Frizzy, dull locks can be a sign that your hair’s pH is out of whack, meaning it needs acidifying. Find out everything you need to know about the treatment and tips you can do at home
Dry and brittle strands that easily absorb water are the ones that need capillary acidification. Don’t worry, the name sounds strange, but acidification is nothing more than lowering the pH of the hair strand so that it becomes more acidic, closer to the ideal.
The ideal pH for flossing is between 4.2 and 5.8, that is, slightly acidic. The Dr explains. Ana Karina Junqueira, trichologist.
When do you need to acidify your hair?
The hair that needs this treatment are generally those that have gone through a chemical treatment, which have characteristics such as dryness, frizz, Conditioner and a dull appearance.
“Acidification works by closing the capillary skin, so that the strands become healthier, more luminous and, above all, more uniform. And even so, stronger and more protected against external aggressions”, explains the expert.
In addition to chemically treated hair, acidification of the capillaries is very welcome for curly hair. “Due to its structure, this strand is naturally drier,” he says. “The threads that change color are also more suitable because the bleach leaves the cuticle of the thread open and the thread is more fragile. The developed hair is the one that most needs acidity in the threads”, continues Dr. Ana Karina.
How is the hair acidified?
Despite the fancy name, the acidity regulating treatment can be performed both at home and in the salon. “It can be done with homemade preparations or with pre-made industrial products. Whichever product you choose, it should be applied to the hair after washing, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly,” she points out.
When you notice that your hair needs to be acidified, it is recommended to do it once a week. Once your healthy appearance is back, you can reduce the frequency to once a month. For those who choose to do it at home, a commonly used product is apple cider vinegar, which can be added to conditioner and applied to hair. She points out that there are more studies that prove its efficacy and safety, in addition to the fact that it has an antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect, which contributes to the health of the scalp.” Another option offered by the trichologist is to make a mixture with lemon juice, water, and conditioner.
What is the difference between acidification and capillary hydration?
“Hydration is done with treatment creams for any hair texture, whether straight, mixed, wavy or curly, helping to replenish the water that the strands need, that is, they are indicated to help maintain the hair, forming a film temporary so that the wire does not lose more water, on the other hand, acidification returns the wire to its normal pH, making it less porous and less brittle”, explains Dr. Ana Karina.
