TIL that the pH of a client's scalp can actually change the color result

I was reading a study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science last week. It said that a scalp with a higher pH, like from certain shampoos, can make some direct dyes grab way more intensely, or not at all. I tested it on a mannequin with a pH-balanced rinse versus a regular one, and the color difference was huge, like two full levels. Has anyone else run into this and how do you test for it before a service?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenixp3012d ago

Oh wow, that reminds me of a time I used a new toner and it went totally green on one side. @danielm15 is right about those test strips, they're a lifesaver for those oddball cases. Makes you wonder what else we're missing, you know?

danielm1512d ago

Okay but I learned this the hard way. Gave a client what should have been a subtle shadow root and it turned neon. @the_miles asks if it's a real world problem. Yeah, it was real for me and my client's bright orange hairline. Now I keep those pH test strips in my drawer. Not for everyone, but if someone has a history of weird color grabs or uses a lot of clarifying stuff, I check. Takes two seconds and saves a huge headache later.

the_miles13d ago

But is that a real world problem or just a lab thing? Seems like overkill to test every client's scalp pH.