Here's Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is the Ingredient Your Hair Is Missing

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Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse ingredient that’s been gaining traction in the world of hair care for its ability to refresh any mane, promote hair growth quickly, and create a shine like no other. “The pH of apple cider vinegar is between two and three, which is mildly acidic,” hairstylist Bobby Michael, co-owner of Manhattan’s Maverick House salon and Randco global educator, says. “When put on hair, it closes a cuticle.” A smooth cuticle not only means shinier hair, but it also preserves your hair color, Michael adds.

To get the full scoop on how apple cider vinegar (ACV) can work wonders on strands, we spoke with three hair experts: Gregorio Ruggeri, a certified trichologist and creative director of Salon Ruggeri in NYC; Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis — a digital platform that offers virtual scalp analysis consultations, treatments, and guidance to help improve users’ scalp health (which is, in fact, the foundation to achieving healthy hair); and Michael.

Keep reading to get all the details.

Preview the best apple cider vinegar hair products:

What is apple cider vinegar?

First popular in the U.S. in the late 1700s for medicinal uses, apple cider vinegar is made when the juices from apples are fermented. During this process, bacteria and yeast are introduced into the liquid, causing the sugars from the juice to turn to alcohol, then vinegar. “Diluting the vinegar with water led to additional beneficial discoveries, including providing anti-inflammatory relief and preventing bacteria growth on minor skin irritations and infections,” Hill says. “This caused the ingredient to make its way into skin and hair care regimens, too.”

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar for your hair and scalp?

“ACV neutralizes and supports the natural biome of the scalp,” Hill says. “Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties to cleanse and natural alpha hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate to encourage cellular turnover and create an optimal environment for hair to grow. On the hair shaft, ACV closes the cuticle, sealing in moisture and adding optimal shine.”

It also helps if you have any sort of scalp irritation. “ACV is great for people with psoriasis because it can soothe the irritation and calm,” Michael says. “It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.”

Because ACV seals the hair’s cuticle, it also helps reduce breakage and frizz, maintain elasticity, and lock in color to prevent fading, Ruggeri explains.

Among its other main benefits? Treating dandruff. Present in both dry and oily hair types, dandruff is a “yeastlike fungus that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults,” Ruggeri says. “Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective in killing and preventing dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp,” he adds.

Additionally, both Ruggeri and Hill mention that ACV can support hair growth by removing product buildup, especially from commonly used items like dry shampoo. “ACV unblocks follicles in the scalp so that strands have freedom to thrive,” Ruggeri says. (Note: If you use dry shampoo, Ruggeri advises spraying it on the mid-lengths of hair, rather than the roots, to prevent clogging the follicle).

What hair types does apple cider vinegar work best for?

According to all of our experts, apple cider vinegar works for nearly every hair type and texture. And because of its smoothing and frizz-fighting properties, Rugetti mentions it’s particularly a favorite of people with thick, curly hair. But if you have super dry, over-processed, or exceptionally fine strands, they agree it’s best to avoid them.

“Since ACV is acidic, it can be a bit too strong for anyone who has mechanical damage—say from bleaching, excess sun exposure or overusing hot tools—very fine hair that’s naturally brittle or anyone who has difficulty growing their mane,” Ruggeri notes. “If your hair is breaking off, you can put ACV onto the roots, but it should never be applied to the ends.”

And if you’re ever in doubt whether or not ACV might be right for your hair type, both Ruggeri and Hill recommend performing a strand test first before applying the ingredient all over.

How often should I use apple cider vinegar on my hair?

“An individual’s unique scalp condition, hair type and texture will determine how frequently they should use ACV,” Hill says. “It can be used as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment that’s massaged in, processed for 10 to 15 minutes and shampooed out. It can be used as a cleansing agent on non-shampoo days to refresh and balance the scalp or applied up to three times a week to spot treat itchy or oily scalps.” If you shampoo, Hill recommends doing so two times a week and using an ACV rinse another time throughout the week (keep in mind that while ACV pairs well with most shampoos, you should avoid using it with those featuring salicylic acid, as the combo can be too drying). If you have more severe scalp concerns, she suggests using an ACV rinse two to three times a week.

What’s the difference between ACV and a clarifying shampoo?

While similar in function, clarifying shampoos and ACV rinses have a few key differences. “Clarifying shampoos are alkaline detergents and surfactants that remove residual product or oils, but that can also strip the scalp of healthy oils if used too often and leave the cuticle open, making the hair more prone to dryness and color fading,” Hill explains. “ACV, on the other hand, closes the cuticle to retain moisture while performing exfoliant tasks, such as introducing antimicrobial properties to reduce unwanted bacteria.”

How do I use apple cider vinegar on my hair?

While plenty of great ACV products are on the market (more on that below), if you’re on a budget, creating your own DIY rinse can be a more cost-effective option. You can customize your ACV-to-water ratio to modify the intensity of the mixture, depending on your hair type and the seriousness of your scalp concerns, however below is a great starting point for creating and applying an ACV rinse:

• Mix 1 part ACV with two parts distilled water (avoid using tap water, Ruggeri says, as this can be very acidic).

• Place the mixture in a clean bottle with a nozzle.

• Shampoo and condition your hair (using a deep, nourishing conditioner, Rugetti advises), then rinse.

• Blot your hair dry in the shower, then lightly apply the ACV mixture and gently work it through the hair shaft with your hands.

• Place your hair in a ponytail or secure it in a clip atop your head and let the product settle in for a few minutes.

• Use lukewarm to cold water to close the outer layer of the hair and lock in moisture.

You can also add lavender herbs to your mixture, which “encourage follicular growth and balance sebum production on both dry and oily scalps,” Hill says. To create this herbal concoction, she suggests the following steps for the best results:

• Steep lavender herbs for 30 days.

• Fill a glass jar almost to the top with them.

• Add apple cider vinegar, covering the herbs.

• Cover the jar with a piece of cloth or wax paper (note that metal and vinegar don’t mix well).

• Place the jar in a cabinet for four to six weeks.

• Strain and pour the mixture into a clean jar. It can be kept for six to eight months in a cabinet in the kitchen.

• Mix three parts water with one part herbal ACV for any hair rinses, and follow the above steps for cleansing hair.

“The downfall of ACV is the smell,” Michael adds. That’s why you might enjoy a product over the straight-up rinse.

Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse

Previously named Acid Wash, this R+Co rinse features the star ingredient to cleanse and purify, plus glycerin and tamanu seed oil for locking in moisture and fortifying strands. “I recommend this one especially for blondes,” Rugetti says. “I find it really cleanses the hair and makes lighter tones brighter when there's buildup.”

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

Amazon reviewers are saying: "I AM OBSESSED. The scent is amazing, my hair is growing, less dandruff, and SILKY smooth hair. Every time I use this my co workers compliment me and how shiny and bouncy my hair looks. Because I loved this product so much - I decided to completely switch to R&Co for all of my hair care products."

Detox Shampoo

Although this option is technically a clarifying shampoo, it is infused with ACV to prevent over-stripping the scalp of necessary oils. Additionally, it's boosted with keratin to make your hair stronger and smoother.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5

Sephora reviewers are saying: "I have fine wavy hair that gets weighed down by products very easily- this shampoo is what keeps my hair clean and healthy! It really removes buildup- the smell is fantastic and you don’t need much for it to be effective. I use this twice a week and follow up with the Ouai fine conditioner."

Strengthen and Restore Shampoo

If you do prefer a lather, try SheaMoisture's Strengthen and Restore shampoo. It's formulated with softening Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter, making it a particularly great option for curly, wavy or coarse hair types. The addition of peppermint oil gives the scalp a super fresh feeling, too.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

Amazon reviewers are saying: I have finally found the best shampoo and conditioner for regrowing hair, even my stylist agrees. I have really thin hair and kept looking for the best shampoo and conditioner to help my damaged hair thinning hair. Finally found Shea Moisture. My stylist asked me what is was using because she could see the difference between visits. It is getting regrowing and thicker. I was looking around trying everything and just came upon this. She had never heard of it before, but said to keep using it because it was working. Now this is the only thing I use on hair and everyone comments on how shiny it is.

Apple Cider Vinegar Clarify & Shine Scalp Serum

Renpure's deep-cleaning ACV rinse offers all the purifying and shine-enhancing benefits you crave, as well as extra-smoothing perks thanks to the inclusion of argan oil and coconut. What's more, it contains bacteria-fighting tea tree oil to ward off dandruff and ginger root extract to prevent free radical damage.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5

Amazon reviewers are saying: "I wash my hair once, maybe twice a week and this works wonders as a scalp rinse on days in between washes. Hair feels soft and clean but doesn't strip my hair like shampoo does!!"

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The maker of one of the most popular and affordable dandruff shampoos on the market also offers this ACV rinse for those struggling with flakes. It removes excess oil and buildup without being overly drying.

Target rating: 4.3/5

Target reviewers are saying: "Great smell. I was Leary of home remedy suggestions of using straight apple cider vinegar, but H&S gets the formula right so that my scalp gets the benefits without extreme effects on the hair or any unpleasant smells in the shower. Works with occasional usage too."

Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

A best-seller from dpHue's popular ACV line, this pre-rinse scrub gently exfoliates to detoxify and invigorate the skin. "There are a lot of salt scrubs with larger granules that can actually scratch the surface of the scalp, which can in turn damage the follicle and cause it to die off," Ruggeri explains. "The fine Himalayan salt granules in this product strike just the right balance to promote healthy skin and hair." It also includes aloe vera for a cooling, soothing effect.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5

Amazon reviewers are saying: "This is honestly my favorite beauty product I have ever purchased. I used to have super greasy hair and I felt like I had tried everything to fix it but nothing worked. Until I discovered this. I only use it around once every week or two and I don’t have any problems with oil anymore. And my hair feels softer than it ever has. It also doesn’t take much to do a treatment and it feels so good and clean. I’m always going to use it now. I don’t even care about the smell because magic doesn’t come without a price."

Meet the Experts

Gregorio Ruggeri, a certified trichologist and creative director of Salon Ruggeri in NYC

Bobby Michael, co-owner of Manhattan’s Maverick House salon and Randco global educator

Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis — a digital platform that offers virtual scalp analysis consultations, treatments and guidance to help improve users' scalp health

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with hair experts about the absolute best apple cider vinegar hair products for every hair type. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.

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