How Is Apple Cider Vinegar Made?
Apple cider vinegar is made from the juice of crushed apples. This juice is extracted and exposed to bacteria and yeast, and its sugars are converted to alcohol. This is fermented again, and the alcohol converts to apple cider vinegar (1). What Are Its Benefits? It can strengthen hair, balance the scalp and hair pH, remove buildup, and treat dandruff. Who Can Use It? Anyone can use it, as it is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. How Often? It can be applied a few times a week, depending on how oily or dry your hair is. Caution Some people may be allergic or sensitive to it. Excess undiluted ACV can cause brassiness, chemical burns, and hypersensitivity in your scalp.
How Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Hair Loss?
Shedding 50 to 150 hair strands a day is normal (3). Hair fall and loss can happen due to a variety of reasons. Factors like stress, illness, and nutritional deficiencies can affect hair growth (4). Following are the various ways apple cider vinegar may help treat hair loss:
Balances Hair pH
The pH of hair is 4 to 5, making it slightly acidic. Maintaining the natural pH of hair is crucial to protect it from external damage, and to keep it healthy, smooth, and shiny. However, most shampoos on the market have an alkaline pH. This could alter the natural hair pH and lead to cuticle damage and harm the hair fibers (5). Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and has a low pH (is acidic) (6). Theoretically, using it may restore the natural hair pH. However, more studies are warranted in this regard.
May Remove Scalp Build-Up
Using different hair products, sweat accumulation, and oil secretion can cause scalp build-up and eventually lead to irritation. A diluted apple cider vinegar solution may help remove scalp build-up. However, more research is required in this regard.
May Boost Hair Follicle Growth
Poor blood circulation to the hair follicles could inhibit hair growth (7). Some believe that apple cider vinegar may improve blood circulation. The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar may help cleanse the scalp hair roots, and follicles. This may promote hair regrowth.
May Boost Hair Shine
Apple cider vinegar may help smoothen the hair cuticle (the outermost protective layer of the hair). The acetic acid in ACV reduces frizz and restores hair pH, which could have been altered by alkaline shampoos. Its amino acids and fatty acids may boost hair shine (8). Maria Nicholas, a blogger, shared she uses apple cider vinegar to make her hair shiny. She dilutes the vinegar with water and applies it to her hair. In her blog, she wrote, “From my natural alkalizing remedy to shining my hair to removing pesticides from my fruit, ACV has become a staple product in my house (i).”
May Help Treat Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties (9). It may help in dandruff treatment. Some believe its high acidity could make it difficult for the fungus to thrive. However, more research is required in this aspect.
May Fight Free Radicals And Premature Aging
Antioxidants can fight free radicalsi Oxygen-containing molecules carrying electrons in uneven numbers that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. (10). The vinegar contains some citric acid, which has been identified as an antioxidant (11). It may help fight free radicals.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Treating Hair Loss
As An External Rinse Ingredients
Water: ½ a liter Apple cider vinegar: 2-5 tablespoons
Process Make It A Part Of Your Diet Apple cider vinegar can be used in cooking to add a vinegary flavor to food. However, there is little research on the benefits of ACV intake on hair loss. As A Supplement If your doctor recommends, go for an apple cider vinegar supplement. But ensure you stick to the dosage. Excess intake of ACV for a prolonged period can cause hypokalemiai A condition where the potassium levels in the blood are too low, resulting in weak muscles, twitches, cramps, etc. or aggravate osteoporosisi A medical condition that causes brittle and fragile bones due to decreased bone mineral density and bone mass. (12). One way of making the best out of ACV is knowing the right type you need to purchase. With a variety of options on the market, this could be a challenge. The next section will help you understand how to pick the best apple cider vinegar.
How To Choose The Best Apple Cider Vinegar
Here are the factors to be considered before you purchase apple cider vinegar to use for your natural remedies. Choosing the right kind of apple cider vinegar may not necessarily mean it is safe for all. ACV could cause side effects in some. It also may show adverse effects if not used in the right way.
Risks Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Undiluted ACV: Apple cider vinegar has a low pH and is highly acidic. Using it undiluted may cause scalp issues. Some research shows that apple cider vinegar could cause chemical burns on the skin (13). An ACV rinse must always be used diluted. Excess Use Of ACV: Using a highly acidic solution too often may cause more harm. Use the ACV rinse only twice a week. Allergies: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that ACV could cause skin allergies. However, relevant research is lacking. You may do a patch test before using ACV on your skin/hair. If you observe a reaction, stop use and consult a dermatologist.
Using a minimal amount of ACV and diluting it with water is always safe. You may gradually increase the amount of vinegar as the weeks pass. How long should I leave apple cider vinegar on my scalp? You shouldn’t leave diluted apple cider vinegar for more than 10-15 minutes on your scalp as it is acidic and can dry your scalp and hair. What happens if you leave apple cider vinegar in your hair overnight? Apple cider vinegar is weakly acidic and can result in hair breakage and dullness if left in your hair overnight. Does apple cider vinegar affect hair color? Apple cider vinegar can help maintain the vibrancy of your permanent hair color by sealing the hair cuticles.
Illustration: Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Loss & How To Use It
