With clarifying shampoos, there’s a lot of talk about pH levels. Some believe a high pH automatically damages hair, but that’s not the whole story. Malibu C’s Un-Do-Goo® ≥ pH 9 Clarifying Shampoo is formulated with a higher pH for a reason—to gently and effectively remove stubborn buildup without compromising the integrity of your hair. Let’s explain why this matters and how its carefully chosen ingredients work together to cleanse hair safely.

 

What Is Un-Do-Goo®?

Un-Do-Goo® is Malibu C's clarifying shampoo with a pH greater than or equal to 9. It is great to remove product resin and buildup, such as but not limited to hairspray, gel, dry shampoo, and mousse. Malibu C cosmetic chemist Rina Dean states, “Un-Do-Goo® is strategically formulated to have a pH greater than or equal to 9. When the product is used in the shower, it is diluted by the water, which has a lower pH. This leads to a decrease in the formula's overall pH. During shampooing, the elevated pH facilitates the gentle swilling of the cuticle, assisting in the release of unwanted product and mineral buildup.”

Why Does Un-Do-Goo® Have a Higher pH?

To understand why pH matters, let’s take a closer look at the science behind it. Potential Hydrogen (pH) refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in a water-based solution and is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions present. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, is used to assess this balance. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating an equal presence of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Solutions with a pH below 7 are acidic, meaning they have a higher concentration of hydrogen ions, while those above 7 are alkaline, indicating a lower concentration. Because the scale is logarithmic, each unit represents a tenfold difference in acidity or alkalinity. Acidic substances tend to contract and harden the hair, whereas alkaline substances soften and swell it.

"The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that each unit change represents a tenfold difference in hydrogen ion concentration," Rina explains. "For example, a shift from pH 7 to pH 6 means a solution is 10 times more acidic, while a shift from pH 7 to pH 9 means it is 100 times more alkaline."

So, where does this leave Un-Do-Goo®? With a pH of 9, it is more alkaline than hair. However, when used in the shower, it interacts with water, bringing down its pH while still being effective enough to gently swell the cuticle and remove buildup.

Does High pH Damage Hair?

A high-pH shampoo isn’t inherently damaging—it’s all about how it’s used. Damage occurs when hair is left in an alkaline state for too long without rebalancing. That’s why Un-Do-Goo® is designed as a rinse-off product, meant to be followed with a pH-balancing conditioner like Malibu C’s Replenish Masque or Hard Water Wellness Conditioner.

How Un-Do-Goo®’s Ingredients Work Without Harsh Effects

Unlike many traditional clarifying shampoos that rely on sulfates, Un-Do-Goo® uses gentler surfactants to cleanse without stripping hair of essential moisture. Its formula includes:

  • Cocamide DIPA & Cocamidopropyl Betaine – These plant-derived cleansing agents help break down buildup while keeping the formula mild and non-drying.

  • Disodium EDTA – A chelating agent that binds to metal ions and minerals. Allowing them to be washed away helps maintain the hair’s cleanliness, softness, and overall health.

  • Benzyl Benzoate – A naturally occurring compound that contributes to the fragrance and helps maintain formula stability.

  • Phenoxyethanol & Potassium Sorbate – Preservatives that keep the formula fresh and free from microbial growth without the use of harsh parabens.

  • Potassium Hydroxide – An essential component in adjusting pH to ensure the formula is effective at removing buildup while being safe for hair.

  • Fragrance (Parfum) – Adds a light, refreshing scent without overwhelming the senses.

Each of these ingredients plays a role in making Un-Do-Goo® one of the most effective yet gentle clarifying shampoos available.

The Best Way to Use Un-Do-Goo® for Healthier Hair

How to use and get the most out of Un-Do-Goo® Clarifying Shampoo:

  • Use it once a week or as needed to reset your hair.

  • Follow with a deep conditioner or Malibu C Wellness Remedy to restore moisture and rebalance pH.

  • If you have color-treated hair, use it before coloring to ensure even pigment absorption unless the hair was pretreated with a Crystal Gel. However, avoid using it immediately after a color service unless the hair is pretreated with Crystal Gel.

Conclusion

A higher pH in a clarifying shampoo isn’t something to fear—it’s a functional choice that makes Un-Do-Goo® a powerful yet gentle cleanser. “The purpose of using a high pH shampoo is to temporarily swell the cuticle ever so slightly to allow product buildup to be removed by gentle yet effective surfactants,” Rina states. With a carefully curated formula free from harsh sulfates, this shampoo removes buildup without stripping hair of its natural vitality. Whether you're a stylist prepping hair for a fresh color or simply looking to refresh your strands, Un-Do-Goo® delivers a deep clean without compromise.

Ready to experience the benefits of Un-Do-Goo®? Try it out and feel the difference in your hair’s freshness, bounce, and manageability!

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