2. Has Antibacterial And Anti-fungal Properties
Apple cider vinegar is said to possess antifungal and antibacterial properties. The acetic acid in ACV helps prevent fungal growth (3). It also helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps your scalp and hair healthy. The phenolic compounds in ACV exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and acts against fungal and bacterial growth (4). The antimicrobial activity of ACV acts against certain microbes like E. coli and S. aureus (5).
3. May Help Treat Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar was found to help treat scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness (6). The antifungal and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar may help relieve an itchy scalp or dandruff (4). However, more research is needed in this regard.
4. May Help Remove Product Build-up
Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar exfoliates your scalp and removes product build-up and dead skin cells. Excess scalp oil secretion and using different hair care products can block the scalp pores and cause irritation. ACV may help remove scalp build-up and boost hair health. However, limited research is available in this regard.
5. May Boost Hair Shine
While many ingredients in your hair care products open your hair cuticles, some believe apple cider vinegar closes them. This can smoothen your hair strands. Opened hair cuticles are prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz. But anecdotal evidence suggests that ACV makes your hair strands shinier and brighter. You can use ACV on your natural hair in many different ways. But the most popular method is an ACV rinse. It adds a natural shine to your hair, conditions, removes product build-up, fights frizz, and also helps detangle your natural hair. But, how to prepare an apple cider vinegar rinse for natural hair? Keep reading.
How To Prepare ACV Rinse For Natural Hair
You can prepare an ACV rinse with two simple ingredients. Always prefer to use freshly prepared ACV rinse for your hair. Some people use coconut oil to moisturize and detangle their hair before applying ACV. But there is no need to condition your hair as ACV itself is a natural conditioner. You Will Need
Water, 8 oz. (1 cup) Raw apple cider vinegar, 2 to 4 tablespoons A spray bottle
Process You can use this ACV rinse as per the requirement and condition of your hair and scalp. Scroll down to know how to use the ACV rinse for your natural hair.
How To Use ACV Rinse For Natural Hair
Always choose unfiltered, organic ACV for natural hair. This raw ACV has a cloudy appearance and contains all beneficial nutrients. But dilute it with water as it contains acetic acid and is acidic. Undiluted ACV may cause scalp irritation.
Dilute one part of apple cider vinegar with two parts of water and spray it over your hair with the spray bottle. Give a gentle massage to your scalp and apply it to the hair shafts. This brings some shine to your natural hair. Soak your hair wet in the diluted apple cider vinegar. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wait for 5 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water. Continue with your hair wash routine.
You can use this ACV rinse after your hair wash. Also, adding other herbal ingredients to the ACV can enhance the properties of your hair rinse. That said, are you aware of ACV hair masks? They are easy to prepare and help cleanse the scalp and nourish your hair. Scroll down to find out more.
ACV Hair Mask For Natural Hair
The hair mask is made of ACV, honey, and olive oil. ACV removes the excess oil and dead skin cells from the scalp. The conditioning properties of honey moisturize your hair (7). Olive oil is said to possess emollient properties that help condition your hair (8). The combination of these three ingredients improves your hair health. You Will Need
Apple cider vinegar, 1 ½ tablespoon Olive oil, 1 tablespoon Honey, 2 tablespoons
Process The aforementioned hair rinse and hair mask will make your hair look fresh and shiny. These recipes can help restore your hairs natural shine and texture. But before you try them out, you must know if ACV has any side effects.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Though applying ACV to your natural hair has no adverse effects, some people claim that it dries their hair out. Limited research is available to prove this claim. ACV may dry hair out if the ACV to water ratio is right. Hence, be sure to dilute ACV properly before use. How long should you leave apple cider vinegar on your hair? Leave apple cider vinegar on your hair for 30-45 minutes and rinse it off. Keeping it any longer than that can strip your hair’s moisture and make it dry. Do you shampoo before ACV rinses? Yes. You can use ACV rinses after shampooing to condition your hair and make it shiny. How often should you use an ACV rinse on natural hair? You can do an ACV rinse once a week or alternate week. Ensure to dilute it properly and rinse it off thoroughly.
