Acid / Alkaline - Why do they affect the hair cuticle?

[DTsgirl]

Why does an alkaline substance raise the hair cuticle and an acid close it? I accept that it does occur, but I wonder why?

[danacc]

You might find this interesting: http://bglhonline.com/2010/07/ph-and-the-cuticle-of-the-hair-via-the-natural-haven/.

The cuticle is a protein structure. The pH level affects this structure, causing the separation distance between layers to change (open or close).

[DTsgirl]

Interesting. Thank you