3. It removes buildup without drying.
“ACV’s clarifying properties gently cleanse the hair, purging residues from styling products and environmental pollutants,” Bennett says. Plus, it does so without drying your hair or skin out. “ACV can remove buildup without stripping the hair of natural oil, which can prevent moisturizing products from penetrating the shaft of the hair,” adds Federico.
4. It clarifies and cleanses.
“Applying this solution effectively eliminates environmental and product-residue buildup, leaving your hair exceptionally clean and shiny,” says Bacchi.
5. It’s soothing for itchy scalps.
Because ACV has anti-inflammatory benefits, it can improve the overall health of the scalp while also helping reduce itching, says Dr. Garshick. “ACV boasts natural acidity that balances the scalp’s pH levels, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth while warding off dandruff and itchiness,” Bennett adds.
6. It reduces flaking.
On that note, Haygood says dandruff sufferers can benefit from using ACV too. “It clarifies the scalp to help achieve proper pH balance, therefore reducing flakes,” he says.
7. It promotes shine.
“ACV removes buildup and closes the cuticles, which makes hair more light-reflective and shiny,” Haygood says. “The cleansing capabilities of apple cider vinegar not only get our hair and scalp super squeaky-clean,” Bennett adds. “They also help restore luster and shine to dull locks too.”
8. It combats greasy hair and excess oil.
Apple cider vinegar works to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, leaving them primed for functioning optimally, notes Federico. “When the scalp functions optimally, it produces less oil,” he says.
9. It boosts volume.
“ACV is ideal for anyone who has fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily,” says Haygood. “This type of hair can benefit immensely from ACV because it helps rid the hair of oil and product buildup to give volume and lift.”
10. It’s a helpful tool against frizzy hair.
ACV helps to smooth and protect the cuticle. According to Bacchi and Dr. Garshick, this can help to reduce frizz.
11. It detangles.
“The acidic nature of ACV can help smooth the hair cuticle, making it easier to detangle and manage,” Bacchi says. “This, in turn, can contribute to reduced breakage and smoother, more manageable hair.”
12. It smooths and softens.
In addition to serving as a natural detangler, Bennett says that ACV smooths and softens the hair as well.
13. It combats breakage.
“It is universally proven that the lack of moisture in the hair may cause split ends and hair breakage,” Bennett says. “These two issues motivate the hair cells’ porosity, making hair fall more prominent in this situation. Using an apple cider vinegar strengthens the hair follicles and thus prevents split ends or hair breakage.”
14. It’s great for protective hairstyles.
ABV solutions can be especially useful if you wear your natural hair in protective styles, celebrity hairstylist TerraRose Puncerelli says. “ACV rinses can dissolve buildup from gels, oils, and styling products without harsh stripping,” she continues. “It also keeps the scalp balanced and reduces itchiness that sometimes comes with long-term styles.”
