Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a condiment made by fermenting apples with live cultures, minerals, and acids. ACV may help improve scalp health, strengthen hair, and enhance shine.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy because of its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Some people suggest it may have several benefits for your hair, such as relieving an itchy scalp or strengthening thinning hair.

However, it’s important to note the research on the benefits of ACV for hair health is very limited, and mixed.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and possible risks of ACV for hair care, and how to use it.

ACV may have several benefits for hair care.

Acidity and pH

ACV is an acidic substance containing high amounts of acetic acid, which gives it its strong smell and flavor.

The natural pH level of hair is between 3.67 and 5.5, which means it’s slightly acidic. A substance with a pH value higher than 7 is considered alkaline.

Hair that looks dull, brittle, or frizzy tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale.

Using an acidic substance with a pH level below 5.5 may help lower pH and bring hair health back into balance.

ACV has a pH level between 2 and 3. As a highly acidic substance, ACV could help increase acidity and lower pH, which may support smoothness, strength, and shine.

However, it’s important to note that no research has directly examined the role of ACV in regulating hair pH.

Antimicrobial

ACV is a popular home disinfectant that may kill several bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

It could also help kill Staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacterial cause of folliculitis, a hair condition that may lead to hair loss.

Research suggests that acetic acid in ACV has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that could help treat scalp conditions like head lice and pruritus. It could also help boost the healing of wounds and infections.

However, it’s important to note that highly concentrated ACV solutions may also cause damage to the skin.

An ACV wash can be made very simply:

  1. Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of ACV with 16 ounces of water.
  2. After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp.
  3. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.
  4. Rinse it out.

Try incorporating the ACV rinse into your hair care routine twice per week.

Skin patch test

Before using an ACV wash for your hair, it’s best to do a skin patch test to see how your skin reacts to it. This could help identify potential allergens.

To do a skin patch test, apply a small amount of ACV wash on the inside of your wrist.

Wait 2 days to see if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

If you experience any of these symptoms, wash the inside of your wrist and speak with a healthcare professional. They could recommend an alternative home remedy for your hair care routine.

Using ACV for hair is about restoring balance. However, if you’re not careful, it can be overdone.

ACV contains acetic acids, which are known to be caustic. This means they could irritate or burn the skin.

In a 2015 case report, a girl experienced scarring from a skin burn after applying ACV on her nose.

Remember to always dilute ACV with water before applying it directly to the skin. Also, avoid contact with eyes. If contact happens, quickly wash out with water.

Do I use apple cider vinegar before or after shampoo?

Try using apple cider vinegar after washing your hair with shampoo. Shampooing first will help clean your hair, scalp, and follicles.

How long to soak hair in apple cider vinegar?

There’s no official guidance on how long to soak your hair in apple cider vinegar.

A 2021 review found that rinsing with vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes may have antimicrobial benefits, while 3-minute hair soaks were beneficial for getting rid of nits.

It’s best to start with short periods of up to 10 minutes to see how your hair reacts and to prevent any side effects.

Is apple cider vinegar good for frizzy hair?

Apple cider vinegar may help increase the acidity of your hair, which could benefit frizzy hair. However, no research has examined the direct effects of apple cider vinegar on frizzy hair.

How to use apple cider vinegar for scalp fungus?

Try applying an apple cider vinegar wash containing 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 16 ounces of water to your scalp twice weekly after shampooing.

Some people suggest that ACV could help strengthen hair and improve luster by lowering hair and scalp pH.

It may also have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that could help improve hair health.

However, ACV shouldn’t be relied on to reduce inflammation or solve scalp conditions like dandruff. Very limited research has examined its effects on hair health.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about the best products for your hair.