or not.

    So my basic question is: does pH make a difference in the performance of a shampoo or conditioner and can it be damaging?

    Thanks a lot!
  • BeautyBear
    When a shampoo is alkaline the hair swells and the cuticle scales lift causing them to catch on each other and the hair feels rough and mats and tangles easily, also the hair can become overly soft and overstretch when combed causing breakage and damage to the hair. By making shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products "pH Balanced", Non-Alkaline or "Acid Balanced" the products reduce swelling of the hair and lifting of the cuticle it also helps reduce over saturation by water which causes over softening and color loss. Water alone can cause some swelling of the hair but alkaline products can increase this tremendously. Products that have a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 keep the hair closer to it's ideal pH and help keep swelling and damage to a minimum.
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