If you've ever struggled with frizz, dryness, or an itchy scalp, or if a shampoo just didn’t work for you, your shampoo's pH level might be the issue. While we often focus on ingredients like sulphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, we rarely think about the acidity or alkalinity of our hair care products. But did you know that the pH level of your shampoo plays a major role in keeping your hair healthy?

In this guide, we’ll break down what pH means, why it’s important for hair health, and how choosing a pH-balanced shampoo can make all the difference. Whether you have curly, straight, colour-treated, or natural hair, understanding pH will help you make smarter hair care choices.

What Is pH and Why Does It Matter?

pH stands for "potential of hydrogen" and measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale from 0 to 14:

• 0-6: Acidic (e.g., lemon juice)
• 7: Neutral (e.g., pure water)
• 8-14: Alkaline (e.g., baking soda)

Your hair and scalp naturally have a slightly acidic pH of 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity helps keep the hair cuticle smooth, prevents moisture loss, and protects against bacteria and fungi.

Using a shampoo that is too alkaline (above pH 7) can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and an irritated scalp. On the flip side, a shampoo that’s too acidic might not cleanse effectively. So yep, we need a pH-balanced shampoo if we want a healthy scalp and healthy hair!

How pH Affects Hair Health

A balanced pH plays a crucial role in keeping your hair looking and feeling its best. One of the biggest benefits of using a pH-balanced shampoo is its ability to prevent frizz and breakage. Slightly acidic shampoos (like our scalp) help seal the hair cuticle, making strands smoother and more resistant to damage. In contrast, alkaline shampoos cause the cuticle to lift, leading to frizz, breakage, and overall weakened hair structure.

Maintaining a healthy scalp is another key reason to choose a shampoo with the right pH. An imbalanced pH can throw off the scalp’s natural microbiome, leading to issues such as itchiness, flakiness, or excessive oil production. By using a shampoo that aligns with the natural acidity of your scalp, you can help prevent dandruff and irritation, creating the ideal environment for hair growth.

If you colour your hair, pH balance is even more important. Hair dye works by opening the cuticle to deposit colour, making strands more porous and vulnerable to damage. A pH-balanced shampoo helps close the cuticle after colouring, preserving the vibrancy of your shade and preventing premature fading.

A final benefit of pH balance is enhanced shine and moisture retention. When the hair cuticle remains smooth and flat, light reflects off the hair more evenly, giving it a natural, healthy shine. Additionally, a balanced pH prevents excessive moisture loss, helping your hair stay hydrated and soft for longer.

How to Choose a pH-Balanced Shampoo

Not all shampoos list their pH on the label, but here are some tips to find the right one:

• Look for "pH-balanced" labels – Many brands now highlight this on the packaging.
• Avoid harsh sulphates – Sulphates tend to be alkaline and can disrupt the natural balance of your scalp. Of course, all our Go For Zero shampoos are free from harsh sulphates.
• Choose shampoos with natural acids – Ingredients like citric acid or lactic acid help maintain a proper pH balance.
• Test it yourself – If you’re unsure, you can buy pH test strips and check your shampoo’s pH at home.

Beauty and the Bees released a range bee-autiful pH-balanced shampoo bars for different hair types, all while keeping the environment in mind. Let’s see which option suits you best:

• Bee Shiny pH Balanced Shampoo Bar (Normal Hair) – This shampoo bar is designed for those with normal hair, providing a gentle cleanse that maintains natural oils without leaving residue. It's like the Goldilocks of shampoos—not too harsh, not too mild, but just right.
• Bee Clean pH Balanced Shampoo Bar (Oily Hair & Scalp) – If your scalp produces enough oil to fry an egg, this one's for you. The Bee Clean bar targets excess oil production without stripping your hair dry, leaving it fresh and balanced.
• Bee Smooth pH Balanced Shampoo Bar (Dry/Frizzy Hair) – This bar is packed with natural moisturisers to hydrate and smooth, dry, frizzy hair, making bad hair days a thing of the past.
• Bee Pure pH Balanced Shampoo Bar (Sensitive Scalp) – For those with sensitive scalps, the Bee Pure bar offers a gentle cleanse without irritation. It's free from harsh chemicals, ensuring your scalp stays calm and collected.
• Bee Healthy pH Balanced Shampoo Bar (Blondes, Greys & Scalp Scrub) – this shampoo is great for all the natural blondes and greys out there. It also doubles as a scalp scrub, exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting circulation for a healthy scalp.

Note: if you love powder-to-foam shampoo products, ours are pH-balanced too!

Making the Switch to pH-Balanced Shampoo: Your Hair Will Thank You

Switching to a pH-balanced shampoo can transform your hair’s health. By maintaining the right acidity, you’ll experience smoother hair, a healthier scalp, and a longer-lasting colour.

Next time you’re shopping for shampoo, don’t just focus on the ingredients—check the pH level too! Your hair will thank you for it. At Go For Zero, you can find natural shampoo bars for any hair type. From normal hair to oily, dry, curly, frizzy & damaged, and colour- treated hair as well as for sensitive scalps and beards! 

If you are still unsure, never hesitate to ask us questions at askusanything@goforzero.com.au.

Lots of love,

Ellie x

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FAQ: pH-Balanced Shampoo

1. What is the ideal pH for a shampoo?
The ideal pH for a shampoo is between 4.5 and 5.5, which matches the natural acidity of your scalp and hair.

2. How do I know if my shampoo is pH-balanced?
Look for “pH-balanced” on the label, check the brand’s website, or test it yourself with pH strips.

3. Can an alkaline shampoo damage my hair?
Yes, alkaline shampoos (above pH 7) can cause the hair cuticle to lift, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

4. Are sulphate-free shampoos always pH-balanced?
Not necessarily. While many sulphate-free shampoos are gentler, their pH levels can still vary. Always check for pH information.

5. Can using a pH-balanced shampoo help with dandruff?
Yes! A balanced pH helps maintain a healthy scalp microbiome, reducing irritation and flakiness.

6. Is a pH-balanced shampoo good for curly hair?
Absolutely! Curly hair tends to be drier, and a pH-balanced shampoo helps retain moisture and prevent frizz.

7. Can I use a pH-balanced shampoo daily?
It depends on your hair type. While gentle enough for regular use, washing too often can still strip natural oils, especially for dry hair types.

Have you noticed a difference since switching to a pH-balanced shampoo? Let us know in the comments!