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Stimulate hair growth and protect your hair with apple cider vinegar

by Lotte Lindgren on Jun 23, 2023

Excellent Based on 3092 reviews

Read through by Dorthe Kristensen

Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on August 22, 2024.

Table of contents

Apple cider vinegar is a natural and effective means of stimulating hair growth and protecting your hair in various ways. This blog will walk you through what apple cider vinegar is, the benefits of using it on your hair, how to use it correctly, and any side effects or warnings. Read on to discover all the amazing properties of apple cider vinegar for hair.

    What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

    Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made by fermenting apple cider. It is a pure and natural ingredient with countless health benefits, including stimulating the blood supply to the scalp, which will help with normal hair growth and combat dandruff . Apple cider vinegar is quite strong, so it should be diluted with water to achieve the desired strength and applied directly to the hair and scalp as a rinse after shampooing for best results. Regular use of apple cider vinegar can help protect your hair from environmental factors such as UV rays and chemical processing.

    Making apple cider vinegar

    When making apple cider vinegar, it is important to choose the right apples and squeeze them thoroughly to obtain a pure juice. The fermentation process requires the addition of food scraps, which will help create the desired acetic acid in the product. Storage and maturation process are also crucial to achieve the perfect taste and consistency in the apple cider vinegar. It is also recommended that you use a clean glass or ceramic vessel for the entire process.

    In the fermentation process, the temperature plays a big role in the result, so ensure optimal temperature control along the way. When your apple cider vinegar is ready, you can use it as a natural way to both stimulate hair growth and protect the scalp against bacteria and fungus. Mix some vinegar with water and apply it to your hair after washing your hair – this can have positive effects on both the health of your hair and the well-being of your scalp over time.

    Apple cider vinegar is made from apple juice

    Nutritional content of apple cider vinegar

    The acidity in apple cider vinegar can have a positive effect on the hair. It helps reduce excess oil and dandruff on the scalp, which can lead to thinning hair and hair loss . The antioxidants in the vinegar also protect the hair against free radicals, which can damage the hair strands over time.

    In addition to antioxidants, apple cider vinegar also contains minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for your body and support functions that help maintain normal hair. For optimal effect, you should mix a spoonful of pure apple cider vinegar with a little water and massage it into the scalp before each hair wash.

    Normally you would say:

    1 dl apple cider vinegar to 4 dl water.

    Benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair

    Apple cider vinegar contains acid that helps remove product build-up on the scalp and improves blood circulation to the hair follicles. This can stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair from the root. In addition, apple cider vinegar can also act as a natural conditioner, as it gives shine and softness to the hair without weighing it down.

    Stimulates hair growth

    Apple cider vinegar helps stimulate hair growth by balancing the pH level of the scalp. This also promotes blood circulation to the hair roots, which strengthens the hair and reduces breakage. By regularly using apple cider vinegar as part of your hair care routine, you can strengthen your hair from within and protect it from external damage.

    The structure of a strand of hair with blood vessels

    Gives shine and softness

    Adds moisture and nutrients to the hair, reduces frizz and static electricity and leaves a healthier shine. These are some of the benefits of using apple cider vinegar in your hair care routine. The apple cider vinegar helps restore the hair's pH balance, resulting in stronger, more resilient locks.

    If you want to have healthy and shiny hair , then apple cider vinegar can be the perfect choice for you. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, it can also reduce damage from styling tools and protect against environmental influences such as air pollution or UV rays. However, always make sure to dilute the vinegar before use - otherwise you risk drying out your hair or irritating your scalp .

    • Adds moisture and nutrients to the hair
    • Reduces frizz and static electricity
    • Leaves a healthier shine

    Reduces dandruff and scalp itching

    Apple cider vinegar is not only good for the hair, but also the scalp. It can help regulate the production of oil in the scalp and is antibacterial against fungal infections on the skin. At the same time, it relieves irritation in the scalp.

    Here are some of the ways apple cider vinegar can reduce dandruff and itchy scalp :

    • Reduces inflammation
    • Relieves itching
    • Removes dead skin
    • Regulates the pH balance

    However, always remember to dilute the vinegar before use, as it can otherwise be too strong and damage both your hair and your skin.

    Scientific evidence for the effect of apple cider vinegar on hair

    Apple cider vinegar has been used for years as a natural remedy to condition and improve hair. But is there scientific evidence for its effectiveness? Let's take a closer look at the research behind apple cider vinegar's effect on hair.

    Research in the area is limited, and there are not many formal scientific studies that have specifically investigated the effects of apple cider vinegar on hair. Most information about its benefits is therefore based on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences.

    Some of the purported benefits of using apple cider vinegar for hair are related to its ability to remove product build-up and improve blood circulation to the hair follicles. This can potentially stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair from the root. In addition, it is also claimed that apple cider vinegar can add shine and softness to the hair without thinning it.

    Apple cider vinegar is also said to reduce dandruff and scalp itching by helping to remove dead skin and regulate pH balance. This is due to apple cider vinegar's antibacterial properties and its ability to reduce scalp inflammation.

    Although there aren't many formal scientific studies to support these claims, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence and many people who have had positive experiences using apple cider vinegar for hair.

    It is also important to be aware that apple cider vinegar can have different effects on different hair types. While some people experience improvements in their hair quality after using apple cider vinegar, it may be too drying or irritating for others. So it's a good idea to start with a small sample to see how your hair reacts to this.

    Applecidervinegar

    How to use apple cider vinegar in your hair

    Apple cider vinegar can be an effective solution to stimulate hair growth and protect your hair. To use apple cider vinegar in your hair, you can rinse your hair with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar after shampooing. The mixture should have 1 dl of apple cider vinegar and 4 dl of water as ingredients, and you can repeat this twice a week for best results.

    Another way to use apple cider vinegar is as a hair mask. You can create your own natural mask by mixing egg whites, honey and 2 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar together in a bowl until it forms a paste-like consistency. Then apply the mask throughout the hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this process every three weeks for healthy and strong hair!

    Rinsing with apple cider vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar can be an effective way to rinse your hair as it helps remove excess product build-up and balance the pH level of your scalp. To use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, dilute 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and apply after shampooing. Gently massage into the scalp and leave for a few minutes before rinsing.

    A regular hair wash with apple cider vinegar rinses can not only cleanse your hair, but also help stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. However, it is important not to overuse this treatment, as too frequent applications can lead to dryness or irritation of your scalp. Therefore, use this treatment only once a week or less frequently as needed for the best long-term effect.

    Woman washes her hair

    Apple cider vinegar as a hair mask

    Apple cider vinegar can help nourish and stimulate hair growth due to its natural properties. By using apple cider vinegar as a hair mask, you can strengthen your hair and protect it from damage.

    Here are some things you should know about apple cider vinegar as a hair mask:

    • Apple cider vinegar can balance the pH level of your hair
    • It contains antioxidants that strengthen the hair and prevent damage
    • Acidic acid in the vinegar removes accumulated residues from styling products or chemicals.
    • The vinegar also has antibacterial properties that protect your skin from infections.

    Use this recipe for a simple apple cider vinegar hair mask once a week:

    Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.

    Apply the mixture evenly all over your wet scalp - hairline to the nape (remember to avoid the eye area).

    Leave the mask on for approx. 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

    Continue your usual shampoo routine as needed.

    Side effects and warnings

    Although apple cider vinegar can have many benefits for the hair, it is important to be aware of any side effects when using it. Some people may experience a scalp reaction such as irritation, itching or dryness. It is therefore always recommended to test the product on a small part of the scalp first before using it on the entire hair.

    It should also be mentioned that prolonged exposure of apple cider vinegar to the hair can lead to damage and drying out of the locks. In addition, people with colored hair should also exercise caution as the acid in the vinegar has the potential to fade the color over time.

    Possible side effects of using apple cider vinegar in the hair

    Apple cider vinegar can have possible side effects when used on the hair. It can cause dry scalp and skin irritation, especially if used undiluted. There are also reports of hair loss among people who use apple cider vinegar regularly in their hair care routine. Therefore, use it with caution and do not use it in excessive amounts. 

    Warnings when using apple cider vinegar in the hair

    Do not use undiluted directly on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar can be harmful to the skin if it is not diluted properly, so it should never be used undiluted on the hair or scalp.

    Avoid getting apple cider vinegar in your eyes or mouth. It is important to avoid contact with the eyes and mouth when using apple cider vinegar in the hair. If this does happen, the area should be immediately rinsed thoroughly with plenty of water to reduce the risk of irritation or unpleasant side effects.

    Is apple cider vinegar good for all hair types?

    Apple cider vinegar is generally good for hair as it can help balance the pH level of the scalp and provide a shiny finish. However, it is not necessarily suitable for all hair types.

    If you have dry hair or a dry scalp , apple cider vinegar may worsen the problem as it tends to strip natural oils from the hair and scalp. It can also lead to irritation and itching on an already dry scalp. Therefore, use it with caution and possibly for short periods to make sure that yours does not get damaged. 

    On the other hand, apple cider vinegar can be beneficial for people with oily hair , as it can regulate the production of oils in the scalp, leaving the hair cleaner and fresher.

    It is important to note that apple cider vinegar should not be used undiluted as it can be too strong and cause damage to the hair and scalp. It is recommended to dilute it with water and use it as a rinse after shampooing to avoid any negative side effects.

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