The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Use apple cider vinegar for cleaner, healthier hair

Do you want to have shinier, softer hair, that is easier to manage? You might benefit from using apple cider vinegar as a gentle rinse, after shampooing your hair. What we know today as apple cider vinegar has been used with respect to hair care for generations, as well as in many parts of the world.

Apple cider vinegar is made directly from the juice of fresh apples. Ideally, a person would begin with organically grown apples. The apples would be crushed in wooden barrels. The apple juice is allowed to ferment and interact with oxygen. It turns into acetic acid. When it has matured, a dark, cloudy, web-like foam, called mother foam, is visible in the light. 

The ideal acidity level of apple cider vinegar is 5-7. (1)

With respect to hair care, it is effective as a natural product, because it has almost the same acidity level as a person's hair, which is 5.5. (2)

Some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar, include the following.

Hair Cleaner

Apple cider vinegar kills germs and helps to remove any excess buildup of previous shampoos or conditioners. This tends to make the hair smoother, shinier and easier to manage.

Rinse or conditioner

When using apple cider vinegar as a hair conditioner, a bit of natural oil may be added. This works well for fine hair, as it tends to make it thicker. Tight, curly hair is softened and appears to be straighter. (It is important to note that a person's hair may have an apple cider vinegar odor, until it is dry.)

Head lice

Head lice are contagious and found among children. The toxin in the saliva of the lice can cause intense itchiness of the scalp. Treatment for head lice includes soaking the scalp with olive oil for approximately five hours. During this time, the hair should be covered with saran wrap or a plastic shower cap. The apple cider rinse helps to remove the pearly-gray colored nits and eggs. It is recommended that a fine tooth, comb be used to remove any further eggs. Then, use a natural shampoo. Check the scalp daily and repeat the treatment in 7-10 days, if necessary.

Dandruff

With dandruff, the scalp is itchy and flaky, as the hair pores become clogged and dry crusts form. This can lead to hair loss or total baldness over time. Full strength apple cider vinegar is applied to the scalp and rinsed off after half an hour, to treat dandruff. (3)

How to make your own apple cider vinegar rinse

Add one tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of warm water or add one third of a cup of apple cider vinegar to one liter of water.

You may also add essential oils like lavender, lemon, sage, rose or even rosemary. (4)

You are going to love the way your hair looks and feels. 

(1) http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/natural-hair-care-product.html#vhr 

(2) Ibid. 

(3) Ibid. 

(4) Ibid.