Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair
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Estimated Read Time: 2.5 minutes
Summary: In this blog we detail and explore how apple cider vinegar can help combat an itchy, dry scalp. We’ll discuss the benefits of using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse, how it can help balance the pH of your scalp and how to make it! Read on to discover more about apple cider vinegar hair rinses, how often you can use one and why it may be worth trying…
Apple Cider Vinegar is very popular for health detoxes and as a condiment! But can it support the health of your hair and scalp, too?
It’s believed that Apple Cider Vinegar (We’re going to call it ACV from here…), when used as a hair rinse, can enhance the shine of your tresses, strengthen each strand and improve the state of your often forgotten about scalp.
Well, there have been studies! And it can be argued that ACV can actually support with all these things! So, for those with itchy, dry scalps or hair that’s prone to breakage, perhaps an Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse is something for you to explore…
Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair
ACV is in fact an acidic substance, which doesn’t sound right, does it? Putting acid on your head…
However, hair that’s brittle or prone to frizz, is likely to be more on the higher end of the pH scale, meaning it’s more alkaline (the opposite of acidic). The idea is, you need to add a bit of acid to neutralise the hair and the scalp’s pH again, so actually acid can be a friend to dry, frizzy hair and itchy scalps!
When it comes to your hair, keeping and maintaining the perfect hair pH balance can help prevent problems such as hair loss, thinning and dullness. The natural and healthy pH level of your hair ranges between 4.5 and 5.5 – meaning that our hair is naturally more acidic anyway [1].
We need and want our hair to be between these two levels for optimum health, as the cuticles will naturally stay closed and healthy, helping to support the strength and thickness of each individual strand and follicle. So, apple cider vinegar for hair may sound a bit more logical now…
ACV is also rich in Vitamin C and B. Vitamin B is known to be a hydrating vitamin so helps the scalp and hair stay moisturised and Vitamin C helps our body fight the effects of free radicals. It can support in offsetting the damage we might get from pollution and/or overexposure to the sun.
Read more about How Vitamin C Can Revamp Your Hair here.
Read more about Vitamin B5 For Hair here.
Read more about Free Radicals & Why They Aren’t Good For Us here.
Sound like something you may want to try? Great! But how does one make an apple cider vinegar hair rinse…?
Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair: How To Make An Apple Cider Hair Rinse
After shampooing & conditioning with your favourite hypoallergenic Microstem Shampoo & Conditioner, simply mix together a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar with 250ml of warm water. It’s essential your ACV rinse is mixed and diluted with water, otherwise it will be too strong for your scalp to cope with.
If the smell is too much for you, add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil to tame the aroma! Read up on How Different Essential Oils Can Benefit The Scalp And Hair here, too!
Then, pour the mixture through the hair and over the scalp, leave for a couple of minutes and rinse out with cool water.
Ta-da!
Cel Pro Tip: If you live in an area with hard water, boil it first and let it cool before using. This will reduce the effect of the high mineral content on your hair!
Read more on how hard water and soft water effect your hair in different ways here!
Try adding an apple cider vinegar hair rinse a couple of times a week to your routine. Be mindful that doing it too frequently can make the scalp and hair too acidic. So, doing it more than twice in a week can cause the scalp to feel even more itchy, irritated and it could even burn.
As with any product or new regime, if you experience any discomfort, redness, itchiness or soreness, stop using immediately and rinse out with cool water.
Our Final Thoughts on Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair…
Apple Cider Vinegar can be great for strengthening your locks and balancing your pH levels in the strands and on the scalp. However, it shouldn’t be relied on to reduce inflammation or solve other issues of the scalp. Always consult with your doctor if you have a persistent issue.
Remember, Apple Cider Vinegar won’t work for everyone. Everyone’s hair varies. But, see if it works for you and if not, try other avenues or natural-based products!
