I use liquid black soap and although the pH is high, it is wonderful for my hair because it leaves it soft and clean without the stripped and squeaky feeling.
The alkalinity in black soap opens my hair's cuticles and allows my conditioner mix to penetrate the shaft.
For me to balance my hair's acidity, I just use a spray of whole leaf aloe vera juice and water.
This closes and smooths my hair's cuticles and makes clearing my hair a whole lot easier.