Hydrogen Powered Hair Care

[George Caroll]

The term "pH" originates from the French term 'pouvoir hydrogen' (or Hydrogen Power) and has since been expressed as "parts hydrogen". The symbol “pH” refers to the amount of hydrogen ions found in a substance and determines the acidity or alkalinity. As an example of the effects of (pH / parts of Hydrogen), distilled water (H2O) which has a pH neutral (7.0) can swell the hair by as much as 20 percent.

Hair is made of: Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulfur. The Hydrogen bonds in the hair are responsible for approximately 35% of the strength and 50% of the hair's elasticity (some would argue up to 99.9% of the hair’s elasticity). It’s the hydrogen bonds which allow us to change the shape of the hair temporarily with the aid of water (H2O). Hair has a normal pH level of between 4.5 and 5.5 and acidic and alkaline solutions can raise or lower the pH level of the hair causing physical changes. It’s this amazing feature that makes hair styling possible.

High quality shampoo’s and conditioners with a pH (5.5-6.5) are designed maintain the normal elasticity and contract the hair shaft, smoothing it surface and locking in moisture. Clarifying shampoos with higher pH level (6.5-7.5) swell the hair shaft and allow the surfactants to penetrate more deeply to remove heavy oil, wax and styling sprays. Styling products with enhanced conditioning features and a low pH level insure a smooth surface and shine. Hair relaxers are formulated with a high pH level to soften the hair, break the bonds and remove curl. In addition, Hydrogen Peroxide with a (high pH) swells the hair to allow color penetration.

There are many elements that go into today’s modern hair care products and “hydrogen powered” pH balanced formula’s are no doubt one of their most important features.