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What does Apple Cider Vinegar really do to hair?
  • HyspinHyspin
    I have started incorporated Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinses in my hair care practices with great results. My hair is very, very kinky and I find if I do the apple cider vinegar rinse as the final cleaning step of washing my hair I find my hair feels smoother, reflects light more (shinier) and it is easier to detangle. But what is the apple cider vinegar really doing to my hair?


  • HyspinHyspin
    Hopefully one of the brains can weigh in.
  • Right BrainRight Brain
    In actual lab testing we've haven't been able to demonstrate much of an effect from vinegar. But since vinegar is an acid, in theory, there are three things that the low pH could be doing for your hair:

    1.  Tightening the cuticle. 
    If your hair is damaged and the cuticles are upraised, an acid rinse could be helping them to lay flatter and therefore improving shine and detangle-ability. 

    2. Boosting conditioner efficacy
    Conditioners based on quaternary ammonium compounds work better at a lower pH because the stick to hair better. Maybe the vinegar is helping to "lock" your conditioner onto the hair. 

    3. Removing shampoo residue
    If shampoo isn't rinsed completely it can leave a dulling residue on hair. Vinegar may be helping to remove buildup and letting the natural hair shine through. 

    Again, these are only theories.  The general scientific consensus is that conditioner will do a much better job than any kind of vinegar rinse.  
  • HyspinHyspin
    Thanks Again Right Brain. Luckily I have never remove the conditioning process just added the Vinegar rinse at the end of the washing process (after conditioning).
  • copperwire
    Hi Hyspin,

    You ACV routine is interesting. I have a few questions: 

    - Do you mix the ACV with water?
    - How long do you leave it in your hair?
    - Do you rinse out the ACV or just let it air dry?
    - How often do you use this method?  Weekly? Monthly?

    Sorry for all the questions but I'm curious because I have tight curly hair as well.

    Thanks.
  • AleV
    I've been using apple cider vinegar for hard water buildup and looked for information about it. Theres some information at Paula Begouns site:

    "....A lower pH rinse, like what you can get from vinegar and lemon, can have
    benefits. For head lice, it can keep the nits from adhering to the hair
    shaft. There are some who swear that it helps reduce flaky scalp
    (though I think this is more myth than fact). But perhaps the most
    popular notion is that it shuts down the cuticle layer of hair, making
    it look more shiny. A low-pH rinse will shut down the cuticle
    temporarily, but a low pH is also drying in the long run, so that is
    probably why no one keeps up the routine of rinsing their hair with
    lemon or vinegar......"

    "Contrary to popular belief, chlorine does not cause the hair to turn green. The actual culprit is almost always copper (.....)  As far as the immediate hair problem is concerned, all it takes is using
    a shampoo with a slightly acidic pH that makes copper leave the hair.
    If you want though, the lower pH from lemon or vinegar can be even more
    effective depending on your hair type. Try shampooing your hair, then
    rinse with lemon juice or vinegar thoroughly, and then follow with a
    conditioner. Keep in mind that repeated use of vinegar or lemon on the
    hair can be drying".

    Source: http://www.paulaschoice.com/community/dear-paula/_/dear-paula-hair
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