The 10 Best pH-Balanced Shampoos And Conditioners For Alkaline Hair 2023

The best pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner is everything you need for healthy hair. pH imbalance is a common scalp problem caused by genetics, environment, and chemicals with common symptoms like scalp itching and reduced moisture leading to hair loss and frizz.

There are plenty of pH-balanced shampoo brands available on the market. But not all options are suitable for you because each one is formulated for different types of hair.

This article guides you to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your specific hair conditions and needs. Keep reading so you don’t miss the recommendations of the world’s top hair care experts.

Our Top Picks

Each person has a different type of hair, regarding texture, condition, scalp health, etc. Thus, there is no single best product for everyone. We are talking about suitable items for various hair types.

Best Product Overall

If you have soft and manageable hair, you are lucky. But you can’t stop taking care of it. It may be damaged because of environmental factors and chemicals in hair cosmetics.

Honeyskin Hair Growth and DermaChange Thick And Full Hair Growth help you maintain naturally straight hair. On the contrary, you can curb slightly dry and frizzy hair with Vita A to Zee Apple Cider Vinegar And Avocado.

Best Product For Different Hair Types

• Alba Botanica Drink It Up Coconut Milk will alleviate dry and damaged hair.
• If you have color-treated hair, Herbal Essences Sulfate-Free facilitates hair color maintenance.
• Kenra Moisturizing and Royal Locks-Curl Cleansing are good at controlling hair types 2, 3, and 4.
• While Solimo 2-in-1 and DR.WITCH Organic specially treat dandruff and itchy scalp.

Top 10 Best pH-Balanced Shampoo And Conditioner

In this section, we analyze a pH-balanced shampoo list in detail. Keep reading for expert opinions on solutions for pH-imbalance hair.

Tree to Tub Gentle Argan Oil – Best For Dry Hair

pH level	Scent	Notable features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Lavender	Moisturizing Sulfate-free	4.3 out of 5	Sensitive Dry Damaged Dandruff

Tree to Tub shampoo and conditioner duo provides a pH level of 5.5 to keep the scalp free of itching and irritation. This balance prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria; thus, curbing acne and other signs of scalp inflammation due to oily buildup.

This type of shampoo contains all-natural ingredients, including organic Argan oil for enhanced moisturizing properties. Besides, special formulation with Soapberries supplements vitamins A, D, E, and K to shine your porous hair and smooth it without changing the pH degree.

There is no more itching and dry scalp immediately after the first application. Meanwhile, the conditioner gives the feeling of bouncy and hydrated hair.

Formulated with 100% organic ingredients, the natural shampoo does not contain chemical foaming agents. Its low lather may disappoint you if you are a lover of foam in the shower.

Tree to Tub manufactures multiple hair cosmetics. You can find the pH-balanced Shampoo For Oily Hair With Peppermint Scent. If you are experiencing flaky scalp, Fragrance-Free Shampoo For Sensitive Skin is an ideal alternative.

Note: This organic product is volatile. Therefore, you need to close the lid to preserve the scent of essential oils.

Pros:

• pH-balancing shampoo of 5.5
• No harsh chemical additives
• Sulfate-free shampoo to not strip sebum from already dry hair
• Argan oil and plenty of vitamins: A, D, E, and K to supply moisture
• Gentle formula with Soapberries

Con: Less foaming

Alba Botanica Drink It Up Coconut Milk – Best For Breakage

pH level	Scent	Notable features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Coconut	Paraben-free Phthalate-free Sulfate-free	4.4 out of 5	Dry Damaged

Science has long acknowledged the role of the coconut in hair cosmetics. That is also the reason for Alba Botanica manufacturing the Drink It Up Coconut Milk shampoo and conditioner.

The set brings a soothing feeling thanks to its pH-balanced formula of 5.5.

Coconut milk enhances moisturizing properties and replenishes amino acids to organize protein. This organic shampoo and conditioner set helps your hair fibers grow longer, effectively reducing breakages and split ends.

You want to leave the shampoo on for 30 seconds before cleaning it. And it should take you 2 minutes after applying the conditioner for optimal results.

You will immediately feel the difference in your hair after the first wash. Your hair will become softer and easy to manage and won’t tangle as you run your hands through it. The gentle smell of coconut helps you relax as well.

But, the smell doesn’t last long after your hair is dry. If you are used to products with strong scents – this one might disappoint you.

Note:

This product contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which is synthesized from natural coconut. But it may cause some side effects on hypersensitive skins.

If your skin is red or itchy, it means you may have contact dermatitis caused by this substance. Be sure to make a patch test before using this product to be sure.

Pros:

• Balanced pH of 5.5
• Coconut milk shampoo for protein replenishment
• No chemical additives
• Sulfate-free shampoo
• Protein supplement to strengthen hair fiber and reduce breakage
• Relaxing smell

Con: Not long-lasting scent

Herbal Essences Sulfate-free – Best For Frizzy Hair

pH level	Scent	Notable features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Aloe vera	Frizz control Sulfate-free Color-free Certified cruelty-free by PETA	4.6 out of 5	Color-treated Frizzy Dry

Aloe vera has a pH close to the natural pH of the human body.

This natural pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner combo provides Aloe Vera extract to effectively control frizzy hair. It moisturizes and adds anti-UV ability to help reduce frizziness and hair breakage.

Aloe vera juice acts as a radiation shield, helping protect the color-treated hair from UV irritation. As you know, “Excessive sun exposition is the most frequent cause of hair shaft’s structural impairment.” (UV Damage Of The Hair)

At the same time, it exhibits moisturizing effects to make hair manageable and soft.

Thus, you can control the frizziness from the inside, guaranteeing a long-term result while resting assured about the ideal pH-balanced scalp.

You will enjoy your light and bouncy hair after a few uses of Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner. The home treatment will make you as happy with the results as stepping out of hair salons.

The only complaint is that the smell of aloe vera is not to everyone’s taste. But you have an alternative with the Herbal Essences Honey version.

Note: Although these are vegan products, you shouldn’t use too much in one wash. Excessive use causes the scalp to produce more oil, leading to greasy and flat hair.

Pros:

• Balanced pH of 5.5
• Aloe vera extract for moisturizing and UV protection to control frizziness
• Equalized pH shampoo for colored-hair
• Sulfate-free formula for a non-irritation effect

Con: Aloe vera smell not for everyone

Vita A to Zee Apple Cider Vinegar And Avocado – Best For Dull Hair

pH level	Scent	Notable features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Aloe vera and Orange	Moisturizing Remove build-up Chemical-free	4.1 out of 5	All types of hair

Vita A to Zee has a good pH-balanced shampoo that offers an ideal pH level of 5.5 for stimulating hair growth. This feature was created with Apple cider vinegar.

It contains acetic acid to help lower the pH level. Thus, the acidic shampoo containing this formula effectively controls dull, brittle, or frizzy hair caused by excess alkalinity.

Besides, it also contains biotin that restores hair follicles and roots to help slow down hair loss.

The avocado conditioner contains fatty acids. This nutrient element enriches and moisturizes your hair to breathe a new life into your currently dull hair.

However, it does not bring a strong fragrance and long-lasting scent. On the contrary, it gives you a clean and fresh feeling of fruit.

You might consider Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo and Purifying Conditioner for Jasmine scent.

Note: You want to wet your hair before applying the shampoo and massage gently for 15 seconds before washing. Then, let the conditioner sit for 4 minutes for complete nourishment.

Pros:

• Balanced pH of 5.5
• Apple cider vinegar shampoo reduces alkalinity
• Avocado extract rich in fatty acids for shining hair fiber surface
• Biotin restoring dull hair follicles and roots
• No harsh ingredients
• Sulfate-free shampoo

Con: No floral fragrance

DermaChange Thick And Full Hair Growth – Best For Hair Loss

pH level	Scent	Notable features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Unscented	Hair regrowth Sulfate-free	4 out of 5	All types of hair

DermaChange’s Hair Growth Kit features a uniquely pH-balanced formula, changing your hair back to its natural pH level of 5.5. You will get a healthier, thicker, and fuller set of hair.

This set contains orange peel oil fortified with vitamins E and B12 for healthy, thick hair – with thicker strands, your hair will appear luxuriant and show no sign of hair loss. It also contains vitamin C, which enhances the shine of the mane.

Besides, the gentle formula contains citric acid to help reduce the alkaline level of the hair – one of the causes for weak hair. This extract strengthens and heals hair follicles for healthy hair growth, curbing the undesirable hair loss effects.

This brand also offers Platinum Hair Growth versions with biotin supplement and tea tree oil. But both of them are unscented. So you may need something flavored if you love the fragrance.

Pros:

• Citric acid to balance pH level for scalp health
• Orange peel oil to thicken hair
• Vitamins for hair regrowth

Con: Unscented

Honeyskin Hair Growth – Best For Sensitive Scalp

pH level	Scent	Notable  features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Unscented	Hair loss treatment Gluten-free	3.9 out of 5	All types of hair

Honeyskin Hair Growth set offers a scalp care shampoo containing Manuka honey as the active ingredient. It features an acidic level of 5.5 that helps balance alkaline damaged hair.

Manuka honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “The acidic pH of Manuka honey makes it a potential treatment for lowering wound pH,” (National Library of Medicine)

Its hair care applications can heal eczema, psoriasis, and scalp acne.

We recommend this gentle product to anyone who is dealing with sensitive skin. It is especially effective in reducing hair loss caused by eczema.

However, these products are not intended to cure or prevent disease. Due to the all-natural ingredients, it’s advisable to read the label to avoid allergens.

Honeyskin Hair Growth shampoo and conditioner are chemical-free foaming products. So, you may want to apply a lot for long hair. You may consider Herbal Essences alternatives for more foam.

Note: We recommend a quick patch test before officially using this product. You may apply a small amount to the back of your hand or to the tips of your hair to experiment whether a reaction occurs.

Pros:

• Contains Manuka honey to decrease the acidity level
• Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduce symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and scalp acne
• No chemical residue

Con: Not many foamy bubbles created

Kenra Moisturizing – Best For Brittle Hair

pH level	Scent	Notable  features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Unscented	Moisturizing Hydrating formula	4.2 out of 5	All types of hair

Kenra Shampoo and Conditioner combo contains citric acid. This acidic ingredient helps balance the pH of alkaline products from chemical treatments.

They also contain Dehydroacetic acid, which can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on the scalp.

The hydrating formula of honey extract moisturizes the hair fiber surface. Plus, this ingredient provides B-complex and minerals for preventing brittle hair. It doesn’t make your hair dry.

This hair care product contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as a cleaning and foaming agent. However, this chemical ingredient increases sensitivity and reduces the moisture content of the skin.  If you choose to use this shampoo, you need to combine it with conditioners and other skin-soothing products.

You may use Honeyskin Hair Growth set or DermaChange products as substitutes. Although they are not foamy, they contain organic ingredients that do not irritate the scalp.

Pros:

• Contains citric acid for reducing alkaline residue
• Vegan shampoo and conditioner
• Honey extract enhances antioxidant properties.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements to curb brittle hair
• Hydrated formula

Cons:

• Sulfate contained
• Not all-natural

Solimo 2-in-1 – Best For Dandruff Hair

pH level	Scent	Notable  features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Unscented	Pyrithione zinc 1% 2 in 1 use	4.5 out of 5	Dandruff

Pyrithione zinc is a chemical element that effectively treats seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and scalp psoriasis. This ingredient appears in Solimo 2-in-1, making it the best cure for dandruff.

“Zinc pyrithione is an organometallic biocide, with bactericidal, algicidal and fungicidal activities.” “It has also been used in cosmetics, such as anti-dandruff shampoos and soaps.” (The National Center for Biotechnology Information)

The set is formatted with magnesium carbonate hydroxide and citric acid to help maintain a pH level at 5.5. This balance reduces frizz and itchy scalp.

In real life, the products help soothe your itchy scalp. Your hair will also feel soft and not greasy. Incubating hair with scalp care shampoo for 10 minutes before rinsing helps relieve itching and eliminates dandruff after just one application.

But this item is not a moisturizer. You will have to deal with dry hair that requires extra conditioning. Either way, it does a good job of reducing dandruff but can’t take on other tasks.

Note:

Please be aware that Zinc pyrithione getting into the eyes, mouth, or nose poses a serious risk. If you swallow this chemical, consult your doctor immediately.

In case this shortcoming turns you off, you may want to consider vegan and plant-based products. For example, Ethique Dandruff Shampoo Bar is a friendly product because it does not contain Zinc pyrithione.

Pros:

• Zinc pyrithione for dandruff treatment
• Contains acid-base elements for balanced pH
• 2-in-1 effect

Cons:

• No moisturizing feature
• Poisoning risk

Royal Locks-Curl Cleansing – Best For Curly Hair

pH level	Scent	Notable  features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Artificial fragrance	Control curls Sulfate-free Paraben-free Cruelty-free	4.3 out of 5	Textured Curly Wavy Damaged

The Macadamia Seed Oil in the Royal Locks-Curl Cleansing shampoo is rich in fatty acids. In particular, its concentration of palmitoleic acid makes it a popular ingredient in cosmetic products with a hair-smoothing effect – a crucial characteristic in curly hair care.

This ingredient is a source of organic acids that naturally balance the pH level. It helps restore the scalp’s original acidity, promoting healthy and manageable hair.

The botanical formula is great when dealing with dry and broken curls. The fatty acids nourish the hair follicles to help restore their health from within.

If you have natural curls, this set is all that you are looking for. It makes your hair soft and bouncy but not heavy and greasy like the common results of other moisturized products.

To achieve naturally curly hair with more definition, let’s follow the steps below:

• Wash hair at least one time per week (the other days just rinse).
• Do not let the conditioner stick to the roots because it will lead to greasy hair. The safe distance should be 2-5 cm from the scalp.
• Detangle hair each day by using a leave-in conditioner and combing through using a wide tooth comb.
• Saturate hair and apply hair oil.

(Source: Technique To Achieve Naturally Healthy Hair)

This combo has a  strong smell, making it not suitable for people who are allergic to scents. You might consider Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner for a fragrance-free alternative.

Pros:

• Acidic ingredient for a balanced pH level
• Macadamia Seed Oil extract
• Rich in fatty acids and proteins
• Nourish the hair follicles

Con:

• Strong smell

DR.WITCH Organic – Best For Itchy Scalp

pH level	Scent	Notable  features	Rating	Ideal for
5.5	Light citrus	Itchy scalp relief Hair growth Paraben-free Sulfate-free	4.5 out of 5	Damaged Frizzy Colored Curly

The final suggestion on this list is a product highly recommended for sensitive scalps. This scalp care shampoo and conditioner are pH balanced to help prevent scalp irritation.

This formula is paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. They add vitamin B5 to stimulate hair health.

This item works on irritated scalps and dry hair by helping soothe the itch and reduce hair loss.

The only complaint is that the DR.WITCH Organic Set tends to frizz your hair. Thus, it will make your natural curls unmanageably voluminous. Solimo 2-in-1 is an itch-free but non-volumizing alternative.

Note: You should note that this product has a gentle formula. But that doesn’t mean it’s hypoallergenic. If you have sensitive skin, it is necessary to research each ingredient before use.

Pros:

• Balanced pH
• Paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free
• Vitamin B5 supplement
• Helps reduce scalp itching and hair loss

Con: Blows up your hair

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The pH Balance Of Hair Care Products?

The pH of hair and scalp is between 3.67 and 5.5. Thus, if the pH of a hair care product is between 4.5 and 5.5, we say it’s in balance.

Why Does Our Hair’s pH Need To Be Balanced?

Human hair is acidic in nature. While hair cosmetics usually have a pH higher than 7. Regular use of these products is one of the causes of pH imbalance.

When the alkalinity is high, it causes itching, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. It also stimulates excessive shedding of oil, causing the scalp to lose moisture, leading to dry and frizzy hair.

Therefore, we need to balance the pH using acidic shampoos and conditioners with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. This method helps you restore the health and beauty of your hair.

Is pH-balanced Shampoo Good For Your Hair?

pH-balanced hair care products bring you plenty of benefits:

• Soothe oily skin
• Prevent flaking and oily scalps
• Reduce hair loss
• Keep hair soft, manageable, and strong
• Support the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff

What To Consider While Buying pH Shampoo And Conditioner?

Choosing the right products will help your hair be healthy. On the contrary, your wrong decisions will cause scalp disorders. Here are some tips when buying pH-balancing shampoo and conditioner.

• Look for the products that show a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5.
• Determine the type of hair you have. It can be straight, wavy, coily, or curly hair.
• Consider notable features including anti-dandruff, moisturizing, or hair growth.
• See if that product is suitable for colored hair if your hair is dyed.
• What are its main nourishing ingredients? They may be honey, aloe vera juice, argan oil, and so on.
• Avoid products containing Sodium Laureth Sulfate because it removes the natural oils on the scalp and weakens the hair roots.
• What is its scent? Are you fond of it or rather prefer unscented products?

How Can I Naturally Balance The pH Of My Hair?

There are several natural methods to restore the pH balance of your hair.

You can try applying diluted apple cider vinegar to your hair twice a week to reduce dryness and frizz. The combination of apple cider vinegar and aloe vera creates dual results for a moisturized hair.

Tea tree oil, argan oil, coconut milk, and honey are also ingredients that help restore the natural pH of the scalp. They not only provide moisturizing and antioxidant properties but also add vitamins and proteins for deep nourishment.

Conclusion

So you have just got 10 sets of the best pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner. We hope you find the ideal product for your hair.

To end this post, here’s a quick round-up. You may like DermaChange Thick and Full Hair Growth for its effective performance on all types of hair.

Herbal Essences Sulfate Free is the best pH-balanced shampoo for color-treated hair, while Solimo 2-in-1 reduces dandruff after only a couple of washes.

All in all, to choose the right product, you need to understand your hair first. It will be helpful to spend some minutes and review our #4 FAQ to have a better knowledge on your hair.

Please feel free to check our other articles related to hair care routine. Thanks for reading.