Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is a solution of vinegar obtained from the fermentation of crushed apples. ACV contains many nutrients, including Vitamin C, B, and acetic acid. ACV is also an effective antioxidant and antimicrobial substance.

Given its rich profile of nutrients, it is no wonder that ACV is a popular ingredient in foods and recipes. But did you know that ACV is also a traditional medicine?

The use of ACV goes back centuries. Ancient people are believed to have used ACV for improving health, disinfecting wounds, and general healing. In the current times, experts believe that the use of ACV might help reduce blood sugar levels. ACV shows a positive blood sugar effect by influencing the body’s mechanism for food absorption from the guts.

The benefits of ACV extend to hair too. They are one of the most common ingredients in haircare products. So, what does apple cider vinegar in hair do? Is using apple cider vinegar in hair safe and effective? Read on to discover the answers.

Table of contents:

• Is it safe to wash hair with apple cider vinegar?
• How often should you wash your hair with apple cider vinegar?
• How long should I leave apple cider vinegar in my hair?
• What happens if you put too much apple cider vinegar in your hair?
• Should I use ACV rinse before or after shampooing?

Is it safe to wash hair with apple cider vinegar?

Yes, ACV is safe for use on the hair. The rich vitamins in the vinegar make it a useful source of nutrient enrichment for your locks. The acetic acid in ACV, in particular, lends antimicrobial properties to the vinegar.

The antimicrobial nature of ACV makes it an effective remedy for dandruff. Regular use of ACV reduces yeast and bacteria on hair and scalp. A cleaner scalp and hair lead to reduced incidents of dandruff, scalp pimples, and scalp irritations.

ACV is acidic. The acidic properties of vinegar help balance the pH of hair. Hair with high pH tends to go frizzy, brittle, and lifeless. Hair fibers undergo friction in a high pH environment, which damages hair cuticles and causes hair breakage.

A balanced pH environment, promoted by ACV in hair, reduces friction and removes hair dullness and brittleness.

How often should you wash your hair with apple cider vinegar?

Use apple cider vinegar in hair 1 to 2 times a week. This frequency of application ensures that you get the best hair results, including the following:

• ACV has alpha-hydroxy acid. This component acts as a natural exfoliator for the scalp and hair. As an efficient exfoliator, ACV eliminates dead cells and buildup from products and pollutants.
• The removal of impurities de-congests hair follicles, making them free to absorb nutrients from food and haircare products. This efficient absorption strengthens the scalp and strands, promoting excellent hair growth.
• Excellent antimicrobial properties of ACV counter dandruff efficiently. An inflamed scalp may carry white flakes and can be red and itchy. In addition, ACV’s anti-inflammatory nature helps heal skin inflammation arising from dandruff.
• ACV can improve blood circulation to hair follicles, which is key to maintaining the looks and health of your locks.
  
  

How long should I leave apple cider vinegar in my hair?

Leave apple cider vinegar in your hair for maximum benefits for 2 to 5 minutes. The duration may vary if you use ACV with other ingredients. For example, ACV can be applied after mixing a teaspoonful of vinegar with egg yolk and a spoonful of castor oil. You may want to leave this application for an hour on the hair.

If you are using ACV on its own, then you may want to follow the procedure below for application:

• Take ACV in a measure of 2-4 tablespoons. Mix it with water in a measure of 16 ounces.
• Apply the mixture slowly all over the hair, spreading it gently throughout it.
• Leave the mixture for 2 to 5 minutes.
• Wash ACV out of your hair.
  
  

You can add essential oil to ACV if you feel the acidic smell of the vinegar is too strong.

Another way to use ACV is to mix it with honey in the following way:

• Mix equal parts of ACV and honey.
• Apply the mixture to the hair along the strands and on the scalp.
• Leave the mix for 10 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.

Including ACV into your haircare routine in the above ways is beneficial in many ways:

• Study shows that micronutrients, including Vitamin B and Vitamin C are key to hair follicle development. Also, the unavailability of nutrients in adequate amounts can result in stunted hair growth and hair structure.
• ACV with its rich nutrient profile, especially vitamins B and C, reduces hair loss. By enriching hair and scalp with vitamins B and C, ACV increases red blood cells. This increase enables hair and scalp to receive oxygen and nutrients more efficiently. These factors promote hair growth.
• The acidic nature of ACV helps seal hair cuticles more efficiently. This sealing preserves moisture, keeping hair strands and the scalp well-hydrated. This hydrated condition imparts natural luster to locks.
• If you love color-treating your hair, ACV can be a great addition to your care kit. With its sealing efficiency, ACV helps you flaunt your hair color longer.
• ACV is well-known for its efficiency in keeping your hair free of tangles. Frizzy hair tends to tangle a lot. ACV, with its pH-balancing nature, reduces frizz and tangling. In addition, ACV’s ability to preserve moisture reduces dryness and tangling that could result from dryness.
• ACV is acidic, which helps maintain smooth hair cuticles. This smoothness reduces tangles, allowing your hairbrush to run smoothly through the strands.  
  
  

What happens if you put too much apple cider vinegar in your hair?

ACV can be great for your hair, but only in moderation. If you use vinegar in excess, you can experience side effects. If your scalp or hair issues have taken a turn for the worse after ACV use, then stop using it. Else, reduce the quantity of ACV or the frequency of ACV use.

It is important to dilute ACV before use as it contains acetic acid. Without dilution, ACV can become caustic, which may cause burns or irritations on the scalp.

Avoid using ACV in combination with scalp scrubs and exfoliants as it can lead to irritation.

Should I use ACV rinse before or after shampooing?

It is best to use ACV after you shampoo your hair and condition your tresses. ACV is nutrient-rich and has healthy moisturization capability, which makes the vinegar a natural hair conditioner.

ACV shampoo and coconut/avocado oil conditioner are excellent for hair health. They help to nourish and moisturize the hair, protect it from damage caused by UV rays, and restore shine and strength to dull, dry locks.

Consider using ACV formulations that carry other ingredients beneficial to hair. WOW Skin Science has powerful ACV-based haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.

These well-researched formulations are 100% natural and free of parabens, silicone, and sulfates. They are vegan and gluten-free too.

For the best haircare, these ACV formulations include argan oil, nettle leaf extract, and sweet almond oil, which are powerful hair nourishers.

There are also ACV formulations with coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and castor oil. These supporting ingredients are known for their hydration, sun protection, nourishment, and moisturization ability.

Explore WOW Skin Science’s powerful ACV haircare formulations now.