Hair, like everything else, has a natural pH range—aka a level of acidity or alkalinity—to maintain in order to remain healthy. When it moves beyond that range, due to your environment, product usage, styling, or any other outside forces, that’s when you’ll notice a difference in the look and feel of your strands.
“The normal pH of the scalp is 5.5, and the hair shaft is 3.5. Alkaline shampoo and conditioner disrupt the hair’s ph balance, causing more hair porosity and frizz,” says dermatologist Yoram Harth, MD. He explains ACV has a pH of two to three and can rebalance our pH, close the open cuticles, reduce hair porosity, and make our hair stronger and shinier.
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According to celeb hairstylist Clyde Haygood, yet another benefit of a clarified scalp and balanced pH is reduced dandruff.
Because ACV is more acidic than most regular shampoos, it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and wash away buildup from hard water and hair products like dry shampoo. You’ll notice how easy your shampoo lathers within your hair after using an ACV product. Since taking care of the buildup, your hair care products are able to be more effective.
ACV’s removal of grease, environmental pollutants, and product buildup gives the scalp and hair follicles a clean slate to grow new hair. “This enhances your hair’s shine and reduces frizz,” McKnight says.
Your scalp is the host of some bacterial and fungal friends—many of which are harmless—but sometimes they get a little too comfortable, causing not-so-fun side effects like itchiness and dandruff. “ACV can help balance a dry and itchy scalp by helping control the bacteria or fungi that can lead to scalp and hair problems,” explains Cleveland.
ACV can help reduce excess natural oils at the root, making it ideal for individuals with oily hair or fine hair. Better yet, it’s gentler than most clarifying shampoos, so you can use it more than once a week. “It can, and in most cases, should be used literally every time you wash your hair to balance the pH, close the cuticle and restore the surface and shine of hair,” says Philip B., hair and scalp expert and founder of Philip B. Botanical Hair Care.
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Because ACV has the ability to balance our scalp’s pH and effectively clear any inflammation within our hair follicles, overall the ingredient is working to reduce hair loss. ACV is strengthening our strands through use overtime and bringing more balance to our scalp, therefore less stress is put on the area.
“Most hair colors are alkaline, opening the hair cuticle and increasing hair porosity. Because ACV is slightly acidic, it can extend the life and vibrancy of hair color. For best results, ACV should be diluted 1 to 8 with water and be applied right after the color is rinsed off, ” says Dr. Harth. So if you’re taking regular trips to the salon to color your hair, ACV is a must to preserve and get the most out of your color.
Although the effects are gentle, ACV on its own is too harsh to apply directly to hair, so make sure you dilute it before applying onto the scalp. Not diluting it could irritate the scalp or even lead to mild burns, says Philip B.
1. Shampoo and condition hair normally.
2. Mix three tablespoons of five percent ACV with 1 3/4 cups of water. Dr. Harth notes if you have oily hair or struggle with dandruff, you can use four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
3. Separate your hair into sections, then apply the mixture to your scalp, section by section, by lightly massaging it in.
4. Leave it in for up to five minutes. It shouldn’t burn if properly diluted, but if it does, rinse it out immediately.
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5. Rinse it out thoroughly with cool water to help seal your hair’s cuticle.
6. Use once a week to help soothe dry scalp symptoms, or use once a month as maintenance for healthy hair. “ACV is great for in-between washes, whether your hair is loose or in a protective style,” McKnight says.
If you’re looking for added shine, smoothing properties, or itch relief, you’re on the right track. “Any hair type suffering from frizzy hair and dehydration [can benefit from ACV], as these characteristics are the result of the hair cuticle being left open from either chemical or product damage,” Cleveland says.
Additionally, “Anyone who has fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily can benefit immensely from ACV,” says Haygood. He adds that removing buildup with ACV will give even the finest strands a boost of shine, volume, and lift.
Those with dry hair and dry scalps can also do an ACV rinse, although if hair feels worse with use (think: straw-like, porous strands), discontinue and consider a hydrating hair mask instead. Dr. Harth says individuals with dry hair types should never use ACV on their hair more than once a week.
Also, some hair and skin types may not be suitable for ACV at all. ACV contains acetic acid, which is very strong. If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, ACV might not be ideal for your routine. However, if you do decide to try an ACV hair rinse, you should do so with a very small amount that is very diluted.
Personal sensitivities aside, ACV is considered safe for all hair types and textures, even color treated, according to McKnight. “It works especially well for anyone who uses a lot of products, like dry shampoo and hairspray. It’s used to help clarify the scalp from product and oil buildup, and to rebalance the pH on your scalp for stronger and healthier-looking hair.” But don’t get scrub-happy, she strongly advises. Using in addition to other scalp exfoliants can cause irritation on any hair type.
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