If you search the internet, you will find a myriad of hair loss treatments that claim to restore hair growth. How many of them work, though? There is one that you may have come across that might actually help you: apple cider. In this article, discover exactly what apple cider can do for your hair. You never know; it might be the key to unlocking your hair’s true potential!
What is Apple Cider?
Here, we’re referring to apple cider vinegar (ACV), [1] which is made with yeast, fermented apples, and sugar. It’s generally used in cooking and often makes a great ingredient in a salad dressing. However, many people use apple cider vinegar outside of the kitchen, too. So, does it work as a hair loss treatment?
What’s the Link Between Apple Cider and Hair Loss?
The link comes mainly from word of mouth and online blogs stating that apple cider vinegar can regrow hair. However, there isn’t much scientific evidence to back this up. While apple cider vinegar may have some positive effects on the hair, we cannot say with certainty that it can regrow scalp hairs. So, if you want a full head of hair, it’s best to look at other options (which we will go into further down).
The Benefits of Apple Cider for Hair
That doesn’t mean apple cider vinegar should stay in your food cupboard! Apple cider vinegar may still have some benefits for the hair, including:
Restoring pH Balance
One of the best things about apple cider vinegar is its ability to restore an ideal pH level. When used on the scalp, this can lead to shinier, healthier locks. It can also help to reduce product buildup on your hair.
Reducing Dandruff
Dandruff is very common, affecting around half of the population. [2] It’s a skin condition that causes white flakes on the scalp, which are often visible to the eye. It can range from mild to severe, and anyone with any amount of dandruff is likely to want to get rid of it. While there are some great shampoos and products on the market for treating dandruff, apple cider vinegar may help clear it up, and you can often find it inside your food cupboard, so you won’t have to head to the shop.
Untangling Locks
Apple cider vinegar can smooth out the hair cuticles, which, in turn, can help detangle the hair. This can be beneficial for those with thick or fine hair that often tangles easily. A quick apple cider vinegar rinse may mean you don’t have to spend as much time grabbling with a hairbrush in front of the mirror in the morning!
Adding Bounce
Most people want bouncy, healthy-looking hair, and apple cider vinegar can do just that. When used as a rinse, the ingredient can add a lot of bounce to your locks, especially for those with curly hair. If you want to define your curls, it’s certainly something to consider using.
The Nutrients
You likely already know the link between diet and hair. The good thing about apple cider vinegar is that it contains vitamins, including vitamins C and B6. This makes it a good addition to your diet – as long as you consume it in moderation.
How to Use Apple Cider for Hair: Step-by-Step
The good news is apple cider vinegar is super simple to use! It can become an easy part of your hair care routine. Here are the steps:
Step One: Mix Apple Cider Vinegar with Water
It’s best not to put straight apple cider vinegar on the scalp or hair, as this can be too potent and the acetic acid in it could possibly cause damage. Instead, mix a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with around 500ml of water. You can do this in a large jug.
Step Two: Shampoo and Condition Hair
Next, shampoo and condition your hair as normal in the shower. Commercial shampoos work fine for this.
Step Three: Rinse Hair with the Apple Cider Vinegar Mixture
Once you’re done shampooing and rinsing out the conditioner, pour the apple cider vinegar and water mixture over the scalp, making sure all of your strands get coated in it.
Step Four: Leave for a Few Minutes
You want the apple cider vinegar to work its magic, so leave it in for several minutes.
Step Five: Rinse Out
Finally, rinse out the apple cider vinegar with water. That’s it! You can then dry your hair like normal and enjoy some of its benefits, including increased shine and fewer tangles.
How to Include Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Diet
Are you more interested in the nutritional apple cider vinegar benefits for hair loss? If so, there’s little point in using it as a hair rinse, as none of it will go into your body! There are many simple ways to include more apple cider vinegar into your diet, such as:
Drink It with Water
You can mix apple cider vinegar with water and drink it. It’s best not to drink it straight, as it’s highly acidic and it may cause some problems in the throat.
Use it in a Salad Dressing
Salad dressings containing apple cider vinegar are delicious. Apple cider vinegar with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard works beautifully!
Use in Recipes
Acidic foods elevate many recipes, so add apple cider vinegar to your dishes for health and taste benefits. If you’re making a pasta sauce, throw some in there!
Take an Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy
A simple way to take apple cider vinegar is by taking a gummy containing it. That way, you don’t have to think about how you might cook with it (nor do you need to drink it with water, which some people prefer not to).
Other Ways to Treat Hair Loss
As there are no clear benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair loss, you may look elsewhere to treat your thinning, falling-out hair. Here are some good options.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription-only oral medication that can only be prescribed to men. It works by blocking DHT, the hormone that contributes to male pattern baldness. While it is typically prescribed only for an enlarged prostate, you can get finasteride privately for hair loss. It’s effective, too – studies show that oral finasteride does indeed promote scalp hair growth. [3]
Minoxidil
If you’re interested in hair restoration, you likely have already heard of minoxidil. Its brand name is Rogaine, and it’s an effective hair restoration medicine that’s usually used topically on the scalp. For it to work, you must use minoxidil at least once every day.
Wigs
Wigs won’t help you regrow your own hair like some of the other options on this list, but they are effective. They give the appearance of a full head of hair, which is all many people want. However, keep in mind that hair pieces and wigs cannot be worn all of the time – people need to take them off to sleep, for example.
A Hair Transplant
If you have experienced a lot of hair loss, you may consider a hair transplant. Generally, a hair transplant works best for those who have androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) – a genetic condition that affects many people. The process involves taking hair follicles from one section of the head and then transplanting them to the area that’s balding. Once the hair follicles are in place, they can then begin regrowing hair in that area, which takes a few months. The result is a natural-looking head full of hair.
Is a Hair Transplant Right for You?
When it comes to hair restoration options, a hair transplant is on the more invasive end, as it’s a type of minor surgery. Due to this, it’s best not to rush into the decision.
Hair transplants are best for those who are healthy adults who have experienced androgenetic alopecia. The best candidates for hair transplants are those who have significant hair loss and a healthy section of thick hair to act as the donor area. Of course, to know for sure whether a hair transplant is the right step for you, it’s best to speak to a professional surgeon. You can do this by downloading our revolutionary hair track app, which lets you book consultations with our incredible surgeons. Doing this will give a clear idea of whether (or not) a hair transplant can restore your locks and, in turn, your confidence.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Loss: In Summary
Unfortunately, there is little evidence that apple cider vinegar stimulates hair growth. However, there are still benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair, like its ability to control conditions such as dandruff. Using apple cider vinegar as part of your hair care regimen for hair health benefits is not a bad idea, but don’t expect it to regrow your hair or treat hair loss in any way.
If you’re serious about treating hair loss, something like a hair transplant will provide much better results – ones you can actually notice. Check out our patients gallery to see just how much of a difference a hair transplant can make.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-816/apple-cider-vinegar#:~:text=Apple%20cider%20vinegar%20is%20the,been%20used%20traditionally%20as%20medicine.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887514/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/