Apple cider vinegar is known for its health benefits – but now, it's being used as a hair treatment (and you won't believe the results)
We all know that apple cider vinegar is great for gut health and might help to lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar levels. But did you know that it's beneficial for your hair, too? No, nor did we, but luckily, a few of our favourite hair brands figured it out and started adding it to their formulas, which sounds a lot better than applying it straight from the fridge.
Here, we asked the experts to break down exactly why apple cider vinegar is so good for both hair and scalp, and we also rounded up a few of our tried-and-tested favourite products to help you reap the benefits at home.
Why is apple cider vinegar good for hair?
According to Zac Watson, R+Co global educator, apple cider vinegar is not only good for the hair but has many scalp benefits as well. “Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties, and because of its acidic pH it also has astringent properties, meaning it's able to deep clean the follicles, remove topical buildup, reduce inflammation on the scalp, kill bacteria that can cause oily dandruff, tighten the cuticle on hair strands, and help to naturally regulate the body’s pH, which can cause dry scalp and flaking (which is a different condition than oily dandruff)," he explains.
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Is apple cider vinegar good for all hair types?
Apparently, the astringent properties will tighten the cuticle of hair strands, locking moisture in the hair and protecting colour pigments that have been deposited in the cortex. This makes it perfect for amping up colour-treated hair. “You get an intense shine due to the clarifying properties of apple cider vinegar that removes product buildup from the strands, allowing light to reflect off the closed cuticle.”
It's also amazing for curly or textured hair: The cuticles of curly hair textures are always raised, which can cause dehydration and the inability to hold on to moisture in the hair; one of the main reasons that cause frizz. Apple cider vinegar closes the cuticle, and therefore, reduces frizz," Zak says.
Will it make my hair smell like vinegar?
This was one of our major concerns when we first heard about the trend, and if you were to use the raw ingredient directly on your hair, we guarantee your hair would be left with a pungent, sour scent. Luckily, the throng of new, expertly designed hair products have managed to harness apple cider vinegar's powers, minus its tangy odour.
“If you buy pure apple cider vinegar in a supermarket, you'll notice that some looks almost clear and has a sweet smell, while others look intensely cloudy and can smell like traditional white vinegar,” explains Zak. “This is because different batches can have a different pH based on how long it ferments. The more potent the smell, the more acidic the apple cider vinegar.”
Anything that is going to be applied topically to the skin or hair must not have a pH that's too acidic, or else it could cause irritation. This conveniently means that it also won't smell as strong. “At R+Co, we can formulate our Acid Wash Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse at a 4.0 pH consistently, making sure you get the best benefits without the risk of being overly acidic. This refining process also helps to reduce the smell of ACV that can linger behind in natural products.”
Brands also add a combination of fragrance and other naturally-scented ingredients to neutralise any residual smell and create a product you'll gladly lather all over your head. Here are some of our favourites…
OGX
OGX Clarify & Shine + Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner, £7.99, Superdrug
This uplifting formula with apple cider vinegar helps to balance the scalp all the while leaving hair soft, shiny and totally detangled.
Hello Klean
Hello Klean Clarifying Scalp Soak, £10, Cult Beauty
Able to remove excess oil and unwanted product residue and pollution, this soak is the ideal detox for congested scalps.
dpHUE
dpHUE AVC Hair Rinse, £32, Cult Beauty
Swap your shampoo for this cleansing rinse to gently remove impurities while preserving hair colour. As well as apple cider vinegar, it contains Argan oil, lavender extract and aloe vera to help seal the cuticle and add an enviable shine.
OUAI
OUAI Detox Shampoo, £24, Feel Unique
The combination of apple cider vinegar and micellar water in this clarifying shampoo makes it a great choice for anyone guilty of going one too many days on the dry shampoo.
Curlsmith
Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Pro-Biotic, £23, Look Fantastic
As the apple cider vinegar detoxes, a blend of probiotics restores the scalp's microbiome, helping curly hair to thrive.
Aveeno
Aveeno Clarify and Shine+ Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, £8.99, Boots
Clinically proven to soothe irritated scalps, this everyday shampoo calls upon apple cider vinegar, colloidal oats and botanical ingredients to combat product built up and enhance hair's natural shine.
