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."
Our experts agree that apple cider vinegar is safe for all hair types, including color-treated tresses. It's especially beneficial for those with major product buildup, whether that's from hairsprays, dry shampoo, braids, or excess grease.
"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.
Mix five parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle – or around 100ml of ACV with 500ml of water. Spray your scalp well, enough so that it's evenly coated with ACV. Gently work the vinegar into your hair with your fingers. It should be diluted enough that it shouldn't burn your scalp.
Go along with your normal shampoo routine and rinse your hair. Then slowly pour the ACV hair wash onto your head in an attempt to evenly distribute it. Leave it in your hair for about 2-3 minutes to soak in. Finally, thoroughly rinse to remove from your hair and you're done!
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.
In most hair recipes that calls for ACV you can replace it with distilled white vinegar, as it will work just fine. The pH level is slightly more acidic than apple cider vinegar so you may need to dilute it with more water. This rinse will help to smooth the hair's cuticle for enhanced shine.
The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances hair and scalp pH. By lowering the pH of your scalp, ACV flattens and closes the hair cuticle. This makes your hair smoother and easier to detangle, shinier, less frizzy, less prone to breakage, and more moisturized.
You can even add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar into your regular shampoo for a boosted effect. Natural Hair Rinse: In a bowl or plastic cup mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. Shampoo your hair as usual.
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.
2) Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:
Another option is to mix a bit of apple cider vinegar into a dollop of shampoo. This clears build up from environmental toxins and hair products. It also seals the hair cuticle, making your grays silky, shiny and frizz-free.
Although the effects are gentle, ACV on its own is too harsh to apply directly to hair, so make sure you dilute it before applying onto the scalp. Not diluting it could irritate the scalp or even lead to mild burns, says Philip B.
"Apple cider vinegar isn't harmful, per se, but it is acidic and can dry out the hair, which can lead to breakage."
People with permanent hair color or treatments: Apple cider vinegar may make colored hair (or color-treated hair) feel more dry or brittle. If you do an apple cider vinegar rinse, you should follow it with deep conditioning to replace your hair's natural oils.
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.
Washing hair with apple cider vinegar: side effects
Improper use of vinegar can cause our scalp to become dry and irritated, altering the skin PH and weakening follicles, which - if we have hair problems - would only make situation worse.
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.
how long do you leave apple cider vinegar on hair? Using ACV on the hair is meant to be a touch-and-go process. At most, Williams recommends leaving it in your hair for one to three minutes. “Rinse thoroughly after this and follow with a conditioner,” she says.
An apple cider vinegar rinse should be used after shampooing and before conditioner.
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.
You can even add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar into your regular shampoo for a boosted effect. Natural Hair Rinse: In a bowl or plastic cup mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. Shampoo your hair as usual.
Although the effects are gentle, ACV on its own is too harsh to apply directly to hair, so make sure you dilute it before applying onto the scalp. Not diluting it could irritate the scalp or even lead to mild burns, says Philip B.