Vinegar has many uses and benefits for hair and scalp health. Applying vinegar to your scalp can help restore pH balance, remove product buildup, treat dandruff, and improve hair shine. Read on to learn all about using vinegar on your scalp and hair.
What Are The Benefits of Vinegar for Hair and Scalp?
There are several reasons why using vinegar on your scalp and hair can be beneficial:
- Balances pH – Vinegar is acidic with a pH between 2-3. This helps bring the scalp and hair pH down to a slightly acidic state which is ideal for health.
- Removes buildup – The acidic nature of vinegar helps break down and dissolve residue and buildup from hair products and minerals.
- Treats dandruff – Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help treat fungal infections that cause dandruff and itchy scalp.
- Enhances shine – Using vinegar as a rinse can seal the cuticle for smoother, shinier hair.
- Improves hair health – The nutrients in vinegar nourish hair and may promote growth.
What Type of Vinegar Should You Use?
There are many types of vinegar that can be used on hair and scalp including:
- Apple cider vinegar – Most commonly used due to its benefits from antioxidants and amino acids.
- White vinegar – More harsh but effective for deep clarifying.
- Rice vinegar – More gentle for sensitive scalps.
- Wine vinegar – Adds shine and nourishment.
- Balsamic vinegar – Darker vinegar that conditions.
- Fruit vinegar – Flavored versions like strawberry provide scent.
Apple cider vinegar is often preferred for its added health benefits. Always select organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar when possible.
How to Dilute Vinegar for Hair Application
It’s important to properly dilute vinegar before applying it to your scalp and hair. Using vinegar undiluted can disrupt the pH balance too severely and damage hair. Follow these tips:
- For scalp application, dilute 1 part vinegar with 3-4 parts water.
- For hair rinses, dilute 1 part vinegar with 5-10 parts water.
- Adjust dilution amounts based on hair texture and sensitivity.
- Always do a strand test first to check for adverse effects before wider use.
- Store diluted vinegar in a spray bottle or applicator for easy use.
How to Apply Vinegar to Your Scalp
There are a couple techniques for effectively using vinegar on your scalp:
Scalp Rinse
- Mix vinegar into water at a 1:3-4 dilution rate.
- After shampooing hair, spray or pour the vinegar mixture directly onto your scalp.
- Massage the liquid into your scalp with your fingertips to distribute evenly.
- Let sit for 1-3 minutes before rinsing out.
- Follow with conditioner and complete your normal shower routine.
Scalp Massage
- Dilute vinegar in water at a 1:3 ratio.
- Pour a small amount into your palms and rub your hands together.
- Massage the vinegar solution directly into your scalp skin using your fingertips.
- Apply evenly all over, focusing on problem areas.
- Allow to soak in for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Shampoo as normal then condition hair.
How Often to Use Vinegar on Scalp
Limit vinegar scalp treatments to 1-2 times per week maximum. Using vinegar too frequently can cause over-drying of hair and irritation of the scalp. Here are general recommendations:
- Oily scalp – 1-2 times per week.
- Dry, damaged scalp – Once a week or every other week.
- Sensitive scalp – Once a week or less.
Adjust according to your hair and scalp needs. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Other Tips for Using Vinegar on Scalp
- Always rinse vinegar out completely after the treatment time – residual vinegar can dry out hair.
- Follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask.
- Do not use on color-treated or chemically processed hair.
- Use sparingly on blond, gray, or highlighted hair which can become brassy with vinegar.
- Start with lower dilution ratios if scalp is sensitive.
- Do a patch test before first use to check for allergic reaction.
Vinegar Scalp Rinse Recipes
Vinegar scalp rinses can be customized with various ingredients to provide added benefits. Try these recipes:
Clarifying Buildup Rinse
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Dry Scalp Moisturizing Rinse
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
Itchy Scalp Soothing Rinse
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
Dandruff Fighting Rinse
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops thyme essential oil
Potential Side Effects of Vinegar on Scalp
When used properly, vinegar is generally safe for hair and scalp. However, some potential side effects can occur:
- Skin irritation – stinging, redness, dryness, peeling from overly acidic pH shift.
- Brittle hair – dryness and damage from residual vinegar left on hair.
- Brassiness – vinegar can react with hair pigment and cause orange/yellow brassiness in color-treated or gray hair.
- Hair loss – damaged from overuse of vinegar can potentially cause increase shedding.
Doing a patch test before use and closely following dilution guidelines can help avoid negative effects of vinegar on scalp and hair.
The Takeaway
Vinegar is an effective ingredient for restoring scalp and hair health when used properly. Its benefits include balancing pH, removing buildup, treating dandruff and enhancing shine. Dilute vinegar in water before applying and limit use to 1-2 times per week maximum. Additionally, customize rinses with essential oils and remember to always shampoo and condition hair after rinsing vinegar. Follow these tips and vinegar can be a safe, economical method for improving scalp and hair condition.