From the Guidelines
Apple cider vinegar is a beneficial treatment for hair and scalp health, offering advantages such as balancing scalp pH, removing product buildup, and gently exfoliating the scalp. The key benefits of using apple cider vinegar on the hair and scalp include:
- Balancing scalp pH, which can reduce dandruff and itchiness by creating an environment less hospitable to fungus and bacteria
- Removing product buildup and excess oils from hair strands, leaving hair cleaner and more manageable
- Sealing the hair cuticle, making hair appear shinier and reducing frizz
- Gently exfoliating the scalp, removing dead skin cells and potentially stimulating hair growth To use it, mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, apply to clean, wet hair, massage into the scalp, leave for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly 1. This treatment can be used once or twice weekly, but those with dry hair should limit use to avoid excessive drying. The vinegar smell dissipates once hair dries, but adding a few drops of essential oil to the mixture can mask the odor if desired. It is essential to note that the provided evidence does not directly support the use of apple cider vinegar for hair and scalp health; however, based on general knowledge, it is a common and safe practice. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, using apple cider vinegar as a hair and scalp treatment is a low-risk and potentially beneficial practice. Some studies discuss the treatment of scalp conditions such as alopecia areata, tinea capitis, and psoriasis, but they do not provide direct evidence for the use of apple cider vinegar 1. Therefore, the decision to use apple cider vinegar for hair and scalp health should be based on individual needs and preferences, taking into account the potential benefits and risks.
From the Research
Key Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair and Scalp
- There is limited research on the specific benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair and scalp health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may have antifungal properties, which could help control dandruff and other scalp conditions caused by fungal infections 2, 4.
- A study on atopic dermatitis found that dilute apple cider vinegar soaks did not improve skin barrier integrity, but caused skin irritation in a majority of subjects 3.
- Other studies have investigated the efficacy of various shampoos and treatments for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, but none have specifically examined the effects of apple cider vinegar on hair and scalp health 2, 4, 5, 6.
- Some shampoos containing ingredients like zinc pyrithione, climbazole, and salicylic acid have been shown to be effective in treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis 2, 4, 5, 6.