From the Guidelines
There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that apple cider vinegar promotes hair growth. While some people use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, it primarily helps with scalp health by balancing pH levels, removing product buildup, and potentially reducing dandruff due to its antimicrobial properties. These benefits may indirectly support healthier hair growth by creating a better scalp environment, but apple cider vinegar doesn't directly stimulate hair follicles or increase growth rate. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help remove excess oils and exfoliate the scalp, potentially reducing inflammation that might otherwise impede normal hair growth. If you want to try it, mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water, apply to your scalp after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be cautious as undiluted vinegar can irritate the scalp, and those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test first. For proven hair growth treatments, FDA-approved options like minoxidil or prescription medications would be more effective, as noted in various studies on alopecia areata management 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating hair growth treatments include:
- The effectiveness of the treatment in promoting hair growth
- The potential side effects and risks associated with the treatment
- The individual's overall health and medical history
- The presence of any underlying conditions that may be contributing to hair loss
In terms of managing alopecia areata, the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines suggest that treatment options may include topical corticosteroids, contact immunotherapy, and other therapies, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited 1. Ultimately, the best course of treatment will depend on the individual's specific needs and circumstances, and it is recommended that they consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most effective treatment plan.
It is also important to note that the provided evidence does not specifically address the use of apple cider vinegar for hair growth, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. However, based on the available evidence, it appears that apple cider vinegar may be a useful adjunct to other hair growth treatments, but it should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for hair loss. As with any treatment, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy.
From the Research
Hair Growth Treatments
- The provided studies do not mention apple cider vinegar as a treatment for hair growth.
- Various other treatments for hair growth are discussed, including:
- Topical agents such as finasteride, latanoprost, spironolactone, caffeine, and metformin 2
- Oral minoxidil, nutraceuticals, platelet-rich plasma, low-level laser therapy, fractional lasers, and laser-assisted drug delivery 2
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a treatment for hair loss, which has been shown to stimulate hair growth in both men and women 3, 4, 5, 6
- Minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as non-surgical treatment options for androgenetic alopecia 4, 5
- The combined use of micro-needling technique, low-level laser therapy, and autologous non-activated platelet-rich plasma, which has been shown to improve hair re-growth in patients with androgenic alopecia 6
Evidence for Hair Growth Treatments
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that LLLT was the superior treatment for androgenetic alopecia, with PRP, finasteride, and minoxidil also showing effectiveness 5
- A randomized blinded retrospective study found that the combined use of micro-needling technique, low-level laser therapy, and autologous non-activated platelet-rich plasma improved hair re-growth in patients with androgenic alopecia 6
- However, the quality of evidence for these treatments is generally low, and high-quality randomized controlled trials and head-to-head trials are required to support these findings 5