Apple cider vinegar is commonly used as an addition to food. However, its uses cover more than just being an ingredient in salad dressing. In fact, apple cider vinegar can do many things that you probably never expected, including being used as a natural hair care product. That’s right, applying apple cider vinegar to your hair can provide you with a number of hair health benefits. Here are a few of them:
Balancing pH Levels
Apple cider vinegar works very well at balancing the pH level in our hair. Our hair and scalp naturally produce an oil-like substance called sebum, which allows the environment in your hair to have a pH level of between 4.5 and 5.5. This level of pH contains enough acidity to protect the scalp from fungal and bacterial growth and other damage, keeping both your hair and scalp healthy.
However, it is well known that many shampoos and other hair-care products strip your hair of the natural oil sebum. This affects the cuticles of the hair and also compromises the scalp’s protective abilities, as a lack of sebum results in a basic environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Apple cider vinegar has a naturally low pH level, meaning it is acidic enough to temporarily replace the role of sebum. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar regularly can help replenish the scalp’s levels of acidity after using shampoo or hair care products.
Anti-fungal and Antimicrobial Properties
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar does contain certain anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. This is possibly due to its high acidity level. This does not only mean that it will help keep your hair and scalp healthy but apple cider vinegar has also been proven to be effective at killing bacteria that cause certain types of skin infections. This shows that apple cider vinegar is very effective at treating infections or diseases that affect the scalp.
Improving Hair Growth
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used to help regulate blood pressure and improve circulation. This is very beneficial for hair health and growth as proper blood flow and circulation to the scalp is what provides the hair with nutrients to grow and thrive. Many studies have also associated hair loss and baldness with poor circulation.
One study conducted in Japan found that the blood flow in the scalps of men diagnosed with male pattern baldness was 2.6 times lower than that of the control group who did not have male pattern baldness. A lot of additional research conducted by hair-care companies such as L’Oreal has also shown that poor circulation is associated with hair loss.
Improving Curls
According to The Curl Manual, a website that specializes in natural care products for curly hair, apple cider vinegar is great for bringing a “bounce” to curly hair. The website claims that apple cider vinegar’s cleansing properties clean the scalp and prevent “tightly coiled hair” from building up. They also claim that apple cider vinegar improves the springiness of hair.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
In order to get the full beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar on your hair, you have to apply it in a way that will allow it to reach every part of your hair and scalp. The best way to do this is through the use of a spray bottle. Use a solution that is 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water.
Mix thoroughly and apply around half of a cup of the solution per use, depending on hair length. Apply only once a week and rinse thoroughly after. Let us know if this solution worked for you!