Does Your Shampoo Pass the pH Test? Most Don’t—And Here’s Why It Matters

Why does your hair feel dry, brittle, or greasy too fast no matter what you try? What if your shampoo’s pH is secretly damaging your scalp and hair every time you wash?

"pH balance is key to healthy hair & scalp. The wrong shampoo pH can strip moisture, trigger oil imbalance, and weaken your strands over time."
— Jennifer Teichmann, Trichologist & Scalp Health Specialist

Your Scalp is Crying for Help—And It’s Taking Your Hair Down With It...

You probably check the ingredients in your shampoo, but have you ever checked its pH balance? Most people don’t—yet it could be the hidden reason your hair feels dry, frizzy, or greasy too quickly. The wrong pH level can throw off your scalp’s balance, weaken your hair, and cause irritation—all without you realizing it. Here’s what you need to know about the pH of your shampoo and conditioner—and why it makes or breaks your hair health.

Here's Exactly What You Need To Know....

1. What is pH, and Why Does It Matter for Your Hair?🚨

pH measures how acidic or alkaline something is, on a scale from 0 to 14. Your scalp’s natural pH sits around 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic—helping to keep your scalp healthy, control oil production, and protect against bacteria and fungi.

🚨 When shampoo and conditioner have the wrong pH:
❌ Too high (alkaline) → Raises the hair cuticle, making hair rough, dry, and prone to breakage.
❌Too low (acidic) → Can strip moisture and cause scalp irritation.

A properly balanced pH keeps your hair smooth, strong, and hydrated while maintaining a healthy scalp barrier.

2. Most Shampoos Are Too Alkaline—And That’s a Big Problem ❌

Many commercial shampoos have a pH above 7, which is too high for your scalp. Why? Because higher pH levels create a stronger lather, which makes the shampoo feel more effective—but at a cost.

🚨 What happens when your shampoo is too alkaline?
❌ The hair cuticle opens up, leading to frizz, tangles, and moisture loss.
❌ Scalp gets dry and irritated, causing flakes and itching.
❌ Weakened hair strands lead to breakage and slow growth.

If your hair always feels dry, brittle, or hard to manage, your shampoo’s pH might be to blame.

3.The Wrong pH Can Make Your Scalp Oily, Even If You Wash Often ❌

If your shampoo is too harsh, it strips away natural oils, forcing your scalp to overcompensate by producing excess oil. That’s why some people feel like their hair gets greasy again just a day after washing—even though they’re using a “clarifying” shampoo.

🚨 Signs of a pH imbalance on your scalp:
❌ Greasy roots, dry ends
❌ Flaky, itchy scalp that never feels quite right
❌ Hair feels weighed down or too limp after washing

A properly balanced shampoo cleanses without over-stripping, helping your scalp regulate oil naturally.

4. Your Conditioner’s pH Also Matters—Here’s Why ❌

While shampoo opens the hair cuticle for cleansing, conditioner is meant to close it back down. But if your conditioner has the wrong pH, it won’t properly seal in moisture, leaving your hair dry, dull, and prone to breakage.

🚨 What happens with the wrong conditioner pH?
❌ Too alkaline → Leaves hair feeling rough, frizzy, and unmanageable.
❌ Too acidic → Can over-soften hair, making it weak and limp.

A good conditioner should have a slightly acidic pH (3.5–4.5) to smooth the hair cuticle and lock in hydration.

5. pH Imbalance Can Lead to Scalp Issues Like Dandruff & Sensitivity❌

An unbalanced scalp struggles to defend itself, leading to problems like dandruff, itching, and irritation. Many people mistake this for dryness or product buildup, when in reality, it’s their shampoo disrupting their scalp’s protective barrier.

🚨 pH-related scalp problems include:
❌ Dry flakes or excessive oiliness
❌ Irritation, itching, or redness
❌ Increased hair shedding

If you’ve tried anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, or “moisturizing” products with no luck, your shampoo’s pH may be the real issue.

6. Drugstore & Salon Shampoos Often Fail the pH Test ❌

Think expensive salon brands are automatically better? Not always. Many high-end shampoos still contain harsh surfactants, strong fragrances, and preservatives that disrupt pH balance.

🚨 Common shampoos that are often too alkaline:
❌ Clarifying shampoos (overly stripping)
❌ Drugstore “moisturizing” shampoos (contain waxy build-up)
❌ Anti-dandruff shampoos (too harsh for regular use)

The best shampoos balance gentle cleansing with the right pH to keep your scalp barrier intact.

7. The One Ingredient That Naturally Supports pH Balance✅

If you’re tired of guessing which shampoos will actually work, look for ingredients that support your scalp’s natural pH, like tallow.

🚨 Why tallow-based shampoos work:
✅ Naturally pH-balanced → Mimics the scalp’s natural oils.
✅ Rich in fatty acids & vitamins → Feeds the scalp for stronger, healthier hair.
✅ Gently cleanses without stripping → Helps scalp regulate oil naturally.

Unlike most shampoos, tallow-based formulas don’t disrupt the scalp’s ecosystem, leading to healthier, more balanced hair over time.

How to Check If Your Shampoo is pH-Balanced                            .

 You can test its pH at home using pH strips (available online or in drugstores).

🚨 Here’s what to look for:

✔ Shampoo pH: Ideally 4.5–5.5
✔ Conditioner pH: Ideally 3.5–4.5
❌ Anything above 6 is likely too harsh for regular use

If your shampoo is too alkaline, it might be time to switch to a gentler, scalp-friendly option.

What Happens When You Switch to a pH-Balanced Shampoo?

Once you ditch harsh, high-pH shampoos, you’ll start to notice huge improvements in both your scalp and hair.

🚨 What to expect:

✔ Less oil production (no more greasy roots the day after washing!)
✔ Stronger, shinier hair with less frizz & breakage
✔ A happier, calmer scalp—no more flakes or itching
✔ Hair that holds moisture better and stays manageable longer

Balancing your scalp’s pH is the key to long-term hair health.

The Haircare Industry Doesn’t Talk About pH—But You Should

Big brands don’t advertise pH balance, because if your hair were truly healthy and balanced, you wouldn’t need dozens of extra products to fix dryness, frizz, and scalp issues.

🚨 The bottom line?

If your hair never feels quite right, pH could be the missing piece.

The best shampoos support your scalp’s natural balance, not disrupt it.

Tallow-based shampoos nourish and restore hair without the chemical damage.

✅ Give your scalp what it actually needs—and your hair will thrive. 🚀

Bodytivy's Organic Tallow Shampoo & Conditioner Are Infused With...

Organic Beef Tallow 🐮

Beef tallow is a natural fat that is great for both your scalp and hair. It is packed with important vitamins and fatty acids that help make your hair strong. It works to lock in moisture, keeping your hair soft and not dry. It also soothes your scalp, helping it stay calm and healthy. This natural ingredient has been used for many years to care for hair and scalp alike.

Biotin & Collagen Infused ➿

Biotin and collagen act like superfoods for your hair and scalp. They help boost hair growth and repair damage, making your hair look fuller and shinier. These ingredients strengthen your hair from the roots, keeping it strong as it grows. They also help your scalp by improving the health of hair follicles. With biotin and collagen, your hair gets a little extra help to be its best.

Nourishing Argan Oil 🪔

Argan oil, known as "liquid gold," gives your hair and scalp a real treat. It provides deep hydration so your hair stays soft and smooth without feeling heavy. Rich in vitamin E, it helps protect your hair from damage. It also calms a dry or itchy scalp, keeping it comfortable. Using argan oil makes your hair look and feel naturally shiny.

Zero Sulfates. Zero HArmful Chemicals. Just Pure, Ancient Nourishment 💧

This shampoo & conditioner are made with zero sulfates and no harmful chemicals that can hurt your scalp and hair. Without these bad ingredients, it gently cleans your scalp without stripping away its natural oils. It makes your hair feel clean without leaving it dry or itchy. This means your hair stays soft, strong, and healthy. Choosing a clean formula gives your hair and scalp the best care possible.

Written by Jennifer Teichmann

Jennifer, a board-certified trichologist with 20 years of experience in the hair and scalp care industry, was let go after challenging her former company’s questionable formulas. Now, she’s on a mission to expose industry secrets and advocate for products that truly nourish and heal your scalp.

Join over 50,000+ people who have transformed their hair and scalp with pure, ancestral nourishment. Say goodbye to flakes, itchiness, and harsh chemicals—our community is embracing stronger, healthier hair & scalp the natural way. Be part of the movement and experience the difference for yourself!

People Like You Who've Tried Organic Tallow Shampoo & Conditioner

No More Flakes - Sarah M., 36

“After years of dealing with persistent flaking and discomfort from dandruff, this shampoo brought relief I never thought possible. I’m finally flake-free!”

Finally Relieved! - Jane R., 45

“I’ve struggled with redness and itching for years due to psoriasis. In just 3 weeks, this tallow shampoo made my scalp feel healthier and calmer.”

Gentle Yet Powerful - Mia T., 52

“My scalp was so sensitive and itchy, but this stuff was gentle enough to use daily. No irritation, just results”

Life - Changing - Linda K., 62

“No wonder Mongolians were so beautiful, this has completely changed my dry hair texture. I wish I’d found it years ago. It’s truly a game-changer.”

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or scalp conditions. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a dermatologist, trichologist, or healthcare professional before making changes to your hair care routine, especially if you have pre-existing scalp conditions or sensitivities. The information provided is based on research, historical practices, and customer experiences but should not replace professional advice.