Apple cider vinegar is widely recognized for its numerous benefits for hair, contributing to its health and shine, and can be used to enhance your overall hair condition. Given its availability and ease of access, it's no surprise that apple cider vinegar has become a staple in hair care. However, it's important to consider the condition of your hair and scalp before using it. For instance, if you have dry hair or a dry scalp, it’s advisable to avoid using it, as it may exacerbate dryness.

It’s also crucial not to overuse apple cider vinegar to minimize potential irritation, and it’s best to avoid using it if you have open wounds or sores. There are many ways to reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar without irritating your scalp or hair. Here are some of those methods, along with how to use it properly.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair:

Apple cider vinegar is known for its many benefits, as it not only cleanses hair to remove product buildup but also promotes a healthy scalp due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Maintains pH Balance:

Research has shown that skin, including the scalp, is more acidic than hair. However, many hair care products are highly alkaline, meaning they have a high pH level. Adding a product like apple cider vinegar to the scalp can help maintain the appropriate pH levels.

Removes Buildup Without Drying Hair:

The cleansing properties of apple cider vinegar gently clean the hair, removing styling product residues and environmental pollutants without stripping your hair or skin of moisture.

Anti-inflammatory:

Applying apple cider vinegar effectively removes environmental product buildup, leaving hair clean and shiny. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can improve overall scalp health while reducing itchiness. The natural acidity of apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the scalp, creating an ideal environment for healthy hair growth and alleviating dandruff and itchiness.

Reduces Flaking:

‍Those suffering from dandruff can significantly benefit from using apple cider vinegar, as it purifies the scalp and helps achieve the right pH balance, thus reducing flakes.

Enhances Shine:

Apple cider vinegar removes buildup and closes the hair cuticle, making the hair shinier and more reflective. Its cleansing capabilities not only clean the scalp and hair but also help restore shine and luster to dull strands.

Treats Oily Hair:

‍ Since apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the hair and scalp, it allows the scalp to function optimally, producing less oil.

Boosts Volume:

‍Apple cider vinegar is ideal for anyone with fine, thin, damaged, or oily hair. This hair type can greatly benefit from apple cider vinegar as it helps rid hair of oils and product buildup, providing volume.

Reduces Frizz:

‍Apple cider vinegar helps smooth and protect the cuticle, thereby reducing frizz.

Detangles Hair:

‍The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can help smooth the hair cuticle, making it easier to detangle and style. This can, in turn, reduce breakage and result in softer, more manageable hair.

Conditions Hair:

‍In addition to being a natural detangler, apple cider vinegar also conditions the hair.

Protects Hair Color:

‍Apple cider vinegar helps maintain the longevity of hair color.

Fights Split Ends:

‍A lack of moisture in the hair contributes to split ends and breakage, leading to increased hair porosity and more loss. Using apple cider vinegar strengthens hair follicles and prevents split ends and damage.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Suitable for All Hair Types?

Apple cider vinegar is suitable for all hair types. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar can be extremely beneficial for those with mixed hair types, but generally, it can be used on all hair types, as it helps achieve a balance in pH levels for both hair and scalp.

Those with fine, weak, damaged, or oily hair will gain significant benefits from apple cider vinegar, as it helps remove oils and product buildup, adding volume and density.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair:

First, do not apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair or scalp, as it can cause irritation due to its acidity and potency. It’s best to use products containing apple cider vinegar rather than using it on its own. You can also dilute it with water.

The best way to use apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner is to create a lather and massage it into wet hair for about two minutes. This allows the ingredients to absorb, after which you should rinse thoroughly. For optimal results, use both apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner together.

There is also the option of rinsing with apple cider vinegar, which is the ideal treatment once a week to restore the perfect pH balance. While it’s great for all hair types, it’s especially good for color-treated hair because, while it removes buildup, it doesn’t strip color.

To Rinse Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Dilute 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water.

After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair and massage it into your scalp.

Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for a few minutes.

Rinse with cold water to close the cuticle, enhance shine, and reduce frizz.

The frequency of rinsing depends on your hair type. For those with fine or brittle hair, it’s advisable to apply it every few weeks. Those with sensitive scalps should use it only twice a month. If you have long, thick hair, you can use it twice a week. Ultimately, it depends on how the solution affects your scalp and hair.

Although apple cider vinegar has its benefits, it’s essential to use it correctly, especially if you experience any tingling, itching, or dryness after using it on your scalp. In such cases, it’s recommended to stop using it immediately.