Louisiana Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2026 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

A high pH level in hair products indicates that the product is alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 considered acidic, 7 being neutral, and above 7 being alkaline. Alkaline products tend to open the cuticle of the hair, which can be beneficial for specific treatments or processes, such as coloring or perming the hair, as they allow for better penetration of the product into the hair shaft.

Conversely, acidic products, which have a pH below 7, often help to close the cuticle and can enhance shine and smoothness. A neutral product has a pH of 7 and does not significantly alter the hair structure. A moisturizing product does not inherently indicate pH; moisturizing can occur across products with varying pH levels. Understanding the pH of hair products is critical for the appropriate treatment according to hair type and condition.