Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a widely known natural remedy used in skin and hair care. It is also consumed as a dietary supplement for weight loss. ACV is obtained from the alcohol fermentation of sugars derived from crushed apples and bacteria and yeast in the sugary solution. It has medically proven hair and skin health benefits. As an over counter remedy item, ACV is commonly used in treating hair-related issues like itchy scalp, dandruff, stunted hair growth, and hair fall. Frequent use of ACV-based hair masks or oils provides natural nutrients that not only boost hair growth but also make the hair shiny and strong.
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What are the evidence-backed properties and benefits of ACV?
ACV as an Antimicrobial agent
ACV has antimicrobial properties (scientifically proven) that help in inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing microbes, i.e., Malassezia furfur (yeast-like fungus)(Yagnik et al.) and some species of Staphylococcus (bacteria). (Luu et al.)
The bacterial and fungal buildup leads to scalp irritation. If left unattended, it could lead to serious scalp infections. The ACV clears microbial-entrapped sebum buildup and helps maintain pH balance, leaving hair healthy and shiny.
ACV as a pH balancer
Acetic acid – a fermentation by-product that is present in significant amounts in ACV. (Cortesia et al.) As an acidic substance, ACV lowers the pH, restoring the imbalanced, high alkaline hair pH to the standard range (4.5–5.5, slightly acidic). The high alkaline pH imbalance has detrimental consequences for hair health; hair looks rough, brittle, and frizzy. The frequent use of chemical-based hair products and shampoo is the leading cause of hair pH disruption. (Gavazzoni Dias et al.)
AVC as a cleansing agent and for hair growth
The build-up is a mix of sweat, sebum, bacteria, and chemicals that can block hair follicles, hindering hair growth and causing breakage. As ACV possesses antimicrobial properties and is rich in acetic acid, it helps clear scalp buildup to promote hair growth.
Other potential benefits of ACV
- ACV helps improve hair blood circulation by clearing clogged hair follicles.
- ACV works as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals that can cause scalp irritation or, in severe cases, scalp burn.
How to use ACV in your hair care routine to boost hair health and growth?
Using ACV on the scalp
As a common practice, ACV is used to fight dandruff. You’ll find tons of home remedies online, but the most effective ones use ACV in combination with other organic ingredients.
For example, you can use it as part of your weekly hair-masking or oiling routine, or add a dash of ACV to your mild shampoo and hair-conditioning products. Or, for a more straightforward option, you can spray your scalp and hair with a diluted ACV solution. But, don’t forget! All organic remedies take time to give effective results.
Disclaimer: Make sure to do a patch test before trying out the remedies. Some individuals have sensitive scalps, and ACV might cause irritation.
Using ACV on hair
Mix large amounts of ACV with water for shiny, healthy hair, and rinse your shampooed hair with the mixture. Make sure that ACV is fully diluted. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with cold water again. ACV can also be used for color-treated hair, but a patch test is always recommended.
Using hair products containing ACV
Organic hair products designed to address scalp problems often contain ACV, enzymes, vitamins, and antimicrobial ingredients. You can add them to your hair care routine. However, moderation is always encouraged due to ACV’s acidity and potential side effects. To make your choice easier, let’s dive into our list of product recommendations.
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With Mother By Dynamic Health Laboratories
- Pacifica Beauty | Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic | Shampoo Pre-Cleanse
- Revitalizing Detox Scalp Scrub by SUN BUM
- Renpure Plant-Based Apple Cider Vinegar Clarify & Shine Scalp Serum
- Hair Food Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
- WOW, Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner Set
- ACURE Buildup Balancing Hemp & Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
In Conclusion
There’s a lot of scientific evidence supporting ACV’s role in improving overall hair health and combating dandruff and hair pH imbalance. However, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. ACV as a remedy shouldn’t be relied on solely for treating severe scalp issues like infections and inflammatory conditions, as it might worsen the problem rather than resolve it.
ACV works differently for everyone. For some, it might work like a charm; for others, it might not be as effective. The best way is to see for yourself if it works for you. All you have to do is add it gradually to your hair routine and wait for the outcome. Check out the rest of the articles for more hair care tips and tricks!
References
Yagnik, Darshna, Vlad Serafin, and Ajit J Shah. “Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.” Scientific reports 8.1 (2018): 1-12.
Luu, Lydia A., et al. “Apple Cider Vinegar Soaks Do Not Alter the Skin Bacterial Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis.” PloS One, vol. 16, no. 6, 2021, p. E0252272, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34077434/, 10.1371/journal.pone.0252272. Accessed 29 Mar. 2022.
Cortesia, Claudia, et al. “Acetic Acid, the Active Component of Vinegar, Is an Effective Tuberculocidal Disinfectant.” MBio, vol. 5, no. 2, 25 Feb. 2014, mbio.asm.org/content/5/2/e00013-14, 10.1128/mbio.00013-14.
Reis Gavazzoni Dias, Maria, et al. “The Shampoo pH can Affect the Hair: Myth or Reality?” International Journal of Trichology, vol. 6, no. 3, 2014, pp. 95-99, https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.139078. Accessed 24 Nov. 2022.
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