For centuries, apple cider vinegar has served as a tried-and-true fixer for everything from detoxing and clarifying skin to addressing coughs, colds, and weight loss. This magic elixir is also a go-to essential for beauty and hair regimens.
Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is packed with antifungal and antibacterial properties, proteins, and nutrients to help address many common hair and scalp concerns, including dandruff. And, it works great on all hair types, whether you are flaunting natural kinks and curls, have looser waves or bone-straight tresses. So, if you’re looking for a solid fix for shinier, healthier-looking hair, we’ve got you covered!
Read on for five reasons to add this must-have to your wash day.
1. Reduce Dandruff
Many believe their flakes are just dandruff due to dry scalp. However, if you are experiencing large, dino-sized flakes that are moist underneath (and often with a sour smell), then you’ve probably got a fungal issue called seborrheic dermatitis. Of course, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can help soothe your scalp, break down those flakes, and reduce fungal growth with an ACV rinse.
2. Balance Your pH
Good hair is healthy hair and ACV can help get you there with its pH-balancing properties. Most on-the-counter hair products are bases that help open the cuticles to accept treatments, but leave them feeling dull and rough. ACV’s acidic properties can help flatten and close the cuticle, leaving it shinier and smoother.
3. Clarify
Product build-up can also leave hair dull and lifeless. ACV properties can help break down left-over residue and hard water, as well as reduce oil build-up and exfoliate dead skin cells. This is also a great option to help clarify buildup in long-term protective styles like box braids, sew-in weaves, and locs.
4. Lower Hair Porosity
In general, your hair porosity is genetic so you can’t permanently change it. But, if you are suffering from cuticle damage or lack of moisture, apple cider vinegar can help minimize gaps in your tresses with its cuticle-smoothing properties to help you better seal and retain moisture.
5. Hair Length Retention
Smoother cuticles also means the hair is easier to detangle and less prone to breakage, which leads to better length retention. And, while your ends are flourishing, ACV also helps stimulate blood circulation to hair follicles, which helps encourage hair growth.
Sounds like a win to us! Keep scrolling to see how to add this must-have to your routine.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
An ACV rinse is one of the best ways to incorporate this magic elixir in your haircare regimen.
What you’ll need:
- 1 part apple cider vinegar — make sure you’re got the organic, raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized stuff with that floating “mother” in it.
- 3 parts water
Directions
- Combine ACV and water.
- Shampoo and rinse your hair as normal.
- Pour the ACV mix throughout your hair and massage into scalp.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes. (Avoid getting it into your eyes)
- Rinse out thoroughly with cool, not hot, water to help seal cuticle
- Follow-up with your conditioner, if necessary.
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Stephenetta (isis) Harmon is founder of Sadiaa Black Beauty guide, the premier directory for Black-owned beauty brands aimed at amplifying their brand voices and presence. She previously served as digital media director for Hype Hair and editor-in-chief for the MN Spokesman-Recorder.
