Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV or cider vinegar is a brown liquid with acetic acid and water as constituents. ACV is obtained from a fermentation process over a series of steps. The end result is apple cider vinegar with 5% to 6% acetic acid.

ACV has served as a healing solution for ancient people. The history of ACV goes back to 5000 B.C. when Babylonians used vinegar as a pickling agent and for preserving foods. ACV was popular across civilizations, with the Greeks, Africans, and Chinese, using vinegar as a healing medicine.

Of late, apple cider vinegar is increasingly being used for cosmetic reasons. It is used as part of weight loss diets and managing conditions such as cholesterol and diabetes. ACV is also a go-to ingredient for home remedies. ACV is used for sore throat, tummy upsets, leg cramps, and low-energy issues.

ACV's efficacy for the hair and scalp adds to these benefits. Discover what an apple cider vinegar rinse for hair can do.

Table of contents:

• Can you use Apple Cider Vinegar to rinse your hair?
• Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse benefits
• Free your hair from product build-up
• Get rid of scalp itchiness
• Remove dandruff naturally
• Do you use conditioner after apple cider vinegar rinse?
• Do you shampoo after apple cider vinegar rinse?
• Apple Cider Vinegar rinse for hair recipe

Can you use Apple Cider Vinegar to rinse your hair?

Yes, apple cider vinegar is safe and effective for multiple hair conditions when used in adequate quantities. So, how does an apple cider vinegar rinse for hair help?

ACV helps with its acidic properties and antimicrobial nature. Here’s how these properties work on your hair:

Nutrient enrichment

In addition to acetic acid, cider vinegar has polyphenolic compounds as a primary constituent. ACV has vitamins B and C. It also contains small amounts of calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

These compounds make ACV an effective nutrient for hair and scalp. In a Japanese study, Apple polyphenol compounds have been linked to hair regrowth in male subjects.

Vitamins B and C promote new hair growth. Also, vitamins and minerals are crucial for managing the hair follicle cycle, which is basic to healthy hair growth.

Acidic property

The acidic nature of ACV, imparted to the vinegar by acetic acid, helps counter any alkaline environment on the scalp. A highly alkaline hair environment can lead to frizzy and dull locks. With its acidity, ACV can influence the alkaline ambiance and create a balanced state for healthy hair growth.

Antimicrobial property

ACV has impressive antifungal and antibacterial properties. ACV’s antifungal properties may be effective against yeast infections on the skin. Cider vinegar has also been found to be effective against Staphylococcus Aureus and E. coli strains. These properties of cider vinegar make it effective for scalp infections and irritations such as itchiness. 

Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse benefits

Free your hair from product build-up

Remains from chemical-laden haircare products, dirt and grime can build into your hair. In addition, excess natural oil secretion adds to the build-up. These impurities block follicles, depriving them of their natural nutrition.

With an ACV rinse, you can get rid of such build-up. Unlike exfoliators with chemicals, ACV is not harsh when cleaning the hair and scalp. It is gentle and does not strip the hair of moisture and natural oils.

Get rid of scalp itchiness

ACV's antibacterial and antifungal properties act against the bacteria and fungi that can cause scalp infections. A regular hair routine with ACV keeps the scalp clean and itch-free. In addition, it heals the scalp.

Remove dandruff naturally

The efficiency of ACV in eradicating product build-up, bacteria, and fungi makes it a natural solution for dandruff. Get rid of symptoms with a regular ACV rinse if you have an itchy scalp, white flakes, or scalp irritations.

Do you use conditioner after apple cider vinegar rinse?

An ACV rinse can keep your scalp and hair well-moisturized. The acidic nature of ACV seals open cuticles. As a result, moisture gets locked within the strands. While ACV is moisturizing, the clarification process can be intense.

It is always better to moisturize your hair with a conditioner after an ACV rinse. Choose moisturizers with natural ingredients for deep nourishment.

WOW Skin Science has an extensive range of moisturizers formulated with powerful plant-based ingredients. The Coconut Milk Conditioner, for example, consists of coconut milk, a powerful hair and scalp nourisher.

There is sweet almond oil with essential skin and hair vitamins, including vitamins B1, B6, A, and E.

Castor oil serves as a lubricator, keeping strands moist and resistant to breakage. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and helps keep hair soft and moisturized.

Do you shampoo after apple cider vinegar rinse?

Yes, shampoo your hair after an ACV rinse. Shampooing removes any remnant ACV in hair. It protects hair from product build-up and any side effects that may arise from using ACV.

ACV is nourishing and beneficial for hair. But using excess amounts of the vinegar, or using it without dilution, can result in scalp burns. It is also better to rinse off an ACV rinse after a few minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar rinse for hair recipe

Preparing an apple cider vinegar rinse is easy. It involves diluting ACV with adequate water to avoid any scalp burns or irritations. A higher dilution works best if you are trying ACV for the first time.

You should check the effects of ACV on your hair first. If you do not find any improvement after regular ACV use, then try decreasing the dilution slightly.

Talk to your dermatologist about using ACV in case you have sensitive skin. ACV can be harsh on sensitive skin without proper dilution.

Use the following method to prepare ACV rinse:

• Take ACV in 2 to 4-tablespoon amounts. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
• Apply the solution on your hair and scalp by pouring it gently. Ensure the mix does not drip into your eyes while applying. If ACV comes in contact with your eyes, then wash your eyes immediately.
• Leave the mix for about 2 minutes.
• Wash off the ACV with cool water.
• Shampoo and condition your hair.
  
  

There is existing research to prove the benefits of apple cider vinegar. However, the studies are few and based on smaller samples. Still, some people have used ACV for their hair and experienced positive results. As a pantry staple, ACV is readily available. It is also cost-effective, which makes it a handy solution that deserves a try.