Why ‘pH Balanced’ Haircare Actually Matters (Especially If You Colour, Bleach, or Heat Style)

Okay, let’s talk pH. We know—it sounds like the sort of thing you last heard in high school chemistry, right? But in the world of haircare, pH balance is a big deal, especially if you’re rocking coloured, bleached, or heat-styled hair.

If your hair ever feels rough, brittle, frizzy or just not behaving like it used to, your products’ pH might be playing a role. So let’s break down what it all means—without the lab goggles.

What Is pH Anyway? (In Plain English)

pH (short for potential hydrogen) measures how acidic or alkaline something is—on a scale of 0 to 14.

• 0–6 = acidic

• 7 = neutral

• 8–14 = alkaline

Your scalp and hair’s natural pH sits between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic. That’s the sweet spot for healthy hair cuticles, strong strands, and a happy scalp.

What Happens When Haircare Isn’t pH Balanced?

Here’s the thing: when you use haircare that’s too alkaline, it can throw your hair and scalp completely out of whack.

Signs your hair might be battling an unbalanced pH:

• Frizz that won’t quit

• Dry, rough texture—even after conditioning

• Faded hair colour (like, way too fast)

• Scalp irritation or itchiness

• Hair that’s lost its shine or bounce

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A lot of traditional products—especially shampoos with harsh detergents—can raise the pH of your scalp and hair, causing the cuticle to lift. That leads to moisture loss, frizz, and damage.

Why pH Matters Even More If You Colour or Bleach Your Hair

Bleach and chemical dyes are alkaline by nature, meaning they open the hair cuticle to deposit pigment. That’s how you get the colour in—but it’s also how your hair loses its ability to hold moisture and strength over time.

Using pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner helps:

• Close the cuticle

• Lock in colour

• Reduce breakage

• Restore softness and shine

• Calm the scalp after chemical processing

Basically, it’s like pressing “reset” on your hair after a salon session.

How BodFood Gets It Right

All BodFood shampoos and conditioners are formulated to be pH-balanced and gentle, sitting in that ideal 4.5–5.5 range. That means:

• No stripping your hair or scalp

• Better long-term colour retention

• Less frizz and fewer flyaways

• A smoother, healthier hair surface—naturally

And because our products are low-tox, biodegradable, and made with plant-based actives, you’re not trading pH support for unwanted ingredients. It’s the full package.

Balance Is Everything

Just like your skin, your hair and scalp thrive when they’re in balance. pH-balanced haircare isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a foundational part of keeping your hair strong, smooth, and healthy (especially if you’re a fan of colour, heat, or both).

Ready to make the switch to pH-balanced, low-tox haircare? Explore BodFood’s shampoo and conditioner range—formulated to protect your scalp, preserve your colour, and support your best hair days.