Page 80 - December_2015_Life_in_Naples_Magazine

Hair and pH
Hby Erick Carter
air is made up of very strong proteins. Despite the strength where pH comes in. Anything water soluble can be
of these proteins, chemical processes can weaken the hair and measured by pH. The pH scale runs from 0-14,

cause breakage. I would like to explain the pH of chemicals 0 being a very strong acid and 14 being a

and the damage it can cause. very strong alkaline base. Water has a pH of

Hair is made up of two main parts. about 7 (neutral) as does peroxide and most

The outer scale-like layer, called the cuticle shampoos. Lemon juice and vinegar have

protects the inner layer called the cortex. a pH of about 2-3 (both acids) whereas

The protein chains are located along the baking soda, an alkaline, has a pH of about 8

cortex with the melanin (which gives or 9. Hair has a natural pH of about 4.5-5.5.

hair its color). When the hair becomes Permanent hair colors are usually

damaged, the scales of the cuticle stand up, alkaline based and a higher pH is needed to

break off and expose the cortex.This makes reach the cortex layer of the hair to change

hair dry and hard to brush.The cortex gives its color. Look for my article next month as

hair its strength and elasticity. When the I continue with to explain the relationship

damage reaches the cortex the hair will not between hair and pH.

return to its shape and may even snap off. For questions or comments contact me at

Since the melanin is found in the cortex of the hair, to change Erickcre8u@gmail.com or call Salon Zenergy,

the color we must penetrate through the cuticle layer - and that’s 239.777.2380.

O n December 16, Yabba Island Grill at 711 5th Ave
S. in Naples, will offer lunch daily from 11:30 a.m.-
2:30 p.m. Enjoy views of picturesque Fifth Avenue
and soak in Yabba’s tropical ambiance while you dine on its
Florida inspired menu. Choose from a wide range of appetizers,
sandwiches, salads, tacos and burgers. The casual and family-
friendly restaurant is also open for dinner year-round from
5:30-10 p.m. with outdoor seating and an expansive indoor-
outdoor bar.

Yabba features appetizers such as chips and salsa, Jamaican
jerk chicken wings, Caribbean egg rolls, and shrimp nachos.
Salads include traditional favorites and Yabba specialties
such as “Escape to Yabba Island,” with a mix of garden herbs,
watermelon, toasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, pecans
and pears, served with tomatoes, chevre cheese and raspberry-
yuzu dressing.

Every year, Yabba opens for lunch seasonally so stop in
while you can! For details, call 239.262.5787 or visit www.
yabbaislandgrill.com.

80 Life in Naples | December 2015