During the pandemic, many people started experimenting with all sorts of DIY hair care remedies. Can we be honest and say we chuckled at the many hair fail videos we watched? In addition to the hair fails, there were many successful hair growth stories. People researched all sorts of DIY hair treatments, masks, leave-in conditioners, and rinses to improve hair growth. Some of the most successful results came from apple cider vinegar hair rinses.
Apple cider vinegar hair rinses are not new to the DIY beauty game. In fact, apple cider vinegar rinses have been used by DIY beauty enthusiasts for quite some time. According to claims and anecdotes from online beauty personalities, apple cider vinegar hair rinses help to enhance curls, strengthen hair follicles, improve shine, and encourage scalp health. Without a healthy scalp, your chances of increasing hair growth are very slim.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Growth
It’s important to note that apple cider vinegar is not a cure for hair loss. Several studies indicated that apple cider vinegar rinses help to remove product buildup on the scalp, which can clog hair follicles, increase dandruff, and get in the way of optimal hair growth. According to certified dermatologists, the acetic and alpha-hydroxy acids in apple cider vinegar degrease and cleanse the scalp. When you regularly cleanse the scalp, you can possibly reduce the amount of hair strands you lose on a daily basis.
Improve Your Scalp’s pH
Apple cider vinegar contains a healthy amount of acetic acid, making it an acidic substance. The ideal pH level of your hair and scalp is between 4 and 5, but commercial shampoos and hair care products often disrupt that natural balance. According to a 2014 study, many shampoos on the beauty market were found to contribute to hair friction, loss, and dryness. These negatives were attributed to the high alkalinity. Normally, people strive for internal alkalinity because the average person is acidic, due to the consumption of unhealthy foods in the Western diet. The scalp needs to be slightly acidic for optimal hair health, though. Apple cider vinegar works to lower the scalp’s pH level, which helps to make brittle or frizzy hair look a lot healthier.
If you have a dry or itchy scalp, or you regularly experience dandruff, apple cider vinegar may be the right remedy for you. Some dermatologists advocate the use of apple cider vinegar on the scalp because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It works to combat fungal or yeast growth on the scalp and can even get rid of dead skin cell accumulation. If you want to start reaping the benefits of apple cider vinegar, start using the hair rinse below.
DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
- 1 cup cold, filtered water
Instructions:
- Pour both ingredients into a jar or bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine.
- The application will differ for everyone because everyone’s hair is different. Some people like to use it after shampooing or in place of shampoo.
- You have to use it based on your hair’s needs. No matter how you use it, let it sit in your for five minutes before rinsing it out.
- This recipe is good for one use only! Do not save the rinse. Make a new mixture every time you want to use this apple cider vinegar rinse.
- It’s best to use it once a week to avoid any scalp irritation. If you experience any irritation, stop using it and rinse out immediately.
