When we talk about hair problems and the efforts needed to make our hair look somewhat presentable, one of the biggest hurdles is oily hair. No wonder because oily hair plagues us all now and then. Nobody wants to look and feel like they just stepped out of a tropical jungle, looking greasy and sloppy. So, we’re all looking for a quick, effective, affordable solution to this problem. That’s where Apple Cider Vinegar comes in. 

For those unaware, apple cider vinegar comes from aged apples that have been fermented. Its most popular use is in daily cooking and sometimes for cleaning. But people also use it as a treatment method for damaged hair, and due to its efficiency, the product has made waves in the haircare world.

Have you wondered if you can use apple cider vinegar to tackle oily hair? Well, read on to find out more.

Table of contents:

• Why do people have greasy hair?
• Why is Apple Cider Vinegar good for greasy hair?
• How do you use apple cider vinegar for oily scalp?
• Does apple cider vinegar dry out hair?
• How often should I use apple cider vinegar shampoo?
• Pro tip: apple cider vinegar hair mask for oily hair

Why do people have greasy hair?

Greasy hair is caused due to many different things. This includes pollution, hormones, neglecting to wash your hair or washing it too much, using the wrong type of products in your hair, and so on. The problem catches on like the common cold, but surprisingly, it is not as easy to treat. There are a few solutions, and apple cider vinegar is one of those.

Why is Apple Cider Vinegar good for greasy hair?

Apple cider vinegar has astringent properties that are useful in getting the slick out of oily hair. According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, apple cider vinegar's naturally occurring anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory elements provide the necessary nourishment for a person’s hair. This keeps the scalp from retaining too much oil and, therefore, staying healthy.

How do you use apple cider vinegar for oily scalp?

An oily scalp may seem harmless to those who don’t care about our hair, but it can lead to quite a few problems if left untreated. Your scalp ideally needs a bit of oil, but the amount of it needs to be regulated. Excess oil can lead to various skin conditions, mess up the pH level of your hair, and retain a lot more dirt, grime, and hair product.

One way to treat this is to use apple cider vinegar for oily hair. This concoction is usually made by mixing three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. To apply the solution, wash your hair with a normal cleanser, then apply the solution to the scalp. This will let the solution seep through your hair to the scalp, which should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes. After that, it can be washed off with cold water. Rinse your hair to make sure it is completely clean. You should notice a difference in your hair’s oil levels once you start regularly using apple cider vinegar on your scalp.

Does apple cider vinegar dry out hair?

Apple cider vinegar is a slightly acidic concoction. It is a fermented and distilled form of organic apples aged in wooden barrels. It contains a carboxylic acid known as acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid and other nutrients such as potassium, zinc, and iron. These are all good for your hair, but the amount of acetic acid present in ACV matters above all else.

Generally, when apple cider vinegar is used to treat a person’s skin or hair, it is used in a diluted form, intermittently over a long period. Pure or concentrated use of ACV can be harsh on your body. So yes, if apple cider vinegar is not used properly, it can dry out your hair. Advisably, you should avoid using it if you have extremely dry hair.

How often should I use apple cider vinegar shampoo?

Thankfully, in shampoo form, apple cider vinegar is diluted to the right amount and completely safe to use. Haircare experts suggest that people suffering from frequently greasy or oily hair should use an apple cider vinegar shampoo about 3 to 4 times a week. This ensures that your scalp is nourished properly and has time to breathe in between. The nutrients in the shampoo remain active on your scalp for a couple of days at least, so you don’t have to wake up every day worrying about the state of your hair.

Other than using apple cider vinegar for oily hair, products such as this WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo are recommended for their many other benefits too. Due to its organic and all-natural sourcing, you don’t have to worry about product buildup or synthetic damage to your hair. It has been known to prevent hair fall, reduce frizziness, as well as lower the chances of dandruff buildup.

Pro tip: apple cider vinegar hair mask for oily hair

You can create an ACV mask to apply on your hair during a shower to treat excess oil. Do this by mixing a little bit of apple cider vinegar (about ½ a tablespoon) with two tablespoons of honey and a little bit of olive oil. If you don’t have the time to go through the trouble of making it yourself, you could always get WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask or something similar. Once ready, apply the mask to previously washed and rinsed hair and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, clean your hair properly; use shampoo if necessary.

At the end of the day, our hair is important to us. We have to nourish and preserve it. Some of us have extensive haircare regimes, while others have minimal routines. Whatever the case, it’s safe to say that apple cider vinegar is an important addition to maintaining one’s hair. 

These days people rarely have the time or the inclination to go through several different products, each producing only a singular result. All of us would prefer a more efficient way of treating our hair. We can’t all afford to go to a hair salon weekly to have professionals work on improving our hair. A hair routine that is easy and can be followed at home is necessary. That is why ACV and products derived from this all-natural substance provide a wholesome solution to your hair-related problems.

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. From our all natural sulfate, silicone and paraben-free hair care collection we recommend Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo. And if you would like to learn more about apple cider vinegar's benefits or onion oil's benefits check out our ultimate guide on how to use them on your hair.