Pennsylvania Barber Licensure Practice Exam

What is the purpose of an acid balanced shampoo?

1. To maintain the hair’s natural pH balance

2. To add volume to the hair

3. To eliminate dandruff

4. To make hair easier to style

The correct answer is: To maintain the hair’s natural pH balance

The purpose of an acid-balanced shampoo is to maintain the hair’s natural pH balance. Hair and scalp have a natural pH level, typically around 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. When shampoos or hair products disrupt this balance, it can lead to problems such as dryness, frizz, and overall damage to the hair structure. Using an acid-balanced shampoo helps to preserve this pH level, ensuring that the hair cuticles remain closed and healthy, thus promoting shine and easy manageability. Other types of shampoos may focus on specific functions, like adding volume, controlling dandruff, or making hair easier to style, but these do not directly address the crucial need to maintain the natural pH balance that is essential for healthy hair and scalp.