Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair: A Complete Guide to Shinier, Healthier Strands

Thinking about trying apple cider vinegar for hair? You're definitely onto something. This pantry staple has been a total game-changer for hair and scalp health way longer than you might think. Apple cider vinegar's clarifying and shine-boosting superpowers make it perfect if you're all about that clean beauty life. 

But before you raid your pantry, there's actually some real science behind making this work. As your trusted source for all things beauty, we've done all the research (so you don't have to) to give you the real scoop on this trending hair hack. Ready to dive into the proven benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair, discover the best ACV products worth your money, and learn our favorite DIY tricks that'll leave your strands seriously shiny and healthy? Let's dive in.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Is Trending

Two words—clean beauty. Apple cider vinegar (ACV for short) is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples, yeast, and sugar. Rich in vitamins C and B, live cultures, and minerals, it is commonly used as a dietary aid for gut health. The apple cider vinegar benefits for hair rest in its ability to restore the scalp's natural pH balance. To translate: ACV promotes the hair's cuticle structure to strengthen and add shine to hair.

ACV is having a major moment in natural haircare routines because it's incredibly effective at removing product buildup, dead skin cells, and pollutants from the hair and scalp. The clean haircare crowd even swears by using apple cider vinegar for dandruff treatment.

Top Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

The acidic properties of ACV help balance scalp pH, which is honestly the foundation of healthy hair. When your scalp's pH is out of whack, it can lead to everything from excess oil production to irritation and even hair loss. 

If you battle frizzy, dull hair, look forward to these benefits:

• Improves overall scalp health by promoting a healthy scalp microbiome and creating an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive
• Reduces dandruff and buildup with natural cleansing properties that gently dissolve product residue and dead skin cells
• Adds shine and smoothness by flattening hair cuticles and removing dulling buildup that blocks light reflection
• May strengthen hair and reduce breakage by improving scalp circulation and creating optimal conditions for hair follicle health
• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties help address scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and fungal infections that can cause flaking and irritation

How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Before diving into some of our favorite ACV hair products, let's keep it simple with our go-to homemade apple cider vinegar hair rinse recipe.

What You'll Need:

• 1 tablespoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with "the mother" (we love Bragg's or similar brands)
• 1 cup (8 ounces) cool or lukewarm water
• Spray bottle or squeeze bottle
• Optional: 2-3 drops essential oil for fragrance

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare your bottle: Choose a clean spray bottle or squeeze bottle that holds at least 8 ounces.
2. Add the water: Pour 1 cup of cool or lukewarm water into your bottle.
3. Add the ACV: Measure 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar and add it to the water.
4. Add fragrance (optional): If you want to mask the vinegar smell, add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil like lavender or rosemary.
5. Mix thoroughly: Shake or stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
6. Use immediately: This recipe makes enough for a single use. We recommend making a fresh batch every time to avoid bacterial growth.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair

Now that you've got your homemade rinse ready, let's talk about how to actually use it. The good news? ACV works beautifully on color-treated hair, permed or relaxed hair, and even dry hair. Some people even swear that a little ACV helps extend their color longevity. However, the acidic nature of ACV can be irritating for super-sensitive scalps, so we always recommend doing a patch test on a small area before going full treatment mode. We also suggest keeping ACV treatments to just a few times a month for clarifying purposes—more isn't always better.

Pick one of the two methods below based on your hair goals.

Pre-Treatment Rinse 

Do this on dry hair before shampooing to remove product buildup up to three times per week:

1. Apply your ACV spray liberally (10+ squirts) to dry scalp and hair
2. Massage scalp with fingers or a scalp massager for better penetration
3. Rinse thoroughly with water
4. Shampoo and condition as usual

Post-Shampoo Conditioning Rinse 

Use ACV in place of conditioner once a week to let it coat and seal hair shafts:

1. After washing hair as usual, apply your ACV rinse to scalp and hair shaft liberally
2. Allow to sit for up to five minutes (great time for a quick face mask)
3. Rinse well and style as usual
4. If you have an aversion to ACV's vinegar smell, add a tiny drop of essential oil to your mixture

Tips for Using a DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Getting the most from your apple cider vinegar hair rinse is all about proper technique and consistency. We've learned a few tricks over the years that'll help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your results. 

Give your tresses the most from ACV with these tips:

1. Always do a patch test first to make sure ACV doesn't irritate your scalp
2. Stick to three times a week max, overdoing it can lead to dryness and irritation
3. Follow our earlier tip to only use raw, unfiltered ACV with the "mother" to get beneficial enzymes and probiotics that improve scalp health
4. Avoid contact with eyes. While natural and safe, ACV can sting
5. Customize your ACV spray with essential oils like rosemary when using apple cider for hair growth or tea tree oil if you want dandruff relief

Best Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Products You Can Buy

While we love a good DIY moment, sometimes you want the convenience of a ready-made product. Our editors have researched the whole apple cart when it comes to apple cider vinegar for scalp and hair to put together a curated list of shampoos, rinses, and scalp treatments with ACV. From investigating ingredients to analyzing formulations, we've done the legwork for you to compile the best ACV products for every hair type.