The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. Neutral is 7. Anything below 7 is acidic. Anything above 7 is alkaline. Hair has a natural pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Most chemical services raise the pH to open the cuticle. Acidic products close and smooth it back down. This comes up constantly on the exam, especially in chemical service questions.