The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair: What They Are and How to Get Them

Why spend money on special serums and masks when you have a magic hair care ingredient in your pantry already?

Worldwide, people use apple cider vinegar to solve numerous hair and skin concerns. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has numerous benefits for your health. If you begin incorporating it into your diet and your beauty routine, you might be surprised by the great results.

By adding it to your shower time, you can have hair that feels luscious, strong and itch-free.

Here’s how to begin.

How to Use It

Before you can enjoy any of the benefits of ACV, you must first learn how to use the product. If you use too much or forget to dilute it, it can irritate your skin.

Follow these simple steps:

• Start by filling a plastic cup or container with water.
• Add a few tablespoons of vinegar and mix.
• After you’ve shampooed your hair, pour the cup of vinegar water over your head. You should work from the top down and pour a little in each section to disperse it evenly.
• Massage your scalp with your fingertips.
• By the time you have finished rubbing the mixture through everywhere, you will be ready to rinse.
• Once you have rinsed thoroughly, continue with the rest of your hair care routine.

This simple apple cider vinegar wash will provide your hair with several benefits. Keep reading to learn more!

Balances Your Scalp‘s pH Level

The pH scale refers to whether a substance is acidic or alkaline. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 acting as the base. Most standard shampoos have a high pH, meaning they are alkaline-heavy. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so adding it to your tresses will encourage healthy pH levels.

Studies show that an alkaline pH can increase the friction between fibers, leading to cuticle damage and hair breakage. Around 62% of popular shampoos have a pH value higher than 5, but research shows that anything over 5.5 can damage your scalp. This means most shampoos are causing frizziness and increasing static electricity in your hair.

Introducing ACV into your treatment will counterbalance the alkaline shampoo, reducing the adverse side effects.

Eliminates Bacteria and Fungi

Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial, so it will help prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Bacteria and fungus can frequently cause an itchy and flaky scalp, so implementing ACV may reduce irritation and inflammation.

Strengthens Hair

Do you struggle with breakages and frizz? ACV can help with that! This household staple will strengthen your cuticles and smoothen the fibers — producing a soft and polished-looking ‘do.

ACV is made by crushing apples to collect the juice. The juice is fermented with yeast that converts the sugars into alcohol. The alcohol is then converted into acetic acid using bacteria fermentation. The final product contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to hair care.

Clears Out Stubborn Products

The acidic nature of the vinegar helps break down scalp buildup. It acts as a natural exfoliant for your skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The materials that pile up in your hair include:

• Oil.
• Sweat.
• Skin cells.
• Dirt particles and dust.
• Hair care products.

Buildup can cause flakiness, so ACV can help eliminate those pesky white bits that always seem to appear. By clearing away the materials that clog your skin, you will also experience less itchiness.

Without those old products and grime hanging around, your locks will feel softer, look shinier and smell better.

Lightens Your Hair Naturally

Who would have guessed that the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair include natural DIY highlights!

Simply mix one part vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle and spritz onto your tresses.

Sitting out in the sun may speed up the process, but it isn’t required. Leave the product on for 10-20 minutes and then wash it out.

Enjoy your newly brightened locks!

Embrace the Shine

The benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair are extraordinary. Start enjoying them today by adding a bit of acidity to your daily routine. If you have dyed hair, test the vinegar mixture on a few strands to see how it reacts before washing your entire head.

Pro tip? Buy a few bottles, because you’ll want to use this pantry staple daily once you see the results!