Meaning ❉ Alkaline hair processing involves a precise chemical interaction that raises the hair’s pH beyond its inherent acidic state, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, to an alkaline level. This controlled elevation allows the hair’s protective outer layer, the cuticle, to gently swell, enabling internal structural changes within the cortex. For individuals with Black and mixed-race hair, understanding this process is central to responsible texture alteration, such as straightening or wave formation. This knowledge provides a fundamental framework for systematic hair care, informing precise product selection and application techniques to manage the hair’s response. Applying this insight ensures that while desired aesthetic outcomes are achieved, the hair fiber’s resilience is maintained. Post-treatment practices, including re-acidification to close the cuticle, are crucial for preserving moisture and fiber strength, demonstrating a full circle of thoughtful hair wellness. Historically, the manipulation of hair’s pH has been a part of diverse hair traditions, evolving into contemporary methods that demand informed decision-making for lasting hair health.
