Posted by Trigaine Store
on June 26, 2025
Summer months not only bring longer days, scorching heat, and discomfort, but also throw in numerous challenges for hair and scalp health. Among many other things that are often overlooked during the summer months is the maintenance of the scalp’s pH, which stands out as a vital step in averting scalp aridity, soreness, and hair fall. It’s especially important in summers, when the heat & moisture are disrupting the scalp’s pH equilibrium, the right hair care products, such as a pH Balanced Shampoo to maintain the pH of the scalp and hair oil, can be a saviour for preserving the scalp’s healthiness, especially when the heat and sweat destroy all that is natural.
In this blog, we’ll look at what scalp pH is, what it means in summer months, recognising signs of scalp pH imbalance, along with steps to sustain the scalp in a healthy state. So, let’s dig in!
What Is Scalp pH, And Why Is It Such a Big Deal?
The pH (potential of hydrogen) scale is 0 to 14, and the middle of the pack is at 7, just what you would call neutral. The human scalp’s natural pH level typically falls in the 4.5 to 5.5 range. This slight acidity creates a natural protective barrier known as the acid mantle, which shields the scalp from bad bacteria, fungi and environmental damage.
The balanced scalp pH level offers the following benefits:
- Oil secretion is more controlled
- Hair cuticles are more compact and tightly closed to prevent dryness
- The microbial colonisation is prevented
- The scalp stays well hydrated and free of itching
An imbalanced pH, however, can result in the appearance of symptoms such as oily, dehydrated and brittle hair, flakiness and hair fall. Not surprisingly, these issues are quite prevalent in summers, when sweat, dust and frequent hair wash with alkaline shampoos tend to break down the natural protection of the scalp, due to disrupted pH.
How Summers Can Disrupt Scalp pH:
During the hot months, the scalp is overly exposed to:
- Sweat galore: Sweat contains alkaline minerals, and on drying, disrupts the scalp’s pH.
- UV rays: Extended sun exposure can irritate the scalp and lead to its inflammation, which can also imbalance the pH levels.
- Chlorinated pool water: Alkaline compounds in chlorinated water are capable of disrupting the scalp’s pH.
- Extra shampooing: There is no better way to throw off the natural pH of the hair than washing it quite often with an alkaline shampoo.
And then, you might get the itching, the flakiness, the oiliness, and the fragile hair!
The Signs to Check if It's Time for a pH Adjustment:
These typical symptoms of the scalp may point towards the beginning of its pH imbalance:
- Irresistible itching or reddening of the scalp and the same, again!
- Limp, oily hair and a greasy scalp shortly after washing
- Mild case of dry and scaly flakes like dandruff
- More hair strands are breaking off
- Sensitive scalp and sensitivity towards the products used on the scalp!
And if this occurs too frequently, then it could be time to include a pH-balanced shampoo in the hair care regimen.
5 TIPS to protect the pH level on the scalp during the summer:
1. Use a pH Balance Shampoo for Men & Women:
The basis for a hair regimen for healthy summer hair is pH Balanced Shampoo. These shampoos replicate the scalp’s natural pH, thereby helping to protect the natural acid barrier (manto acido) while also preventing irritation. Try a pH balanced shampoo to wash hair without throwing the scalp’s natural protection out of balance.
2. Cut back on Hair Wash Frequency to 2–3 Times per Week:
One has to battle the urge to wash the hair daily, due to sweat and dirt. But doing that will wash off all oils from the scalp, leaving it dehydrated and throwing the pH off-balance. Otherwise, it may be better to only shower the hair without shampooing.
3. Use Cool or Tepid Water to Rinse Hair
Rinsing the hair with hot water has two negative effects on it - it dries the hair out by opening up the cuticles, thus allowing the hair’s moisture to leak out, while also altering the scalp’s pH balance. Thus, rinse out with cool, or better yet, tepid water that closes the hair cuticles and locks in moisture.
4. Do a Weekly ACV rinse for better pH Health
Once per week, treat the scalp to an Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse (one Tbsp. ACV per cup of water) e.g use 1 part of ACV mixed with water, massage on scalp for a few minutes before showering, let it stay 10 minutes max.
5. Rehydrate Yourself from The Inside:
The scalp’s health is influenced by internal hydration and nutrition. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consume foods rich in zinc, vitamin E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help maintain healthy hair follicles and regulate sebum production.
Digging Deeper into Summer Scalp Issues, such as Hair Loss:
Hair fall is one of the most common issues people face in summer, and pH imbalance can be a major trigger. Using a gentle, Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo that is also pH balanced can be doubly effective. These shampoos nourish the scalp, improve circulation, and reduce breakage without disrupting the natural pH.
These anti-hair fall shampoo variants also contain ingredients like caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, or saw palmetto, which work synergistically to reduce hair shedding and promote regrowth.
Natural Alternatives for Scalp pH Imbalance:
If you prefer a more natural approach, try the following:
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has a pH of about 4.5–5.5, making it perfect for soothing the scalp and restoring pH balance. Apply fresh aloe gel to your scalp, leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with water.
Coconut Oil Pre-wash
Coconut oil acts as an emollient that protects your scalp’s acid mantle from over-cleansing. Apply it to your scalp 30 minutes before washing to reduce pH disturbance and dryness.
Green Tea Rinse
Green tea is anti-inflammatory and mildly acidic. It can be used as a post-shampoo rinse to restore pH and soothe irritated skin.
Avoid These Mistakes to Keep Your Scalp Healthy:
- Using bar soaps or body wash on your hair – They are highly alkaline and disrupt the scalp’s acid balance.
- Ignoring product labels – Always check if the shampoo is sulfate-free and pH balanced.
- Skipping conditioner – Conditioners help seal the cuticle and maintain moisture and pH.
- Excessive styling – Heat styling tools can raise the scalp’s temperature and pH.
Final Thought
Maintaining a scalp’s pH balance in summer is not complicated; it's just consistency. To start with, stick to a pH-balanced shampoo, reduce the frequency of excessive washing and treat yourself to protective solutions like aloe vera gel or a clarifying ACV rinse. If these symptoms recur for you regularly, your hair regimen is in desperate need of a seasonal freshening up. Don’t forget, it’s all about maintaining a healthy internal harmony between you, your food and your lifestyle, and the delicate pH balance your scalp should never lose, remember!