Neutralizing shampoo is a hair care product that is designed to balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp after undergoing chemical treatments such as hair coloring, perming, or straightening. It is an important step in the hair care regimen of those who regularly undergo these treatments, as it helps to ensure that the hair remains healthy, shiny, and free of damage.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using a neutralizing shampoo and what to look for when choosing the right product for your hair.
When hair is subjected to chemical treatments, it can often become overly alkaline, causing the cuticles to lift and become damaged. This can lead to fizziness, breakage, and a dull, lifeless appearance. A neutralizing shampoo works by balancing the pH levels of the hair and scalp, thereby closing the cuticles and restoring the hair's natural shine and luster.
One of the key ingredients in a neutralizing shampoo is a pH neutralizer, which helps to balance the pH levels of the hair. This can come in the form of a mild acid such as citric acid or lactic acid, which helps to close the cuticles and restore the hair's natural shine. Other ingredients, such as vitamins and moisturizing agents, help to nourish and protect the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.
When using a neutralizing shampoo, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Most products require the shampoo to be left on the hair for a certain amount of time, in order to allow the pH neutralizer to effectively balance the pH levels. After the recommended time has passed, the shampoo should be thoroughly rinsed from the hair to ensure that no residue is left behind.
In addition to its use after chemical treatments, a neutralizing shampoo can also be used as a regular shampoo to help maintain the pH levels of the hair and scalp. This can be particularly beneficial for those with oily or dry hair, as it can help to regulate the natural oils and prevent the hair from becoming too alkaline.
What Happens if I do not use Neutralizing Shampoo?
If you do not use a neutralizing shampoo after undergoing chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or straightening, you may experience several negative effects on your hair and scalp.
Damage to the Hair Cuticles:
When hair undergoes chemical treatments, the pH levels become too alkaline, causing the cuticles to lift and become damaged. Without using a neutralizing shampoo, the cuticles will remain lifted, leading to fizziness, breakage, and a dull, lifeless appearance.
Unwanted Color Changes:
If you have undergone a hair coloring treatment, not using a neutralizing shampoo can cause the hair color to fade or become brassy. This is because the hair color will not be properly sealed into the hair shaft, allowing the color to bleed out.
Poor Retention of the Chemical Treatment:
If you have undergone a perming or straightening treatment, not using a neutralizing shampoo can lead to poor retention of the treatment. This means that the curls or straightness will not last as long and may become loose and frizzy.
Dryness and Breakage:
Chemical treatments can be harsh on the hair and scalp, leading to dryness and breakage. Without using a neutralizing shampoo, the hair and scalp may become even more dry and brittle, leading to further damage.
Scalp Irritation:
Chemical treatments can also be harsh on the scalp, leading to itching, redness, and other symptoms of irritation. If you don't use a neutralizing shampoo, the scalp may become even more irritated, leading to further discomfort.
In conclusion, using a neutralizing shampoo after undergoing chemical treatments is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. Failing to do so may lead to damage, color changes, poor retention of the chemical treatment, dryness and breakage, and scalp irritation.
How do you make Homemade Hair Neutralizer?
If you'd like to make your own neutralizing shampoo, you can try the following homemade recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup of baking soda
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
2 cups of water
Instructions:
Mix the baking soda and water in a bowl until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar and water.
Wet your hair thoroughly, then massage the baking soda solution into your hair.
Rinse the baking soda solution from your hair, then massage the apple cider vinegar solution into your hair.
Leave the apple cider vinegar solution in your hair for 2-3 minutes.
Rinse the apple cider vinegar solution from your hair, then style your hair as usual.
This homemade neutralizing shampoo works by using baking soda to raise the pH levels of the hair, followed by the use of apple cider vinegar to lower the pH levels. The baking soda and apple cider vinegar help to balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp, thereby closing the cuticles and restoring the hair's natural shine and luster.
Please note that while this homemade neutralizing shampoo can be effective, it is always best to do a patch test on a small section of hair before using it all over your head, as some people may have an adverse reaction to the ingredients. Additionally, this recipe is not suitable for those with chemically treated hair, as it may cause further damage. If you have chemically treated hair, it is best to use a commercial neutralizing shampoo.
In conclusion, neutralizing shampoo is an essential step in the hair care regimen of those who regularly undergo chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or straightening. It helps to balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp, restore the hair's natural shine and luster, and protect the hair from damage. By using a neutralizing shampoo regularly, you can ensure that your hair remains healthy, shiny, and free from damage, no matter what chemical treatments you have undergone.
What is the pH of Neutralizing Shampoo?
The pH of neutralizing shampoo is usually between 4.5 and 5.5. This range of pH is considered to be acidic, which is important for restoring the hair's natural pH levels after undergoing chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or straightening.
Chemical treatments can alter the pH levels of the hair, making it too alkaline. This can cause the hair cuticles to lift and become damaged, leading to fizziness, breakage, and a dull, lifeless appearance. A neutralizing shampoo helps to balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp, thereby closing the cuticles and restoring the hair's natural shine and luster.
It's worth noting that the exact pH of a neutralizing shampoo can vary depending on the brand and formula, so it's important to read the label or check with the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the right product for your hair type.