How is Apple Cider Vinegar good for your Hair Growth?

How effective is apple cider vinegar for hair growth? What are the benefits of ACV and how is it used for natural hair? Does it help curly hair,bumps, dandruff and itchy scalp? Which brand is the best for hair? Are there known side effects of using ACV? Read on find out.

Benefits-Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for your Hair Growth

What is it and the ingredients?

Vinegar is a French word that means sour wine. Apple cedar vinegar also ACV is a type vinegar that is obtained from cedar or apple must. It has a pale to medium amber color. Unpasteurized or organic ACV has mother vinegar that has a cob web. The appearance can make the whole vinegar appear slightly congealed.

ACV is mostly used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives as well as chutneys among many other things. Production of the final product involves crushing the apples and squeezing out the liquid. Addition of bacteria and yeast helps to start the fermentation process. Sugars are converted to alcohol. In the subsequent process, alcohol is turned into vinegar by use of acetic acid forming bacteria which is called the acetobacter. The acetic acid and malic acid ingredients are the elements that give vinegar its sour taste.^[1] The process of making apple cedar vinegar is a very easy and inexpensive process. The fermentation process is natural although it varies on the method used to prepare. More to that, apple scraps, apple cores and peels form organic apples are used as covers of the jar just to see flies off.

Studies-how is good for hair?

Vinegar can help kill pathogens that include bacteria. It has been used for some time for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections. On the other hand, there is no research that supports these applications. Vinegar is known to have been used by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine.  There were investigations conducted in 2015 which revealed that apple cedar vinegar offers antifungal properties against denture related stomatitis.

List of benefits

In vinegar is acetic acid as the major ingredient that helps in killing bacteria and preventing from multiplying. It is therefore an effective disinfectant and natural preservative.

It is also important for dandruff treatment. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, thus makes it harder for yeast to grow. In order to obtain a proper scalp solution, Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle then and spritz on your scalp. Thereafter, wrap your head in a towel and let stay for 15 minutes to almost an hour. Afterwards, wash your hair as usual. Repeat the procedure twice a week for best results. In its mechanism of action, apple cider vinegar removes clumpy residue and gunk in hair from product buildup.

More to that, it is also used as a natural detangler. When used on a regular basis in your natural hair care routine, apple cedar vinegar can add vitality to your hair leaving it soft and smooth.  Similarly, it works by closing the cuticle of the hair, which makes light reflect off of it. Therefore, it makes your hair super shiny.

The vinegar mixture is usually poured into a spray bottle and spread on the hair and scalp taking care to avoid the eye and ear area. A towel is used then to wrap around the head and left on for around 15 minutes to almost an hour. Afterwards, the vinegar can be washed off the hair.

1. Balance Hair & Sebum pH

Our hair and the natural oil that comes from our scalp is known as sebum. It has a pH of between 4.5 to 5.5. The moment you keep the hair acidic, your scalp is protected against bacterial and fungal infection hence healthy hair and skin. Many shampoos and other hair products unfortunately disrupt this natural pH and this can affect the cuticles of the hair and the condition of the scalp. Apple cider vinegar naturally contains high in acetic acid and has a pH level that is closer to that of human hair. Regular rinsing with this vinegar helps bring your scalp and hair to its suitable acidity, especially if your hair is very oily.

2. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has high potency against microbial agents and can therefore kill bacteria and fungi that are the common causes of dandruff and hair loss thus a fabulous natural cure. An ACV rinse is also a useful regimen for prevention purposes. It does this by maintaining the natural pH of your scalp. By using it, you will be creating an unfavorable environment for the fungus and bacteria.

3. Cleansing and Clarifying

Using a number of products on your hair like serums, gels, sprays, and masks result to product build-up. All these sticky residues leave your hair looking flat, dull and lifeless. Apple cedar vinegar comes in handy and helps solve some of these problems and finally restores life to your scalp. During application of ACV, ensure you let it to interact with the hair for at least three minutes. This is according to ‘The Science of Hair Care’,

4. Add Natural Body & Define Curls

There a curl manual that owns the claim that an apple cider vinegar rinse can make your curls ‘pop’, by bringing back their springy bounce look. Unlike conventional shampoo and conditioners, the vinegar does not weigh down the individual strands. This therefore means you could enjoy more movement and natural body to your hairstyle. You would also find out that you do not need to use heating and styling products after a vinegar rinse. This saves your hair from further damage.

5. Detangle

This product is also a natural detangler as it is usually used as an alternative to conditioner. It is also effective as its natural acidity helps to smoothen the cuticle and thereby encouraging knots and tangles to slip out allowing a brush to glide through with little or no strain.

6. Reduce Frizz

Frizzy hair is brought about by lifted cuticles on the hair. Smoothening down the cuticles with apple cider vinegar lets you to enjoy an overall smooth frizz-free mane.

7. Add Shine

The cuticle’s position affects the light reflecting properties of the strands. When the cuticle is down as it is after an apple cider vinegar rinse the hair is better able to reflect light, giving your hair a glossy and healthy appearance.

8. Reduce Porosity of the Hair

Normal hair human allows necessary amounts of moisture to penetrate the outer cuticle. Porous hair absorbs liquid quickly though it loses quickly. High porosity of the hair results from damage to the hair from chemical treatments and environmental exposure. This irreversible destruction creates gaps and holes in the surface of the hair shaft and leaves the hair more prone to more damage. It is not easy to change the porosity of your hair. By the use of apple cedar vinegar, it is possible to manage it by frequent rinses that helps to flatten the cuticle and minimize gaps.

How do you know if you have porous hair?

This is done by use of a simple test that reveals it all. To do so, drop a strand of clean hair into a glass of water. In case it instantly sinks, it is evident that your hair is of high porosity; If it floats midway, it’s of normal porosity and if the strand floats towards the top and it takes a while to sink, then it means your strands are of low porosity.

9. Stimulate Hair Growth & Prevent Hair Loss

Apple cedar vinegar stimulates flow of blood to the follicles. This is vital and it encourages hair growth and prevents hair loss. In addition, blood is a carrier of essential nutrients to the follicle cells thus strengthening the roots and promoting growth. Alkaline shampoos remove the hair’s natural oils and interrupt with the acid mantle and this causes dehydration and resulting to porous, fragile hair” (The Derma Doctor Skin Struction Manual, 2005)

Conducted studies indicate that apple cedar vinegar is very is effective in fighting Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. (Thi-Qar Medical Journal, 2011)

10. Prevent Split Ends & Breakage

The use of apple cedar vinegar to rinse your hair regularly helps you to naturally remove tangles from your hair, close the cuticles, improve the porosity and encourage stronger strands all of which lead to a reduction in split ends and breakage.

White Vinegar for Hair vs ACV

What makes these two vinegars different and Which of the two is better?

First, both come with benefits and therefore can be used for hair treatment.
Distilled white vinegar is made from sun-ripened grains and clear water and is especially perfect for  especially f you are not allergic to grains. ACV is slightly higher in vitamins and minerals and more often preferred in hair recipes.
In most hair recipes that call for ACV you can alternate it with white vinegar. In most cases it works fine. The pH level of white vinegar is slightly more acidic than apple cider vinegar. To reduce the level simply dilute it water. This rinse will help to smooth the hair’s cuticle for enhanced shine.

Another major difference is the smell. DWV has a more intense smell and this is why quite a number of women prefer ACV. If you really want to DWV and cant stand the smell b simply add a favorite essential oil to help mask the smell or use more water in your hair recipe for a heavier dilution.

Ways on how to use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Growth, Loss and Regrowth

How to use ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Ingredients.

• 1 part apple cider vinegar;
• 1 part water

How do you apply/use apple cedar vinegar?

• To restore and revive your hair to its days of smoothness,
• Mix the apple cider vinegar and water together.
• Shampoo your hair and after that, pour the mixture into your hair. If you have a spray bottle. This works better. That way you can spritz your hair with the mixture and massage it into your scalp.
• Let the apple cider vinegar concoction sit for a few minutes before rinsing fully with water.
• There is no need to use conditioner since the apple cider vinegar will leave hair feeling smooth and soft.

How do you mix the ingredients?

Mixing up and applying an apple cider vinegar hair rinse is simple as it needs following the following steps:

• Blend one cup of water with two to four tablespoons of vinegar to make your rinse.
• After you have shampooed and thoroughly rinsed your hair, slowly pour the mixture over your entire scalp, allowing it to run down the length of your hair (take care not to allow the mixture to get it in your eyes).
• Massage the mixture into your scalp, and this helps to stimulate circulation and hair growth.
• After about one to two minutes, rinse out the vinegar.

What do you do in case of dry hair and dandruff?

If you have dry hair, just begin with two tablespoons of vinegar per cup of water. If you have oily hair or dandruff, use of three to four spoons will be required. Similarly, adjust this blend over time to see what works best for your hair. Carry out the procedure repeatedly from once a month to twice a week. Once weekly is however recommended for most hair and scalp issues. While apple cider vinegar used alone is a powerful natural hair treatment, addition of certain herbs or flowers will serve to enhance color or target specific hair and scalp issues.

In order to mix up a batch of herb infused vinegar, add two cups of cider vinegar and one cup of chopped herbs to a glass jar. Cover it and allow it to steep in a dark place for around two weeks before straining and decanting the vinegar into a clean bottle. The moment it is ready for use, dilute two to four tablespoons of the herbal vinegar with one cup of water and rinse.

 Hair Loss

In order to make a good mix for the hair, you mix water with apple cedar vinegar in the ratio of one to ten. For instance mix one cup of water with one cup of apple cedar vinegar in a plastic bottle. You would often prefer to apply this mix after shampooing your hair then apply gently on the scalp for around 15 minutes thereafter rinsing with water.

Hair Regrowth

To achieve regrowth of hair:

• Spray the mixture on the hair
• Pour the mix on the hair.

To make a good hair spray, make a mixture in a spray bottle and store in a fridge. You can use this from time to time. You can use this mixture very often for quite a long time to achieve desirable results.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Curly Hair & Bumps

Curly hair

Curly hair tends to frizz often when the weather is full of humidity and this means that is subject to split ends and breakage. Brushing the hair can worsen this condition though. You should focus on removing the frizz in case of curly hair. Also, ensure that the hair is conditioned and kept well. For this kind of hair, use dark and non-alcoholic beer. In order to obtain good results, follow the procedure below:

• Wash your hair with your regular shampoo then rinse with water.
• Slowly pour beer on your hair, making sure each strand gets coated.
• Let it sit in your hair for about five minutes so that it penetrates the hair shafts.
• Rinse your hair with cold water.
• Use this remedy once every two weeks.

Hair bumps

Usually, the complete results are obtained when you pat some apple cider vinegar to the affected area. The irritation caused by the in grown hair will in most cases disappear very fast. It helps dry out the area which the ingrown hair has occurred and pull the in grown hair to the surface hence easily removed.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Dandruff, Itchy Scalp & Hair Lice

Dandruff

Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Carry out this procedure twice a week.

Itchy scalp

Similarly, apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the scalp, which may help relieve itching and dryness. Rinse your hair and scalp with water then allow it to dry. Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Hair Lice

1. Apply olive oil generously onto the hair and scalp. Place a shower cap on the scalp and use a bit of masking tape to keep the cap really closed tight. Let the oil interact with the scalp for about 45 minutes.
2. When the 45 minutes elapse, comb out the hair and pick out any lice
3. Rinse your hair with warm water and a dash of dish soap.
4. Repeat step 1 but instead of oil now use vinegar. This time round, wait for 45-60 minutes.
5. Comb hair out very carefully to pick away any eggs then rinse again. Be careful to use a nice shampoo, to get rid of the vinegar smell.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, Hair Conditioner and other Products

Are there shampoos with ACV?

Yes! Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo is one the most reviewed. This product is infused with Apple Cider. Scented by fresh apple and pear. Silicone-free purifying cleanser clarifies and removes buildup. Overworked hair is deeply cleaned for a new beginning. However, it is recommended for external use only.

Other shampoo and conditioner include;

• Morrocco Method Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
• Natural First Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Finishing Rinse w/ Chamomile & Eucalyptus
• Roots – Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Tonic

Reviews and before and after Results

Apple cider vinegar seems to work for most people. According to online platforms such as MakeupAlley, Amazon and Nomoredirtylooks, 90 % of their reviews show that users are likely to recommend or  purchase the product for hair use. More than 95 % of the users were satisfied with the benefits it offered to the health of their hair.

Apple cider vinegar is mentioned to make the hair softer, bouncier and even curlier. It has been said to reduce frizz especially in humid area.

Washing your hair every day with ACV results in a cleaner scalp, free of fungal and bacterial infections. It has been proven to be very effective against dandruff. Some reviews have seen benefits of soft and shinnier hair upon washing their hair for the first time and an increase in volume after the second wash. Most people appreciate the natural means it offers to having healthier hair.

Tip & Ideas to choose the Best Apple Cider Vinegar Brand for Hair & where to Buy

It is a fact there so many brands of ACV out there in the market. You will find them in supermarkets, local food store and even online stores. Unfortunately, the brands are not created equally: some are better than the others.

 Selecting the best for natural hair treatment

Here are some tips and ideas to choose the best.

Check the label

The label is the most part of any product since it outlines the content. While on the label look for raw, organic and unfiltered/unrefined. If there is no label, walk away; save your money and time!

The organic varieties appear cloudy with a sediment in the bottom. The sediment, often referred to as “The Mother” is said to contain all the bacteria and enzyme that make this product super effective as mentioned earlier.

Avoid the clear Varieties of ACV at the Supermarkets

Clear (less cloudy) vinegars have been pasteurized, been overheated, artificially flavored and processed, losing many of their health benefits. They are often found at the supermarkets and they look pretty: sparkly and clear.

Avoid Plastic Bottles

Studies show that plastic bottles might be made up of a toxic material which implies packaged in them could be harmful. Where possible go for glass

Top Best Brands of ACV for Hair

Bragg ACV

According to quite a huge number of user reviews, Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is regarded as the best brand. According to the company, the product is made from apples grown within Unites States.

The apples are completely organic and free of pesticides and arsenic. The large wooden barrels that they use help to encourage a more natural fermentation.

Vitacost Apple Cider Vinegar
Vitacost ACV is cheaper than Bragg but has all the qualities that you look for in a good apple cider vinegar. Like Bragg’s, t uses 100% organic apples, in unpasteurized, and it has the “mother” included in every bottle. There are no artificial colors or flavorings and no sugar added. Besides being kosher, it is compatible for vegetarians.

Other popular ACV brands worth mentioning include

• Fleischmann’s Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dynamic Health Apple Cider Vinegar
• White House Apple Cider Vinegar
• Spectrum Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• Viva Naturals Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother
• Benefits-Is apple cider vinegar good for your hair
• Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• Vitamin Shoppe Apple Cider Vinegar

Safety: Possible Side Effects of ACV on Hair

When ACV is applied onto the scalp, it may lead to a hypersensitivity reaction to it. It may also lead to bedding of toxins removed from the skin which results in acne or redness of the skin.

The vinegar could also lead to drying of the skin that may cause reverse effects. It should therefore be used in small amounts or diluted to prevent this. This will also prevent disruption of the pH of the bed on which hair follicles grow.

 Low Potassium Level

According to Natural Standard review, the high acetic acid content of ACV can lead to low potassium level of your blood and also reduce bone mineral density upon excessive consumption of this vinegar. Individuals who suffer from osteoporosis should take necessary precautions and consult a physician before consuming ACV.