The Importance of pH in Hair Products for Textured Hair

pH plays a crucial role in the balance and health of our hair, especially for textured hair, which is often more fragile. Understanding how pH affects the hair fiber allows you to better choose the right products and maintain hydrated, strong, and shiny hair. At Jia Paris, we have specially formulated products to respect the natural pH of your hair and scalp, providing care that enhances your texture while strengthening your hair.

pH, or potential hydrogen , measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale of 0 to 14:

• Acidic : pH less than 7.
• Neutral : pH equal to 7.
• Alkaline : pH greater than 7.

The natural pH of hair and scalp is between 4.5 and 5.5. This slightly acidic balance is essential for keeping the hair cuticle closed, protecting hair from external aggressors, and ensuring shiny, healthy hair. 🌿 A pH imbalance can lead to problems such as dryness, breakage, and frizz.

An ideal pH helps prevent:

• The breakage.
• The drought.
• The frizz.

When the pH of hair products is too alkaline, it opens the hair cuticle, making it vulnerable to moisture loss and damage. Conversely, a pH that is too acidic can weaken the hair fiber and increase porosity. Maintaining a balanced pH helps preserve hair health and improve its appearance.

Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. It depends on the condition of the cuticle, which can be more or less open.

There are three types of porosity:

• Low porosity: The cuticle is closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Hair may look shiny but be prone to product buildup.
• Medium porosity: The cuticle is slightly open, allowing for good absorption and retention of moisture. This is the ideal type.
• High porosity: The cuticle is very open, resulting in rapid moisture loss. Hair is often dry, dull, and prone to breakage.

Test to determine its porosity

Dip a clean lock of hair into a glass of water:

• It floats: low porosity.
• It stays in the middle: medium porosity.
• It flows: high porosity.

How an unbalanced pH can increase porosity and weaken hair

pH plays a key role in the structure of the hair cuticle. When a product's pH is too alkaline (above 7), it causes the cuticle scales to open excessively. This opening makes hair more porous, meaning it absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as quickly. This can lead to dry, brittle, and dull hair, especially for textured hair, which is naturally more sensitive.

Conversely, a pH that's too acidic (below 4) can weaken the hair fiber by excessively hardening the cuticle. This makes hair stiff, more prone to breakage, and difficult to shape. Maintaining a balanced pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is therefore essential to preserve the hair's natural porosity and overall health.

Risks associated with products that are too alkaline or acidic

• Products that are too alkaline:
  Alkaline products, such as certain clarifying shampoos or chemical treatments (coloring, straightening), aggressively open the cuticle. This exposes the hair fiber to external aggressions, promotes dehydration, and weakens the hair's internal structure. Hair then becomes vulnerable to breakage, frizz, and a loss of its natural elasticity.
• Products that are too acidic:
  While acidic products can help close the cuticle, excess acidity can cause hair to harden, making it difficult to style and more prone to breakage. Excessive acidity can also disrupt the scalp, causing irritation or dandruff.

You can also get more details by reading our article on porosity: Hair Porosity: Understanding and Caring for Your Curls

• Gentle shampoos: Gently cleanse while maintaining a neutral pH. Jia Paris Nourishing Shampoo is ideal for this task, respecting the scalp while providing essential hydration.
• Leave-in Conditioner and Moisturizers: Help seal the cuticle and prevent frizz. Jia Paris Hair Milk , for example, provides lightweight, long-lasting hydration.

• Low porosity: Choose light treatments like Jia Paris Hydrating Spray , which penetrates easily without weighing hair down.
• Medium Porosity: Use balanced products like Jia Paris Nourishing Smoothie to maintain hair moisture and health.
• High Porosity: Opt for rich treatments, such as Jia Paris Intense Nutrition Mask and Curl Defining Serum , to seal in moisture and strengthen cuticles.

Why choose Jia Paris?

Jia Paris products are specially formulated to meet the needs of textured hair, respecting its natural pH. Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver targeted benefits, whether hydrating, nourishing, or strengthening.

Rinse with warm or cold water instead of hot water. Hot water opens the cuticle, which can lead to moisture loss and make hair more vulnerable to external aggressors. Cold water, on the other hand, helps close the cuticle, preserving hair's moisture and shine.

❄️✨.

To maintain optimal hydrogen potential, it's essential to use products specifically formulated to respect your hair's natural balance. Jia Paris's restorative masks, leave-ins, and serums are ideal solutions for strengthening your hair while improving its appearance.

Avoid products containing sulfates or alkaline agents, which can weaken textured hair. These ingredients can disrupt the natural pH and cause long-term damage.

Adapt your routine based on your hair type and porosity. For example:

• For fine hair, use lightweight products that won't weigh it down.
• For thick hair, opt for rich treatments for deep hydration.

Conclusion :

Respecting pH is an essential step for hydrated, strengthened, and healthy hair. Jia Paris products, specially formulated for textured hair, are your allies in maintaining this balance. Try them and give your hair the care it deserves!

By adopting a proper routine and pH-friendly products, you can transform your hair, restoring shine and vitality. Trust Jia Paris for visible and lasting results.