What Your Vagina Knows About PH Your Scalp Wishes You Did
As a Biomedical scientist and a hair entrepreneur, one thing I understand well is pH and how it works, how it affects the body, and why imbalance causes discomfort. We often talk about pH in relation to vaginal health (especially in women’s wellness), but very few people realize that your scalp has its own pH balance and it matters just as much.
So let’s dive, that itchy, inflamed, sometimes blistered scalp you get after installing braids, It might not be the braider, the braid style, or even your hair products. The real culprit could be the pH of the braiding hair itself.
Understanding Scalp pH (and Why It’s So Important)
Just like the vagina, your scalp thrives in a slightly acidic environment between 4.5 and 5.5. This acidity helps protect against harmful microbes, keeps your scalp barrier strong, and supports healthy sebum (natural oil) function. When that balance is thrown off, irritation follows. It’s that simple.
Now, imagine introducing a foreign material synthetic braiding hair with a pH as high as 10 to 11, that’s highly alkaline. For context, that’s closer to the pH of household bleach than anything that should be sitting on your skin for weeks.
Why Synthetic Hair Causes a Reaction
Most braiding hair, is coated with an alkaline chemical sealant during manufacturing. This coating helps with heat resistance and durability when left used, it clashes with the natural acidity of your scalp.
This clash often results in:
Persistent itching within hours of install
Tenderness or burning along the part or edges
Small bumps or even blistering
Dry, flaky scalp despite moisturizing
And let’s be honest, this is often misdiagnosed. Some say it's product buildup, others blame it on tight braids or “just how your scalp reacts.” But no its your braiding hair.
Here’s What You Can Do
1. Pre-treat Your Braiding Hair
Before installing any synthetic hair, soak it in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) for 15–30 minutes. This helps neutralize the alkaline coating and brings the pH closer to your scalp’s level.
2. Opt for Hypoallergenic Hair When You Can
Some newer brands (especially small, Black-owned ones) now produce pH-balanced or hypoallergenic braiding hair. If you’re someone who constantly battles scalp irritation, it’s worth the switch. (Grab 10% off your first purchase)
3. Don’t Skip Scalp Care During Protective Styling
A protective style doesn’t mean ignoring your scalp. Use pH-balancing scalp mists, soothing botanical oils, or aloe vera sprays throughout the wear period.
4. Talk to Your Braider
If you're getting your hair done professionally, don’t hesitate to ask them if they offer pre-rinse service for the hair or better yet, bring your own treated extensions or hypoallergenic hair. It’s your scalp, and you have the right to protect it.
Final thoughts
As women, we understand pH better than most because we live with the consequences of imbalance in more ways than one. The same way a shift in vaginal pH can throw everything off, a shift in scalp pH can lead to inflammation, itching and discomfort.
If you’re someone who constantly feels like your scalp is at war after getting braids, this might just be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Your scalp deserves peace. Your protective style should protect.
Start treating your braiding hair like what it is: a chemical factor and make adjustments before it ever touches your head.
That's why we've created a made to order hypoallergenic, pH-balanced braiding hair that works in harmony with your scalp’s natural balance. Protect your scalp while enjoying beautiful,long-lasting braids. Its fresh from our hair oven to your scalp
Take 10% off your first purchase with the code NEWLOVE10 and start your journey to healthier braids today!