Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV as it is popularly known, is vinegar formed by the fermentation of crushed apples. ACV is high in acetic acid as well as vitamins B, and C. Vinegar has been used since ancient times as a healing medicine. Its benefits have now spread to include managing several medical conditions, including blood sugar and diabetes. 

The properties of ACV and its nutrient content make it a potential solution for many hair problems. From dandruff to split ends and stronger hair growth, ACV is a potential home remedy for many ills of the hair. An apple cider vinegar hair treatment may just be the solution you have been seeking all along!

Table of Contents:

• What does apple cider vinegar do to hair and scalp?
• Acts as a pH Modifier
• Helps Maintain a Clean Hair-and-Scalp Environment
• Serves as an Exfoliator for the Scalp
• Apple cider vinegar hair treatment benefits
• Removes Frizz
• Gets Rid of Oiliness
• Provides Relief from Scalp Itchiness
• Nourishes Hair and Promotes Growth
• Soothes Hair
• Apple cider vinegar hair treatment recipe
• Apple cider vinegar hair treatment for dandruff
• Should I wet my hair before applying apple cider vinegar?

What does apple cider vinegar do to hair and scalp?

Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. The advantage of ACV is that it takes care of both the scalp and hair. Here is how an apple cider vinegar hair treatment works for the hair and scalp:

Acts as a pH Modifier

Apple cider vinegar contains a substantial amount of acetic acid. Hair that appears frizzy and dull is more likely to have a high pH count, meaning it is more alkaline.

Using a substance such as ACV, which is highly acidic, can bring down the pH level. The pH balance creates a healthy scalp environment.

Helps Maintain a Clean Hair-and-Scalp Environment

ACV has excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Regular use removes bacteria and any fungus inhabiting the scalp. A well-formulated ACV rinse can address dry or itchy scalp, minor scalp infections, and flaky skin.

Serves as an Exfoliator for the Scalp

Alpha-hydroxy acid is a key ingredient in ACV, which helps clarify the scalp. An ACV rinse removes dead skin cells. Deep exfoliation breaks down build-up and promotes hair rejuvenation.

Additionally, ACV is gentle on the skin. Though an intense clarifier, it does not weaken hair by removing its natural oil and moisture content.

Apple cider vinegar hair treatment benefits

Removes Frizz

With its highly acidic nature, ACV brings the high alkaline content of frizzy and dry hair to balance. In addition, ACV forms a coating layer on the cuticle, which turns hair smoother and shinier.

Gets Rid of Oiliness

Greasy hair ensues from excess natural oil build-up. Greasy hair also weighs down strands. ACV removes excess oils and frees strands of their weight. Oiliness is removed, while volume and luster are added to the hair.

Provides Relief from Scalp Itchiness

A healthy scalp is the right foundation for healthy hair. An unhealthy scalp can become vulnerable to irritation, which predominantly manifests as itchiness. ACV promotes scalp health by getting rid of factors responsible for such irritation. ACV protects the skin from fungi and bacteria, keeping the ambiance hygienic and resistant to infections. It maintains the scalp's pH in balance.

Nourishes Hair and Promotes Growth

Apple cider vinegar has nutrients such as vitamins B and C, which are essential vitamins for hair growth. These vitamins nourish strands, making them stronger from the roots.

In its role as an exfoliator, Apple cider vinegar removes product build-up. This frees up hair follicles for excellent nutrient reception.

By removing dead skin cells, ACV rejuvenates new cell growth. As a result, new hair cells develop, promoting new hair growth. The strands are stronger as ACV provides essential nutrient replenishment.

Soothes Hair

As an intense cleanser, ACV cleans deep, which can be stressful for the hair. But ACV is gentle, which reduces any negative impact of the deep cleanse.

If you are using ACV shampoos, choose natural shampoos with extra ingredients to balance the effects of clarification.

WOW, Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, for example, is a well-balanced formulation. The shampoo uses raw apple cider vinegar in combination with argan oil, sweet almond oil, and nettle leaf extract.

These accompanying ingredients nourish hair with vitamins and moisture after an intense clean-up.

Apple cider vinegar hair treatment recipe

Preparing a rinse for apple cider vinegar hair treatment is easy.

• Take 3 to 4 tablespoons of ACV in its raw form. Add 3 to 4 cups of water to the ACV. Transfer the mix to a pumping bottle.
• Spray the mix over your hair, from the roots to the end of strands. Massage the mix gently to spread it over the entire scalp.
• Leave the rinse for 2 to 5 minutes before washing it off with cool water.

Remember to start the treatment with a shampoo session. Shampooing cleanses the scalp and facilitates better absorption of the mix.

End the treatment with a shampooing and conditioning session. This haircare provides the nourishing and moisturizing required after a thorough cleanse.

Apple cider vinegar hair treatment for dandruff

Dandruff can irritate hair with all its white flakes, scales, and itching. In addition, the constant itch-scratching can damage hair follicles, stunting healthy hair growth.

Introduce ACV into your haircare routine, either as a shampoo or rinse. The vinegar’s excellent antifungal and antibacterial properties keep the scalp clean of the yeast Malassezia, which is responsible for developing dandruff.

Inflammation is often an associated symptom of dandruff. With its significant anti-inflammatory properties, ACV soothes the scalp and eases irritations.

Apple cider vinegar hair treatment for dandruff:

• Pour 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a container with 2 cups water.
• Pour this mix slowly on the scalp. Rub the mix simultaneously to ensure uniform spreading across the scalp.
• Rest the mix on your scalp for about 2 minutes.
• Rinse the mix with water.

Shampoo your hair and use a conditioner before application of the ACV rinse.

Using ACV with lemon and aspirin is also an effective anti-dandruff treatment.

Should I wet my hair before applying apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar can be applied on dry or wet hair.

Application on wet hair demands greater ACV dilution. If you apply on wet hair, use ACV and water in a 1:4 combination. For dry hair application, use a 1:2 combination.

Apple cider vinegar hair treatment benefits both hair and scalp. Regular treatment addresses dandruff problems, dry scalp issues, and hair breakage. ACV also boosts hair growth and shine naturally. Try this amazing product with an easy-to-prepare rinse and experience the benefits.