Apple cider vinegar doesn’t seem to fall far from the headlines these days. From helping with weight loss to improving digestive health to maintaining blood sugar levels, the benefits of apple cider vinegar are being touted as the remedy for a wide range of issues. Now, more bottles of this seemingly all-purpose tonic may be flying off store shelves for another reason: the prevention of hair loss.
But before you start pouring vinegar over your head to stop your hair from falling out, understand that it is far from proven that apple cider vinegar can prevent hair loss. That said, the powerful cleansing and pH balancing qualities of apple cider vinegar can do several positive things for your hair and scalp, all of which may, in the long run, increase the strength and resiliency of your hair.
Here’s why you should consider integrating apple cider vinegar or products containing apple cider vinegar into your hair care regimen:
Balancing Your pH Levels
You’ve probably heard the term “pH level” before. You also probably have no idea what that means or how it impacts your hair and scalp.
pH stands for “potential hydrogen.” It describes the acid-alkaline ratio of a substance. Your pH level refers to the level of acid in your body. On one side of the pH spectrum is acidity, measured at 0, while the other end is alkalinity, measured at 14. The ideal pH level for hair – the sweet spot between acidic and alkaline – is between four and five
The pH levels of many shampoos lean heavily to the alkaline, which can skew the body’s pH level in that direction, causing hair to become dry brittle, and more prone to breakage. Apple cider vinegar is much more acidic and can counteract the alkalinity of shampoos to restore pH balance and keep hair stronger, shinier, and smoother.
Keeping Your Scalp Healthy
Like flowers, your hair follicles need the right underlying conditions to grow. This means a healthy, clean scalp. Annoying scalp conditions such as dandruff are caused by bacteria which can also clog hair follicles, depriving them of the oils they need to keep from becoming brittle and prone to breaking. Apple cider vinegar’s acids and enzymes work to destroy those bacteria and prevent them from contributing to hair weakness and loss.
Using an apple cider vinegar rinse can also help exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin cells and promoting hair growth.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar on Your Hair and Scalp
To reap the benefits that apple cider vinegar can provide your hair and scalp, mix two to four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup (16 oz.) of cool water in a plastic bottle or a spray bottle. After you shampoo and rinse your hair, pour or spray the mixture over your entire scalp, making sure to cover and protect your eyes. Let the mixture sit on your scalp for two to three minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly.
Miami Hair & Skin Institute: Your Partners in Hair Health and Restoration
If you are concerned about your hair loss and are ready to do something about it, we invite you to schedule a hair loss evaluation at the Miami Hair & Skin Institute. Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are internationally acclaimed hair restoration surgeons with more than 40 years of combined experience.
To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.