What Does pH-balanced Mean?
The pH level of any product indicates how acidic or alkaline that product is. On a scale of 1 to 14, 0 to 6.9 signifies an acidic level, and 7.1 to 14 signifies an alkaline level. Any ingredient with a pH of 7 is considered neutral. But how does your shampoo’s pH level affect your scalp and hair health? Read on to know more.
Why Is pH Balance Important For The Hair?
A balanced pH level for your hair and scalp stimulates hair growth. As stated above, an alkaline pH level of shampoos creates a negative electrical charge, causing hair breakage and damage. This negative electrical charge also causes friction between hair fibers, making the cuticles prone to damage (1).
Why Should You Use pH-balanced Shampoos?
The pH level of the hair should be 3.7, while the pH level of the scalp should be 5.5 (2). Alkaline shampoos cause the hair cuticles to swell up and open, making the hair frizzy. Acidic shampoos cause the hair fibers of the cuticles to shrink and lie flat on the hair shaft, making the hair smoother (3). To maintain these levels, use shampoos with a pH level of 5.5 and below. pH-balanced shampoos also keep away fungal infections from the scalp. Let’s now look at the 15 best pH-balanced shampoos available online.
15 Best pH-balanced Shampoos
1. Best Overall: Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo
The Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo nourishes and volumizes the hair. This certified organic and plant-based formula contains organic botanicals and essential oils. These ingredients cleanse and replenish the scalp and thicken the hair. This shampoo is formulated with biotin, saw palmetto, plant protein, and vitamin E. It also maintains the pH of the scalp and hair. This balanced shampoo also conditions the hair follicles from root to end. It strengthens and softens the hair. This EWG verified shampoo is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain any GMOs, parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or sulfates. For more information about the product, click this video. Pros
EWG verified Vegan Cruelty-free GMO-free Paraben-free No harsh preservatives No synthetic colors and fragrances Phthalate-free Sulfate-free
Cons
Contains alcohol and sodium chloride
2. Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Head And Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Head And Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is made with a three-action formula that cleanses, protects, and moisturizes the scalp and hair. It removes excess oil, residue, and flakes. This dermatologist-recommended and clinically-proven shampoo is suitable for daily use on all hair types. Pros
Dermatologist recommended Clinically-proven Color-safe Safe on chemically processed hair Gentle formula Suitable for daily use
Cons
Contains SLS, SLES, sodium chloride, and added fragrance
3. Best Shampoo For Sensitive Skin: Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair
The Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair removes buildup and residue, maintaining a pH level of 5.5. The saponin produces a deep cleansing lather that has anti-dandruff properties and cleanses the scalp. It is formulated with calming botanicals like argan oil, chamomile, olive leaves, and aloe vera. This shampoo soothes an irritated scalp, curbs excess oil residues, and tones down any overpowering odor. Argan oil and aloe vera moisturize the scalp, chamomile soothes the scalp, and olive leaves balance the pH of the scalp. This gentle formula is vegan, fair trade, eco-friendly, sustainable, cruelty-free, and suitable for all hair types. It does not contain any sulfates, SLS, parabens, silicones, DEA/MEA, gluten, or artificial fragrances. Check this video to learn more about the product. Pros
Dermatologist recommended DHT blocking Cruelty-free Vegan Fair trade Sustainably harvested Color-safe Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free DEA-free MEA-free No artificial fragrance Gluten-free Gentle formula Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp
Cons
May cause allergic reactions
4. Best Shampoo For Daily Use: sebamed Everyday Shampoo
The sebamed Everyday Shampoo volumizes, softens, and makes the hair healthy. It does not strip the scalp of moisture and cause any irritation. It is formulated with a pH level of 5.5 and thickens the hair. This shampoo cleanses the scalp deeply by removing any dirt, residue, or impurities. It moisturizes the scalp and boosts hair shine. The gentle and paraben-free formula is dermatologist-developed, hypoallergenic, and does not contain any soap or alkalis. It protects and maintains the natural balance of the scalp and hair. Pros
Hypoallergenic Dermatologist-developed Ultra-mild formula Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp
Cons
Contains sulfates and added fragrance
5. Best Vegan Shampoo: Nature Sustained Raw And Wild Soapnut Shampoo
The Nature Sustained Raw And Wild Soapnut Shampoo restores the hair’s natural health and luster. It contains soapberry or saponin, which replenishes the hair and cleanses it with natural lather. This gentle formula is infused with potent vegan probiotics made from wild-harvested fruits and plants. It minimizes scalp erythema, itching, greasiness, malassezia, and dandruff. This shampoo soothes and calms itchy, dry, or damaged scalp. It also reduces eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. The probiotics, combined with plants and fruits ferment, control oil production and eliminate odor caused by bacteria. This hypoallergenic shampoo is sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and does not contain propylene glycol, phthalates, petroleum, parabens, preservatives, pesticides, chemical additives, or synthetic fragrances. Pros
Hypoallergenic Gentle formula Vegan Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Propylene glycol-free Phthalate-free Petroleum-free Paraben-free Preservative-free Pesticide-free No synthetic fragrance No chemical additives
Cons
May leave residue
6. Best Natural Shampoo: Om Botanical Anti-Hair Loss Organic Shampoo
The Om Botanical Anti-Hair Loss Organic Shampoo fuses Ayurvedic secrets with modern science to create a plant-based formula. It maintains the natural balance of the hair and scalp. This pH-balanced shampoo contains 100% natural soap nuts fused with shikakai to cleanse the hair without stripping its nutrients. It also strengthens the hair follicles. Pumpkin seed oil is a DHT blocker that prevents hair loss. Other ingredients like neem, basil, willow bark, and vitamin B3 prevent dandruff and relieve itchy scalp, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. The Moroccan argan oil hydrates the scalp and detangles the hair. It retains moisture and strengthens the hair. This shampoo enhances hair manageability while building body, texture, and shine. It revitalizes dry, damaged, and brittle hair. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and color-safe. It is free of gluten, SLS, parabens, silicones, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, and other toxic chemicals. Pros
100% plant-based SLS free Paraben-free Silicone-free Petrochemical-free No toxic chemicals Color-safe Vegan Gluten-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Unpleasant smell May cause allergic reactions
7. Best Unscented Shampoo: Free And Clear Shampoo
The Free And Clear Shampoo is dermatologist-tested and ideal for sensitive scalp. It eliminates flaking and scaling and controls oil production on oily scalps. This pH-balanced shampoo removes buildup, product residue, dirt, grime, and impurities. It makes the hair manageable and is suitable for all hair types. The product is free of common chemical irritants like dyes, fragrances, masking fragrances, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, cocamidopropyl betaine, sulfates, phosphates, protein, gluten, and preservatives. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product. Pros
Dermatologist -tested Dye-free Fragrance-free Lanolin-free Paraben-free No formaldehyde releasers Cocamidopropyl betaine-free Sulfate-free Phosphate-free Gluten-free Preservative-free Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Contains EDTA, sodium hydroxide, and sodium chloride
8. Best For Frizz Control: Phillip Adam Shampoo
The Phillip Adam Shampoo is formulated with pea protein and plant-based ingredients that make the hair healthy and shiny. It contains apple cider vinegar, which cleanses the hair and scalp, minimizing frizz. This natural shampoo removes toxins and dirt from the scalp. It maintains the natural balance of the scalp and hair, prevents dandruff, and reduces static. This color-safe product is suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp. It does not contain parabens, preservatives, silicones, or dyes. Pros
Gentle formula Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp Paraben-free Preservative-free Silicone-free Dye-free Anti-static Controls frizz Color-safe
Cons
Contains cocamidopropyl betaine
9. Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair: Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo
The Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo moisturizes and protects damaged and color-treated hair. It is formulated with aloe vera, rosemary, and other botanical extracts that cleanse the hair gently, leaving it pH balanced, frizz-free, and manageable. It improves hair strength and vitality by infusing vitamins, nutrients. It is gentle for everyday use and locks in color and shine. It is ideal for normal to dry hair, over-processed, and environmentally stressed hair. Pros
Natural ingredients Gentle for everyday use Harmful-sulfate free Paraben-free Cruelty-free Vegan Color-safe
Cons None
10. Best For Fresh Scent: Medline Soothe & Cool Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash
The Medline Soothe & Cool Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash cleanses the scalp effectively. It also conditions the scalp and hair gently. This pH-balanced shampoo contains aloe vera, which moisturizes the scalp and hair. Aloe vera also has cooling and soothing properties that relieve dryness, itching, and scalp irritation. This latex-free shampoo maintains the natural balance of the scalp and hair. Pros
Gentle formula Conditions the hair and scalp Non-irritating Latex-free
Cons None
11. ResQ Organics Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo
The ResQ Organics Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo has a pH level of 5.5, which maintains a clean and balanced scalp. It is formulated with manuka honey that has strong antiseptic properties. The honey also soothes burns and wounds. This shampoo does not strip the acidic balance of the scalp and protects the skin from bacteria, allergens, and pollution. It contains all-natural ingredients that reduce dryness, redness, and irritation. The shampoo stimulates hair growth, strengthens the hair, and eliminates split ends and hair breakage. It contains pure aloe vera, which moisturizes and nourishes the scalp with vitamins, minerals, and oils. The shampoo penetrates and nurtures the scalp and treats psoriasis, dermatitis, itching, and cracking. It also prevents hair loss and controls frizz. This color-safe shampoo does not contain parabens, sulfates, and fragrances. Pros
Soothing Low pH All-natural ingredients Color-safe Paraben-free Sulfate-free Fragrance-free Controls frizz Cruelty-free
Cons
Contains starch and gum Expensive
12. Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Gentle & Soft Shampoo
The Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Gentle & Soft Shampoo is a non-medicated, ultra-gentle formula suitable for people with sensitive scalps. This clinically-proven shampoo delivers lightweight moisture and softens the hair. It is also infused with micellar water that removes dirt and sebum from the pores and cleanses your scalp. The gentle formula improves your scalp’s natural barrier. This shampoo is safe for all hair types, especially color-treated hair. Pros
Dermatologist recommended Suitable for color-treated hair Ideal for all hair types Pleasant fragrance Paraben-free Sulfate-free
Cons
Leaves residue on your hair
13. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair: Keracare Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo
The Keracare Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing shampoo is infused with natural ingredients like apple extracts, green tea extracts, lemon peel extracts, and aloe leaf juice that condition your hair and soothe itchiness. The gentle formula moisturizes your dry scalp and reduces flakiness while detangling your tresses. This sulfate-free product reduces inter fiber friction, which is highly effective in treating hair conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and seborrhea. Pros
Suitable for daily use Eliminates dandruff Affordable Mild fragrance Sulfate-free
Cons
Might leave your hair greasy
14. HARKLINIKKEN Balancing Shampoo
The HARKLINIKKEN Balancing Shampoo is an ideal formula for blondes with processed hair, heavy product users, and people with dry and damaged tresses. It is infused with fortifying mustard seed oil and organic oats that strengthen the hair, treat split ends, and prevent hair breakage. The mild formula deep cleanses the hair and soothes the scalp while leaving your strands voluminous and bouncy. This dermatologist-recommended shampoo eliminates dandruff and treats mild seborrheic dermatitis. Pros
Ideal for chemically-processed hair Dermatologist recommended SLS-free Perfume-free Silicon-free Paraben-free Petrochemical-free Essential oil-free Synthetic color-free
Cons None
15. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Glossing Shampoo
The L’Oreal Paris EverPure Glossing Shampoo cleanses your hair without stripping its moisture. The anti-fade formula with UV filters retains hair shine and smoothness. This shampoo lathers quickly and gently removes product buildup from the scalp. It is formulated with argan oil that intensely moisturizes your hair and volumizes the strands. This glossing shampoo contains tantalizing notes of sandalwood and rose that deliver soothing benefits to your scalp. Pros
Suitable for chemically-treated and colored hair Suitable for all hair types Vegan Value for money Pleasant fragrance Paraben-free Aluminum-free Gluten-free Dye-free Formaldehyde-free
Cons
Might burn your eyes
Choosing a shampoo with the ideal level of pH ensures your scalp is moisturized and not dry. It also leaves your hair healthy, shiny, and fuller. Besides choosing the right pH, there are other features to consider in order to ensure maximum benefits from your pH balance shampoo.
How To Choose The Best pH-balanced Shampoos
1. Look For Moisturizing Ingredients
To ensure that your hair is hydrated and flawless, look for moisturizing ingredients like silk proteins, milk proteins, coconut milk, aloe vera, keratin, argan oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients hydrate and offer a long-lasting shine.
2. Consider Your Hair Type
Almost all shampoos come labeled with the type of hair they are best suited for, as choosing the right formulation for your hair type is of utmost importance. For instance,
For color-treated hair choose a color-safe shampoo without any chemicals that may ruin the intensity of your hair color. You may also opt for a gentle shampoo for your colored hair.
For an oily scalp, choose a shampoo without any essential oils or high quantities of lipids that may leave your hair greasy or heavy.
For fine or thin hair, avoid a shampoo with heavy oils or moisturizing ingredients like mango or shea butter to prevent a greasy scalp and limp strands.
If your hair is prone to breakage, choose a strengthening shampoo with deep conditioning formula, to rejuvenate the damaged hair.
3. Ingredients To Avoid
Several ingredients in a shampoo can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even damage your scalp. Here are a few ingredients to avoid:
Alcohols: It strips your hair of its natural oils and causes irritation as well as dryness.
SLS: It is a foaming agent and a harsh cleanser that is fatal to delicate and sensitive skin. It may also cause redness, itching, and irritation.
Phthalates: These are gelling agents found in synthetic fragrances, and are powerful enough to irritate and damage your scalp.
Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances are usually a combination of chemicals that can damage and dry out your hair. Opt for fragrance-free formulas or natural fragrances like organic oils and fruit extracts.
How can I restore the pH balance in my hair? Take a look at our infographic below to know more about the pointers to consider before choosing a suitable pH-balanced shampoo for your hair type.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, loves all things hair care. She has a keen interest in experimenting with new products and review them for her readers. She went through different brand websites to research the products and checked many online user reviews to curate this list of the best pH-balanced shampoos available on the market. These products may help prevent hair breakage and keep hair clean and healthy. If you want to know how to maintain a healthy pH level for your hair, check out. How do I test the pH of my hair? You can find test strips online to help you figure out the pH level of your hair. What ph shampoo is best? The Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo is the best pH shampoo on the market. It is made from all-plant ingredients that strengthen and soften the hair follicles from the root. This shampoo is free of any toxins making it ideal for sensitive scalps. Can ph imbalance cause hair loss? Yes. A shampoo with an alkaline pH level can create a negative electrical charge. This causes friction between hair fibers and damages the cuticles. So, a pH imbalance can lead to hair breakage and hair fall. How often should you use ph- balancing shampoo? A pH-balancing shampoo can be used daily. If you have extremely dry tresses, decrease the frequency to a few times a week.
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