Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy, and when taken internally, it can help those suffering from a host of health disorders such as allergies, acne and acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar is also useful in promoting hair growth and reducing thinning hair. Using apple cider vinegar as an after-shampoo rinse can help stimulate follicles, clarify and cleanse, reduce dandruff and ease an itchy scalp.
Protects Acid Mantle
The skin is the largest organ of the body and central in the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of impurities. Your scalp and the state of it can affect the condition of your hair. When the pores of your scalp are clogged, your hair may feel dry, brittle, thin and lackluster.
Rinsing your scalp with apple cider vinegar after shampooing will, according to a 2010 article on Bella Online, counteract the damaging effects of alkaline shampoo. Alkaline-based shampoos break down the acid mantle or protective layer of your scalp, which can hamper the detoxification process. Apple cider vinegar regulates the pH balance of your scalp, keeping it healthy to promote thicker, healthier hair.
Stimulates Hair Follicles
Efficient blood circulation is vital for healthy hair. According to a 2002 article on Alive.com, apple cider vinegar is effective in stimulating hair follicles. When blood circulates through your capillaries, nutrients are delivered to follicle cells to strengthen roots and promote thicker, healthier hair.
Prevents Dandruff
A 2005 article published by "Medical News Today," explained the damaging effects of dandruff in relation to the condition of your hair. The article highlighted a study that determined scratching the scalp continuously for 90 minutes led to the stripping of cuticles. When cuticles are shed, the hair shaft becomes thinner and weak, breaking easily.
Dandruff can be a challenge to treat, and according to a 2010 article on the Dandruff Cure Technique website, many commercial antidandruff products only give temporary relief. The harsh and drying ingredients contained in these products, such as salicylic acid and ketoconizole, can cause irritation and dryness, possibly triggering a return in dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar provides a natural remedy with antifungal, antibacterial and acidic properties to combat dandruff and restore the natural pH balance to your scalp, easing itchiness and preventing the reoccurrence of dandruff. Apply apple cider vinegar directly to your scalp and leave for 15 minutes before shampooing.
Clarifies and Cleanses
Environmental pollutants and product buildup can result in dry, thin, lackluster hair. Product buildup coats your hair, rendering conditioning treatments ineffective. Apple cider vinegar rinse cleanses and clarifies both your scalp and hair, to facilitate deeper penetration of conditioning treatments into the hair shaft. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water in a large jug or container. After shampooing, rinse the solution over your head, massaging into your scalp and hair. Cover with a plastic shower cap and towel for 15 minutes, and then rinse and condition as usual.
Strengthens Hair Strand
If you were to examine each damaged and dry hair strand under a microscope, you would notice frayed and open cuticle scales. The diameter of each hair strand would appear thin and irregular, making it weak and susceptible to breakage. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar closes and smooths down the scales of your hairs' cuticles, sealing them to make the hair strand stronger, thicker and more able to retain moisture and natural oils.
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