Apple cider vinegar for hair: natural care and healthy shine

Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar may sound a bit outdated, but the slightly acidic pH of apple cider vinegar can help to restore the acid mantle of the hair and scalp. Many conventional shampoos are alkaline in order to open the outer cuticle layer of the hair and effectively cleanse it, but you can correct the resulting pH imbalance by rinsing with apple cider vinegar.

An acidic rinse – which is another name for an apple cider vinegar rinse – can close the cuticle again, making the hair smoother and giving it more shine. Apple cider vinegar also has antibacterial properties that can help reduce dandruff. What's more, apple cider vinegar promotes blood circulation which in turn stimulates hair growth. Apple cider vinegar cleanses the hair, removes care product residues and eliminates hard tap water deposits that make the hair brittle.

Since apple cider vinegar is so versatile, almost every skin and hair type can benefit from it. People who suffer from an oily scalp can take advantage of the sebum-regulating effect of apple cider vinegar, while people who tend to have a dry scalp and are prone to dandruff can benefit from its moisturising properties. Apple cider vinegar strengthens the structure of fine hair, and the same applies to damaged hair. Apple cider vinegar can also prevent split ends and reduce frizz. Curly hair gains more definition thanks to apple cider vinegar.

There are various ways to integrate apple cider vinegar into a hair care routine. It's important to always dilute it with water before use, though. Add around four to five tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to each litre of water. Here are a few ways you can use apple cider vinegar:

• Acidic rinse: The traditional way to use apple cider vinegar for your hair is an acidic rinse. This involves rinsing the hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water after washing out the shampoo. To maximise the effect of an apple cider vinegar rinse, it is left in the hair and not washed out. The vinegar aroma disappears after a while.
• Washing hair with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly to the hair without shampooing it first. In this case it should always be diluted with water, otherwise it will irritate the scalp. If you're an infrequent hair washer but still prefer to use a mild shampoo, apple cider vinegar makes the perfect all-natural home treatment.
• Scalp tonic: Apple cider vinegar also makes a great scalp tonic for people who have dandruff or itchiness. Dilute the apple cider vinegar and gently massage it into your scalp.
• Apple cider vinegar leave-in conditioner: You can also use apple cider vinegar as a leave-in conditioner. Simply dilute it with water, pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to your hair after showering to protect the hair and keep it looking shiny all day long.

Always follow these rules of thumb if you use apple cider vinegar on your scalp and hair:

• Avoid applying apple cider vinegar to your scalp undiluted because it can cause irritation. Always always dilute it with water.
• Use organic apple cider vinegar for its higher nutrient content.
• Don't use apple cider vinegar more than once or twice a week. More frequent use can damage the scalp's natural acid mantle.
• If you have a sensitive or irritated scalp, reduce the concentration of apple cider vinegar in your mixture. You can also test the effect of apple cider vinegar on just one area of the scalp to see how you react to it. This also rules out an allergic reaction.
• Be careful not to get the apple cider vinegar in your eyes, as it will burn and irritate them. It’s best to keep the eyes closed during application.
• During application, the vinegar aroma is intense and some people find it unpleasant. It usually disappears as soon as your hair is dry.
• Apple cider vinegar works better for some people than others. If your hair is very damaged or dry, It's advisable to try it out cautiously and adjust the amount of vinegar if necessary.

If you remember these rules of thumb, you can be sure that apple cider vinegar will benefit you and not harm you. With regular use, apple cider vinegar is an all-natural and inexpensive home treatment that complements your hair care routine.