Is apple cider vinegar good for hair breakage?

Author: Dr. Harmon Gorczany  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

Just as ACV helps to close the hair's cuticle, it's working to keep hair healthier overall, which may help with breakage and split ends, said Dr. Ilyas, though it's not a miracle cure. "Using ACV occasionally will restore the acidity to the hair follicle. This will smooth out the cuticle and make it less weak.

How to use apple cider vinegar for hair breakage?

  • Dilute 1--3 tablespoons (tbsp) of apple cider vinegar with warm water.
  • After shampooing the hair, pour the apple cider vinegar wash over the head.
  • Use the fingers to massage the mixture into the scalp.
  • Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing it out.

What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar on hair?

acnes evokes may also increase hair shedding, which can feed into the miniaturization process of pattern hair loss. As such, someone who applies apple cider vinegar directly to their scalps runs the risk of accidentally increasing p. acnes bacteria, and possibly worsening their scalp and hair health.

Why is my hair falling out after apple cider vinegar?

The scalp produces natural oils to maintain cleanliness and shine. The apple cider vinegar not only strips away leftover products, it strips away the natural oils. If this is done too much, it can lead to thinning and breakage of hair. As with most things in life, there are no quick fixes.

How long can you leave apple cider vinegar in your hair?

You should leave apple cider vinegar in your hair for an average of 5-10 minutes, and no longer than 15 depending on the condition of your strands and scalp. Any longer than that could cause irritation or dryness. Rinse it off immediately if you feel it starts to burn or sting.

Is It Safe To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair? – Dr. Berg

Does apple cider vinegar destroy scalp fungus?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy. It's often added to foods,1 and some people also apply it to their skin, scalp, or hair. It's known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral actions,2 and it may also offer benefits for scalp flaking or thinning hair.

Do you shampoo before or after apple cider vinegar rinse?

After you're done shampooing your hair and washing out the shampoo entirely, you're ready for the ACV solution. Massage the solution into the scalp. Apply the mixture evenly from your roots to your ends, focusing on massaging your scalp to help remove excess buildup and balance your scalp's pH.

Is apple cider vinegar bad for damaged hair?

ACV is acidic and strong, so it's necessary to dilute the product. Take precautions so you don't strip your hair, irritate your scalp or damage your skin. Start by adding a half tablespoon to every eight ounces of water. Depending on how your hair and skin react, you may gradually increase the strength over time.

Does apple cider vinegar unclog hair follicles?

Apple Cider Vinegar keeps scalp and hair pH balanced and works to seal the hair's cuticle for increased shine. It also helps to gently exfoliate the scalp and unclog hair follicles.

What does baking soda do for hair?

Summary. Baking soda as part of your hair care routine might allow you to replace commercial shampoos. People report that baking soda dissolved in water can remove excess oil and buildup in hair, restore pH levels, treat dryness and dandruff, and lighten dyed hair.

Who should avoid apple cider vinegar?

If you have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), too much ACV could make the condition worse. That's because large amounts can reduce potassium levels. Avoid overusing ACV if you have kidney disease, since your kidneys might not be able to handle high levels of acid.

What does vinegar do to gray hair?

Apple cider vinegar not only lightens hair color to diminish brassy tones but also acts as a natural cleanser, removing product buildup and hard water residues. You can make an apple cider vinegar hair rinse for gray hair at home. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

Does apple cider vinegar get knots out of hair?

As I comb her hair, if I get stuck on a knot, I spray this right on to the knot and I am able to detangle it immediately. She does have fine, curly hair, so I am not sure how well this will work for thicker, curly hair. You might need to add more apple cider vinegar to the recipe and more lavender.

Does vinegar break down hair?

Another option for dissolving hair in a drain is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This mixture will create a chemical reaction that will break down the hair. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain to use this method.

How to open hair follicles on scalp naturally?

Take colder showers. Hot water can cause inflammation, drying out your scalp and closing off the roots. You don't have to shower in uncomfortably cold temperatures, but opting for lukewarm water rather than hot water can help open your hair's pores. Limit your hair's exposure to heat.

Can apple cider vinegar help regrow hair?

“No matter what you do with it, ACV will not cure or treat hair loss. The reason it is often linked with hair care is because it is an ancient remedy for making hair shine and treating dandruff that is said to have been favoured by the Romans.

What helps dead hair follicles?

Massage Your Scalp

Massaging your scalp may seem too simple, but it can help stimulate the hair follicles and encourage growth. It works because it increases blood flow to the follicles, which can activate the dormant ones. Try performing a scalp massage for five minutes on yourself every day.

Does apple vinegar reduce belly fat?

A few small-scale studies conducted on humans have shown promising results, with ACV consumption leading to weight loss, reduced body fat and decreased waist circumference. In fact, It has been suggested that ACV by slowing down gastric emptying, might promote satiety and reduce appetite.

How often should I use apple cider vinegar on my hair?

Because of the high acidity of apple cider vinegar, it should be treated as a clarifying treatment. As with clarifying shampoo, you don't need to do this every wash day. We recommend using it: Once a week if you wash your hair every day.

How to remove hard water buildup from hair?

Here are a few treatment options for hard water hair that can help prevent future damage:
  1. #1: Apple Cider Vinegar Wash. ...
  2. #2: Specialized Shampoo. ...
  3. #3: Shower Filters. ...
  4. #4: Pre-Shampoo Treatment. ...
  5. #5: Hair Masks and Leave-In Conditioners. ...
  6. #6: Lemon Rinse. ...
  7. #7: Baking Soda Wash. ...
  8. #8: Specialized Brushes.

Is washing hair with apple cider vinegar side effects?

Washing hair with apple cider vinegar side effects

Scalp Irritation: ACV's acidic nature can irritate sensitive or broken skin. Dryness and Brittleness: Overuse can strip natural oils from the hair, leading to dryness. Hair Color Fading: ACV may lighten hair slightly over time, especially if used frequently.

What is the no poo method?

The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.

What does washing hair with baking soda do?

Baking soda dissolved in water helps to remove any buildup of oils, soaps, and other ingredients in typical hair care products. By stripping away this buildup, baking soda can leave hair squeaky-clean, shiny, and soft.

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