Apple cider vinegar contains many benefits for both your health and hair. It can increase blood circulation to the scalp, remove build up and promote greater quality healthy hair to grow from a clean scalp. It can be highly effective in treating hair loss caused by Scarring Alopecia, by efficiently removing fungal infections and dandruff. However, it won’t directly affect DHT or the hormones responsible for the most common type of hair loss in men -male pattern baldness (Androgen Alopecia).

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a liquid produced from the fermentation of apple cider. It consists of mainly apple juice that has been added with yeast to turn the cider into alcohol, then adding bacteria to turn that alcohol into vinegar.

ACV has a long history of being a home remedy to treat wounds and sore throats among various other health issues. However, recently it has gathered a lot of attention regarding it’s benefits as a hair product.

It can come in many forms but ideally for any scalp or skin treatment it’s the organic raw unfiltered with the mother version that contains the most nutrients and is the purest form of the vinegar.

ACV is also used for cooking, baking and as a salad dressing or preservative. It may also be taken orally, although consumption in this manner needs to be in the smallest form. As it contains a lot of acid and drinking large amounts is not recommended.

Apple Cider Vinegar Impact on Hair Loss?

The most common form of hair loss is Androgen Alopecia (Male pattern baldness). This type of hair loss is genetically inherited. A key sexual male hormone (Testosterone) is converted by the enzymes (5 alpha reductase) into another hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Levels of DHT are then increased in the system and latches onto the hair follicles causing them to enter the miniaturization stage which is where they shrink and gradually with time, eventually fall out. In men who are genetically engineered to lose their hair, this process occurs at an aggressive rate.

During the miniaturization stage, blood flow is restricted to the hair follicles. This has an after-affect as it causes issues to the deliver of oxygen to the hair follicles, nutrients and becomes less effective at removing residue buildup on the scalp.

ACV is able to increase blood circulation to the scalp when massaged in. It’s properties can also clean the scalp very effectively, removing all the build up that has clogged the hair follicles.

This can lead to healthy hair and improvement of the quality of the hair. An environment that is well maintained and clean allows the supplements healthy hair.

However, ACV plays no role in the conversion of DHT and therefore the ministration of the hair follicles. It is able to impact the blood circulation and allow the scalp to be effectively cleaned but it cannot impact the contributing factors i.e no impact on DHT therefore cannot impact male pattern baldness.

ACV can however help with other types of hair loss such as Scarring Alopecia. Treating inflammatory scalps to reduce irritation and fighting fungal infections off the scalp. If the fungal infections are treated early and effectively then the hair loss can be reversed.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Hair

ACV can be used both topically or orally. It can be used to replace shampoo or used as a rinse alongside shampoo in the shower.

To use it on your scalp, use 50ml off ACV and dilute it with 50ml of water. Slowly massage it in your scalp whilst being careful not to get it in the eyes as it may sting.

Leave it in the scalp for around 5-10 mins and then wash it off. Do not let it sit in your hair for longer than that time period.

It may be difficult to get it off your scalp so I would recommend using a shampoo to make sure all of of it has firmly been washed off. Important note to add is that it does contain a strong potent smell, so be wary that you might be smelling of vinegar after your shower.

To consume ACV orally, take a 10-15ml shot of Apple cider Vinegar. It’s important to only consume a small amount. It is recommended to only use ACV once or twice a week, not everyday.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

It’s an easy and effective method for achieving a clean scalp. It is fully natural and is relatively cheap. It increases blood flow to the scalp which in turn helps with growing the hair follicles.

ACV is extremely capable of cleaning the scalp. It can remove the dead skin and sebum that lies on the scalp. Also removes build up from the use of hair products as well as everyday dirt and pollution. Leaving your scalp clean and not clogging up the hair follicles.

It is also able to balance the PH levels of the scalp. In order to ensure the scalp is well maintained to grow healthy hair. This will help improve the shine and quality of the hair by sealing the hair cuticles to maintain the moisture and natural oils.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar on Scarring Alopecia

ACV can prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast. This is extremely useful for treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Whilst also being beneficial for scalp conditions such as an itchy dry scalp, inflammatory infectious agents such as Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis.

These type of hair loss are referred to as Scarring Alopecia. Often results in scars that destroy the hair and restricts its ability to regenerate.

Infections agents themselves don’t cause hair loss, but they cause various skin and scalp irritations. Picking at these scaly spots and itchy flakes pulling the hair follicles with them, including the stress that goes along with the condition may lead to hair loss. This is a permanent form of hair loss if it not treated early on.

The malic acid compound that is present in ACV is adaptive in its antiseptic process. This means that it can stop or slow down the growth of microorganisms.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar on Dandruff

ACV is extremely useful when combatting Dandruff. It can remove the fungus (Malassezia) that is responsible for allowing dandruff to flourish and survive.

Dandruff itself is highly unlikely to cause hair loss but it can cause stress on the hair follicles, force scratching on the scalp and potential cause scarring.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV provides a range of benefits for both your health as well as your hair. ACV contains many beneficial minerals and vitamins. Such as Vitamins B and C, Niacin, Malic acid, Acetic acid and Critic acid.

The consumption of ACV contains several health benefits. From lowering cholesterol, improving digestion and blood sugar levels, to possibly helping with weight loss.

Disadvantages of using Apple Cider Vinegar

For all it’s advantages, ACV does come with a few drawbacks. When applying ACV on your scalp by using it as a rinse or replacement for your shampoo, it does contain a very strong smell.

The Vinegar is extremely potent and once applied, it can be very difficult to remove even after watching with shampoo. The smell of vinegar is left on your scalp and lets just say your partner or your work colleagues are not gonna be pleased with your new choice of scent.

Taking ACV orally is also not for the faint hearted. It’s very acidic and can cause heartburn after it’s taken especially if you participate in anything active right after such as a gym workout. Also only a very small amount of ACV is to be consumed. As it can erode the enamel of the teeth as well as potential lowering potassium levels.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Vinegar is very effective natural remedy to add to your hair routine. It comes with a handful of health benefits and impressively cleans the scalp to greatly improve the quality of hair. If used to treat hair loss caused by scarring alopecia from fungal infections, then it is extremely robust and capable.

Nonetheless, if the aim is to target hair loss caused by genetics or hormones (Male pattern baldness) then it is not a solution. It does not affect DHT which is the main culprit in hair loss for men.