Apple cider vinegar has long been a wellness-trend main character and for good reason. It’s most commonly known for supporting gut health, but it turns out using apple cider vinegar on hair also has some serious perks.
There are plenty of promises on social media, but vetted hairstylists, trichologists and dermatologists also stand behind the potential benefits of adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your routine. Incorporating it into everyday hair care products like shampoos, conditioners and rinses may noticeably improve your hair and scalp condition, in both appearance and feel.
With expert-backed endorsements (plus, the DIY-friendly nature of ACV rinses), you might be tempted to add a store-bought bottle to your wash-day lineup. But first, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. We asked the experts to share everything you need to know about adding ACV to your routine.
Should everyone use apple cider vinegar for hair care?
Like most hair care ingredients, you’ll have to consider your hair and scalp type before using ACV. “Consider your hair and scalp condition before using apple cider vinegar,” trichologist and master stylist Dawn Bacchi tells us. “If you have dry hair or a dry scalp, it’s advisable to avoid it as it may exacerbate dryness.”
Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, agrees, noting that ACV can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. “It’s important to avoid overdoing it to minimise any potential irritation and best to avoid use if there are any open wounds or sores,” she says.
The benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair
“The hair benefits of apple cider vinegar are amazing,” Bacchi says. Hairstylist Adam Federico, R+Co vice president of technical education, says the same: “Apple cider vinegar is wonderful in so many ways. It leaves hair looking healthy and shiny.”
Here’s why it works for hair health:
ACV is antibacterial and antifungal
“ACV has so many benefits, way more than we realise,” says celebrity hairstylist and Pura D’Or partner Clyde Haygood. “Not only does ACV clarify the hair to get rid of any residual product buildup in our strands, but it also helps promote a healthy scalp because it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.”
It maintains pH balance
“Research proves that human skin, including the scalp, is more acidic than human hair, but at the same time, many hair care products are too alkaline, meaning they have too high of a pH,” says Adam Bennett, a certified trichologist at IHS Hair Replacement in London. “The great news is that adding a lower pH (higher acidity) product like apple cider vinegar to the scalp can help tone the scalp. In other words, it helps maintain the scalp’s proper pH.”
It removes buildup without drying
“ACV’s clarifying properties gently cleanse the hair, purging residues from styling products and environmental pollutants,” Bennett says. Plus, it does so without drying your hair or skin out. “ACV can remove buildup without stripping the hair of natural oil, which can prevent moisturising products from penetrating the shaft of the hair,” adds Federico.
It clarifies and cleanses
“Applying this solution effectively eliminates environmental and product-residue buildup, leaving your hair exceptionally clean and shiny,” says Bacchi.
It’s soothing for itchy scalps
Because ACV has anti-inflammatory benefits, it can improve the overall health of the scalp while also helping reduce itching, says Dr Garshick. “ACV boasts natural acidity that balances the scalp’s pH levels, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth while warding off dandruff and itchiness,” Bennett adds.
It reduces flaking
On that note, Haygood says dandruff sufferers can benefit from using ACV too. “It clarifies the scalp to help achieve proper pH balance, therefore reducing flakes,” he says.
It promotes shine
“ACV removes buildup and closes the cuticles, which makes hair more light-reflective and shiny,” Haygood says. “The cleansing capabilities of apple cider vinegar not only get our hair and scalp super squeaky-clean,” Bennett adds. “They also help restore luster and shine to dull locks too.”
It combats greasy hair and excess oil
Apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, leaving them primed for functioning optimally, notes Federico. “When the scalp functions optimally, it produces less oil,” he says.
It boosts volume
“ACV is ideal for anyone who has fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily,” says Haygood. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift.”
It’s a helpful tool against frizzy hair
ACV helps to smooth and protect the cuticle. According to Bacchi and Dr Garshick, this can help to reduce frizz.
It detangles
“The acidic nature of ACV can help smooth the hair cuticle, making it easier to detangle and manage,” Bacchi says. “This, in turn, can contribute to reduced breakage and smoother, more manageable hair.”
It smooths and softens
In addition to serving as a natural detangler, Bennett says that ACV smooths and softens the hair as well.
It combats breakage
“It’s universally proven that the lack of moisture in the hair may cause split ends and hair breakage,” Bennett says. “These two issues motivate the hair cells’ porosity, making hair fall more prominent in this situation. Using an apple cider vinegar strengthens the hair follicles and thus prevents split ends or hair breakage.”
It’s great for protective hairstyles
ABV solutions can be especially useful if you wear your natural hair in protective styles, celebrity hairstylist TerraRose Puncerelli says. “ACV rinses can dissolve buildup from gels, oils and styling products without harsh stripping,” she continues. “It also keeps the scalp balanced and reduces itchiness that sometimes comes with long-term styles.”
According to Puncerelli, you can use ACV to deep-clean the scalp while wearing tight styles, like locs, without loosening them and to achieve a clean slate between styles.
Is apple cider vinegar for all hair types?
Apple cider vinegar can work for all types and textures. “An apple cider vinegar rinse can be extremely helpful for those that have combination hair types, but in general it can be used on all hair types,” says Federico. “That’s because apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, leaving it primed for functioning optimally.”
However, many stylists specifically recommend the treatment for anyone with fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily, in particular. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift,” says Haygood.
How often should I use apple cider vinegar in my routine?
How and when you use ACV also depends on your hair type. “You can use apple cider vinegar on all hair types, but again, if your hair is on the dryer side, I would only suggest using it a few times a month diluted with water,” says Bacchi. “See how it makes your hair feel and go from there.”
How to use apple cider vinegar on hair
Look for haircare-specific products containing apple cider vinegar as a first step. An ACV shampoo and conditioner should be lathered and massaged into wet hair for about two minutes to allow the ingredients to soak in, then rinsed thoroughly. For the best results, Haygood recommends using both an ACV shampoo and conditioner together.
Don’t apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair or scalp. “It could cause irritation because it’s acidic and very strong,” says Haygood. “It’s best to use products that have ACV in them rather than using it alone.” You can also dilute a DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse (more on that below). “This hair rinse works to both clarify and improve overall shine in the hair. It is especially good for those with oily hair,” says Dr Garshick. “As an in-shower rinse, it is best applied after shampooing and prior to conditioning.”
