The surprising ways apple cider vinegar can help hair

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy. It is often added to foods, and some people also apply it to their skin, scalp or hair. It is known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. and it can also benefit scalp flaking or thinning hair.

Research on the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair health is limited and it may not be ideal for all hair types. As an acid, it must be diluted before using on the hair or skin.

1. Can reduce hair loss

There is some evidence that apple cider vinegar may be beneficial for people who have different forms of apple cider vinegar alopeciawhich causes hair loss. In one experiment, researchers used minoxidila well-known hair loss treatment and the main ingredient in Rogaine, and added garlic oil and apple cider vinegar to help enhance its effects.

The results showed that the absorption of minoxidil increased from 12.7% to 41.6%, suggesting that apple cider vinegar could be a useful natural additive for some hair growth treatments.

2. Removes build-up from the scalp

Apple cider vinegar can help reduce or remove scales or flakes on the scalp, and it has been shown to be effective in treating them cradle hood.

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis in infants) is a common condition that affects many young babies, with greasy patches or crusts on the scalp. This condition is not painful and does not cause bleeding or harm to the baby. But some people find it cosmetically unappealing. Some shampoos or other techniques can help, and apple cider vinegar may be an option.

According to one review, apple cider vinegar can help cradle cap by reducing scalp dryness. They recommend mixing apple cider vinegar with water, applying the mixture to the scalp for about 15 minutes, then washing off with warm water. Be careful not to let the apple cider vinegar get into your baby’s eyes.

3. Can help treat scalp conditions

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, meaning it fights many different infectious organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is also anti-inflammatory and may have antioxidant properties. Some conditions that affect the scalp and hair are partially associated with inflammation and infections.

Scalp problems that may benefit from apple cider vinegar include:

To treat ringworm or head lice, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and dab it on the affected area. Head lice and ringworm is highly contagious. Do not reuse the cotton ball. Be sure to wash all fabrics, clothes and bedding.

4. Can detangle and help fight frizz

Some people say that apple cider vinegar can help detangle your hair or reduce frizz. You might consider mixing apple cider vinegar with water and using a spray bottle to apply the mixture while brushing your or your child’s hair to see if it helps.

5. Can support softness, strength, color and shine

You might consider using apple cider vinegar on your hair to help improve softness, strength, color, or shine. Many people believe that it makes their hair look and feel better, and you can try it out for yourself.

Potential side effects

For the most part, people who have tried apple cider vinegar say it is either beneficial or neutral, and it is usually not reported as harmful. However, almost any substance, even natural substances, can be harmful in large amounts, or even harmful in small amounts for some people.

One review noted that you must use a very high concentration of apple cider vinegar to achieve beneficial effects. Still, even at relatively low concentrations it can damage the scalp, potentially making it impractical.

Possible side effects of apple cider vinegar on your scalp or hair include:

• It can smell if you don’t wash it out thoroughly
• Can dry out your hair, especially if you leave it on for too long
• May cause scalp irritation if you are sensitive to the acidity
• Can change the color of your hair, especially if you use hair coloring

Apple cider vinegar has not been reported to cause permanent hair loss or serious damage to the hair, scalp or skin. You might consider trying it for a few minutes or even just a section of your hair to see the effects before using it on your entire head or scalp.

Start gently

Everyone reacts differently to hair products, so it’s a good idea to see how something affects your hair before incorporating it into your hair care routine. There is no data on whether apple cider vinegar is better or worse for different hair types, so proceed with caution until you know how it affects your hair.

Will apple cider vinegar dry out my hair?

Apple cider vinegar can dry out your hair. The risk would be greater if you leave it in your hair without washing it out or if you use a large amount without also using other, more pH-balanced (acid/base balanced) water-based products.

Keep the following guidelines in mind when considering how often to use apple cider vinegar:

• Try a small amount first before using a larger amount.
• Try it on a small section of your hair before using it all over your head.
• Rinse apple cider vinegar out so that no residue is left in your hair or on your scalp.
• If you experience any irritation, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo, wash out with warm water and use conditioner as usual.

If you develop a rash or hair loss after using apple cider vinegar, contact a healthcare provider. You might have one allergic reaction.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Care

There is no proven way to use apple cider vinegar on your hair, but you can find some tips online. In general, the recommendations recommend mixing apple cider vinegar with water or other products before applying it to your hair, letting it sit on your hair for a few minutes and washing it out thoroughly.

Do not use it undiluted on the hair. Dilute it to no more than 4 tablespoons in 1 cup of water. If you mix apple cider vinegar with shampoo or olive oil, add only a few drops.

Steps

• Massage into your hair.
• Leave it on your hair for up to three to five minutes.
• Wash thoroughly.
• Consider washing your hair with shampoo, especially if you haven’t mixed apple cider vinegar with shampoo.
• Use conditioner or let the products work in as usual.
• Dry and style as usual.

After this process, you can observe how your hair feels and decide if apple cider vinegar has been helpful. You may consider trying it a few times to see if it has the desired effect on the shine, detangling, detangling and overall appearance of the hair. You can also use it once a week to add some variety to your hair products.

Apple cider hair rinse vs. clarifying shampoo

Important factors to consider with hair care products are whether the product contains sulphates and which substances they are pH level is. Many clarifying shampoos have these properties, and apple cider vinegar also has these benefits.

The sulfates found in many shampoos remove oil from the hair. Sulfate-free products are gentler on the hair.

One of the benefits of apple cider vinegar is that it helps balance pH, which is the acid-base composition of a substance. Optimal pH levels are important for many aspects of health, including skin and hair health.

Whether you use shampoo or apple cider vinegar, it is important to completely rinse the product from your hair with warm water before applying conditioner. Leaving these products in your hair for extended periods of time or not rinsing them out completely can cause dryness.

Summary

Apple cider vinegar has been promoted as a natural remedyantimicrobial and for skin and hair health. This natural product can help people with ringworm and may help reduce cradle cap. Apple cider vinegar can also be useful when used together with minoxidil for hair loss.

There is little evidence to support its use to improve the appearance of hair, but many people believe that apple cider vinegar is useful. Very little harm has been reported from using apple cider vinegar. Consider trying it in small amounts to see if there is any improvement in your hair before using it routinely.