Science supports the use of apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse. It could help strengthen hair and improve luster by lowering hair and scalp pH. It may also keep pesky scalp infections and itchiness at bay.
Gently work the vinegar into your hair with your fingers. It should be diluted enough that it shouldn't burn your scalp. Let the vinegar mixture sit for three to five minutes. Rinse your hair and scalp with cool water.
Adding apple cider vinegar to your hair care routine "will help keep your scalp healthy by warding off bacteria and keeping a balanced pH level," said Dr. Jaliman, adding that "this will stimulate hair growth. ACV gently exfoliates the scalp which in turn will promote hair growth and healthier hair."
Because of its antibacterial properties, vinegar can actually reduce dandruff and most itchy scalp issues, too. The exfoliating properties of white vinegar mean your scalp is buffed free of dead skin, helping stop the symptoms of scalp conditions in their tracks!
So, Is Vinegar Good For Your Hair? Overall, vinegar can be a great addition to your hair wash and care routine. If used occasionally in lieu of (or alongside) traditional hair products, it can add volume to your curls, exfoliate your scalp, fight off bacteria, and even stimulate hair growth.
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial , anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It can help reduce itching caused by dry skin. Try diluting apple cider vinegar in warm water and using it as a rinse after shampooing to alleviate dandruff and an itchy scalp.
How do you use Apple Cider Vinegar for hair dandruff? It's actually quite simple. After using a shampoo, apply a diluted version of Apple Cider Vinegar to your hair. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly, leaving nothing behind.
The apple cider vinegar helps wipe out product residue and oil while adding shine. Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a mug of water. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual and then pour the diluted apple cider vinegar on your hair and do not rinse. It is the easiest way to detox your hair.
In addition to kickstarting your follicles through targeted scalp massages, certain topical hair-care products like serums and scalp cleansers can help prompt your follicles to get back to work. They contain ingredients that, when applied directly to your scalp, work to stimulate and nourish your follicles.
You should never apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair. As we mentioned above, it has a highly acidic pH that undiluted could cause irritation, itchiness or burn the sensitive skin of the scalp. The best and safest way to use this ingredient is by diluting it with water to make a hair rinse.
It's best to dilute the ACV when using and then thoroughly rinse out the mixture. But please be careful with this mixture because as we mentioned earlier, ACV is a very powerful ingredient and can damage the scalp when not used with care. ACV is very acidic and when used too often, or too heavily can damage the hair.
"I recommend shampooing first and then saturating the hair with ACV." Once you massage the solution into the scalp, let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing and conditioning as normal.
If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to use the rinse less often; if your hair and scalp are more on the oily side, you may want to do it more frequently. Generally speaking, though, you'll want to rinse your hair with an apple cider vinegar solution a couple times a week.
You can also leave it in your hair overnight! If you leave it in, it will help prevent tangles. Since it restores your scalp's pH level, it will also help and prevent an itchy scalp.
What can cause sores or scabs on the scalp? Sores or scabs on the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their own. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a condition that may require treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice.
Know that natural washes are fine
In fact, according to Davis, apple cider vinegar (as long as it's diluted with water) can help you “remove stubborn hair products, deep clean your hair and scalp, and even reduce mild scalp inflammation caused by dandruff.”
ACV has been shown to have microbial properties when used in food, but experts advise against its use for wounds. There are many claims that using ACV on the scalp stimulates blood flow, which may boost hair growth, though there is little firm evidence of this.
People who want to give this potential natural dandruff remedy a try can start by applying a dilute apple cider vinegar wash to their scalp once or twice a week. In some people, however, the wash may lead to skin irritation or worsening dandruff symptoms.
So, use 1 cup of cool water and 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. After you rinse out the apple cider vinegar, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair just like you normally do.
"Apple cider vinegar isn't harmful, per se, but it is acidic and can dry out the hair, which can lead to breakage."
Massage the scalp for 5 minutes, not to hard as it is slightly abrasive and can make the scalp to inflamed. Then take the apple cider vinegar mixture (half cup to 8 oz water) and pour into the scalp and massage in well. Leave this on for 5 minutes also. Rinse really well and finish with your regular conditioner.
White vinegar is also missing many of the nourishing vitamins and minerals that we get with apple cider vinegar. Our verdict? White vinegar works in a pinch, but apple cider vinegar hair-care products and rinses offer the most benefit for your hair and scalp.
Using the shampoo and conditioner of your choice, wash your hair as you normally would. Rinse thoroughly with water before applying the apple cider vinegar solution. Make sure that you have completely rinsed the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair.
Vinegar is not damaging to your hair but it could lead to dryness if overused. Only apply to wet hair, dilute it with some water, and don't use it more than once a week.