North Dakota Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is, with a range from 0 to 14. A pH of 7.0 is defined as neutral because at this point, the concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are equal, resulting in a balanced state. This neutrality is significant in various fields, including cosmetology, as many hair, skin, and nail products are formulated to be close to neutral pH to minimize irritation and maintain the health of hair and skin.

Understanding the concept of pH is crucial for those in the beauty industry since it affects the performance and compatibility of the products being used. Products that are too acidic or too alkaline can alter the natural balance of hair and skin, leading to adverse effects such as dryness, irritation, or compromised integrity of hair and skin.

In contrast, pH levels below 7 indicate acidity, while levels above 7 indicate alkalinity. Therefore, the other choices, while they present pH values, do not represent neutrality on the pH scale, reinforcing that 7.0 is the true neutral benchmark.