Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

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Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

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Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

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Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

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Ingredients (16)

Popular Ingredients In This Product

All Ingredients

*** The source of Glycerin is not specified by the manufacturer and could be from Coconut Derivatives (does NOT exclude all fragrances) or Soy or Zea Mays (Corn)

Legal Disclaimer - Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different product and ingredient information than what is shown on our website. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product.

Product Description

A non-medicated, mild shampoo for sensitive skin and scalp. Leaves hair clean and manageable. Preservative-free. Gluten-free. Recommended for all hair types, including permed and colored hair.

  • Free of common chemical irritants found in ordinary shampoo such as:
    • dyes
    • fragrance
    • masking fragrance
    • lanolin
    • parabens
    • formaldehyde
    • formaldehyde releasers
  • Free of cocamidopropyl betaine
  • Preservative-free
  • Protein-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phosphate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • pH balanced

Shampoo

A non-medicated shampoo for sensitive skin. It effectively cleans both hair and scalp. Helps remove flaking and scaling and controls oily scalp. Removes build-up from conditioners, hairsprays, and other hair care products. Leaves hair clean and manageable.

Our mild and gentle fragrance free shampoo for sensitive skin is also free of formaldehyde releasers commonly found in ordinary shampoos. No botanical extracts or essential oils. No harsh cleansing agents. Sulfate-free. Protein-free. Gluten-free. pH balanced.

Ingredients - purified water, lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside, acrylates copolymer, disodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, glycerin, sucrose cocoate, panthenol, pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium EDTA, caprylyl glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride

Directions - Wet hair, apply, lather, rinse, and repeat if necessary. Avoid getting in eyes. For best results follow with Vanicream Conditioner.

  • All About Low pH Shampoo
  • Hair Types That Need Low pH Shampoo
  • 7 Best Low pH Shampoos
  • How to Test Shampoo pH
  • How Soon Will I Get Results from a Low pH Shampoo?
  • Should You Use a Low pH Shampoo?
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for a good low pH shampoo is hard because shampoos typically don’t show the pH on the label. But don’t worry — we’ve done the research for you to bring you the best products in the market today.

All About Low pH Shampoo

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

Have you heard about using low pH shampoo for hair and scalp health? pH might not be one of your top concerns when searching for a new shampoo, but it’s actually one of the most important factors in your hair and scalp’s overall health.

If you’ve ever used apple cider vinegar in your hair for shine and smoothness, you’ve already dabbled with a low pH “shampoo.” Shampoo with a low pH (also called pH balanced shampoo) is specially formulated to be gentle on the hair.

Our Top Pick

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

These types of shampoos have been proven to reduce negative electrical charges that cause frizz, breakage, static, and tangles. This is because shampoos with a low pH level stay closer to the natural pH level of the scalp and hair shaft. 

We’ll fill you in on all you need to know about low pH shampoos, who should use them, and which shampoos you should consider in this guide.

If you’ve been struggling with any number of hair problems and haven’t been able to find a good solution yet, the pH of your shampoo might be exactly the simple fix you need.

What Is Low pH Shampoo?

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

The pH scale goes from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral (not acid or base). Alkaline (base) solutions are higher than 7, and acids are lower than 7. So, a low pH shampoo would be an acidic shampoo with a pH lower than 7.

Sometimes you’ll see low pH options labeled as acidic-balanced shampoo. Since the hair shaft pH is around 3.6 and the scalp’s pH is around 5.5, we can consider shampoos with a pH below 5.5 to be a low pH shampoo. 

If you’ve noticed your hair seems to look much better after a salon visit, the pH of the shampoo used probably contributes to the difference. About 75% of professional shampoos used in salons are “low pH” at or below 5.5. But only 38% of consumer brand shampoos are low pH.

That’s why it’s important to specifically seek out a low pH option if you have a certain hair type or want to combat common hair problems.

Low pH shampoo can be effective in reducing:

  • Static
  • Frizz
  • Breakage
  • Tangles

It has a smoothing effect because it seals the cuticle scales along the hair shaft. So, if you have frizzy, thinning, breaking, or easily tangled hair, a shampoo with a lower pH could be exactly the solution you’re looking for.

Once you make the switch, you’ll never look back. 

Hair Types That Need Low pH Shampoo

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

Is shampoo with a low pH right for everyone?

Basically, yes. The average pH of the hair shaft (3.6) and scalp (5.5) is on the acidic end of the pH scale. Using a shampoo with a higher pH than your hair shaft or scalp creates problems for your hair on the atomic level. 

One study found that:

“An alkaline pH may increase the negative electrical net charge of the hair fiber surface and, therefore, increase the friction between the fibers. Friction, the main cause of frizz, can be minimized by adequate formulation of cleaning products, which is particularly important for African hair and curly hair.”

So, while every head of hair will see some type of benefit from using a shampoo with a lower pH, anyone with African hair or curly hair will likely see the greatest benefits. 

Likewise, if you have damaged, color-treated hair or any of the issues that tend to plague curly hair (frizz, breakage, tangles), this type of shampoo will be hugely helpful. Anyone with thinning hair can also find this type of shampoo beneficial. 

Choose a low pH option if you have: 

  • African hair
  • Curly hair
  • Weak or damaged hair
  • Color-treated hair
  • Easily tangled hair
  • Frizzy hair
  • Thinning hair

Ok, now you’ve learned when it’s important to use a low pH shampoo. But how the heck do you find a product that works for your hair? Don’t worry — we’ve done all the research to find the best products on the market.

With thousands of product on the market, how do you find the best acidic shampoo? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. We reviewed hundreds of shampoos that claim to be low pH to find the top options.

Our Top Picks:

  1. Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
  2. Biolage RAW Nourish Shampoo
  3. Herbal Essences Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
  4. ATTITUDE Super Leaves Shampoo
  5. NEXXUS Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo
  6. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
  7. FEKKAI Full Blown Volume Shampoo

These shampoos are formulated with a pH that will keep your hair and scalp in balance without creating static, frizz, breakage, hair loss, and tangles. 

But how did we determine the best? Easy. First, we searched popular shopping platforms to find the ones with the best reviews.

Then, we bought them all.

Yes — we dropped $150 of our own money and had them shipped to our editor Andrew’s house. Once there, he measured the pH, used each one, and ranked it in various categories.

Ranking factors:

  • Ingredients. Ingredients are huge. If the product is sulfate free, it gets a 5. If it has sulfates of any type, it gets a 3.
  • Measured pH. Measured with our electronic pH meter. Does it live up to its claims?
  • Reviews. Do customers love the shampoo? Would they buy it again? Does it outperform other picks? If so, it’s a 5.
  • Value. Different than price. If we think the benefits justify the price, it’s a 5.

Sound good? Then let’s jump right in.

1. Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo

Our Top Pick

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

  • Ingredients: 3/5
  • Measured pH: /5
  • Reviews: 5/5 (4.7 stars)
  • Value: 5/5
  • Best for: Thick/coarse or dry hair
  • Smells like: Peachy melon musk
  • Shampoo pH: 4.5-5.5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

Joico is another professional brand often found in salons. This Moisture Recovery shampoo is Joico’s answer for thick, coarse, dry hair in serious need of moisture.

It’s our favorite because of its versatility. If frizz, tangles, and a rough texture are the hair problems you’re facing, this is the answer.

The low-pH formula guarantees smoother, stronger, shinier hair that is less likely to frizz or break. It delivers intense moisture deep into strands for a soft feel that you’ll love.

You’ll find smoothing and hydrating ingredients like jojoba seed oil and sea kelp inside for the ultimate healthy hair. If you love your hair, you’ll buy this shampoo today!

Second Opinion

2. Biolage RAW Nourish Shampoo

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

  • Ingredients: 5/5
  • Measured pH: 5/5
  • Reviews: 4/5 (4.3 stars)
  • Value: 4/5
  • Best for: Dry hair
  • Smells like: Honey and musk
  • Shampoo pH: Between 4-5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

Biolage is a trusted brand in the hair care arena, and many professionals use it. This shampoo has a low pH – somewhere between 4 and 5 – to perfectly balance your hair and scalp.

It’s formulated to be silicone, sulfate, and paraben-free. It’s best for dry hair that needs extra nourishment and moisture. If you have oily hair, this shampoo may exacerbate the problem.

Quinoa husk, coconut, and honey are examples of the natural ingredients used in this nourishing shampoo.

Second Opinion

3. Herbal Essences Repairing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

Best for Damaged Hair

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

Herbal Essences Repairing Argan Oil Shampoo

Pros:

  • 90% naturally sourced ingredients
  • Repairs split ends
  • Helps add moisture to dry, damaged hair

Cons:

  • Some users complain that the scent is too strong
  • Can make fine hair limp

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  • Ingredients: 3/5
  • Measured pH: /5 
  • Reviews: 5/5 (4.7 stars)
  • Value: 5/5
  • Best for: Damaged or frizzy hair
  • Smells like: Vanilla-spiced citrus
  • Shampoo pH: 3.5-5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

Damaged, frizzy hair is the best candidate for this repairing shampoo. Smoothing argan oil, soothing aloe vera, natural sea kelp, and rich antioxidants are all included in this formula.

It’s designed to keep your hair and scalp pH balanced while gently cleansing and repairing damage. It’s paraben and dye-free if those are ingredients you look out for.

The price shown above is for the shampoo and conditioner set, which is a great idea if you’re paying attention to the pH of the products you use on your hair. Making sure the conditioner is also a low pH option is essential.

Second Opinion

4. ATTITUDE Super Leaves Natural Shampoo

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

  • Ingredients: 3/5
  • Measured pH: /5
  • Reviews: 4/5 (4.5 stars)
  • Value: 5/5
  • Best for: Oily, fine, or dull hair
  • Smells like: Earl Grey tea
  • Shampoo pH: Between 4-5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

This shampoo gets excellent reviews (4.5-star average), and while it’s pricey, a small amount is all you need. It’s filled with acidic ingredients that keep your hair from developing a negative electrical charge that causes frizz and static.

Formulated with no parabens, sodium laureth sulfates, silicones, or artificial scents, this natural shampoo is low enough on the pH scale to keep your hair and scalp balanced.

It’s perfect for hair that tends to get oily fast as it mimics the pH of your scalp’s natural oils to trick it into decreasing oil production.

Second Opinion

Ok, this one isn’t exactly a shampoo review. But it gives you a good idea about what this conditioner does for your hair, as it has many of the same benefits as the shampoo.

5. Nexxus Therappe Moisture Shampoo

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

  • Ingredients: 3/5
  • Measured pH: /5
  • Reviews: 5/5 (4.7 stars)
  • Value: 5/5
  • Best for: Damaged, dry, or porous hair
  • Smells like: Coconut and linen
  • Shampoo pH: 4.8-5.5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

Dry, bleached or color-treated, and high porosity hair sometimes feels like it needs a miracle. A moisture miracle. This shampoo with a pH below your scalp’s pH is perfect.

It is formulated with no silicones and features caviar complex and elastin protein for serious strand strength. Your hair is about 90% protein, and this heavy-hitting shampoo delivers all the strength and support it needs to fill in porous gaps.

It helps hair stay healthy while cleansing it at a pH level that is safe and balanced for your hair and scalp. It has a great, clean coconut scent.

Second Opinion

6. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Our Top Pick

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

  • Ingredients: 3/5
  • Measured pH: /5
  • Reviews: 5/5 (4.6 stars)
  • Value: 4/5
  • Best for: Any hair type
  • Smells like: Apple cider and lavender
  • Shampoo pH: 4-5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

This amazing product is actually a shampoo *alternative* and not technically a lathering shampoo. But the pH is naturally low, and it’s perfectly suited for cleansing, strengthening, and smoothing hair.

It removes dirt and grime without stripping all the good, natural oils away. The low pH formula seals the hair cuticle scales for smooth shine and more vibrant hair color.

If you have color-treated hair, using apple cider vinegar (ACV) in your hair has the same color-fast effect as adding vinegar to a load of laundry! Argan oil, lavender extract, vitamin E, and aloe vera are in the formula for added nourishment.

Second Opinion

7. Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

  • Ingredients: 5/5
  • Measured pH: /5
  • Reviews: 4/5 (4.4 stars)
  • Value: 5/5
  • Best for: Limp, flat, fine, or thinning hair
  • Smells like: Orange and coconut
  • Shampoo pH: 4.5-5.5
  • Our Score: /20

Overview

Fekkai’s Full Blown Volume shampoo is one of our favorite low pH options because it’s designed for fine, flat hair. If your hair needs a boost of lift, body, and volume, this is your jam.

It’s paraben, silicone, sulfate, and phthalate-free (as well as cruelty-free and vegan). Most volumizing shampoos cause hair to be easily tangled and frizzy.

Not this one! It detangles and smoothes the hair while delivering a blast of extra volume thanks to the low pH level. If we had to describe this shampoo with one word, it would be revitalizing.

How to Test Shampoo pH

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

If you want to check the pH level of the shampoo or other hair product you’re currently using, you can’t rely on the label. Unfortunately, most shampoos don’t include the pH of the product on the label.

Instead, I recommend investing about $8 into a box of pH test strips. They’re a game-changer. If you’re upgrading to a lower-pH shampoo, your other hair products need to be checked as well.

If the pH of your hair serum, mousse, gel, conditioner, or hair mask is higher than 5.5, using a shampoo with a low pH won’t give you the results you’re looking for. You’ll still get pesky static, frizz, breakage, and tangles. 

After removing the pH strip from the package:

  1. Squirt a little shampoo or hair product into a clean dish.
  2. Dip the strip into the product you’re testing and wait for the color to change.
  3. Use your pH strip packaging to compare the color of the strip to the pH level it corresponds to. If the pH is higher than 5.5, you need to find a new, lower-pH shampoo to use. 

How Soon Will I Get Results from a Low pH Shampoo?

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

Now that you’ve seen the best shampoos with a pH below 5.5 and decided which one is right for your hair type, how soon can you expect to see results?

The answer depends on the type of results you’re looking for. Functional and structural results usually take a little longer than cosmetic results.

In my experience, increased shine, reduced tangles and frizz, and more balanced oil production (read: my hair isn’t an oil slick by the second day) are noticeable immediately after using a low pH product like apple cider vinegar. 

For reduced breakage, increased hair strength, and lower hair porosity, you’ll need to regularly use a low pH-formulated shampoo. Don’t forget the conditioner!

Following up your cleansing routine with equally low pH products is essential. If you use alkaline (high pH) products after a low pH product, it will completely unravel your efforts. This is where pH test strips really come in handy.

Should You Use a Low pH Shampoo?

Free and Clear Shampoo pH level

Overall, using a shampoo with a low pH is a basic change you can make that will have incredible effects on your hair’s health, appearance, and structure.

It can correct most of the common hair issues – frizz, tangles, imbalanced oil production, dullness, and breakage – on its own. 

Make sure you’re pairing your new acidic-balanced shampoo with other low pH hair products for the best results. You’re going to love your shiny, healthy locks once you make the switch!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is low pH shampoo better?

Low pH shampoo is much better for your hair than most drugstore shampoos because it strips away less of the natural oils and minerals from your scalp. As a result, your hair is less frizzy and better protected against oxidation.

What pH level should your shampoo be?

While all shampoo ranges in pH levels, the ideal pH level for shampoo is 3.6 for your hair and 5.5 for the scalp, the natural level of each. Any shampoos under 5.5 is considered low pH.

What is a pH neutral shampoo?

As you can imagine, a pH neutral (or balanced) shampoo is not acidic or basic. It's balanced, or neutral. The result is a product that's gentle on your head and can be used every day.

Is TRESemme low pH?

According to the TRESemme website, every on of their products has a pH level between 5 and 7. Shampoos with a pH level below 5.5 are considered low, so it's safe to say that TRESemme makes low pH shampoo. However, we suggest looking at the label or the MSDS sheets before buying.

Is Olaplex pH balanced?

Yes, Olaplex is pH balanced. Not only is it a low pH product, but it's also non-toxic, paraben free, color safe, cruelty-free, and vegan.

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  • Our Top Shampoo Picks
  • Best Products for Curly Hair
  • Using Rice Water on Hair

What is the best pH level for shampoo?

Shampoo – All shampoo pH values ranged from 3.5 to 9.0, though the ideal shampoo is 3.6 for your hair and 5.5 for your scalp.

What is the pH of sulfate free shampoo?

If the product is sulfate free, it gets a 5. If it has sulfates of any type, it gets a 3. Measured pH.

What are pH balanced shampoos?

What Is pH Balanced Shampoo? The term pH refers to how acidic, neutral, or alkaline something is. When you choose a pH balanced shampoo, you're ensuring that your hair and scalp can maintain the proper natural levels of sebum. This naturally-occurring oil is what protects the scalp and prevents it from drying out.

What is the pH level of Olaplex shampoo?

PH Balance: 6-6.5. Formulated for daily/ every wash use. This product is suitable for all hair types.