Absolutely — the pH of your water does influence your hair, especially over time. Tap water is often neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7–8), while your scalp and hair thrive in a slightly acidic environment, around pH 4.5–5.5. When we constantly rinse hair with water that’s more alkaline than what our hair needs, it can slowly disrupt the cuticle layer, lead to excess oiliness, frizz, and even scalp issues. But don’t worry — there are plenty of simple techniques to support your hair if your water isn’t ideal: ** Conditioner helps rebalance pH: A well-formulated hair conditioner is naturally acidic and helps to close and smooth the hair cuticle after shampooing, restore ideal pH balance and lock in moisture and reduce frizz Which conditioner to use depends on your hair profile (porosity, texture, density, etc.), but including one after every shampoo is needed for most hair profiles. ** ACV rinses to the rescue: Some people like to use a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse after washing. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a gentle, natural way to support your scalp and cuticle — especially if you don’t use conditioner or are in a hard-water area. ** Lightweight oils applied at the end of your routine (on damp or dry hair) can help create a physical barrier that protects the strand after exposure to alkaline water — even if the water can’t be changed. ** Leaving the hair damp for hours after a wash, especially with alkaline water, can create more damage due to the water's pH. Air drying avoids heat damage but it becomes harmful if your hair stays wet more than an hour. Proper drying is a big topic we dive into in our advanced programs. ------- Summary: Yes, water pH can impact your hair — but with a thoughtful routine that includes pH-balancing steps like conditioner, ACV rinse, sealing oils, and proper drying, you can absolutely protect your scalp and strands long-term, even with less-than-ideal tap water. You’ll learn even more pH-friendly techniques as you go deeper into the Challenge and the Hairqare Lab