It’s easy to think of cosmetology as the business of helping people look their best. While it’s true that cosmetology is about enhancing a person’s aesthetic, this field is so much more profound. Cosmetologists utilize science daily while applying formulations that strengthen hair, skin, and nails.
A large part of cosmetology training focuses on safely handling, mixing, and using various beauty products. One topic that all professional cosmetologists know a lot about is pH. Keeping a balanced pH is one of the keys to having soft, shiny, and nourished hair and skin. While cosmetologists don’t prescribe medications, they are educated on using specific ingredients to help their clients get their hair and skin into the proper pH windows. Here’s why pH is so important for scalp and hair health in cosmetology.
What Is pH?
Potential of oxygen or pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Lower pH is more acidic, while higher pH is more alkaline. On the pH scale, “7” is neutral.
What Is pH for Hair and Scalp?
Everything has a pH level. For example, bleach is considered highly alkaline, while lemons from your kitchen are highly acidic. Your hair and scalp also have pH levels. Generally, pH levels on the body’s surface are usually more acidic. This means that they fall below “7” on the pH scale. Typically, hair is below “4” on the pH scale, and the scalp is generally around “5.5” on the scale.
Why Is pH Important for Scalp and Hair Health?
pH is essential for scalp and hair health because maintaining the right environment of acidity or alkalinity keeps our skin and hair looking healthy. For example, a hair strand that has too much alkalinity won’t be able to keep moisture locked in. This is why frizzy, dry hair can be a telltale sign that a person’s hair pH is out of balance. The same is valid for scalp health. An unbalanced pH can cause a scalp to become too dry or too oily. In addition to affecting hair’s appearance, this can cause discomfort and irritation.
All cosmetologists know that everyone has slightly different pH needs for their hair and scalp. While the ranges can be subtle, various types of hair have different pH needs. A person with curly hair will generally need a styling product with more acidity when closing an open cuticle to eliminate the dry, frizzy look they want to smooth out. Here’s a look at all the reasons why having the correct pH is essential:
Hair Growth
It can save the long-term health of hair by preventing breakage. This can be so important for a person who is attempting to grow out their hair. Many people who claim their hair won’t grow past a certain length may be dealing with chronically unbalanced hair pH. Ultimately, the proper pH helps to maintain hair’s structure.
Hair Protection
Balanced pH can create a protective environment for the scalp. By restoring acidity once a scalp environment has become too alkaline, a cosmetologist can help clients protect their scalp from toxins, irritations, itching, and potential infections.
Moisture Retention
Proper pH also plays a role in allowing hair to retain moisture.
Scalp Care
The connection between painful eczema symptoms and scalp pH is an important thing to know about for cosmetologists. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema causes painful itching and visible redness. According to the National Eczema Foundation, researchers now believe that people with eczema have elevated skin pH levels. While cosmetologists certainly aren’t capable of treating eczema, knowing how to balance scalp pH using hair products can be an incredible tool for helping to promote overall scalp health.
Balanced scalp pH can also help to prevent folliculitis, greasiness, and dandruff. Folliculitis is a rash that produces round, itchy pumps. It’s believed to be tied to pH imbalance. Dandruff is a common scalp condition that produces white or gray flakes that pepper the scalp and hair. Generally, people with dandruff experience constant itchiness all over their scalp. It’s believed that an alkaline scalp can cause dandruff. This is why it’s also widespread for dandruff flakes to be accompanied by dry, frizzy hair that breaks easily.
How Do I Know If My Scalp’s pH Balance Is Off?
One of the most straightforward signs that your hair’s pH balance is off is dull-looking hair. Hair may feel dry, lack its usual shine, or break off during brushing or styling. Here are some other telltale signs that your scalp’s pH has shifted:
- Itchy, irritated skin on your scalp.
- Flaky, dry skin that produces noticeable flakes that show up on your hair, shoulders, and clothing.
- Fungal infection of the scalp.
- Bacterial infections of the scalp.
- The development of eczema.
What Is the pH for Healthy Hair?
It’s important to remember that you’re trying to achieve two different pH levels for hair and scalp. Keeping the two numbers balanced is how to enjoy healthy, shiny hair supported by a healthy, vibrant scalp. Having just one of the two numbers out of balance can be enough to diminish hair and skin quality.
The ideal hair pH is 3.67, and the perfect scalp pH is 5.5. The good news is as a cosmetologist, you will have access to a number of high-end, nonprescription hair products that can help balance pH levels while also moistening, nurturing, and protecting hair. Many people are surprised to learn that just a few days of following a new protocol for shampooing, conditioning, and styling can begin to produce noticeable results.
How Can a Cosmetologist Test a Client’s pH Balance?
Many people struggling with dry hair or scalp issues are shocked to discover that you can test for pH balance to help get to the root of the problem. The most common way that testing is done in salons utilizes litmus paper. This paper has simple test strips that will change color based on pH. The result is then compared to the pH scale. The great thing about this test is that clients don’t have to take a cosmetologist’s word. The results are visible on paper. The whole process takes just a few minutes.
After the results are in, you can explain to the client what the score for alkalinity or acidity means. The next step is discussing products that will help them achieve the goal of balancing hair and scalp pH. Ultimately, cosmetologists know that knowledge is power for getting healthy, beautiful hair and skin. That’s why a significant portion of cosmetology training is focused on the “science” of beauty.
Want to Learn More?
Are you ready to enjoy the many opportunities available in cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.