Is Sodium Hydroxide harmful to hair?

❌ NOT ❌

I don't know where this myth came from, but I've been getting so many questions about it that I thought it best to make a publication.

❌ There is no scientific evidence that Sodium Hydroxide causes any type of straightening or chemical cut in commercial products such as hair masks, conditioners, etc.

➡️ WHAT IS SODIUM HYDROXIDE FOR?

It serves to adjust the pH of the formula.

In a commercial hair product its concentration is very low, as it is used with the purpose of balancing the pH of the formula and not to modify the structure of the hair.

In a hair straightening, discoloration or relaxation the amount of Sodium Hydroxide is much higher, to the point of pH being able to completely open the hair cuticles to modify its molecular structure.

There is more risk of chemical cutting when using flat irons / heat sources every day than using this ingredient in products.

➡️ SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED OF HYDROXIDE SODIUM IN MY HAIR MASK?

No, these products exist in an insignificant amount in the product's formula, not affecting at all the treatment you have on the hair. If the product says it straightens or relaxes the hair, then yes, you should confirm the ingredients and if possible the pH.

➡️ WHY SOME PRODUCTS DO NOT HAVE SODIUM HYDROXIDE?

Because they are using another type of ingredient to lower the pH of the formula.

Logically, then other similar ingredients used in straightening / relaxing should be avoided, such as: Guanidine Hydroxide, Ammonium Thioglycolate, Potassium Hydroxide, etc.

I remind you that it is very important to have a balanced pH in the product formulas, since the pH of the scalp is 5.5 and that of the hair is 3.67.