A while back before I jumped on the Apple Cider Vinegar for hair bandwagon, I had several questions including:
- Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for hair?
- What does Apple Cider Vinegar do to your hair?
- How do I use Apple Cider Vinegar for hair?
- Can Apple Cider Vinegar damage hair?
- Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for colored hair?
From my research, I found that Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has many benefits on hair and is safe to use on hair provided it’s used correctly.
I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for some time now. The one thing I love about it is the way it instantly conditions and defines my curls when I use it as a hair rinse.
In this article we will focus on answering the above questions to help you make the decision of whether to use ACV for your hair or not.
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Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for hair?
Apple Cider Vinegar is packed with live cultures, minerals and natural acids all good for the hair. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties may help control bacteria and fungi thus promoting a healthy scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar is also great at controlling frizz as it helps in flattening and closing the hair cuticle.
If you would like to try Apple Cider Vinegar on your hair, we recommend this brand.
What does Apple Cider Vinegar do to your hair?
Helps restore PH balance
Apple Cider Vinegar contains good amounts of acetic acid which makes it good for hair that is dull, frizzy and brittle. Dry and frizzy hair tends to be more alkaline and therefore Apple Cider Vinegar plays the role of stabilizing the hair pH.
Hair is slightly acidic in nature. The PH ranges from 4.0-5.0. The acidic nature of hair and scalp keeps the cuticles closed and healthy.
When the hair PH level is altered, the hair strands swell and the cuticle scales open causing frizz and in severe cases, this may result in hair breakage.
Promotes a healthy scalp
Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, Apple Cider Vinegar may prevent fungal and bacterial growth thus promoting a healthy scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar also contains nutrients (vitamins B, C, and potassium), which are further promote a healthy scalp. [1]
Clears out product build-up
Dealing with grease and grime on your head is not a walk in the park. To get it off you need a product that can clear out all stubborn products at a go.
The good news is that apple cider vinegar will get the job done. Due to its acidic nature, it’s effective in clearing product that has clung onto your hair for a time.
ACV clarifies and exfoliates the hair and scalp by removing dead skin and product build-up that may block the pores. Its acidic content loosens the dandruff flakes and thins the oil film paving way for easy elimination.
Whether you are dealing with grease or grime or whatever product build-up, surprisingly this natural cleanser may work better than your regular shampoo.
Conditions the hair
If you are looking to add that bounce to your natural hair, an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse is the magic that you need.
Apple cider vinegar helps in adding volume and curls to your hair without weighing down your hair as other silicone-based conditioners would.
Before taking down a protective style, I rinse my hair with Apple Cider Vinegar which make it very soft and easy to take down. The conditioned hair is also much easier to detangle.
Promotes hair growth
Apple Cider Vinegar helps stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation to hair follicles. It also helps in maintaining a healthy PH balance of the hair and scalp thus accelerating hair growth.
Hair needs nutrients to grow; Apple Cider Vinegar is rich nutrients including potassium and vitamin B that are beneficial in keeping your mane healthy and strong.
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar for hair
The best way to use Apple Cider Vinegar for hair is to use it as a hair rinse as outlined below:
- Mix 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with 5 cups of water
- Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo
- Proceed to rinse the hair with the Apple Cider Vinegar mixture, working through your scalp and gently massaging it
- Let it sit for 5-7 minutes
- Proceed to rinse out
Other methods of using Apple Cider Vinegar include:
- Use it for the maximum hydration method to clarify the hair
- Use it as shampoo if you are going for the no-poo method
- Rinse your protective style with ACV before taking it down to make dangling easier
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Damage hair?
Whilst using Apple Cider Vinegar for hair has a number of benefits, using it too frequently or not diluting well can lead to problems. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can irritate a sensitive scalp or lead to hair damage.
If you notice any hair or scalp issues after using Apple Cider Vinegar, stop using it immediately. Ensure you do a patch test with different concentrations and frequency to see what works best for you.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Colored Hair?
Apple Cider Vinegar is slightly acidic and therefore not enough to make the hair color fade. The only precaution that one should take is to ensure that you do not use it too often as it may begin to affect the hair color.
Now, this may seem contrary to popular belief that the using of Apple Cider Vinegar on colored hair may strip the hair of its color. If you have colored hair, I would urge to do a bit more research before you make the decision of using it.
Conclusion
Over the years, Apple Cider Vinegar has been used as a natural remedy for many things including hair. This will not stop any time soon. When used correctly, Apple Cider Vinegar is perfectly safe to use and can transform your hair into what you’ve always envisioned.
Before you leave, you may find this recommended products page useful. Here you will find the natural hair products that my friends & I have found to be very good for natural hair.
