What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from cider apples. These apples are crushed and the juice that is extracted is fermented in two processes. The first process changes the apple extract to alcohol, after which certain bacteria is added to begin the second process, which turns the alcohol into acetic acid. The sour taste that comes from apple cider vinegar is from the acetic acid and malic acid that is found in it.

Types Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Now there are two types of apple cider vinegar that is most widely used. The first type is unfiltered apple cider vinegar. It is raw, unpasteurized, and organic. It has something called as the mother of vinegar, or simply, the mother. The mother is a cob-web like cloudy liquid that will be found in unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar has more beneficial properties as it contains over 30 different enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Health experts always recommend that you buy apple cider vinegar that contains mother of vinegar if you want to reap its benefits. The second is the filtered apple cider vinegar. This, as the name suggests, is filtered and devoid of the mother. It is simply made with water and the juice of apples, and the mother, as well as different sediments, are usually filtered and removed. This gives it a clear, refined appearance.

Does Apple cider vinegar used for hair?
Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, but how good is it really for hair? Several beauty and health experts have touted apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, to promote hair growth and treat hair loss. Over recent years, there is a rise in shampoos that have an apple cider vinegar base as well. Most commercial shampoos have high levels of alkalinity. This can disrupt the natural pH levels of the hair.

Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Wash My Hair
Till date, there is no direct research that has been conducted regarding apple cider vinegar’s effect on human hair. However, studies have been conducted on the various properties of apple cider vinegar, to support its benefits. For example, a study was conducted on the antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of apple cider vinegar. It was concluded that apple cider vinegar does have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, all of which can keep infections at bay and treat any infections if they exist. Certain hair problems like dandruff and psoriasis are caused due to fungal or bacterial infections. With the help of apple cider vinegar, these problems can be treated. For long, women have been using apple cider vinegar as a part of their hair care routine. Let us find out how to use apple cider vinegar in home remedies to get good hair.

Apple cider vinegar benefits for hair
From being an effective weight loss solution to treating diabetes, apple cider vinegar seems to be the go-to home remedy. However, can the same be said for your hair? The answer is more inclined to a ‘Yes’!
This is why apple cider vinegar can be put to good use for your tresses –
1 It Helps Balance PH Levels
Firstly, what are the pH levels? It is a metric used to determine how acidic or how basic a particular substance is. Hair that is too basic or alkaline on the pH scale, tends to be brittle, dull, or frizzy. Apple cider vinegar, in case you didn’t know, is acidic in nature. This can help balance the pH levels of your hair and make it look and feel better.

2. It Can Help Fight Infections
Apple cider vinegar has superior anti-microbial properties. This means it is effective in treating bacterial and fungal infections in your hair and scalp, as well as dandruff.

3. Can Help With Exfoliation
Now apple cider vinegar contains something known as alpha-hydroxy acid. This can help with the removal of dead skin cells on your scalp and further exfoliate your scalp and promote hair growth.

When there is an accumulation of dead skin cells on your scalp, it can block the hair follicles and inhibit the growth of your hair. It can also cause a build-up or crust formation, which is a breeding ground for dandruff and other hair and scalp infections.

4. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The fact that apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties works well for your hair as it can ease scalp inflammation and prevent and treat dandruff.

5. It Is Rich In Minerals And Vitamins
Apple cider vinegar, particularly the ‘mother’, raw, and unfiltered version, is rich in vitamins and minerals. It provides some really good nutrients for your hair, that can promote its growth and keep it healthy.

How to apply apple cider vinegar on hair
Apple cider vinegar is pretty easy to use. You can try these simple hair remedies at home, based on what your concerns are –

1 Apple Cider Vinegar For Shiny Hair
As mentioned above, apple cider vinegar can help restore and maintain the pH levels of your hair. Hair’s natural pH levels should be well-balanced. Hair that has a high alkaline level can be brittle, dull, and lifeless.

To treat this, you can rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. Add half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. Rinse your hair with this after you have washed it clean with shampoo. You can use a spray bottle. You can repeat this once every week.

2 Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove Product Build-Up
Most of us use a lot of hair products and even if you don’t your hair is exposed to dust and pollution. Apple cider vinegar is effective in removing product build. It has a clarifying effect on your hair. To do this, you can rinse your hair the same way as mentioned above. However, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar to maybe one spoon for a better effect.

3 Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Growth
As mentioned above, the mother apple cider vinegar contains several enzymes and nutrients that can help stimulate your hair follicles and thereby, hair growth. To make good use of this, boil a few nettle leaves in a cup of water. Once it has cooled down, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Nettle leaves are great for hair growth as it contains silica.

4 Apple Cider Vinegar To Detangle Hair
Detangling terribly knotted hair can be annoying. Now apple cider vinegar has astringent properties, which means it can help contract or close hair cuticles. This way, your hair becomes smooth and easier to detangle. Use a spray bottle to spritz diluted apple cider vinegar along the lengths of your hair.

In Conclusion
So if you want good hair, you can try incorporating apple cider vinegar in your kitty. However, check for allergies first, and if possible, take the advice of a good doctor or esthetician before you start using it. Always remember- home remedies are effective and do not contain harsh chemicals. So try to take care of yourself naturally. And Apple Cider Vinegar is a great tool in your arsenal for self-care.