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WHAT IS pH AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR HEALTHY HAIR?
Let’s go back to basics (a trip back to that high school chemistry class, as it were). The pH scale runs from zero to 14; zero through six is the acidic side of the spectrum, seven is neutral, and eight to 14 is alkaline. This scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. When we talk about hair pH, we're referring to this very same scientific principle applied to your strands. “Your hair’s natural pH is somewhat acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5,” explains Redken Artist George Garcia. “It’s healthiest whenever it is in this state.”
The only issue? Most of the things we do to our hair disrupt this delicate pH balance for hair, pushing it into the alkaline side. We’re talking chemical processes such as coloring or bleaching, and even shampooing, as many shampoos use alkaline cleansing agents.
SO, WHAT HAPPENS IF HAIR pH IS NOT BALANCED?
When hair pH is pushed to the alkaline side, the end result is damaging. This imbalance can lead to a cascade of problems for both your hair and scalp.
When the hair's environment becomes too alkaline, the cuticle—AKA the outer layer of the hair—starts to lift up. This lifting compromises the hair's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to damage. The natural oils and protein bonding within the hair are disrupted, leading to increased hair porosity. This means your hair struggles to retain moisture and essential proteins, resulting in dryness, frizz, and significant breakage. The hydrogen bonds, crucial for hair's strength and elasticity, also weaken.
Beyond visible hair damage, an alkaline state can also affect the delicate balance of the scalp microbiome. This can lead to issues such as dandruff, itchiness, and overall scalp irritation, as the scalp's natural defenses are compromised. Furthermore, for those with color-treated hair, an alkaline environment accelerates color fading, washing away your vibrant hue much faster.
WHAT ARE THE pH DIFFERENCES FOR VARIOUS HAIR TYPES?
The needs of your hair's pH can vary depending on your hair type and condition. For instance, chemically treated hair (like color-treated or relaxed hair) often has a more alkaline pH due to the processes involved, making it more vulnerable. Dry hair, frizz, and breakage are often signs that your hair's pH requirements aren't being met. Curly hair, with its unique structure, can be more susceptible to frizz and dryness if its natural acidic state is disrupted, impacting its delicate cuticle layer. Straight hair and wavy hair also benefit immensely from a balanced pH, leading to smoother, shinier results. Even the scalp sebum, your body's natural oil, plays a role in maintaining the natural pH of your scalp and, by extension, your hair.
While professional stylists might use a pH meter or pH testing kit to precisely determine the pH of hair or products, for the everyday consumer, understanding the pH balance meaning for hair means recognizing the signs of imbalance. If your hair feels rough, looks dull, is prone to breakage, or your color seems to fade quickly, an imbalanced pH could be the culprit. Products that are too alkaline can lead to cuticle swelling and damage, while extremely acidic products can also cause issues. Redken's approach simplifies this by formulating products that are inherently pH balanced.
HOW DO I GET MY pH BALANCE BACK TO NORMAL?
Luckily for us and our hair, the entire Redken brand is grounded in science and rooted in effective formulas that are pH balancing. It’s been a part of Redken's DNA since it was founded in the 1960s. From our Shades EQ Acidic Haircolor to the new Acidic Bonding Concentrate regimen, balancing hair pH is foundational to our products.
Healthy hair lives at a pH of 4.5-5.5, which is in the acidic zone. Maintaining this natural acidity is necessary to avoid frizz, dryness, and breakage. Redken formulas are optimized with a balanced pH to respect and maintain the integrity of the hair. This means you don't need to worry about complex pH balance for hair measurements; Redken has done the science for you.
The secret to an optimal hair pH level? Enter Redken’s haircare collection, formulated with pH optimized formulas. Redken's shampoos are pH balanced, while the conditioners are slightly acidic, a uniquely developed combination that ultimately helps keep hair in its pH sweet spot. Redken's haircare systems also have unique protein and moisture levels based on the specific needs of different hair types and colors. Whether your hair is damaged, dry, or color-treated, Redken has the haircare range to provide the best results and keep the hair in the healthiest condition. So, where do you start?
When the question is, "How to get your pH balance back to normal?", the answer often lies in choosing the right pH-balanced shampoo and products. While concepts like an apple cider vinegar rinse are sometimes mentioned, they can be inconsistent and potentially over-acidify the hair. Redken offers scientifically formulated solutions for a restructuring formula and a pH-protective shampoo that ensures consistent, beneficial results. Integrating salon treatment deep conditioning masks or a leave-in molecular repair mask also contributes to maintaining this crucial balance.
START WITH OUR pH-BALANCED SHAMPOOS
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE SHAMPOO
Sulfate-free, bonding shampoo that provides ultimate strength repair for damaged hair.
Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo
Silicone-free, sulfate-free shampoo that helps restore processed, damaged curls.
UPGRADE TO LITER SIZE FOR 233% MORE WASHES AND 39% SAVINGS.
*Excluded from promotions
Acidic Color Gloss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair to help prolong color and shine.
EXTREME SHAMPOO
Hair strengthening shampoo that fortifies while conditioning
FRIZZ DISMISS SHAMPOO
Frizz control shampoo that smooths and moisturizes hair
COLOR EXTEND MAGNETICS SULFATE-FREE SHAMPOO
Sulfate-free color care shampoo for color-treated hair
ALL SOFT MEGA CURLS SHAMPOO
Intense hydrating shampoo for curly and coily hair.
EXTREME LENGTH BIOTIN SHAMPOO
Enriched strengthening shampoo to promote longer hair
VOLUME INJECTION SHAMPOO
Lightweight shampoo that adds volume and softens hair
WHAT ARE THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR BALANCING MY HAIR pH?
Redken's commitment to pH balanced formulas is evident across our entire product line, each designed to respect the hair's natural acidity and deliver specific benefits. Here's a look at some of our key ranges and how they contribute to optimal hair pH:
THE pH BALANCING MUST-HAVE: ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE
Created for all textures and hair types, the Acidic Bonding Concentrate haircare regimen is formulated with Citric Acid and Redken's concentrated Bonding Care Complex. On top of balancing hair pH, this acidic formula strengthens weakened bonds and provides ultimate strength repair, intense conditioning, and color fade protection for those with color-treated hair. This is our strongest system for damaged hair, ensuring your hair's pH is maintained while it's being repaired.
When used as a complete system, Acidic Bonding Concentrate transforms hair with results you can see and feel. Your hair will be 10X smoother* and 9X stronger**.
*with continued use of ABC leave-in. **acidic bonding concentrate shampoo & conditioner vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
WATCH: ABC pH-BALANCING IN ACTION
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE SHAMPOO
Sulfate-free, bonding shampoo that provides ultimate strength repair for damaged hair.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Serum
Bond repair serum that combats daily damage overnight
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE LEAVE-IN TREATMENT
Best-selling, sulfate-free leave-in treatment for strength repair in 1 use.
*Travel size excluded from promotions
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE INTENSIVE TREATMENT
Sulfate-free, bonding pre-treatment for stronger hair in 1 use.
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE CONDITIONER
Sulfate-free bonding conditioner provides ultimate strength repair for damaged hair.
ACIDIC BONDING CONCENTRATE 5-MIN LIQUID MASK
Sulfate-free ultra-conditioning mask for deep hydration and repair.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Treatment Trio
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment, Intensive Treatment & 5-Min Mask
10% OFF WITH CODE BUNDLE10
BEYOND ABC: REDKEN'S pH-OPTIMIZED RANGES
THE REDKEN HAIRCARE DIFFERENCE
MODERN AND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING:
Redken's new bottles bring an exciting new look, with the same great formulas you know and love! All Redken haircare bottles are made with at least 93% recycled plastic.
FORMULATED WITH EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS:
Featured ingredients provide the proven efficacy and prescriptive benefits found in each Redken product.
A UNIQUE CONCENTRATION:
Each formula has a tailored concentration of ingredients to deliver the right level of effectiveness and end benefit to the hair.
pH BALANCED FORMULAS:
Healthy hair lives at a pH of 4.5-5.5 , which is in the acidic zone. Maintaining this natural acidity is necessary to avoid frizz, dryness, and breakage.
Understanding hair pH and why pH balance for hair matters is a game-changer for achieving truly healthy, vibrant hair. Your hair's natural slightly acidic state is its healthiest, and maintaining this balance is crucial to prevent common issues like frizz, breakage, and dullness.
With Redken, you don't need to be a chemist to ensure your hair's optimal pH level of hair. Our entire product philosophy is built upon scientific understanding and precision, providing you with pH balanced shampoo and full haircare regimens designed to keep your hair in its ideal state. From the revolutionary Acidic Bonding Concentrate to our specialized lines for color, curls, and damage, Redken empowers you to embrace your healthiest hair. Explore the Redken difference today and feel the power of truly balanced hair.
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