These Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoos Will Give Your Hair a Srsly Deep Clean

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If you're a home remedy girlie, then you've probs heard allllll about the many benefits of apple cider vinegar. Made from fermented apple juice, good ol' ACV has long been used to relieve everything from sore throats to sunburns to leg cramps (not to mention it tastes great in salad dressings). The reason: It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties...which makes it pretty damn effective for certain hair and scalp issues as well. IMO, apple cider vinegar shampoo is one of the most underrated haircare products out there, and I'm here to fill ya in on the secret.

So, who should be using apple cider vinegar shampoo? In addition to helping prevent yeast overgrowth (rejoice, dandruff sufferers!), ACV also has *incredible* clarifying powers due to the fact that it's filled with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) malic acid, which is a gentle, natural exfoliator. And because it contains a good amount of acetic acid, ACV can even lessen hair alkalinity by sealing the hair cuticle and restoring your scalp's pH balance. The result: smoother, shinier strands. Uh, yes, pls! Now, let's move on to the fun stuff, shall we?

Ahead, check out the full list of apple cider vinegar shampoos for every hair type, along with expert information on how ACV shampoo works and how to choose the best one for your hair.

Detox Shampoo

No matter your hair type, you could stand to use a clarifying shampoo from time to time, and this Cosmo beauty editor-approved formula from Ouai reeeeally gets the job done. Apple cider vinegar and chelating agents work together to give you a thorough AF clean without sulfates—and the fact that it smells like fresh-cut roses doesn't hurt, either.

• Size: 10 fl oz

• Scent: Floral

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I love it! I have very porous hair and it is often sticky because of some components in hair products and build up difficult to clean. This has been a lifesaver. I could tell the difference after just one use. It gets all the leftover products on your hair and leaves it fresh and lightweight. It also smells divine. 100% recommend."

Apple Cider & Vinegar Blend Clarify & Shine Shampoo

Yes, drugstore shampoos can be just as effective as luxury products, and former deputy beauty editor Chloe Metzger swears by this budget-friendly option for her curls. It uses sodium citrate (a chelating agent) and apple cider vinegar to gently cleanse strands without leaving 'em feeling stripped—and, as a bonus, it contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy scalps as well.

• Size: 12 fl oz

• Scent: Apple cider vinegar

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? No

Glowing Customer Review: "This stuff is just excellent. All its claims have been, for me, 100% true! My curls have never been so defined, frizz-free, bouncy and shiny! Added bonus that it smells amazing. You don’t need much of either the shampoo or conditioner. Gives a deep clean while also adding back some moisture. 10/10."

Buildup Balancing Hemp & ACV Shampoo

Those with sensitive scalps will appreciate this scent-free formula from Acure, which uses a combination of clarifying ACV and hydrating hemp seed oil to reset your hair—all without any added fragrance. It's also packed with natural soothers, like chamomile and aloe extract, that'll leave your scalp happy and nourished.

• Size: 8 fl oz

• Scent: Unscented

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This shampoo is amazing. I have super fine but thick hair that looks greasy within 12 hours of washing it some days. I have had to rely on dry shampoo to make it in between washes, but with Acure, I have gone for days and my hair was not greasy; my scalp feels really good. The dry shampoos just clog my pores, and any clarifying shampoo I would use but just strip my hair of moisture. This is a game-changer."

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

If you have dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, try giving it a lil moisture boost with this shampoo substitute from dpHUE. Color-safe and ultra-conditioning, this hair rinse is ideal for offering a gentle cleanse in between shampoos, since it uses ACV to exfoliate the scalp and soothing argan oil and aloe vera to add moisture and shine.

• Size: 8.5 fl oz

• Scent: Herbal

• Hair type: Medium to coarse

• Sulfate-free? Yes

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "Absolutely in LOVE with this product! I was looking for a healthy alternative to stripping my colored hair with shampoo and other products. Been using this product for a few weeks and it’s all I need. It’s incredible! My hair is softer and healthier than ever!"

Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Scalp Build-Up Control Shampoo

Listen, I know this bottle isn't the chicest. But this stuff really delivers, promise. Spiked with 2.5 percent salicylic acid, this no-frills formula from Neutrogena is formulated to detoxify the scalp without leaving it stripped—all while apple cider vinegar works to break down any sticky buildup. Bye, flakes!!

• Size: 12 fl oz

• Scent: Apple cider vinegar

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? No

Glowing Customer Review: "I have tried other shampoos to help with scalp issues and most make things worse, but this one actually seems to be helping. The shampoo has a pleasant smell and does not smell medicated at all. I use it about twice a week as directed, and it has not dried my hair out but has helped with scalp buildup."

Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Lots of anti-dandruff formulas can strip your strands and leave your ends feeling like straw—but, IMO, this salicylic acid shampoo is an exception. Filled with skin-soothing agents like glycerin, coconut oil, shea butter, niacinamide, and (ofc) ACV, this one works to nurture your scalp and create a healthy foundation—and since it relies on milder, naturally-derived surfactants, it's gentle on hair, too.

• Size: 13 fl oz

• Scent: Apple cider vinegar

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I've been struggling with itchy scalp for a while. I heard about apple cider vinegar shampoo but never thought about it helping with itch. My scalp feels so clean and the itch is gone!!! I've been embracing my natural curls/waves and this shampoo definitely helps by keeping my scalp and hair clean. I will never be without this again!"

Royal Oils Sulfate-Free Scalp Care Shampoo

Need a powerful dandruff shampoo that won't majorly strip your strands? Try sudsing up with this formula, which was created specifically for curly hair types (think: types 3a to 4c). This one pairs antifungal pyrithione zinc and ACV with rich coconut oil to seal in moisture, so curls and coils aren't left feeling brittle.

• Size: 12.8 fl oz

• Scent: Coconut

• Hair type: Curls and coils

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? No

Glowing Customer Review: "I have short 4C hair and this shampoo smells great, cleans my roots, and is not drying. I’ve struggled with lots of anti-dandruff shampoos because they are so drying on 4C hair and left my hair feeling unmanageable even after conditioning. I [use] this shampoo with the manuka conditioner from SheaMoisture to make sure I’m bringing back the moisture to my hair after a wash. So far loving the combo."

Daily Shampoo

If you're all about clean beauty, this all-natural shampoo should be on your radar. Made with tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and surfactants derived from coconuts, reviewers say this plant-based option lathers surprisingly well for a sulfate-free formula, and it helps to leave hair refreshed and voluminous with a v mild scent.

• Size: 9.6 fl oz

• Scent: Tea tree oil

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This is by far my favorite natural shampoo. I've tried too many to count and this one works the best. It seems a little pricey, but I only need a small amount, which is much better than other brands I have tried. It also gives me the volume I am looking for. Overall, this is a really good value for the money. I don't expect to ever use anything else!"

Apple Cider Detox Shampoo

A deeply clarifying shampoo that's safe to use on color-treated hair? Yep, it exists, and this sulfate-free option from Fekkai works wonders on my fine, oily, color-treated strands. The secret ingredient in this one: pomegranate seed oil, which helps to eliminate excess sebum production, all while ACV and salicylic acid work together to clarify and exfoliate the scalp. Oh, and the smell is pretty amazing, too.

• Size: 8.5 fl oz

• Scent: Citrus, green apple, and spearmint

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "When you hear ACV, you think of a pungent smell. Not so with this shampoo. My hair had been tucked away under wigs all week. I had a lot of product buildup on my edges. I used this clarifying shampoo to break it all down. It had a great smell & left my hair feeling nice & clean. In need of a good clarifying shampoo in your collection? Give this one a try!"

Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse

Looking for a gentle way to remove product buildup? This luxe-smelling apple cider vinegar rinse (which can either be used as a substitute for shampoo or as a conditioner for co-washing) is great for anyone in need of a refresh. Soothing aloe vera and tamanu oil are used in this one to soften the hair and calm the scalp, while ACV clarifies without removing color or natural oils.

• Size: 6 fl oz

• Scent: Bright and earthy

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This is one of my all-time favorite products for hair. It doesn’t smell like ACV at all! So that’s awesome. It leaves my scalp feeling so refreshed and clean without feeling stripped. I use this once a week as a replacement for one wash of shampoo. It’s expensive so I don’t use it for every wash, but it does such a great job of rebalancing the oils and making my hair shine."

Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Because it's so deeply clarifying, ACV can be a lil harsh on your strands...which is where this gentle, plant-based formula from AG Care comes in. Made with all hair types in mind, this option uses naturally-derived ingredients to cleanse without stripping your hair of natural oils—plus, it includes rosemary oil and argan oil to give ya a glossy, frizz-free finish.

• Size: 12 fl oz

• Scent: Floral

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "Love this! I have normal to greasy roots but dry ends. I wash every 3 to 4 days and use dry shampoo in between. This washes so well I don't even feel the need for a second wash! After, my hair feels perfect and looks healthy and clean for longer than [it does with] other shampoos. I'm really loving it—and it smells great, too!"

ACV Vinegar Shampoo

K-beauty brand La'dor makes some truuuuly premium shampoos, and this ACV-infused formula is no exception. Ideal for those with damaged hair in need of a deep refresh, this sulfate-free formula relies on 16 (!!) plant extracts—including apple, grape, and avocado fruit extract, among many others—to leave your hair softer and glossier, all while providing a thorough AF cleanse.

• Size: 14.5 fl oz

• Scent: Apple and citrus

• Hair type: All

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This shampoo works very well for me, as I have rather dry hair and this one cleans my hair very well without leaving it overly dry. [It gives me] soft and manageable hair with a pleasant scent—just perfect for me. The price is very good for the quality of the product."

Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse

Curly-haired folks: This one's for you. Formulated for waves, curls, and coils, this ACV scalp and hair rinse is designed to replace your traditional shampoo, with niacinamide and lemon oil for controlling oil production and black tea kombucha for stimulating new hair growth. Plus, the twist-nozzle tip makes it easy to target your roots, whether you've got dense curls or a protective style.

• Size: 10 fl oz

• Scent: Unscented

• Hair type: Waves, curls, and coils

• Sulfate-free? Yes

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I'm a regular ACV detox girl because I have natural loc'd hair. I started working out regularly and with the sweat, I need to wash my hair. I absolutely LOVE this product—it stays in my shower. I love [how] it keeps my scalp and hair super healthy and shiny!"

Clarifying Shampoo

It can be tricky to find a clarifying shampoo that won't strip ya dry, but actor Tia Mowry made it happen. Along with ACV, this bb uses a lightweight, plant-derived silicone alternative called hemi-squalane, which deeply hydrates strands without the weight. Add in skin-soothing agents like glycerin and panthenol, and you've got this deeply nourishing formula.

• Size: 13 fl oz

• Scent: Vanilla, amber, orchid, and rose

• Hair type: Waves, curls, and coils

• Sulfate-free? Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

• Cruelty-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This is an awesome clarifying shampoo! One that doesn't leave your hair feeling stripped and completely desert-dry. It smells SO good, and for a clarifying shampoo, my hair actually felt pretty hydrated after using."

Is apple cider vinegar good for hair?

Because of its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar is great for hair, as it can help combat dandruff and relieve scalp irritation. As dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara previously told Cosmo, "Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it pretty effective in killing and preventing dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp." Oh, and because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties, your scalp won't be left feeling itchy and irritated, either.

But that's not all, folks! Because it's filled with malic acid, apple cider vinegar is also great at clarifying scalps and strands without totally stripping hair—plus, it'll leave it looking smooth and shiny. As Gohara explained, "The pH of your scalp is naturally a little acidic, but it's also easily disrupted by all the hair products we load on every day, and that messed-up pH can lead to rough, open hair cuticles that tangle, look dull, and break." With its acidic base, ACV can help balance the pH of your scalp's acid mantle and close those cuticles for sleeker, softer strands.

Bottom line: ACV is a hair MVP—but pls do not go dumping apple cider vinegar straight from the bottle onto your head, as it *is* vinegar, and it will cause damage. Instead, try diluting it with water (usually one part apple cider vinegar with five parts water) or reach for a shampoo that includes ACV. Speaking of which...

How to choose the best apple cider vinegar shampoo

Think about your hair concerns

You don't have to suffer from an oily, itchy, irritated scalp in order to benefit from an ACV shampoo. But if you do have dandruff, then you might want to consider getting a shampoo with medicated antifungals (like Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Shampoo) or chemical exfoliants (like Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo), which will work alongside ACV to help to control your scalp's yeast production.

Examine the ingredients

Along with apple cider vinegar (obv), the best ACV shampoos tend to include moisturizers and soothers that'll help to calm inflammation and hydrate your skin, whether you're dealing with a dry scalp or dandruff (or both!). Apple cider vinegar can be intensely clarifying, after all, so make sure any shampoo you choose includes emollients, like argan oil, almond oil, shea butter, or avocado. (For instance, La'dor ACV Vinegar Shampoo is positively *packed* with nourishing plant extracts.)

Consider the scent

TBQH, apple cider vinegar has a pretty polarizing scent. Some people love it, while others...would prefer a different smell. If the smell of ACV just isn't for you, then choose a formula with a synthetic fragrance (such as Ouai Detox Shampoo) or no fragrance at all (like Acure Buildup Balancing Hemp & ACV Shampoo).

Meet the expert:

Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. Dr. Gohara specializes in medical and surgical dermatology, and she also holds a faculty appointment as an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine.

Why trust 'Cosmo'?

Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best-smelling shampoos and the best caffeine shampoos. Her apple cider vinegar shampoo picks were based off of reviews and product testing.

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