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If you follow wellness trends, you probably already know that drinking apple cider vinegar is good for your gut. But did you know that apple cider vinegar for hair has health and beauty-boosting benefits too?
Hairstylists, trichologists, and dermatologists all agree that apple cider vinegar for hair isn’t just some wellness fad: the benefits are abundant. Plus, it doesn’t require eating or drinking. Instead, ACV hair care is topical and used in place of products like shampoo, conditioner, and rinses, all of which work to improve the overall state of your hair.
“The hair benefits of apple cider vinegar are amazing,” trichologist and master stylist Dawn Bacchi tells Glamour. Hairstylist Adam Federico, R+Co Vice President of Technical Education, says the same. “Apple cider vinegar is wonderful in so many ways. It leaves hair looking healthy and shiny, and and restores balance to an irritated scalp.”
Considering the above—and how accessible and easy-to-DIY apple cider vinegar rinses are—it’s no surprise it’s becoming such a staple in hair care. But that doesn’t mean you should order a bottle of apple cider vinegar off Amazon and call it a day. “Consider your hair and scalp condition before using apple cider vinegar,” advises Bacchi. “If you have dry hair or a dry scalp, it’s advisable to avoid it as it may exacerbate dryness.”
Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, agrees, noting that it can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. “It’s important to avoid overdoing it to minimize any potential irritation, and best to avoid use if any open wounds or sores,” she explains.
That said, there are lots of ways to reap ACV’s benefits without irritating your scalp or hair. Ahead, experts break down exactly what those are, plus how to use it properly.
The benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair
ACV is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
“ACV has so many benefits—way more than we realize,” says celebrity hairstylist and PURA D’OR partner Clyde Haygood. “Not only does ACV clarify the hair to get rid of any residual product buildup in our strands, it helps promote a healthy scalp because it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.”
Maintains pH balance
“Research proves that human skin (including the scalp) is more acidic than human hair, but at the same time, many hair-care products are too alkaline—meaning they have too high of a pH,” says Adam Bennett, a certified trichologist at IHS Hair Replacement in London. “The great news is that adding a lower pH (higher acidity) product like apple cider vinegar to the scalp can help tone the scalp in other words, it helps maintain the scalp’s proper pH.”
Removes build-up without drying
“ACV’s clarifying properties gently cleanse the hair, purging residues from styling products and environmental pollutants,” Bennett continues. Plus, it does so without drying your hair or skin out. “ACV can remove build-up without stripping the hair of natural oil, which can prevent moisturizing products from penetrating the shaft of the hair,” adds Federico.
Clarifies and cleanses
“Applying this solution effectively eliminates environmental and product residue buildup, leaving your hair exceptionally clean and shiny,” says Bacchi.
Soothes scalp itchiness
Because ACV has anti-inflammatory benefits, it can improve the overall health of the scalp while also helping to reduce itching, says Dr. Garshick. “ACV boasts natural acidity that balances the scalp’s pH levels, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth while warding off dandruff and itchiness,” Bennett adds.
Reduces flaking
On that note, Haygood tells Glamour that dandruff sufferers can benefit from using ACV too. “It clarifies the scalp to help achieve proper pH balance therefore reducing flakes,” he says.
Promotes shine
“ACV removes buildup and closes the hairs cuticles, which makes hair more light reflective and shiny,” Haygood explains. “The cleansing capabilities of apple cider vinegar not only get our hair and scalp super squeaky clean: they help restore luster and shine to dull locks, too,” Bennett says.
Combats greasy hair
Since apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, it leaves it it primed for functioning optimally, notes Federico. “When the scalp functions optimally, it produces less oil,” he says.
Boosts volume
“ACV is ideal for anyone who has fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily, says Haygood. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift.”
Reduces frizz
ACV helps to smooth and protect the cuticle. According to Bacchi and Dr. Garshick, this can help to reduce frizz.
Detangles
“The acidic nature of ACV can help smooth the hair cuticle, making it easier to detangle and manage,” Bacchi explains. “This, in turn, can contribute to reduced breakage and smoother, more manageable hair.”
Smooths and softens
Atop serving as a natural de-tangler, Bennett says that ACV smooths and softens the hair as well.
Protects hair color
Another benefit to smoothie and protecting the cuticle? It helps preserve the longevity of hair color, says Dr. Garshick.
Combats breakage
“It is universally proven that the lack of moisture in the hair may cause split ends and hair breakage,” Bennett says. “These two issues motivate the hair cells’ porosity, making hair fall more prominent in this situation. Using an apple cider vinegar strengthens the hair follicles and thus prevents split ends or hair breakage.”
Is apple cider vinegar for all hair types?
Apple cider vinegar can work for all types. “An apple cider vinegar rinse can be extremely helpful for those that have combination hair types, but in general can be used on all hair types,” says Federico. “That’s because apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, leaving it primed for functioning optimally.”
However many stylists specifically recommend the treatment for anyone with fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily in particular. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift,” says Haygood.
How and when you use it also depends on your hair type. “You can use apple cider vinegar on all hair types but again, if your hair is on the dryer side, I would only suggest using it a few times a month diluted with water,” says Bacchi. “See how it makes your hair feel and go from there.”
How to use apple cider vinegar for hair
First things first: Do not apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair or scalp. “It could cause irritation because it’s acidic and very strong,” says Haygood. “It’s best to use products that have ACV in them rather than using it alone.” You can also dilute a DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse (more on that below).
“The best way to use an ACV Shampoo and conditioner is to lather and massage into wet hair for about 2 minutes. This will allow the ingredients to really soak in and then rinse thoroughly,” he says. For the best results, Haygood recommends using both an ACV shampoo and conditioner together, like Pura D’or Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner.
PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar Thin2Thick Shampoo & Conditioner
R+Co Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse
There’s also the better known option of doing an apple cider vinegar rinse. “R+Co’s Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse is the perfect once weekly treatment for restoring the ideal PH balance,” says Federico. “Though it’s great for all hair types, it’s particularly good for color clients, because while it removes buildup, it doesn’t remove color.”
Glamour is also particularly fond of Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse and dpHUE ACV Revitalizing Shampoo, while Dr. Garshick recommends Aveeno Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar In Shower Hair Rinse. “This hair rinse works to both clarify, and improve overall shine in the hair. It is especially good for those with oily hair,” says Dr. Garshick. “As an in-shower rinse, it is best applied after shampooing and prior to conditioning.”
Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
dpHUE ACV Revitalizing Shampoo
How to DIY an apple cider vinegar rinse
Haygood and Bacchi also points to making an at-home, DIY hair rinse. Here’s how they suggest mixing your own.
Dilute 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water.After shampoo and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair and work it into scalp.Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes.Rinse with cool or cold water to close the cuticle, boost shine, and reduce frizz.
As for how often to use the rinse? This depends on your hair type. “For those with thin or fragile hair, applying it every few weeks or twice a month is advisable. Those with a sensitive scalp should consider using it only a couple of times a month,” says Bacchi. “If you have long, thick hair, using it up to twice a week is an option. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice based on how the solution feels on your scalp and hair.”
At the end of the day, while apple cider vinegar has its benefits, it’s essential to be mindful. “Exercise caution if you experience any stinging, itchiness, or dry sensations after using apple cider vinegar on your scalp,” Bacchi concludes. “In such cases, it’s advisable to discontinue its use and opt for a salon product recommended by a professional.”
Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.
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