It has properties that help to balance the pH of your scalp and hair. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties help combat scalp infections, dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.
Your scalp has a natural pH level of about 5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity level is important in keeping the cuticle layer of your hair flat and closed. A flat cuticle layer corresponds to shiny, smooth, soft hair, with less frizz. It prevents tangling, breakage, dryness, and hair loss, by helping each individual hair strand retain moisture and making them smooth and less likely to catch on each other.
However, many shampoos and other hair products have a more alkaline pH (above 7), which disrupts the acidity level of the scalp. The cuticle layer responds by opening up, becoming susceptible to dryness, breakage, frizz, tangling, etc. This can be especially problematic for natural hair and curly hair.
By doing ACV rinses, you can regulate the pH of your scalp and prevent many of the negative effects of alkaline hair products. ACV has a pH of about 3, but diluted with water it will be close to the normal acidity of your scalp.
Apple cider vinegar's hair Benefits
- Hair and scalp pH is balanced by apple cider vinegar. ACV flattens and closes the hair cuticle by bringing down the pH of your scalp. Your hair becomes more moisturized, shinier, less frizzy, smoother, and easier to detangle as a result. ACV flattens the hair cuticle to lessen the effects of high porosity hair, but it is unable to reduce the natural porosity of your hair or repair holes in the cuticle layer caused by heat or chemical damage.
- Apple cider vinegar keeps the hair and scalp healthy and inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. Given that bacteria are frequently the underlying cause of dandruff and hair loss, it has anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful.
- Vitamins B, C, and potassium, which are nutrients found in apple cider vinegar, are also good for your hair.
- Cleansing and exfoliating your scalp with apple cider vinegar clears and unclogs the pores on your scalp by removing dead skin cells and product buildup.
- Apple cider vinegar can also help with volume and curl definition because it does not weigh down strands like silicone-based conditioners.
- Apple cider vinegar stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation to hair follicles.
- Apple cider vinegar is cost-effective and does not contain any preservatives or added chemicals that might damage your hair!
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
ACV is slightly acidic, it may extend the life of hair color, but only when applied right after the color is rinsed off. "Most hair colors are alkaline, which opens up the hair cuticle, and applying an acidic solution may reseal the cuticle," You can experiment to find a dilution that works best for you and your hair type, but in general, the following steps are a good place to start:
- Mix five parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle (100 ml of ACV to 500 ml of water if you want to be exact).
- Spray your scalp well, enough that it'll be evenly coated.
- Work the vinegar into clean hair with your fingers. It will be diluted enough that it shouldn't burn.
- Allow the vinegar mixture to sit for two to five minutes.
- Rinse your hair and scalp with cool water.
- Follow this rinse with a light conditioner, nothing that will weigh down your hair.
- Rinse your hair well, until you're sure all product (and vinegar) is down the drain.
(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)