Known for centuries as a popular folk remedy, apple-cider vinegar has been associated with a whole host of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, killing cancer cells, controlling blood sugar and assisting with weight loss. Produced by the fermentation of apples, apple-cider vinegar gained prominence in the U.S. in the late 1950s when promoted in D.C. Jarvis's best-selling book, "Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health." Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, apple-cider vinegar can also provide natural benefits to your hair.
Cleansing Hair Rinse
Human hair is actually mildly acidic, with an ideal concentration on the pH scale ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. This is comparable to a simple vinegar rinse comprised of 1/3 cup apple-cider vinegar and 1 liter of water. The slight acidity of such a solution means that rinsing with apple-cider vinegar can help maintain the balance of your hair while gently removing buildup. In contrast, numerous hair-care products available are strongly alkaline; products which are either highly alkaline or acidic can be damaging to hair.
Scalp Care
Acids and enzymes in apple-cider vinegar are known to destroy bacteria called "bottle bacillus," particularly known as a cause of scalp conditions including dandruff and itchiness. By clogging the openings of the hair follicles, bacteria cause dry crusts to form and flake on the scalp. What's more, oil-deprived hairs dry, fall out or break, resulting in thinning and even baldness.
Hair Loss
Apple-cider vinegar's antibacterial properties suggest that by protecting the hair follicles, it may be able to help prevent hair loss. In "Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System," author Patricia Bragg recommends applying 2 tablespoons of apple-cider vinegar, mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper, to the scalp one hour prior to shampooing. Bragg further suggests patting 1 teaspoon apple-cider vinegar mixed with a royal jelly capsule onto bald areas overnight.
Considerations
While vinegar's acidity makes it a natural cleansing agent, it can also become a strong irritant if undiluted. Take care to monitor your individual reaction, and mix appropriately with water to prevent use from becoming counterproductive.
Apple-cider vinegar's nutritional properties offer a wide array of potential health benefits, and in several instances, studies provide a growing body of evidence to back them. However, there are also many claims with little or no scientific evidence to validate them, such as the supposed power to treat head lice. According to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, vinegar can be employed to help deal with nits, but treating the condition requires a medicated shampoo or rinse as recommended by your physician. For hair conditions causing undue concern, it's always best to consult your doctor.
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