What’s Your Hair’s pH? Why It Matters

 

If your 4C hair is dry, frizzy, or breaking no matter how much you moisturize, it might be time to look beyond ingredients and consider the science specifically, your hair's pH level.

What is pH, and Why Does It Matter for Hair?

pH stands for ‘potential hydrogen’ and measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale from 0 to 14. Your hair and scalp are naturally slightly acidic, thriving in a pH range between 4.5 and 5.5. When hair stays in this range, the cuticle (the outer layer) remains flat and sealed, helping to retain moisture and prevent damage.

But when pH levels rise due to alkaline products, harsh cleansers, or hard water the cuticle lifts. This makes the hair more porous, more prone to frizz, and highly susceptible to breakage.

How Alkaline Products Damage 4C Hair

Many shampoos, especially clarifying or sulfate-based ones, have a high pH. This can strip the hair's natural oils and force the cuticle open, causing tangling, roughness, and breakage. 4C hair, already prone to dryness and shrinkage, suffers the most from this kind of cuticle disruption.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Works

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy that has a pH of around 3, making it slightly more acidic than hair’s natural level. When diluted properly, it can help reset the scalp’s pH, flatten the cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine. It also has antimicrobial properties, which support scalp health and help with conditions like dandruff.

Here’s a simple ACV rinse recipe:

• - 1 part apple cider vinegar

• - 3–4 parts water

• - (Optional) A few drops of essential oil like tea tree or lavender

Apply after shampooing, leave on for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Use once every 1–2 weeks.

How to Maintain a Healthy pH Balance

• Use pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners (pH between 4.5 and 6.5)

• Avoid overuse of baking soda, soap bars, or clay treatments without pH balancing

•  Incorporate acidic rinses like ACV or aloe vera juice regularly

• Test your water: hard water can disrupt pH and lead to buildup

Hair care isn’t just about what you put “on” your hair, it’s also about how your products interact “with” your hair. Understanding and maintaining the right pH balance is one of the most overlooked secrets to managing healthy, hydrated 4C hair.

At Nappy Curls, we believe education is empowerment. Your hair has a language. pH is part of its voice, listen closely.