pH
value is between 0 and 14, a pH value of 7.0 is considered neutral;
all
values below neutral are acidic
and
all values above are alkaline.
An
acidic solution has a positive electrical charge (+), and an alkaline
solution has a negative electrical charge (-).
Healthy Hair Vs. Damaged Hair
Normal,
healthy hair has a pH value of between 4.5 and 5.5 and is therefore
considered acidic. Hair in this state will be positively charged (+) and
has a compact cuticle structure. The outside cuticle layer is closed
and smooth, promoting a natural, healthy shine. The internal cortex is
protected, and moisture levels are maintained, ensuring good strength
and elasticity. Healthy hair has even, normal porosity and provides a
good base for chemical services.
Damaged
hair has a pH value above 7.0 and is negatively charged (-). The
cuticle layer is raised with a dull/matt surface. The raised cuticle
layer can catch, resulting in tangled hair with a high susceptibility to
mechanical damage – caused by combing or other external influences. In
addition, the cortex will be exposed to further damage, in danger of
losing essential moisture and becoming dry or brittle. Damaged hair will
be very porous and provides a poor surface for chemical treatments,
with potentially uneven results.
pH and Products
As
the majority of hair products are a solution, and therefore have a pH
value, it follows that this can influence the condition of hair.
Chemical
treatments, such as a lightener, perm or color, are deliberately
alkaline, or have a pH value higher than the hair’s natural value. This
causes the cuticle layer to open up, allowing the product to enter the
inner hair structure. It is therefore essential to thoroughly rinse the
hair following a chemical process and apply a good re-structuring
conditioner such as INTENSIVE.
Whereas,care products such as THRIVEN & INTENSIVE
are predominantly acidic, and have an astringent effect on the hair,
closing the cuticle layer. Shampoos will typically have a pH value close
to the hair’s natural level, promoting gentle cleansing. Conditioners
and treatments however, have a higher acid value, helping to return
damaged, hair back to a normal, healthy condition.
When
hair is colored, the pH increases from an optimum value of 4.5 – making
it more alkaline and during color development, the outer and inner hair
structure is loosened up in order for color pigments to penetrate the
hair. For this reason a conditioner or treatment after a color service
helps to reset the hair to the optimum pH value of 4.5. Which is why I stress so much that you use INTENSIVE, the product turns your hair to velvet.....and that is because most people's pH is damaged a little and when returned to normal the entire feel of the hair changes.
This article is mainly from Schwarzkopf - - I happened to be reading their site and saw most of this....which I wanted to share with you...