It clarifies and cleanses.
“Applying this solution effectively eliminates environmental and product residue buildup, leaving your hair exceptionally clean and shiny,” says Bacchi.
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It soothes scalp itchiness.
Because ACV has anti-inflammatory benefits, it can improve the overall health of the scalp while also helping to reduce itching, says Dr. Garshick. “ACV boasts natural acidity that balances the scalp's pH levels, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth while warding off dandruff and itchiness,” Bennett adds.
It reduces flaking.
On that note, Haygood tells Glamour that dandruff sufferers can benefit from using ACV too. “It clarifies the scalp to help achieve proper pH balance therefore reducing flakes,” he says.
It promotes shine.
“ACV removes buildup and closes the hairs cuticles, which makes hair more light reflective and shiny,” Haygood explains. “The cleansing capabilities of apple cider vinegar not only get our hair and scalp super squeaky-clean,” Bennett says. “They help restore luster and shine to dull locks too.”
It combats greasy hair.
Since apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, it leaves it primed for functioning optimally, notes Federico. “When the scalp functions optimally, it produces less oil,” he says.
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It boosts volume.
“ACV is ideal for anyone who has fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily,” says Haygood. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift.”
It reduces frizz.
ACV helps to smooth and protect the cuticle. According to Bacchi and Dr. Garshick, this can help to reduce frizz.
It detangles.
“The acidic nature of ACV can help smooth the hair cuticle, making it easier to detangle and manage,” Bacchi explains. “This, in turn, can contribute to reduced breakage and smoother, more manageable hair.”
It smooths and softens.
Atop serving as a natural detangler, Bennett says that ACV smooths and softens the hair as well.
It protects hair color.
Another benefit to smoothing and protecting the cuticle? It helps preserve the longevity of hair color, says Dr. Garshick.
It combats breakage.
“It is universally proven that the lack of moisture in the hair may cause split ends and hair breakage,” Bennett says. “These two issues motivate the hair cells’ porosity, making hair fall more prominent in this situation. Using an apple cider vinegar strengthens the hair follicles and thus prevents split ends or hair breakage.”
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Is apple cider vinegar for all hair types?
Apple cider vinegar can work for all types. “An apple cider vinegar rinse can be extremely helpful for those that have combination hair types, but in general can be used on all hair types,” says Federico. “That’s because apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, leaving it primed for functioning optimally.”
However, many stylists specifically recommend the treatment for anyone with fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily in particular. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift,” says Haygood.
