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Summary: Is white vinegar good for your hair? In this blog, we explore the link between vinegar and hair, and how it can help – or hinder – your hair growth & strength journey! 

If you’ve been exploring the use of natural products when it comes to your beauty routines, you may have tried a multitude of things for your hair…

For example, eggs, mayonnaise, and even avocado are often heralded as wonderful DIY hair mask ingredients. But, a true dark horse of the natural beauty world is… Vinegar!

You may not have considered pouring this ingredient all over your head, probably due to its sour taste and smell! But, you shouldn’t let this put you off.

Using vinegar on your hair can be an excellent way to help hair grow longer, stronger, and healthier, as well as support in warding off annoying ailments such as dandruff and split ends!

So, if you’re wondering whether to incorporate white vinegar for hair shine & health, you’re in the right place…

White Vinegar For Hair - How Does It Work?

Of course, there’s some science behind the positives of white vinegar for hair. We wouldn’t suggest it otherwise!

The way white vinegar for hair works is that it balances your hair and scalp pH. By lowering the PH of your scalp, white vinegar also helps to close the cuticle of your hair shafts. When the cuticle is open, hair may seem frizzy, rough, and dull. But, when the cuticle is closed, hair appears sleek, shiny, and smooth.

And, that’s not where the pros stop! If you’re not too bothered about the appearance of your hair, and you’re wondering ‘is vinegar good for your hair?’ from a bacteria point of view: yes, it is!

Vinegar such as apple cider vinegar helps to prevent fungal and bacteria growth on the scalp and hair. Because of its antibacterial properties, vinegar can actually reduce dandruff and most itchy scalp issues, too.

The exfoliating properties of white vinegar mean your scalp is buffed free of dead skin, helping stop the symptoms of scalp conditions in their tracks!

So, Is Vinegar Good For Your Hair?

Overall, vinegar can be a great addition to your hair wash and care routine. If used occasionally in lieu of (or alongside) traditional hair products, it can add volume to your curls, exfoliate your scalp, fight off bacteria, and even stimulate hair growth.

But, even though we now know the benefits of white vinegar for hair, you may be wondering; how exactly does your bottle of vinegar in the kitchen make its way to the bathroom, and subsequently your hair? Good question…

How To Use White Vinegar For Hair In Your Routine

You may have heard the myth that you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute for shampoo - and in the exact same way you may use shampoo, but this is simply not true. Although white vinegar for hair works in a similar way to shampoo, in as much as it clarifies and exfoliates, it does not do the whole job that shampoo does.

Due to this, you should either use it as a rinse after you shampoo with your normal products, or you should alternate hair washes between ‘normal’ shampoo, and your vinegar wash. You should also be careful not to use white vinegar for hair too often: about once a week can be perfect!

There are two ways to use vinegar on your hair…

Cleanse your hair with your regular shampoo. Then, pour vinegar onto your cleansed hair, and massage your scalp, in a similar way that you would with your favourite hypoallergenic shampoo. The vinegar will not foam, but after a few moments, you should then rinse it away. Rinse with cool water for extra shine, and ensure you get it all out to avoid any vinegary smells lingering in your tresses!

Alternatively…

Dampen your hair but do not apply shampooing products. Use vinegar in the way you would use shampoo and lather, rinse, repeat! You will still need to use traditional shampoo long term, so alternate these methods between washes.

Switching Up Your Natural Haircare Routine

If you’re looking to incorporate more natural products into your haircare routine, vinegar can be a great place to start. It’s affordable (you may even already have some in the kitchen), simple to use, and has great benefits for your hair!

However, as we mentioned, vinegar isn’t suitable to use as a replacement for shampoo – you do still need to use a few traditional products, too!

For your hair to benefit from the effects of the vinegar as much as possible, it’s a good idea to use it in tandem with high quality, scientifically optimised products that also focus on hair health and strength.

Try Cel’s Microstem Shampoo & Conditioner alongside your vinegar rinse, which uses natural ingredients such as Ginseng and Saw Palmetto. It’s hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and suitable for all hair types – even coloured! When used with a weekly vinegar rinse, you can start to notice a difference in both the health of your scalp, as well as the look and feel of your hair!