IDEAL PH OF YOUR SCALP & HAIR – anything between 0-7 is acidic , 7 is neutral, 7-14 is basic Ideal Ph of scalp & hair is 5.5 which is slightly acidic this is due to the sebum which is produced by the sebaceous gland present at the hair shaft
Sebum Is mainly composed of fatty acid which moisturizes hair naturally an prevents scalp from bacterial infection & flaking
CURLY HAIR cuticle is partially open so for such type of hair Ph should be maintained with 4.5-5.5
STRAIGHT HAIR cuticle is closed so for such type of hair ph should be neutral around 6-7
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BALANCE YOUR SCALP PH
- if the ph of scalp and hair is basic cuticles open up leading to breakage of hair shaft, dullness, ,weakness & thinning
- alkaline scalp ultimately leads to dryness , itchiness, flakes
- dyes , relaxers alkaline products causes dry brittle hair , decreases growth rate
HOW TO BALANCE YOUR SCALP PH
- If u are exposed to dirty environment Washing your hair on a daily basis removes dirt but it also removes the natural oils so oiling and make the ends dry so try washing every two days if u are not exposed to dirt
- Soak hair in clean water before diving in chlorinated swimming pool this prevents absorption of too much of chlorinated water after finishing bath in swimming pool use mild shampoo to clear salt and chlorine
- try to avoid using products containing alcohol as it clears the natual oil from scalp and makes it dry
- make sure you don’t wash with hot water as it will damage both scalp & hair so try to wash hair with cold water or luke warm water
- hair care products with a ph between 3.5-5.5 is considered to beneficial
- when ph value falls below 6 the cuticle layer contracts & tightens
- in hair coloring products ph value is alkaline so that the cuticle layer softens & expands like pinethis is important during process of coloringin order to deposit pigment within hair structure if the product is very alkaline damage will occurand cuticle will fail to hold the pigments which will ultimately rinse out prematurely
NATURAL REMEDIES
washing the hair with curd , aloe vera, diluted cider vinegar , citric acid ginsenghelps to maintain the ph
Choosing the right shampoo & conditioner as per the ph of hair and scalp
VIT –C – is required for formation of collagen which strengthen the hair & prevents breakage it also increases the iron absorption [blue berry, strawberry,tomato,lemon, sweet pepper, oranges,guava]
IRON – increases oxygen carraying capacity throughout body to fuel metabolism and helps in growth & repair,so it is closely associated with hair loss [spinach]
FATTY ACIDS – important role in hair growth[ avocados ,almond,flax seed, chia seeds,walnuts,]
VIT – D – plays a role in hair growth
VIT – B sunflower seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables
VIT -A it helps sebaceous gland to form sebum,activate hair follicle sem cells , overdose of vit A leads to hair loss [ sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin,milk, yogurt, pumpkin]
VIT -E – prevents oxidative stress & damage , decreases hair loss [sunflower seeds,]
SELENIUM – decreases dandruff and prevents progressive hair loss[ milk,beans, wheat]
CHROMIUM – used in the hair growth cycle [potatoes, broccoli, whole grains]
COPPER – prevents premature greying of hair [spirulina, nut, seeds green leafy vegtables]
ZINC – important role in tissue hair growth & repair [pumpkin seeds, lentils, wheat germ ]
PROTEIN – important for hair growth [beans, soyabean,
BIOTIN – it is used in the protein synthesis [almond, cauliflower, spinach,sweet potato,banana]
It improves health of hair reduces dryness & itching of hair , decreases dandruff & had antibacterial antifungal properties
OIL [ lavender peppermint – increases bl. Supply , rosemary oil – improves cellular regeneration , cedar wood oil – antifungal & antibacterial property, lemon grass – reduces dandruff, thyme –promotes hair growth in alopecia areata, clary sage – linalyl acetate in clary sage oil improves hair growth, tea tree – cleansing antibacterial, antimicrobial property, improves hair growth, ylang ylang oil – stimulate sebum production , horse tail – reduces dandruff ]
PROMOTE ALKALINE FOODS – lemon , watermelon, sweet lime, mango, datesm figs, asparagus,kiwi fruit, pine apple, raisins, sprout, apricot, avocado, grapes, guava, green leafy vegetables, peas, pumpkin, sea salt , beans, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, ginger, oranges, potatoes, pumpkin, rasp berries, , sweet berries, sweet corn ,almonds, coconut , cucumber, honey , olive , sesame seeds , soya beans , sproted grains , tofu , tomatoes, cows milk , yogurt
AVOID ACIDIC FOODS – beef, beer, bread, brown sugar , carbonated soft drinks , choclates , cigrattes, tobacco, maida , sugar, coffee, jam jellies, pasta,pickles, pork, poultry, seafoods, white vinegar , wine & fish
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
- shampoo which is more neutral or acidic ph decreases frizzines & dryness prevent breakage while keeping cuticle intact.
- shampoos that are too acidic 0-4 decreases moisture absorption & this leads to dry , brittle hair.
- acidic conditioner lowers the Ph and it helps to make the hair shiny.