The benefits of diluted apple cider vinegar for your hair

As consumers grow increasingly concerned with what goes into their hair and beauty products, many are reaching for more natural products from their pantries. If you want to maintain bouncy and beautiful curls, or give your natural hair some extra love and sheen, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a nifty staple to keep on your bathroom counter.

What’s in ACV?

Made from fermented, crushed apples and added bacteria, apple cider vinegar is an acetic acid. The active compound in it, coupled with “mother”, the name of a substance full of proteins and enzymes found in unfiltered vinegar, is often considered to be the source of its health benefits.

How does ACV improve your hair?

ACV can regulate the pH level, which is the acidity level, of your scalp. The natural pH level of a healthy scalp tends to be at around 5. Some shampoos on the market have a pH level of 7, which can negatively affect the cuticle layer and result in dryness and breakage. 

ACV has a typical pH level of 3. This is good news for natural and curly hair as they both require more moisture. While slightly acidic, it keeps hair moisturised and smooth because it retains a flat and open cuticle layer. This lends itself to softer, frizz-free hair that is less likely to break or tangle.

ACV also has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, some of which keep hair healthy and tackle hair loss and dandruff. It is packed with nutrients, purifies the scalp, kills bacteria and can enhance hair growth by increasing blood circulation. It is also not too heavy, so it can lead to added volume.

Try an ACV Rinse

You can do a DIY diluted ACV rinse at home to protect and moisturise your hair. A hair rinse is a great way to reinvigorate your hair and keep it strong, healthy and lock in moisture.

Be sure to dilute the ACV or else it will be too harsh. You can dilute raw unfiltered ACV with water and store it in a plastic or spray bottle. The general rule is to ensure that there is more water than vinegar, so aim for a ratio of 1 part ACV, 3 parts water. 

An easy way to do this is to dilute one to two tablespoons of ACV with about five tablespoons of water.

After shampooing and rinsing your hair as normal, work the ACV blend onto your hair and scalp for 30 to 60 seconds. Apply evenly all over your hair, then rinse it off with cold water.