Sour Power : Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits For Hair

Don’t you love it when beauty treatments can be found right in your kitchen pantry? We can talk about using baking soda as a face mask or a sugar scrub for lip treatment– but today it’s all about apple cider vinegar benefits for hair. If you’re wondering if apple cider vinegar is good for your hair, it absolutely is!

This multipurpose kitchen product has been touted for its health benefits for centuries, and the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair are definitely there. Let’s dig deeper into what are the benefits of using ACV for hair, and even better, how you can create a DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse at home.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple cider. It is often used in cooking, as a natural cleaner, and as a home remedy for various ailments. You may be thinking, apple cider is delicious– especially when it’s spiked with a little rum on a cold winter day! But delicious, the taste of apple cider vinegar is not. It contains acetic acid, which gives it its sour taste and strong smell, but also packs a bunch of beneficial vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits For Hair

Using apple cider vinegar on your hair can have a range of benefits.

Clarifies the scalp: Using apple cider vinegar for scalp and hair cleansing can help remove buildup from oils, dirt, and products, which may help prevent dandruff, itchiness, or a stinky scalp.
Adds shine: Apple cider vinegar can help smooth the hair cuticle and add shine to hair, resulting in silkier, softer hair.
Reduces frizz: Apple cider vinegar can help tame frizz and reduce tangles to make hair easier to manage.
Balances pH: The acidity in apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of the scalp and hair, which can prevent fungal growth and create a healthy environment for hair growth.
Stimulates hair growth: The nutrients in apple cider vinegar, such as acetic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid, can help stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.
Preventing hair loss: Apple cider vinegar’s anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent hair loss by reducing inflammation in hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.

How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar To Hair

If you want to give apple cider vinegar a try on your hair, the application process is simple but must also be careful. The acidity in ACV is very strong and can potentially damage your hair or scalp. You must dilute it before use.

The recommended ratio for diluting apple cider vinegar for hair use is 1 part vinegar to 1-2 parts water. This means that for every 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, you should mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of water.

Simply add your diluted ACR rinse into a spray bottle or bowl. After shampooing your hair as usual, spray or pour the apple cider vinegar mixture onto your hair, making sure to cover the scalp and ends. Allow the mixture to sit for 1-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. To finish, apply your regular conditioner and rinse again

Best Hair Products With Apple Cider Vinegar

If you’re interested in reaping in all the apple cider vinegar benefits for hair, there are several different kinds of apple cider vinegar hair products on the market.

Here are some of the most popular hair care products that contain apple cider vinegar:

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

This hair rinse is formulated with apple cider vinegar and other nourishing ingredients to clarify the scalp. It removes impurities without stripping the natural oils that are essential to the health of your scalp and hair resulting in softer, healthier, and shinier hair. Simply apply it to your hair after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Hair Conditioner Set

This set includes a shampoo and conditioner that are both infused with apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and avocado oil to help clarify the scalp and add shine to hair. The products are also free of sulfates and parabens, making them a great option for those with sensitive scalps. It also is a great apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner to help combat dandruff, dry hair, and tangles.

New York Biology Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask for Dry Hair

If your hair and scalp tend to be dry, itchy, or has frequent dandruff, New York Biology’s Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask can help remedy these issues. This hair mask is naturally anti inflammatory and deeply cleanses and penetrates the scalp and hair, making it more potent than a shampoo or conditioner. It also help re-balance your hair’s natural pH level which will keep cuticles flat and closed, resulting in shiny, soft, and smooth hair.

Renpure Plant Based Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Serum

This serum features apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil to help re-balance your scalp with natural oils and remove flakes, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and conditioned. It only uses plant-based conditioning nutrients and is free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and gluten so it’s safe for all skin types. Results will give your scalp a clarifying cleanse and make hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage.

G+H CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

G+H CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse removes buildup caused by hair products and repairs damaged follicles without stripping the natural oils that are essential for moisturized hair. It also balances the hair and scalp pH, which is needed for sealing and strengthening the hair follicles. This apple cider vinegar hair rinse is also great for smoothing and de-tangling hair, making it great for cleansing and removing hair extensions.

DIY Green Tea and Honey Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

If you don’t want to spend too much on a hair care product and have a bit a ACV lying around in your cabinets, you can try this DIY recipe for an apple cider vinegar hair rinse that will leave your hair looking and feel healthier.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brewed green tea
1 tablespoon honey
5 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

Brew the green tea and let it cool to room temperature.
Mix the apple cider vinegar, green tea, honey, and essential oil (if using) together in a bowl.
Shampoo your hair as usual and rinse thoroughly.
Pour the apple cider vinegar mixture onto your hair, making sure to saturate the scalp and ends.
Let the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Follow up with a light conditioner, if desired.

Risks of Using Apple Cider Vinegar On Hair

While the apple cider vinegar benefits for hair is evident, it’s important to use ACV properly and with caution. There are risks of using apple cider vinegar on your hair and if you’re not careful, you can cause damage.

Irritation and Dryness: Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can strip natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness, irritation, and even dandruff. If you have a sensitive scalp or dry hair, ACV may exacerbate these issues.
Damage to Hair: Apple cider vinegar can weaken hair strands and cause breakage or split ends, especially if used in excess or left on hair for too long. It’s important to dilute ACV before use and avoid leaving it on hair for too long and using too frequently.
Color-treated Hair: If you have color-treated hair, apple cider vinegar may strip your hair and cause the color to fade or become dull. The acidic nature of ACV can lift hair cuticles and make color molecules escape more easily.
Unpleasant Odor: Apple cider vinegar has a strong, pungent odor that may linger in your hair even after washing. This can be especially unpleasant if you use ACV frequently or don’t rinse it out thoroughly.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to apple cider vinegar or certain components in it, such as acetic acid. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, redness, or swelling, stop using ACV immediately and seek medical attention.

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