15 Best pH-balanced Shampoos That Are Hairstylist-Approved (2024)

A shampoo plays a great role in keeping your hair clean and well-balanced. However, according to the research, alkaline pH in shampoos emits negative charges that lead to hair fiber breakage and cuticle damage (1). So, you must go with the best pH-balanced shampoo to keep your hair healthy and reap the best hair care benefits. In this article, we have mentioned the 15 best pH-balanced shampoos that address multiple scalp and hair issues. Check them out to learn more.

What Does pH-balanced Mean?

The pH level of any product indicates how acidic or alkaline that product is. On a scale of 1 to 14, 0 to 6.9 signifies an acidic level, and 7.1 to 14 signifies an alkaline level. Any ingredient with a pH of 7 is considered neutral.

A pH-balanced hair care product is important, but how does your shampoo’s pH level affect your scalp and hair health? Read on to know more.

Why Is pH Balance Important For The Hair?

A balanced pH level for your hair and scalp stimulates hair growth. As stated above, an alkaline pH level of shampoos creates a negative electrical charge, causing hair breakage and damage. This negative electrical charge also causes friction between hair fibers, making the cuticles prone to damage (1).

Why Should You Use pH-balanced Shampoos?

The pH level of the hair should be 3.7, while the pH level of the scalp should be 5.5 (2). Alkaline shampoos cause the hair cuticles to swell up and open, making the hair frizzy. Acidic shampoos cause the hair fibers of the cuticles to shrink and lie flat on the hair shaft, making the hair fiber surface smoother (3). To maintain these levels, use shampoo and pH-balanced hair products with a level of 4.5-5.5. A pH-balanced formula also keeps fungal infections away from the scalp and improves the appearance of oily hair.

Let’s now look at the 15 best pH-balanced shampoos with positive reviews online.

15 Best pH-balanced Shampoos Of 2024: Hairstylist-Approved

1. Best Overall: Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo

4.2

Image: Avalon Organics

Now 14% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.49

The Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo nourishes and volumizes the hair. This certified organic and plant-based formula contains essential oils and botanical ingredients. These essential ingredients cleanse and replenish the scalp and thicken the hair.

A blogger says, “What I like about this is that it smells very light and lemon-y, it makes me feel squeaky clean. It also does not lather much because it is SLS-free. I like it because it does work! Although do not expect miracles and think that you would not have hair fall 100%; of course this shampoo has to be aided with proper diet and sleep. It surely cuts down the hair fall rate (i).”

This pH-balanced volumizing shampoo is formulated with biotin, saw palmetto, plant protein, and vitamin E. It also maintains the pH of the scalp and hair. This dermatologist-tested balanced shampoo with a thickening formula also conditions the human hair follicles from root to end. It strengthens and softens weak hair fiber. This EWG verified shampoo is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain any GMOs, parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or sulfates. Use this product to keep your scalp healthy To get more information about this vegan shampoo along with the tester’s experience of using it, click this video.

Pros

• EWG verified
• Cruelty-free
• GMO-free
• Paraben-free
• No harsh preservatives
• No synthetic colors and fragrances
• Phthalate-free
• Sulfate-free

Cons

• Contains alcohol and sodium chloride

Trivia

Biotin B complex is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as vitamin B7. It acts as a coenzyme within the body and thickens thinning hair.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 3,203 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

2. Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Head And Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The Head And Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is made with a three-action formula that cleanses, protects, and moisturizes the scalp and hair. The head and shoulders pH-balanced gentle shampoo removes excess oil, residue, and flakes. This dermatologist-recommended and clinically-proven pH-neutral shampoo is suitable for daily use on all hair types. Achieving healthy hair doesn’t get any easier than this!

Pros

• Dermatologist recommended
• Clinically-proven
• Color-safe
• Dermatologist-tested
• Safe on chemically processed hair
• Eliminates flaky scalp
• Gentle formula
• Suitable for daily use

Cons

• Contains SLS, SLES, sodium chloride, and added fragrance

Pro Tip

Gently massage the shampoo on your scalp only and leave it for 3 minutes before rinsing.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 10,162 great reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Shampoo For Sensitive Skin: Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair

The Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair removes buildup and residue, maintaining a pH level of 5.5. The saponin produces a deep cleansing lather that has anti-dandruff properties and cleanses the scalp. It is formulated with calming botanicals like argan oil, chamomile, olive leaves, and aloe vera.

This dermatologist-recommended dandruff control shampoo soothes an irritated scalp, curbs excess oil residues, and tones down any overpowering odor. Argan oil and aloe vera moisturize the scalp, chamomile soothes the scalp inflammation, and olive leaves balance the pH of the scalp. This gentle formula is vegan, fair trade, eco-friendly, sustainable, cruelty-free, and suitable for all hair types, especially dry and curly hair. It does not contain any sulfates, SLS, parabens, silicones, DEA/MEA, gluten, or artificial fragrances. Check this video to learn more about this cruelty-free, anti-residue hair shampoo.

Pros

• Dermatologist recommended
• DHT blocking
• Vegan
• Fair trade
• Sustainably harvested
• Color-safe
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free formula
• Silicone-free
• DEA-free
• MEA-free
• No artificial fragrance
• Gluten-free
• Gentle formula
• Eliminates flaky scalp
• Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp

Cons

• May cause allergic reactions

	Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo Best Overall	Head And Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair Best Shampoo For Sensitive Skin
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Hair Type	Fine, Thin	All	All, Color Treated, Dry, Normal, Damaged
Dimensions	1.97 x 1.97 x 5.51 inches	3.99 x 5.91 x 10.9 inches	2.28 x 2.28 x 6.01 inches
Weight	1 Pounds	4.46 Pounds	8.5 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	3,203	10,162	2,470
Price	$9.49	$20.99	$15.99

4. Best Shampoo For Daily Use: sebamed Everyday Shampoo

The sebamed Everyday Shampoo volumizes, softens, and makes the hair healthy. It does not strip the scalp of moisture and cause any irritation. It is formulated with a pH level of 5.5 and thickens the hair without causing any irritation as it is clinically-tested for sensitive skin.

This dermatologist-tested shampoo cleanses the scalp deeply by removing any dirt, residue, or impurities. It moisturizes the scalp and boosts hair’s natural shine. The pH-balanced paraben-free shampoo with a gentle 5.5 pH formula is dermatologist-developed, dermatologist-recommended, hypoallergenic, and does not contain any soap or alkalis. It protects and maintains the natural balance of the scalp and hair. Enjoy voluminous hair with just one wash!

Pros

• Hypoallergenic formula
• Dermatologist-developed
• Ultra-mild formula
• Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp

Cons

• Contains sulfates and added fragrance

5. Best Vegan Shampoo: Nature Sustained Raw And Wild Soapnut Shampoo

The Nature Sustained Raw And Wild Soapnut Shampoo restores the hair’s natural health and luster. It contains soapberry or saponin, which replenishes the hair and cleanses it with natural lather. This gentle pH shampoo is infused with potent vegan probiotics made from wild-harvested fruits and plants. It minimizes scalp erythema, itching, greasiness, malassezia, and dandruff.

This phthalate-free shampoo formula soothes and calms itchy, dry, or damaged scalp. It also reduces scalp psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. The probiotics, combined with plants and fruits ferment, control oil production and eliminate odor caused by bacteria. This hypoallergenic shampoo is sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and does not contain propylene glycol, phthalates, petroleum, parabens, preservatives, pesticides, harmful chemical additives, or synthetic fragrances for healthier scalp and hair. It forms a protective layer on the hair, keeping it healthy and protected for you to flaunt any hairstyle without any hassle. Moreover, multiple reviewers online mentioned how healthy their scalps looked after using this shampoo.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic formula
• Addresses multiple hair and scalp issues
• Forms a protective barrier on the hair
• Gentle formula
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Sulfate-free
• Propylene glycol-free
• Petroleum-free
• Paraben-free
• Preservative-free
• Pesticide-free
• No synthetic fragrance
• No chemical additives

Cons

• May leave residue

6. Best Natural Shampoo: Om Botanical Anti-Hair Loss Organic Shampoo

The Om Botanical Anti-Hair Loss Organic Shampoo fuses Ayurvedic secrets with modern science to create a plant-based formula. It maintains the natural balance of the hair and scalp. This pH-balanced shampoo contains 100% natural soap nuts fused with shikakai to cleanse the hair without stripping its nutrients. It also strengthens and conditions hair follicle.

Pumpkin seed oil is a DHT blocker that prevents hair loss. Other amazing ingredients like neem, basil, willow bark, and vitamin B3 prevent dandruff and relieve itchy scalp, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. The Moroccan argan oil hydrates the scalp and detangles the hair. It promotes moisture retention and strengthens the hair.

This shampoo enhances hair manageability while building body, texture, and shine. It revitalizes dry, damaged, limp, and brittle hair. This hair care product is vegan, cruelty-free, and color-safe, making it easier to maintain your hair after a hair color treatment. It is free of gluten, SLS, parabens, silicones, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, and other harsh ingredients.

Pros

• 100% plant-based
• SLS free
• Paraben-free
• Silicone-free
• Petrochemical-free
• No toxic chemicals
• Color-safe
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Cruelty-free
• Improves hair texture

Cons

• Unpleasant smell
• May cause allergic reactions

Pro Tip

Wash your hair with lukewarm water while shampooing and use cold water for the final rinse to prevent moisture loss from the hair strands.

7. Best Unscented Shampoo: Free And Clear Shampoo

4.4

Image: Free & Clear

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

The Free And Clear Shampoo is dermatologist-tested and ideal for sensitive scalp. It eliminates flaking and scaling and controls oil production on oily scalps. This dermatologist-recommended pH-balanced shampoo removes buildup, product residue, dirt, grime, and impurities. It makes the hair soft and manageable and is suitable for all hair types. This anti-residue hair cleanser is free of common chemical irritants like dyes, fragrances, masking fragrances, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, cocamidopropyl betaine, sulfates, phosphates, protein, gluten, and preservatives. Take a look at this video to get more information about this hair-cleansing product.

Pros

• Dermatologist -tested
• Fragrance-free
• Lanolin-free
• Paraben-free
• No formaldehyde releasers
• Cocamidopropyl betaine-free
• Sulfate-free
• Phosphate-free
• Gluten-free
• Preservative-free
• Suitable for all hair types

Cons

• Contains EDTA, sodium hydroxide, and sodium chloride

8. Best For Frizz Control: Phillip Adam Shampoo

The Phillip Adam Shampoo is formulated with pea protein and plant-based ingredients that make the hair silky, healthy, and shiny. It contains apple cider vinegar, which cleanses the hair and scalp, minimizing frizz.

This natural hair care product removes toxins and dirt from the scalp. This scalp-friendly shampoo maintains the natural balance of the hair too, prevents dandruff, and reduces static. This color-safe product is suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalps, including textured hair. It does not contain parabens, preservatives, silicones, or dyes that may cause hair damage. Effectively conquer your dandruff issues with this amazing shampoo!

Pros

• Gentle formula
• Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalp
• Paraben-free
• Preservative-free
• Silicone-free
• Dye-free
• Anti-static
• Controls frizz
• Improves hair texture
• Color-safe
• No animal testing involved

Cons

• Contains cocamidopropyl betaine

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 455 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

9. Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair: Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo

The Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo moisturizes and protects damaged and color-treated hair. It is formulated with ECO Chic Advanced Technology, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, rosemary, and other botanical extracts that cleanse the hair gently, leaving it pH balanced, frizz-free, and manageable. It improves hair strength and vitality by infusing vitamins, nutrients. This gentle cleansing formula is suitable for everyday use and locks in color and shine, making your hair vibrant and bouncy. The pH-balanced clarifying shampoo is ideal for normal to dry hair, over-processed, and environmentally stressed hair. Add this product to make your hair silky and shiny as you go about your day!

Pros

• Natural ingredients
• Gentle for everyday use
• Revitalizing formula
• Eliminates frizzy hair
• Harmful-sulfate free
• Paraben-free
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Color-safe

Cons

None

10. Best For Fresh Scent: Medline Soothe & Cool Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $35.22

The Medline Soothe & Cool Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash cleanses the scalp effectively. It also conditions the scalp and hair gently. This dermatologist-tested pH-balanced shampoo contains aloe vera, which moisturizes the hair and scalp and boosts hair elasticity. Aloe vera also has cooling and soothing properties that relieve dryness, itching, and scalp irritation. This latex-free shampoo maintains the natural balance of the scalp and hair. Massage it to your wet hair and watch the magic unfold!

Pros

• Gentle formula
• Conditions the hair and scalp
• Non-irritating
• Latex-free
• Dermatologist-tested

Cons

None

11. Best For Prevents Hair Loss:ResQ Organics Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo

3.1

Image: Resq Organics

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.95

The ResQ Organics Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo has a pH level of 5.5, which maintains a clean and balanced scalp to promote healthy and strong hair growth. It is formulated with manuka honey that has strong antiseptic properties. The honey also soothes burns and wounds. This shampoo does not strip the acidic balance of the scalp and protects the skin from bacteria, allergens, and pollution. It contains all-natural ingredients that reduce dryness, redness, and irritation.

The shampoo stimulates hair growth, strengthens the hair, and eliminates split ends and hair breakage. It contains pure aloe vera, which moisturizes and nourishes the scalp with vitamins, minerals, and oils. The shampoo penetrates and nurtures the scalp, repairs damaged hair bonds, and treats psoriasis, dermatitis, itching, and cracking. The frizz-fighting shampoo also prevents hair loss. This color-safe shampoo does not contain parabens, sulfates, and fragrances. Add this amazing shampoo to your list to up your hair care treatment!

Pros

• Soothing
• Low pH
• All-natural ingredients
• Color-safe
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free formula
• Fragrance-free
• Controls frizz
• Cruelty-free
• Promotes hair and scalp health

Cons

• Contains starch and gum
• Expensive

12. Best For Sensitive Scalps:Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Gentle & Soft Shampoo

4.3

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.74

The Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Gentle & Soft Shampoo is a non-medicated, ultra-gentle formula suitable for people with sensitive scalps. This clinically-proven shampoo delivers lightweight moisture and softens the hair. It is also infused with micellar water that removes dirt and sebum from the pores and cleanses your scalp. The gentle and revitalizing, clinically-proven formula improves your scalp’s natural barrier and makes your hair appear shiny and bouncy. This dermatologist-recommended shampoo is safe for all hair types, be it straight, wavy, or curly hair, and can also be used as a color-treated hair shampoo. It has a fresh scent that invigorates your senses!

Pros

• Dermatologist recommended
• Suitable for color-treated hair
• Improves the scalp’s natural protective barrier
• Ideal for all hair types
• Pleasant fragrance
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free

Cons

• Leaves residue on your hair

13. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair: Keracare Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo

4.6

Image: Keracare

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.11

The Keracare Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing shampoo is infused with natural ingredients like apple extracts, green tea extracts, lemon peel extracts, and aloe leaf juice that condition your over-processed hair and soothe itchiness. The gentle formula of this dandruff control shampoo moisturizes your dry scalp and reduces flakiness while detangling your tresses. This pH-balanced sulfate-free shampoo reduces inter-fiber friction, which is highly effective in treating hair conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and seborrhea to promote scalp health. Flaunt your strong hair everywhere you go!

Pros

• Suitable for daily use
• Textured hair-friendly
• Eliminates dandruff issues
• Affordable
• Mild fragrance
• Sulfate-free

Cons

• Might leave your hair greasy

14. Best For Hair Breakage:HARKLINIKKEN Balancing Shampoo

4.1

Image: Harklinikken

BUY ON AMAZON

The HARKLINIKKEN Balancing Shampoo is an ideal formula for blondes with processed hair, heavy product users, and people with dry and damaged tresses. It is infused with fortifying mustard seed oil and organic oats that strengthen the hair, treat split ends, and prevent hair breakage. The mild pH shampoo with a revitalizing formula deep cleanses the hair and soothes the scalp, leaving your strands voluminous and bouncy. This pH-balanced dermatologist-recommended shampoo eliminates dandruff and treats mild seborrheic dermatitis, not to mention that this shampoo can be safely used after a hair color treatment.

Pros

• Ideal for chemically-processed blonde hair
• Dermatologist recommended
• SLS-free
• Perfume-free
• Silicon-free
• Paraben-free
• Petrochemical-free
• Essential oil-free
• Synthetic color-free

Cons

None

15. Best Anti-Fade Formula:L’Oreal Paris EverPure Glossing Shampoo

4.3

Image: L'oreal Paris

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.97

The L’Oreal Paris EverPure Glossing Shampoo cleanses your hair without stripping its moisture. The anti-fade formula with UV filters retains hair shine and smoothness. This dermatologically-approved shampoo lathers quickly and gently removes product buildup from the scalp. It is formulated with argan oil that intensely moisturizes your hair and volumizes the hair strands. This glossing shampoo contains tantalizing notes of sandalwood and rose that deliver soothing benefits to your scalp. It is a great pH-balanced shampoo for all hair types as it maintains your wavy, curly, or straight hair texture.

Pros

• Suitable for chemically-treated and colored hair
• Vegan
• Value for money
• Pleasant fragrance
• Uplifts flat hair
• Paraben-free
• Aluminum-free
• Gluten-free
• Dye-free
• Formaldehyde-free

Cons

• Might burn your eyes

Choosing a shampoo to add to your hair care routine with the ideal level of pH ensures your scalp is moisturized and not dry. It also leaves your hair healthy, shiny, and fuller. Besides choosing the right pH, there are other features to consider in order to ensure maximum benefits from your pH balance shampoo.

How To Choose The Best pH-balanced Shampoos

1. Look For Moisturizing Ingredients

To ensure that your hair is hydrated and flawless, look for pH-balanced moisturizing shampoo or nourishing ingredients like silk proteins, milk proteins, coconut milk, aloe vera, keratin, argan oil, and jojoba oil. These essential ingredients hydrate and offer a long-lasting shine to dry, damaged, or curly hair.

2. Consider Your Hair Type

Almost all shampoos come labeled with the type of hair they are best suited for, as choosing the right formulation for your hair type is of utmost importance. For instance,

• For color-treated hair choose a color-safe shampoo without any chemicals that may ruin the intensity of your hair color. You may also opt for a gentle shampoo for your permed or colored hair.

• For an oily scalp, choose a shampoo without any essential oils or high quantities of lipids that may leave your hair greasy or heavy. While if you have a sensitive scalp go for an allergy-tested or dermatologist-tested formula.

• For fine or thin hair, avoid a shampoo with heavy oils or moisturizing ingredients like mango or shea butter to prevent a greasy scalp and limp hair strands.

• If your hair is prone to breakage, choose a strengthening shampoo with deep conditioning formula, to rejuvenate the damaged hair.

3. Ingredients To Avoid

Several ingredients in a shampoo can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even damage your scalp. Here are a few ingredients to avoid:

• Alcohols: It strips your hair of its natural oils and causes irritation as well as dryness.

• SLS: It is a foaming agent and a harsh cleanser that is fatal to delicate and sensitive skin. It may also cause redness, itching, and irritation, causing scalp and hair damage.

• Phthalates: These are gelling agents found in synthetic fragrances, and are powerful enough to irritate and damage your scalp.

• Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances are usually a combination of chemicals that can damage and dry out your hair. Opt for pH-balanced fragrance-free shampoo or pH-balanced natural shampoos with fragrances like organic oils and fruit extracts for the best hair care treatment.

Infographic: Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing The Best pH-Balanced Shampoos

Some pH-balanced shampoos available on the market offer complete protection to your tresses and repair them effectively. They do not strip your hair and scalp off their natural oils and keep your tresses shinier. However, it might be daunting to choose the best pH-balanced scalp care products for your hair from the plethora of options

Take a look at our infographic below to know more about the pointers to consider before choosing a suitable pH-balanced shampoo for your hair type.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I restore the pH balance in my hair?

If you want to know how to maintain a healthy pH level for your hair, check out.

How do I test the pH of my hair?

You can find test strips online to help you figure out the pH level of your hair.

What ph shampoo is best?

The Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo is the best pH shampoo on the market. It is made from all-plant ingredients that strengthen, soften, and condition hair follicle from the root. This scalp care shampoo is free of any toxins making it ideal for sensitive scalps and can be easily incorporated into your hair care routine.

Can ph imbalance cause hair loss?

Yes. A shampoo with an alkaline pH level can create a negative electrical charge. This causes friction between hair fibers and damages the cuticles, causing frizzy hair. So, a pH imbalance can lead to hair breakage and hair fall.

How often should you use ph- balancing shampoo?

A pH-balancing shampoo can be used daily and can easily replace your regular shampoo. If you have extremely dry tresses, reduce the frequency of this hair care product to a few times a week.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, loves all things hair care. She has a keen interest in experimenting with new products and review them for her readers. She went through different brand websites to research the products and checked many online user reviews to curate this list of the best pH-balanced shampoos available on the market. These products may help prevent hair breakage and keep hair clean and healthy.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Alexandro VasquezHairdresser

   

Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja.

Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha