Ace the Michigan Cosmetology Exam 2026 – Style Your Way to Success!

pH is significant in hair care products primarily because it affects the hair’s structure and porosity. The hair’s cuticle, which is the outermost layer, has a natural pH level that ranges from about 4.5 to 5.5. When hair care products are used, their pH can either help maintain or disrupt this natural state.

When a product has a pH that is too high (alkaline), it can open the cuticle layer, leading to increased porosity. This can result in the hair becoming more susceptible to damage, tangling, and loss of moisture. Conversely, products with a lower pH (acidic) can help to close the cuticle layer, making the hair smoother, shinier, and less prone to breakage. This understanding of pH helps cosmetologists select the right products to maintain the health of their clients' hair.

As for the other options, while fragrance is an important aspect of hair care products, it is not influenced by pH. Viscosity relates to the thickness of a product and can be affected by other chemical components, not directly by pH. Shelf life is more related to the ingredients' stability and preservative systems rather than the pH