Apple cider vinegar is derived from apples but goes through a fermentation process that enriches it with different minerals, acids, enzymes, and more. It has long been used for an assortment of purposes ranging from home remedies to use as a food additive. In its natural property, apple cider vinegar additionally provides multiple benefits for our natural hair. Here is a closer look at the benefits of apple cider vinegar for natural hair:
BALANCES THE PH OF YOUR HAIR
We often overlook the importance of having a balanced pH (potential hydrogen) throughout our natural hair. In general, our hair and scalp have a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. The pH of your hair can affect its appearance and is a factor in the overall health of your hair. Products that disrupt the pH level of our hair can create the appearance of frizzy and dull looking strands and even lead to breakage.
Completing an apple cider vinegar rinse can help to restore and balance the pH of your natural hair. This will help to smooth the hair cuticle and result in softer, shinier hair.
ALLEVIATES CERTAIN SCALP CONDITIONS
Apple cider vinegar contains natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties for the hair. These properties can help to lessen the rise of certain scalp conditions from developing and restore the scalp’s natural pH to alleviate other scalp irritations as well.
HELPS TO REMOVE PRODUCT BUILD-UP/RESIDUE
Apple cider vinegar also helps to remove product build-up and residue from your hair. After shampooing and conditioning, follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse to further cleanse and add a boost of softness and shine to complement.
To complete an apple cider vinegar rinse, mix water and apple cider vinegar together in equal amounts. Then, pour the mixture throughout your hair from root to tip, working it into your strands and scalp. Let the mixture sit on your hair for a couple of minutes. Lastly, rinse the mixture out of your hair.
ADDS A BOOST OF SHINE
Upon doing an apple cider vinegar rinse, you are left with soft and shiny results. The natural pH balancing property of apple cider vinegar aids in smoothing the hair cuticle, helping to add to the appearance of shinier hair. Its natural cleansing abilities additionally help to remove build-up from your strands that might’ve created a dull or dry look.
Due to apple cider vinegar’s acidity, it is best to do a test patch on a small area of your skin to determine whether there is any irritation. If you plan on doing an apple cider vinegar rinse, always make sure to dilute it with water. Additionally, apple cider vinegar rinses are best done on occasion and not too frequently.
Have you tried apple cider vinegar on your natural hair? If so, would you do it again?
References:
¹”Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair: Growth, Dandruff, Rinse.” Healthline. N.p., 2018. Web. 26 Oct. 2018.
²”6 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For More Beautiful Hair.” Prevention. N.p., 2018. Web. 26 Oct. 2018.
