Why Drugstore Shampoos with High pH Are Harmful to Your Hair and Skin

When it comes to selecting hair care products, many of us automatically reach for the drugstore options, assuming they are both affordable and effective. While they may indeed clean your hair and leave it smelling fresh, there’s a hidden downside that could be impacting the health of both your hair and skin—specifically, the pH levels of the shampoos.

Most drugstore shampoos are formulated with a pH that is higher than that of human skin, and this can have a range of negative effects on both your scalp and your hair’s appearance and texture. Let’s dive into why this happens, what it means for your hair care routine, and how to choose products that are better suited to maintaining a healthy balance.

What is pH and Why Does It Matter?

Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to understand what pH is. pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while values below 7 are acidic and those above 7 are alkaline.

Human skin and hair generally have a slightly acidic pH, with a range of about 4.5 to 5.5. This acidic environment helps to maintain the integrity of the skin and hair by:

• Keeping the scalp's natural oils intact

• Preventing the growth of harmful bacteria

• Ensuring that the hair’s cuticle layer stays smooth, locking in moisture and protecting the hair strand from damage

  
  

When the pH of a product is higher than the natural pH of your skin and hair, it can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to a number of potential issues.

Why Do Drugstore Shampoos Have a High pH?

Many drugstore shampoos are formulated with a higher pH (often between 5.5 to 8.0, or even higher in some cases) to achieve a few specific goals:

1. Cleansing Power: Alkaline formulas can effectively strip away dirt, oil, and buildup from the scalp and hair. However, in doing so, they may also remove natural oils that are necessary for healthy, shiny hair.

   
   

2. Foaming Action: Shampoos that lather more tend to have higher pH levels, as the higher alkalinity can enhance the foaming process. This bubbly lather is often associated with effective cleansing, but it can be harsh on the scalp and hair.

   
   

3. Cost and Shelf Stability: Alkaline formulas can be more cost-effective to manufacture and have a longer shelf life, which is why many mass-market shampoos tend to fall into this category.

   
   

However, this alkaline environment is not ideal for our skin and hair, which is why it’s worth exploring the consequences of using such products long-term.

The Negative Effects of High pH Shampoos

When you use a shampoo with a pH higher than that of your skin and hair, it can lead to a cascade of negative effects:

1. Dry, Brittle Hair

When your hair’s natural pH balance is disrupted, it can cause the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) to open up. This means that moisture is lost more easily, leaving your hair feeling dry, frizzy, and brittle. Over time, this can lead to hair breakage and split ends, particularly if you’re using high pH shampoos regularly.

2. Irritated Scalp

The skin on your scalp is just as sensitive as the skin on your face, and it’s important to maintain a pH that is slightly acidic to preserve the skin’s natural barrier. When you use a shampoo with a pH that's too high, it can cause your scalp to become irritated, dry, or even flaky. This can lead to issues like dandruff, itching, and redness.

3. Color Fade

If you color your hair, high-pH shampoos can cause your color to fade more quickly. The alkaline formula can lift the cuticle, causing color molecules to escape from the hair shaft. As a result, your hair color may lose its vibrancy sooner than expected, leaving you with dull or uneven tones.

4. Increased Frizz

The higher pH can cause the hair cuticle to remain raised, which prevents the hair from laying flat and looking smooth. This makes frizz more pronounced, particularly for those with curly or textured hair.

5. Imbalance in Skin's Microbiome

Your skin’s natural acid mantle (a thin layer of fatty acids and oils) is essential for protecting you from harmful bacteria and pollutants. High-pH products can disrupt this protective layer, leading to an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome. This can make your skin more vulnerable to infections, dryness, and irritation.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Hair and Skin

Now that we’ve covered the potential dangers of using high-pH shampoos, you might be wondering how to choose a product that’s better suited for your hair and scalp. Here are some tips to help you make a healthier choice:

• Look for pH-balanced formulas: Ideally, choose shampoos that are pH-balanced, which means they fall within the 4.5 to 5.5 range—similar to the natural pH of your skin and hair. These products are less likely to strip away moisture and will keep your scalp healthy.

• Avoid harsh sulfates: Sulfates are common ingredients in many shampoos that contribute to a higher pH. They are detergents that can leave your hair feeling dry and stripped of its natural oils. Look for sulfate-free options, which are often gentler on both your hair and scalp.

• Consider your hair type: If you have color-treated or curly hair, opt for shampoos specifically designed for those hair types. These formulations are typically more hydrating and contain ingredients that help maintain moisture while keeping the pH balanced.

• Go for natural or organic brands: Many natural hair care brands focus on maintaining a healthy pH balance in their products, often using gentler, plant-based ingredients to cleanse the hair without causing damage.

  
  

Conclusion

While drugstore shampoos may seem like a convenient, cost-effective choice, they often come with the hidden cost of a higher pH that can negatively impact your hair and skin. By disrupting your scalp’s natural balance, these shampoos can lead to dryness, irritation, and even damage to your hair’s health. If you want to keep your hair shiny, smooth, and healthy, it’s worth investing in pH-balanced shampoos that are gentle on both your skin and hair. After all, your hair deserves the best care possible!