Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair: Benefits And How To Use

Apple cider vinegar is made by the natural fermentation of apples. Organic and unfiltered varieties contain a substance known as ‘mother’, which is rich in proteins, enzymes and good bacteria that give the vinegar its potency.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Hair?

How Is Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Used to Improve Hair and Make It Strong?

1. Reduces Dandruff

Apple cider vinegar is rich in antimicrobial compounds that keep the scalp microbiome balanced and prevent flakiness. Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties are also known to eliminate existing dandruff.

Apple cider vinegar shampoo dissolves excess oil and dirt on the scalp which prevents dandruff from occurring due to oily scalp conditions. It also averts the scalp from getting dry and dehydrated, thereby preventing dandruff from occurring due to dry scalp conditions.

2. Facilitates Hair Growth

Apple cider vinegar is warming in nature. It stimulates the scalp and boosts your blood circulation, thereby enhancing hair growth.

3. Balances Scalp pH

The pH value of our scalp varies from 4 to 5.5. Highly alkaline cleansers can disrupt this balance and cause hair damage. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH of our scalp and strengthen hair follicles.

 Some Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Hair 

1. Conditions Hair

Organic apple cider vinegar makes for a hydrating hair rinse that conditions soften and smoothes your hair to make it shinier and frizz-free. It is also known to smoothen out knotted hair and ease the process of detangling after hair washing.

2. Kills head lice

The acidic nature and antiviral properties of apple cider vinegar prevent the occurrence of lice and also minimise any existing infestation.

3. Soothes Itchiness

Apple cider vinegar provides anti-inflammatory support which soothes itchiness and promotes wound healing on the scalp. It also prevents hair loss caused by scalp trauma or itching.

4. Exfoliates Scalp

The acids in apple cider vinegar exfoliate the scalp to loosen up dead skin cells, thereby clearing residual oils, excess sebum and product build-up. Apple cider vinegar shampoo prevents scalp congestion and minimises the chances of getting scalp acne.

5. Prevents Infections

Historical data states that vinegar has been used to fight infections since 460-337 BC when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, recommended vinegar preparations for soothing lesions and wounds. Today, hair rinses made with apple cider vinegar are used to cleanse the scalp and prevent bacterial and fungal infections. 

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for Hair Care

1. Shampoo With Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff Reduction

A natural shampoo containing organic apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce dandruff caused by dryness or congestion. If you dilute your shampoo in water before using it, you may also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to this solution.

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2. Hair Mask with Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Loss Prevention

A paste made with 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay or rhassoul clay, half a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar, and water can be used as a scalp mask before shampoo to minimise hair fall.

3. Hair Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar For Conditioning

In a mug, dilute 1-part organic apple cider vinegar with 5 parts of water, and use this concoction as the last rinse after shampoo for soft and glossy hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can use apple cider vinegar?

Anyone who does not have sensitivity to apple cider vinegar can use it on the scalp and hair. Always dilute it well before internal or external use.

• How long does apple cider vinegar take to show results?

Our hair and scalp experience months of stress before they start showing signs of concern. Hence, the time taken by natural ingredients to show results depends on how old or severe the concern is. When it comes to using natural ingredients for hair growth or dandruff removal, consistency and patience are key.

References 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29379012/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34350993/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/

A natural shampoo containing organic apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce dandruff caused by dryness or congestion. If you dilute your shampoo in water before using it, you may also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to this solution.