The antibacterial nature of Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV makes it highly effective against the bacteria E. coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. The knowledge that humble apple cider vinegar can eradicate these notorious strains warrants further investigation into its different uses. There is a need for extensive research. Still, some studies emphasize the role of ACV in health conditions such as diabetes.

ACV has a history of being useful as a healing medicine. In addition to vitamins B and C, it has high acetic acid content. A Japanese study found that ACV can help reduce a maximum of 1/3rd of a pound of weight in a week. ACV can address other conditions, including sore throat, cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

The acidic nature of ACV and its nutrients are believed to have great benefits for hair. Know the hair conditions ACV can help you with and how to wash hair with apple cider vinegar.

Table of contents:

• Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Hair: A Comprehensive Overview
• A natural remedy for dandruff
• Maintains a healthy scalp
• Removes frizz and improves shine
• Enhances hair growth
• How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair: Tips and Techniques
• Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse for Hair: How to Cleanse and Condition Your Hair Naturally
• Possible side effects from washing hair with apple cider vinegar 
• Is It Safe to Leave Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair? Precautions and Side Effects to Consider

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Hair: A Comprehensive Overview

Apple cider vinegar is derived from apple juice. Apples are crushed and strained to obtain pure apple juice. The juice is then fermented for the formation of apple cider vinegar. Fermentation produces acetic acid, from which ACV gets its characteristic tangy flavor and taste.

So, what are the benefits of ACV that make it one of the most trusted haircare ingredients for many people?

A natural remedy for dandruff

Dandruff affects 10% to 50% of people at one point or the other in their lives. It is one of the most typical hair problems that are frustrating and embarrassing. Caused by the fungus Malassezia, dandruff usually manifests in the form of an itchy scalp and white flakes.

So, how does apple cider vinegar help with dandruff?

ACV can help address the symptoms of dandruff, such as an itchy scalp, as well as target the fungus itself. The vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which fight bacteria and fungi causing scalp itchiness and other mild infections.

ACV has malic acid, which works as a fantastic exfoliator. When applied to hair, ACV gets rid of dry skin and dead skin cells on the scalp. Not only is dandruff removed, but the scalp is also readied for new hair growth.

Maintains a healthy scalp

A clean and healthy scalp is fundamental to healthy hair growth. Scalp health flourishes when the pH of the environment is in balance. A pH imbalance makes the scalp vulnerable to diseases as the count of good bacteria in the environment is altered. Scalp dehydration and irritation are other side effects of pH imbalance.

Apple cider vinegar helps adjust the scalp's pH and brings it to its normal balance. This helps heal the scalp and relieve itchiness.

The best advantage of using ACV is that it balances scalp pH without removing good oils on the scalp.

Removes frizz and improves shine

The acetic acid in ACV combats dryness, which reduces frizz. Dry and frizzy hair is often due to the high alkaline content in the ambiance. ACV helps by handling the alkaline content with its acidic nature.

This interaction brings hair pH into balance, and health is restored. 

An ACV rinse also adds a natural shine to hair. This is because the vinegar develops a coating layer post-rinse, which smoothens the cuticle and increases its shine.

Enhances hair growth

ACV has nutrients such as Vitamin B, and Vitamin C packed into it.

These are essential vitamins needed for hair growth, Vitamin B boosts hair growth by increasing red blood cell production. Vitamin C facilitates hair growth by improving collagen production and protecting hair from free radical damage.

These benefits make ACV a valuable ingredient for natural hair care.

Apple cider vinegar improves hair growth by being an excellent exfoliator. It removes dead skin cells and product and oil build-up from the scalp, facilitating enhanced nutrient absorption. As the weight of grease and grime goes down, your hair feels lighter and naturally voluminous.

Apple cider vinegar is an intense clarifier. If you are using an ACV-based shampoo, then use a natural formulation with additional ingredients that offer nourishment.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo from WOW Skin Science has been formulated with your hair health in mind. It has argan oil for intense moisturization. Nettle leaf extract is blissfully soothing on the scalp. Sweet almond oil is nutrient-rich and provides the deep nourishment needed after a thorough cleanse.

How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair: Tips and Techniques

There are different methods to prepare an ACV rinse depending on the haircare you seek.

If you are wondering how to wash hair with apple cider vinegar for general hair health, then follow this process:

•     Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and add it to a cup of warm water,
•     Apply the rinse to your scalp.
•     Let it rest for a couple of minutes.
•     Clean the ACV off your scalp with warm water.
  
  

Here’s how to wash hair with apple cider vinegar using a slightly variant method:

•     Take 2 to 4 tablespoons of ACV. Mix it with 16 ounces or 2 cups of water.
•     Allow the mix to rest for a few minutes.
•     Wash it off with cold water.

How to wash hair with apple cider vinegar for dandruff? Follow these steps:

•     Take 1.5 cups of cool water. Add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar to the water.
•     Pour the rinse over the hair.
•     Avoid rinsing your hair again.
•     Apply a conditioner if necessary.

Shampoo your hair and condition it before starting an ACV session.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse for Hair: How to Cleanse and Condition Your Hair Naturally

How to wash hair with apple cider vinegar to cleanse hair? Check out the following steps:

• Shampoo your scalp to clean it for the cleansing treatment.
• Use about 3 to 4 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar. Mix it with 3 to 4 cups of cool water.
• Put this mix in a sprayer. Shake it well.
• Spray the mix all over your hair, from the scalp to the tip of the hair.
• Massage the spray to ensure a deeper spread into the hair and scalp.
• Allow 2 to 5 minutes to pass.
• Apply shampoo and conditioner and wash off the rinse.
  
  

Possible side effects from washing hair with apple cider vinegar 

While apple cider vinegar has great benefits, it needs to be used with caution. Use of excess ACV in its raw form can leave burns on the scalp. ACV, applied on its own, is highly acidic, which causes burns and skin irritations.

Dilute it with the prescribed quantity of water for each rinse. If you are using the rinse for the first time, you may want to use more dilution. Check the dilution that works for you. If you do not see results after a specific dilution, you may want to decrease the dilution.

Ensure the rinse does not get into contact with your eyes during application. If such contact occurs, then immediately wash off with water.  

Is It Safe to Leave Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair? Precautions and Side Effects to Consider

Avoid leaving apple cider vinegar for more than a few minutes. However, if you use the spray to get rid of dandruff, you can leave the rinse for 15 to 60 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar can help with multiple hair issues. It is easily available and affordable to buy, which makes ACV a potential remedy worth a try. ACV can be used on almost all types of hair and skin. But if you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before using an ACV rinse.

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.