Experts Say Apple Cider Vinegar Is The Ingredient Your Hair Is Missing
Apple cider vinegar doesn’t just belong in salads or wellness cleanses. It turns out, it’s also wildly effective when it’s whipped into hair care. It works as a clarifying agent to refresh your hair, imparts plenty of shine, and it also helps facilitate hair growth. That’s all thanks to the pH of apple cider vinegar, which is about 3—meaning it’s on the acidic side of the spectrum. Though it might seem like it would be harsh on hair, acid is actually really good for making your hair shinier and boosting your colour’s longevity. 'When [acid is] put on hair, it closes your cuticles,' says hairstylist Bobby Michael, co-owner of Manhattan’s Maverick House salon and R+Co global educator.
You can always get apple cider vinegar straight from the source, but there are also plenty of products like shampoos and hair serums that are made with apple cider vinegar. To learn more about apple cider vinegar and all of its benefits to hair, we spoke with experts to get their takes. Keep reading to learn all about apple cider vinegar, who it’s best for, and what it does for your hair.
What Are The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Hair And Scalp?
'ACV neutralizes and supports the natural biome of the scalp,' Hill says. 'Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties to cleanse and natural alpha hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate to encourage cellular turnover and create an optimal environment for hair to grow. On the hair shaft, ACV closes the cuticle, sealing in moisture and adding optimal shine.'
It also helps if you have any sort of scalp irritation. 'ACV is great for people with psoriasis because it can soothe the irritation and calm,' Michael says. 'It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.'
Because ACV seals the hair’s cuticle, it also helps reduce breakage and frizz, maintain elasticity, and lock in colour to prevent fading, Ruggeri explains.
Among its other main benefits? Treating dandruff. Present in both dry and oily hair types, dandruff is a 'yeastlike fungus that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults,' Ruggeri says. 'Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective in killing and preventing dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp,' he adds.
Additionally, both Ruggeri and Hill mention that ACV can support hair growth by removing product buildup, especially from commonly used items like dry shampoo. 'ACV unblocks follicles in the scalp so that strands have freedom to thrive,' Ruggeri says. (Note: If you use dry shampoo, Ruggeri advises spraying it on the mid-lengths of hair, rather than the roots, to prevent clogging the follicle).
What Hair Types Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work Best For?
According to all of our experts, apple cider vinegar works for nearly every hair type and texture. And because of its smoothing and frizz-fighting properties, Rugetti mentions it’s particularly a favorite of people with thick, curly hair. But if you have super dry, over-processed, or exceptionally fine strands, they agree it’s best to avoid them.
'Since ACV is acidic, it can be a bit too strong for anyone who has mechanical damage—say from bleaching, excess sun exposure or overusing hot tools—very fine hair that’s naturally brittle or anyone who has difficulty growing their mane,' Ruggeri notes. 'If your hair is breaking off, you can put ACV onto the roots, but it should never be applied to the ends.'
And if you’re ever in doubt whether or not ACV might be right for your hair type, both Ruggeri and Hill recommend performing a strand test first before applying the ingredient all over.
How Often Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar On My Hair?
'An individual’s unique scalp condition, hair type and texture will determine how frequently they should use ACV,' Hill says. 'It can be used as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment that’s massaged in, processed for 10 to 15 minutes and shampooed out. It can be used as a cleansing agent on non-shampoo days to refresh and balance the scalp or applied up to three times a week to spot treat itchy or oily scalps.' If you shampoo, Hill recommends doing so two times a week and using an ACV rinse another time throughout the week (keep in mind that while ACV pairs well with most shampoos, you should avoid using it with those featuring salicylic acid, as the combo can be too drying). If you have more severe scalp concerns, she suggests using an ACV rinse two to three times a week.
What’s The Difference Between ACV And A Clarifying Shampoo?
While similar in function, clarifying shampoos and ACV rinses have a few key differences. 'Clarifying shampoos are alkaline detergents and surfactants that remove residual product or oils, but that can also strip the scalp of healthy oils if used too often and leave the cuticle open, making the hair more prone to dryness and colour fading,' Hill explains. 'ACV, on the other hand, closes the cuticle to retain moisture while performing exfoliant tasks, such as introducing antimicrobial properties to reduce unwanted bacteria.' Some clarifying shampoos use apple cider vinegar to help remove product buildup without stripping.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair
While plenty of great ACV products are on the market (more on that below), if you’re on a budget, creating your own DIY rinse can be a more cost-effective option. You can customize your ACV-to-water ratio to modify the intensity of the mixture, depending on your hair type and the seriousness of your scalp concerns, however below is a great starting point for creating and applying an ACV rinse:
Mix 1 part ACV with two parts distilled water (avoid using tap water, Ruggeri says, as this can be very acidic).
Place the mixture in a clean bottle with a nozzle.
Shampoo and condition your hair (using a deep, nourishing conditioner, Rugetti advises), then rinse.
Blot your hair dry in the shower, then lightly apply the ACV mixture and gently work it through the hair shaft with your hands.
Place your hair in a ponytail or secure it in a clip atop your head and let the product settle in for a few minutes.
Use lukewarm to cold water to close the outer layer of the hair and lock in moisture.
Shop The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Products For Hair
R+Co Acid Wash Cleansing Rinse
This R+Co rinse features the star ingredient to cleanse and purify, plus glycerin and tamanu seed oil for locking in moisture and fortifying strands. 'I recommend this one especially for blondes,' Rugetti says. 'I find it really cleanses the hair and makes lighter tones brighter when there’s buildup.'
Detox Shampoo
Although this option is technically a clarifying shampoo, it is infused with ACV to prevent over-stripping the scalp of necessary oils. Additionally, it’s boosted with keratin to make your hair stronger and smoother.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo
If you do prefer a lather, try SheaMoisture’s Strengthen and Restore shampoo. It’s formulated with softening Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, making it a particularly great option for curly, wavy or coarse hair types. The addition of peppermint oil gives the scalp a super fresh feeling, too.
dpHUE ACV Hair Rinse
If you're prone to over-shampooing your locks, and losing your vibrant colour as a result, switch in this lightweight cleansing tonic instead. It rinses away grease and dirt, while glossing your locks with the help of argan oil, lavender extract and aloe vera.
Fekkai Apple Cider Triple Cleanse Scrub
If you're seeking a deeper cleanse that also targets your scalp, look no further than this luxe clarifying pre-shampoo treatment. Ginger and rice exfoliant are harnessed to clearing away dirt and impurities, while ACV seals colour-treated tresses.
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