A mildly acidic shampoo is better for sensitive and dry skin. However, with so many different products being released by so many manufacturers, you may find yourself wondering which shampoo has a low pH and how to find this out.
So today, we will talk about how to choose a weakly acidic shampoo, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. We will also review recommended shampoos, so be sure to check them out.
The person we spoke to this time was Shinichiro Hirata from oak.
Originally from Okinawa, she worked at a major beauty salon in her hometown for four years before graduating from a beauty school correspondence course. After moving to Tokyo, he worked at a beauty salon in Omotesando Hills for four years, then worked at a famous store in Ginza before becoming the manager of Ginza 1-chome oak, where he is currently a director. He has been a hairdresser for 21 years.
She is a popular stylist who not only specializes in shortcuts, but also works with clients from far away, as well as clients from far away.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of weakly acidic shampoo?
Here, we introduce the advantages and disadvantages of weakly acidic shampoos.
Benefits of weakly acidic shampoo
Gentle on skin and hair
To maintain the naturally healthy condition of your slightly acidic scalp and hair, we recommend using a mildly acidic shampoo. Basically, it can be used on any type of hair, but it's relatively non-irritating, so it's easy to use on sensitive skin and dry hair.
Mild cleaning power
Weakly acidic shampoos have mild cleaning power. You can wash your hair while minimizing damage to your hair without washing away sebum more than necessary. Recommended for people with sensitive and dry scalp.
Disadvantages of weakly acidic shampoo
Cleaning power may be weak
Weakly acidic shampoos are gentle on the skin and have mild cleaning power. However, if you use a styling product with strong setting power, you may not be able to completely remove it. Take precautions by pre-washing and shampooing twice.
However, excessive cleansing can put a strain on your skin, so you need to be careful. If you experience itching due to a lack of oil in your scalp, avoid washing your scalp twice and judge the condition accordingly.
May be difficult to foam
Some weakly acidic shampoos are difficult to foam due to the amount of surfactant added. The strength of a shampoo's cleaning power is directly proportional to its lathering ability, but weakly acidic shampoos have milder cleaning power, so they tend to be less foamy.
If it is difficult to lather, use an appropriate amount and pre-wash thoroughly before shampooing. Even if you use the right amount of shampoo, if it doesn't lather well after one use, shampoo your hair one more time after rinsing it off.
2. How to choose a weakly acidic shampoo
Introducing how to choose a weakly acidic shampoo. If you are having trouble choosing the shampoo that is right for you, please use this as a reference.
Check amino acid-based cleaning ingredients
Most weakly acidic shampoos contain amino acid-based cleaning ingredients. There are various types of amino acid-based cleaning ingredients, and there is a wide range of textures from refreshing to moisturizing.
If you want a moist wash, we recommend glutamic acid-based cleaning ingredients, and if you want a refreshing feeling, we recommend glycine-based or arasin-based cleaning ingredients. However, shampoos containing these are often rare on the market and can be relatively expensive. If you want to use it casually, look for one that does not contain higher alcohol-based cleaning ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.
Choose low irritation
If you have sensitive skin, synthetic fragrances and alcohol can irritate and burden your scalp and hair, causing itching and dryness. Make sure to choose a shampoo that does not contain ingredients that are not suitable for you, or that claims to have a mild formula.
Choose according to your hair type
Another method is to choose the ingredients according to your hair type. If you want to improve the finish of your hair, please refer to it.
Dry hair: Products containing moisturizing ingredients
Shampoos containing moisturizing ingredients such as ceramide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid work to condition the cuticle and prevent hair from becoming dry. By moisturizing the scalp and hair while washing, it washes smoothly and gives you shiny hair.
Damaged hair: Contains repair ingredients
For damaged hair, choose a shampoo that contains hair repair ingredients such as keratin, amino acids, and hematin. Hair that has been repeatedly colored or permed is especially susceptible to damage. Take care of split ends and breakage with a shampoo containing repair ingredients to prevent hair from spreading and becoming dry.
Lack of volume: Products containing ingredients that give firmness
If you feel that your hair is losing its elasticity and volume with age, we recommend using ingredients that give it elasticity, such as high molecular weight polymers, panthenol, and keratin. Aim for a soft, voluminous and naturally bouncy hair finish.
Also, if you want firmness, it is better to avoid silicone. Silicone has the ability to coat your hair with a glossy coating, but depending on your hair type, it may make your hair flat and lead to loss of volume, so be careful when choosing.
Choose whether or not to use silicone according to your hair type
Silicone is a type of oil that makes hair slippery, so it's not a bad thing, it just works to make hair feel better to the touch.
If you have short hair or don't worry about dry hair, choose a silicone-free shampoo. However, if your hair is long or prone to dryness due to repeated coloring or perms, a shampoo containing silicone will help tame your hair down to the ends.
Hair needs a certain amount of silicone, but it's best to avoid adding too much. When your hair is coated with silicone, it becomes difficult for color and perm to penetrate. So you may not be able to get the color or shape you were looking for. It is similar to waxing flooring, and once coated, it may not be easy to remove.
When choosing a mildly acidic shampoo that contains silicone, it's a good idea to check the ingredient list on the back of the product.
Check to see if silicone, written as "dimethicone," is included in the fifth order from the top.
Since the ingredient list is listed in descending order of compounding amount, it can be assumed that the ingredients listed at the top are compounded in large amounts.
By the way, silicone is not necessary on the scalp. There is a theory that silicone can clog pores when it hardens with sebum, so be careful.
3. 18 Recommended mildly acidic shampoos
Here, we introduce recommended weakly acidic shampoos. Check out the items you are interested in based on how to choose a shampoo.
Success Foaming shampoo from the beginning
400ml 1003 (Amazon) yen
No hassle, rich lather. New common sense in scalp care
It comes out as foam from the beginning, so no whisking is necessary. Can be washed while preventing hair from getting caught and falling out. It sucks up sebum and dirt clogged in pores and removes them without scrubbing. Washing your hair is easy with smooth foam that quickly spreads to the scalp.
Rinse-in type, washes smoothly. Contains amino acid-based cleansing ingredients and eucalyptus leaf extract moisturizing ingredients, and is mildly acidic and gentle on the scalp.
The fruity citrus scent turns your daily hair wash into a refreshing time.
Bio Lucia biolcia shampoo
300ml 5300 yen
Naturally-derived gentleness that cares for your scalp
We advocate "Nurishan R", which applies shampoo liquid directly to the hair to pack it. You can enjoy a spa-like hair pack and scalp care experience in the comfort of your own home without the need for any treatments.
The formula is gentle on the scalp and uses only naturally derived cleaning ingredients. A light wash that keeps your scalp and hair healthy.
While keeping your scalp clean, it also protects the necessary moisture for supple and beautiful hair. The scent of fruity rose gently colors your bathroom.
Curel shampoo
420ml 1100 yen
A gentle wash that protects your scalp and leads to beautiful hair
Contains dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, an active ingredient derived from plants, that cleanses while caring for the scalp. Prevents scalp problems such as dandruff, itching, and dryness, and maintains a healthy scalp.
While protecting the ceramides contained in your hair, it cleans away sebum and dirt with fine, rich foam.
Weakly acidic, fragrance-free, color-free. It can also be used on babies.
&GINO premium black shampoo
400ml 5280 yen
Carbonized clay firmly absorbs dirt from the scalp
Using amino acid-based cleaning ingredients and clay carbonized using special technology, it absorbs sebum and dirt while keeping the scalp moisturized. Cleanse away the day's dirt and create vitality for tomorrow.
Carefully selected only what is necessary for the scalp and hair. Contains no petroleum-based surfactants, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, silicones, or colorants.
There is no need for any treatment, and you can complete your scalp care with just this one product. Even on a busy day, you can easily perform professional scalp care.
LISSAGE Resurge Vogne Hair Maintenance Shampoo O
400ml 2200 yen
Keeps your scalp clean. The first step to beautiful hair
A shampoo specifically designed for oily scalp types. Washes out unnecessary calcium and sebum stains and cleanses the scalp. While keeping the scalp clean, it leads to pure and beautiful hair.
Contains ``soap grass extract'', ``eucalyptus extract'', and ``hydrolyzed collagen'' as moisturizing ingredients. The cleaning ingredients include succinic acid and ammonium laureth sulfate to keep oily scalps clean.
Weakly acidic and non-silicon formula. You can enjoy the refreshing feeling of using ``menthol.''
Mujirushi Ryohin aging care shampoo
340ml 1090 yen
Age-appropriate hair care with gentle natural ingredients
A weakly acidic shampoo that aims to care for hair according to age. Contains natural hair-beautifying ingredients extracted from camellia, rose, yuzu, etc., and moisturizing ingredients such as ``hyaluronic acid'' and ``collagen.'' It cares for dryness caused by aging and damage caused by coloring, and leaves your hair shiny, firm and bouncy.
No synthetic fragrances, no coloring, no mineral oil, weak acidity, paraben free, alcohol free, silicone free. The floral herbal scent will make your bath time a reality.
They also have a ``Damage Care Harikoshi'' series that specializes in damage care and hari-koshi, so if you're interested, please check that out as well.
*Aging = care according to age
Lasana Premier Shampoo
375ml 3520 yen (exclusive empty bottle 495 yen)
For high-quality, beautiful hair that you'll want to touch
Adjusts the oil balance of the scalp to prevent dandruff and itchiness, and also removes odors. Gently cares for damaged hair and scalp, leading to high quality and healthy hair.
Amino acid-based cleaning ingredients protect the necessary moisture while removing dirt and keeping your scalp healthy. Recommended for people who are concerned about oily scalp.
The elegant and fresh aromatic floral scent will increase your motivation for hair care. Try using it while massaging your head.
BOTANIST Botanical shampoo damage care RB
460ml 1540 yen
Care your hair with naturally derived ingredients. For shiny and moist hair
Among BOTANIST's many lineups, this is a shampoo that specializes in hair damage care. 84% of the ingredients are naturally derived, silicone-free, paraben-free, synthetic colorant-free, and sulfate-free.
Dense botanical serum* provides scalp care, moisturizing care, and damage care. Fill your hair with the blessings of nature and wash it to make it smooth and shiny.
A gentle and lovely scent of freesia and cassis. Considering not only people but also the global environment, we use eco-friendly bottles that reduce CO2 emissions and labels that use biomass ink.
* Birch sap, Galactomyces/fermented birch sap liquid, honey, glycosphingolipid (all moisturizing), macadamia nut fatty acid phytosteryl, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (all hair repair)
Merit Shampoo that doesn't require rinse
480ml 727 yen (Amazon)
Hair care is completed with this one product. Clean scalp and smooth hair
A convenient shampoo that can shampoo and rinse at the same time. Contains a rinse ingredient (highly polymerized dimethicone = 1) as a hair protectant to cleanse the scalp and leave your hair silky smooth. It saves you the hassle of rinsing and is perfect for busy days.
Adopts "Dust Shield Technology" that prevents dirt such as dust and pollen from sticking to your hair, keeping your hair dry all day long. Easy to use not only at night but also on busy mornings.
The smooth foam that reaches all the way to the roots of your hair is also characterized by easy foam removal. It washes away the sweat odor from your scalp and hair, and creates a pleasant bath time with a natural floral scent.
Minon medicated hair shampoo
450ml 1251 yen (Amazon)
Developed for sensitive and dry skin. Medicated shampoo that protects the scalp
A product developed for sensitive skin, dry skin that suffers from dandruff, and itching. It is mildly acidic and gentle on the skin, and does not contain sulfuric acid surfactants. The ingredients that cause allergies are eliminated as much as possible.
Contains 2K glycyrrhizic acid as an active ingredient to prevent dandruff and itchiness and keep your scalp and hair healthy. Uses plant-derived amino acid-based cleansing ingredients to keep your scalp clean and moisturized.
With a subtle floral scent, it is easy to use regardless of age or gender. It can be used by a wide range of people, from children to the elderly, so it is also recommended as a shared shampoo with family members.
Je l'aime Jureme Amino Argerich Shampoo (Deep Moist)
500ml 935 yen
Deeply moisturizes your hair with amino acids and the blessings of the sea. Luxurious care that leads to beautiful hair
Amino acids and the blessings of the sea quickly repair hair that has been damaged by dryness or the external environment. Conditions the cuticle and leads to smooth hair that does not have stiffness.
Amino acid-based cleaning ingredient "Cocoyl Glutamic Acid TEA" gently cleanses the scalp and hair, keeping them moisturized. Aim for healthy hair with elasticity and body.
Turn your bathroom into a relaxing space while being enveloped in the scent of lovely flowers that feels like a gentle breeze. Enjoy the change in scent like a fragrance.
Ichikami Smooth care shampoo
480ml 695 yen (Amazon)
For smooth, tangle-free hair with the power of naturally derived ingredients
Contains plant-derived amino acid-based cleaning ingredients ``Lauroylsarcosine TEA'' and ``Lauroylmethylalanine Na'' that gently cleanse the scalp and hair. Smoothly smooths hair that tends to get tangled and maintains a comfortable and moisturized feel.
Adopts a formula that closes the cuticle, which tends to peel off easily, and smooths the hair surface. Prevents damage caused by friction and smooths even tangled hair down to the ends. Enhances repair and prevention of damaged hair and provides moisture and shine.
The pleasant scent of wild cherry blossoms fills the bathroom, purifying your soul. Sulfate-free, sulfate-based surfactant-free, silicone-free.
Sakura forest Herbanience shampoo
300ml 3190 yen
100% naturally derived ingredients. Gently cleanses scalp and hair
Organic hair care shampoo made from 100% naturally derived ingredients. Contains cleaning ingredients such as "cocoyl glutamic acid TEA", and the dense foam gently cleanses the scalp and hair. While adjusting the scalp environment, it leads to firm and shiny hair.
After wetting your hair and scalp, we recommend taking an appropriate amount and massaging your scalp while lathering. You can experience a moist and smooth wash with firmness and elasticity.
The rich scent of lavender and orange essential oils is also appealing. Take a deep breath and bring out the natural beauty of your hair.
A.F.C. Medicated amino acid shampoo Soukaikan
500ml 3300 yen
Gently care for your hair and scalp. Refreshing cleansing derived from nature
A non-silicone shampoo made of over 94.7% naturally derived ingredients. Contains the active ingredient ``dipotassium glutyrrhizinate'' to prevent dandruff and itchiness and keep hair and scalp healthy.
Amino acid-based cleaning ingredients such as "N-coconut oil fatty acid acyl-L-sodium glutamate" gently cleanse the scalp and hair. Washes hair while preserving its natural moisture, giving it firmness and body.
No rinsing is required, so it is recommended for people who are busy every day or who are lazy. The refreshing scent of orange will make you feel refreshed.
Merit The Mild Foam Shampoo
540ml 990 yen
Gently cleans with rich, fluffy foam
A hassle-free foaming shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp and hair while preventing friction. We recommend using the rich lather to massage your scalp.
Keeps your scalp clean while protecting its precious moisture. It drains easily and can be used every day without stress.
Weakly acidic, non-silicon, colorant-free, pearlescent agent-free formula. A gentle fresh floral scent.
Rohto Pharmaceutical Mediquik H scalp medical shampoo
320ml 1,705 yen (Amazon)
Focus on scalp problems. Healthy hair with professional care
A medical shampoo that puts scalp health first. It cleanses the scalp and relieves discomfort, leading to healthy hair with firmness and elasticity.
Contains two active ingredients: miconazole nitrate, an antifungal ingredient, and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, which prevents rough skin. Prepares the scalp environment every time you wash, suppressing dandruff and itching.
Contains conditioning ingredients, so even just this product won't make your hair feel frizzy. While keeping the scalp moisturized, it leads to smooth and shiny hair. A refreshing feeling of use with the cooling ingredient "menthol" and a refreshing citrus scent.
CHAP UP scalp shampoo
300ml 5300 yen
A new era of scalp care. CHAP UP for healthy hair
Contains plant-derived amino acid cleaning ingredients such as "cocamidopropyl betaine". It cleanses the scalp and leads to smooth hair.
It also contains moisturizing ingredients derived from organic plants such as cucumber fruit extract, lavender flower extract, and chamomile flower extract. Moisturizes the scalp and hair and keeps them healthy.
A fresh green scent that will make your daily shampoo time more comfortable. Silicon free (non-silicon), sulfate free, paraben free, mineral oil free, petroleum surfactant free, synthetic coloring free.
Cow brand Additive-free shampoo smooth
500ml 1100 yen
Contains naturally derived ingredients. For smooth hair that you want to touch
A mildly acidic, non-silicone shampoo containing naturally derived amino acid-based cleaning ingredients that are gentle on the scalp, such as ``coconut oil fatty acid PEG-7 glyceryl''. Moisturizes the scalp and hair, leading to light and silky hair from the roots.
By wrapping the cuticle in a moisturizing veil, your hair will be easy to run through.
It is a type that does not require rinsing and contains conditioning ingredients, so you can complete your hair care with just one product. Easy care even on a busy day.
4. Tips on how to wash with weakly acidic shampoo
The finish may change depending on how you wash it. Here, we introduce tips on how to wash your hair with weakly acidic shampoo.
Brush or prewash before washing
Sebum and sweat adhere to the scalp, so even if you apply shampoo directly, it won't lather well and stains won't come off easily. Before shampooing, it is important to thoroughly brush your hair and pre-wash with lukewarm water to loosen dirt and dust from your hair. Brushing has the role of detangling your hair, but if you use too much force, it can also damage your hair. It is best to brush gently and carefully.
Pre-wash for 1 to 3 minutes to thoroughly wash away dirt and dust from your pores. The temperature of the hot water should be below 40 degrees. Too much heat can cause your color to fade more quickly, so be especially careful if you have color or perms.
Wash with well-lathered foam
Lather the shampoo in your hands and then apply it to your hair. Enveloping your hair and scalp with enough foam reduces friction when washing. By lathering, the shampoo spreads evenly over the hair and scalp, making it easier to effectively remove dirt from the entire scalp.
The trick is to whisk while incorporating air. If you don't like lathering by hand, you can use a facial cleansing net.
Q&A regarding weakly acidic shampoo
Q. Can weakly acidic shampoos be used if you are suffering from thinning hair or hair loss?
Mildly acidic shampoos are also suitable for those who suffer from thinning hair or hair loss. A mildly acidic shampoo with relatively mild cleaning power will be able to gently cleanse your scalp and hair. It can also be used on sensitive scalps and dry hair.
Also, when using it, choose a non-silicone shampoo. Avoid choosing products that contain silicone.
Q. Is it okay to use mildly acidic shampoo after coloring?
Mildly acidic shampoos are also suitable after coloring, which can cause some damage to your hair. However, if it has moisturizing properties like a mildly acidic shampoo, the curls will not come out, so it is not suitable for perms.
Q. Can mildly acidic shampoo make your hair creaky?
Non-silicone products may sometimes squeak as the hair is not coated. This squeaky feeling is not particularly bad, and can be said to be the natural state of hair.
However, if you don't like the squeaky feel, use a mildly acidic shampoo or treatment containing silicone. However, if you are coloring or perming your hair, be careful as too much silicone will make it difficult to achieve the ideal finish. Coat your hair with just the right amount of silicone to reduce the harshness.