Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy. It’s often added to foods, and some people also apply it to their skin, scalp, or hair. It’s known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral actions, and it may also offer benefits for scalp flaking or thinning hair.
Research on the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair health is limited, and it may not be ideal for all hair types. As an acid, it should be diluted before using it on the hair or skin.
1. May Reduce Hair Thinning
Some evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar may be beneficial for people who have different forms of alopecia, which causes hair loss. In one experiment, researchers used minoxidil, a well-known treatment for hair loss and the main ingredient in Rogaine, and added garlic oil and apple cider vinegar to help improve its effects.
The results showed that absorption of minoxidil increased from 12.7% to 41.6%, which suggests that apple cider vinegar could be a useful natural additive to some hair growth treatments.
2. Removes Scalp Buildup
Apple cider vinegar may help reduce or remove scales or flakiness on the scalp, and it has been shown effective for treating cradle cap.
Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis in infants) is a common condition that affects many young babies, with greasy patches or crusts on the scalp. This condition is not painful, and it doesn’t cause any bleeding or harm to the baby. But some people may consider it cosmetically unappealing. Some shampoos or other techniques might help, and apple cider vinegar can be an option.
According to one review, apple cider vinegar may help cradle cap by reducing scalp dryness. They recommend mixing apple cider vinegar with water, applying the mixture to the scalp for about 15 minutes, and then washing off with warm water. Be careful not to let the apple cider vinegar get into a baby’s eyes.
3. May Help Treat Scalp Conditions
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which means that it fights many, different infectious organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is also anti-inflammatory and may have antioxidant properties. Some conditions that affect the scalp and hair are partially associated with inflammation and infections.
Scalp issues that might benefit from apple cider vinegar include:
To treat ringworm or head lice, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and dab it on the affected area. Head lice and ringworm are highly contagious. Do not reuse the cotton ball. Be sure to wash all fabrics, clothes, and bedding.
4. May Detangle and Help Fight Frizz
Some people say apple cider vinegar may help detangle your hair or reduce frizz. You can consider mixing apple cider vinegar with water and using a spray bottle to apply the mixture as you brush your hair or your child’s hair to see if it helps.
5. May Support Softness, Strength, Color, and Shine
You could consider using apple cider vinegar on your hair to help improve softness, strength, color, or shine. Many people feel that it helps their hair look and feel better, and you could try it out for yourself.
Potential Side Effects
For the most part, people who have tried apple cider vinegar say that it’s either beneficial or neutral, and it’s not usually reported as harmful. However, almost any substance—even natural substances—can be harmful in high amounts or could even be harmful in small amounts for some people.
One review noted that you must use a very high concentration of apple cider vinegar to achieve beneficial effects. Still, it can harm the scalp even at relatively low concentrations, potentially making it impractical.
Potential side effects of apple cider vinegar on your scalp or hair include:
- Might smell bad if you don’t thoroughly wash it out
- Can dry your hair, especially if you leave it on too long
- Can cause scalp irritation if you are sensitive to the acidity
- Might change the color of your hair, especially if you use hair coloring
Apple cider vinegar hasn’t been reported to cause permanent hair loss or serious harm to the hair, scalp, or skin. You might consider trying it for just a few minutes or even just a section of your hair to see the effects before you move on to using it on your whole head or scalp.
Start Carefully
Everybody responds differently to hair products, so it’s a good idea to see how something affects your hair before you incorporate it into your hair care routine. There isn’t any data on whether apple cider vinegar is better or worse for different hair types, so proceed with caution until you know how your hair is affected.
Will Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Out My Hair?
Apple cider vinegar might dry out your hair. The risk would be higher if you leave it in your hair without washing it out or if you use a large amount without also using other, more pH-balanced (acid/base balanced), water-based products.
When considering how frequently you should use apple cider vinegar, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Try out a small amount first before using a larger amount.
- Try it on a small area of your hair before using it all over your whole head.
- Wash out apple cider vinegar so there’s no residue in your hair or on your scalp.
- If you experience any irritation, shampoo your hair with gentle shampoo, wash out the shampoo with warm water, and use conditioner as usual.
If you develop a rash or hair loss after using apple cider vinegar, contact a healthcare provider. You could be having an allergic reaction.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Care
There is no proven way to use apple cider vinegar on your hair, but you can find some tips online. In general, recommendations suggest mixing apple cider vinegar with water or other products before applying to your hair, leaving it on your hair for just a few minutes, and thoroughly washing it out.
Do not use it undiluted on the hair. Dilute it to no more than 4 tablespoons in 1 cup of water. If mixing apple cider vinegar with shampoo or olive oil, add only a few drops.
Steps
- Massage into your hair.
- Leave on your hair for up to three to five minutes.
- Wash out thoroughly.
- Consider shampooing your hair, especially if you haven’t mixed apple cider vinegar with shampoo.
- Use conditioner or leave in products as usual.
- Dry and style as usual.
After this process, you can observe how your hair feels and decide if apple cider vinegar has been beneficial. You may consider trying it a few times to see if it has the desired effect on shine, de-frizzing, detangling, and overall hair appearance. You could also use it once weekly to add a little variety to your hair products.
Apple Cider Hair Rinse vs. Clarifying Shampoo
Key factors to consider regarding hair care products are whether the product contains sulfates and what the pH level is. Many clarifying shampoos have these features, and apple cider vinegar also has these benefits.
The sulfates found in many shampoos remove oil from the hair. Sulfate-free products are gentler on the hair.
One of the benefits of apple cider vinegar is that it helps balance pH, which is the acid-base makeup of a substance. Optimal pH is important for many aspects of health, including skin and hair health.
Whether you’re using shampoo or apple cider vinegar, it is important to fully rinse out the product from your hair with warm water before applying conditioner. Leaving these products in your hair for a long time or not fully rinsing out can cause drying.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar has been promoted as a natural remedy, antimicrobial, and for skin and hair health. This natural product can help people with ringworm and may help reduce cradle cap. Apple cider vinegar may also be beneficial when used along with minoxidil for hair loss.
There is scant evidence supporting its use for making hair look better, but many people feel that apple cider vinegar is helpful. There’s very little reported harm from using apple cider vinegar. Consider trying it in small amounts to see if there is an improvement in your hair before routinely using it.
