The hidden reason behind frizz, dullness, and breakage — and how to fix it

We hear about "hydration," "nourishment," and "repair" all the time in haircare marketing. But there’s one factor that often goes unnoticed — even though it affects everything from how your hair looks to how it absorbs treatment.

That factor is pH balance.

If your shampoo, conditioner, or styling products are too acidic or too alkaline, they may be doing more harm than good. Here's why pH matters — and how to build a pH-smart routine that keeps your hair strong, shiny, and healthy.

What Is pH and Why Does It Matter for Hair?

pH (potential of hydrogen) measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, on a scale of 0 to 14:

• 0–6.9 = acidic

• 7 = neutral

• 7.1–14 = alkaline

Your hair and scalp have a natural pH of around 4.5–5.5. This slightly acidic environment helps:

• Keep the cuticle sealed and smooth

• Prevent bacterial or fungal overgrowth

• Maintain moisture and elasticity

• Support a healthy scalp barrier

Disrupt this balance, and you may experience frizz, dryness, irritation, or even increased breakage.

How Products Disrupt Your Hair’s pH

Many conventional shampoos and soaps are alkaline-based, with pH levels above 7. While they may cleanse well, they can open the hair cuticle too much, leading to:

• Moisture loss

• Porosity increase

• Color fading

• Rough texture and dullness

On the other end, products that are too acidic can over-tighten the cuticle, making it harder for moisture and nutrients to penetrate.

Signs Your pH May Be Off

• Hair feels dry even after conditioning

• Increased tangling and frizz

• Your scalp is itchy or flaky

• Color-treated hair fades unusually fast

• Products that once worked now cause buildup or irritation

What Trichologists Recommend

The ideal routine:

• Shampoo: pH 4.5–5.5 (like Nutree’s B24 pH Maintenance Shampoo)

• Conditioner / Mask: slightly acidic (4.0–5.0) to close the cuticle and lock in moisture

• Scalp care: stay within your skin’s natural range — aggressive exfoliants or alkaline clarifiers can damage your scalp’s microbiome

Why Nutree’s B24 Line Gets pH Right

Nutree’s B24 pH Maintenance Shampoo is designed to cleanse effectively while preserving the hair’s natural pH, supporting both scalp health and cuticle integrity. Paired with the B24 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, which balances hydration and structural repair, the system creates a closed, protected cuticle — ideal for shine, softness, and resilience.

The result?
Hair that’s not only clean, but optimized for everything you do afterward — masks, treatments, or styling.

Final Thought: pH Is the Foundation of Healthy Hair

You don’t need dozens of products to see results. But you do need the right balance — and that starts with pH.

Next time your hair feels off, don’t just switch brands. Look at the science behind the label.
Because beauty starts with balance — and balance begins with pH.