What does a higher pH reading indicate about a shampoo?

A higher pH reading in a shampoo indicates that the product is slightly more alkaline. This pH level typically exceeds the neutral point of 7, suggesting that the shampoo contains ingredients that can help remove buildup from the hair and scalp, which is particularly beneficial for products designed to cleanse deeply or clarify. Alkalinity in shampoos can help open the hair cuticle, allowing for more effective cleansing, but it can also result in increased porosity if used frequently.

Understanding the pH levels is crucial because hair and scalp health can be affected by the products used. For instance, while slightly alkaline shampoos can aid in cleansing, those with lower pH values (more acidic) are often used in conditioners to help smooth and seal the hair cuticle.

In this context, while the option referring to acidity, neutrality, or effectiveness for dry hair may suggest other attributes of shampoos, only the acknowledgment of a higher pH signifying increased alkalinity is accurate in describing the properties of the shampoo in question.