Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, stress, aging, and damage from styles and treatments. While there is no cure for genetic hair loss, some home remedies like vinegar are said to help prevent and reduce hair loss.
What is vinegar?
Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid and water. It’s made by fermenting foods like grapes, apples, grains, or rice. The most commonly used vinegars for hair health include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- White vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Wine vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
These vinegars contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help improve scalp health, kill bacteria and fungi, maintain the pH balance of hair, and stimulate circulation in the scalp to encourage hair growth and thickness.
How does vinegar help with hair loss?
There are a few key ways that vinegar may help prevent and reduce hair loss:
Balances pH levels
Apple cider vinegar has an acidic pH between 2.8-3.0. This is close to the pH of the scalp, which ranges from 4.5-5.5. Using an acidic rinse can help maintain the scalp’s pH and create ideal conditions for healthy hair growth.
Cleanses the scalp
The acetic acid in vinegar has antimicrobial properties that may help kill bacteria and fungi on the scalp. This helps keep follicles unclogged and reduces conditions like dandruff which can impede growth.
Increases circulation
Applying vinegar can improve blood circulation in the scalp. Better circulation provides nutrients to hair follicles and removes waste and toxins.
Stimulates hair follicles
A vinegar rinse may help remove residue from conditioners and other hair products that can build-up on follicles. This helps stimulate the follicles to encourage growth.
What is the science behind using vinegar for hair loss?
There are a few key scientific explanations for why vinegar may help with hair loss:
Acetic acid
The main active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid. Studies show acetic acid has antimicrobial effects that can kill bacteria and fungi that clog follicles and cause dandruff. It also has anti-inflammatory effects to soothe irritation.
Vitamins and minerals
Vinegars like apple cider vinegar contain vitamins like vitamin C and minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients nurture hair follicles and support growth.
Alpha-hydroxy acids
Vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid and acetic acid. These act as gentle exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and product buildup from the scalp.
Increased blood flow
Studies show that massaging vinegar solutions into the scalp can increase blood flow. This brings more oxygen and nutrients to stimulate follicles.
How do you make a vinegar hair rinse?
Making a homemade vinegar rinse is simple. Here are two easy recipes to try:
Apple cider vinegar rinse
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 5-10 drops essential oil like lavender, peppermint, or rosemary
Mix ingredients together in a bottle or jar. Shake well before each use.
ACV and tea rinse
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 black or green tea bags
- 2 cups warm water
Steep the tea bags in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Remove tea bags and mix in apple cider vinegar. Let cool before use.
How do you use a vinegar rinse on your hair?
Using a vinegar rinse a few times per week can help maintain scalp health and stimulate growth. Here are some tips for using one:
- Shampoo and condition hair as normal. Rinse out conditioner thoroughly.
- Pour vinegar rinse over damp hair, focusing on the roots and scalp. For short hair, use 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup rinse. For long, thick hair, use 1⁄2-1 cup.
- Gently massage rinse into scalp for 2-3 minutes to increase circulation.
- Let the rinse sit for 1-3 minutes so the acids can work.
- Rinse out thoroughly with cool water to seal cuticles.
- Style hair as usual.
Make sure to do a final rinse with cool water to prevent the vinegar smell lingering.
What are the benefits of a vinegar rinse for hair loss?
Using a vinegar rinse can provide the following benefits for preventing and reducing hair loss:
Unclogs follicles
The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down buildup from hair products so follicles stay clear for growth.
Balances pH level
Bringing your scalp to an optimal pH helps create the right environment for healthy hair.
Reduces dandruff
The antimicrobial effects of vinegar decrease fungus and bacteria that cause dandruff and clogged follicles.
Increases shine
Removing residue and closing cuticles with a cool water rinse boosts shine.
Makes hair smoother
Rinsing away styling product buildup makes hair feel smoother.
Stimulates growth
Increasing circulation and exfoliating may help stimulate hair follicles for growth.
When should you use a vinegar rinse?
To see benefits, aim to use a vinegar rinse 2-4 times per week. It’s best to do the rinse at the end of your regular wash day routine. Using it more frequently than every other day can irritate some scalps. It’s ideal to use a vinegar rinse when you notice:
- Excess styling product buildup
- Oily hair and scalp
- Dandruff flaring up
- Hair feeling limp or flat
Are there any risks or side effects?
Vinegar rinses are generally very safe. However, some potential risks include:
- Skin irritation: The acidity can bother some sensitive scalps, causing redness and itching.
- Brittle hair: With long-term use, the acidity could make some hair types prone to dryness and breakage.
- Discoloration: Vinegar can lighten or alter hair color over time, especially with chemically-treated or color-treated hair.
Doing a test patch before use and limiting vinegar rinses to a few times weekly can help prevent undesirable effects.
Who should avoid using vinegar on hair?
Vinegar rinses are likely safe for most people. But some may be better off avoiding them or using extra caution:
- Sensitive, irritated scalps: Vinegar may further inflame sensitivity or irritation.
- Chemically-treated hair: Vinegar could alter the color. Do a test strand before use.
- Damaged, porous hair: Porous hair absorbs more vinegar, increasing chances of dryness or breakage.
- Young children: Vinegar fumes may irritate their scalps. Use smaller amounts diluted in more water.
How much vinegar should you use in a rinse?
The ideal vinegar concentration is often 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 cup of water. Using too much can irritate the scalp. General guidelines include:
| Hair Length | Vinegar | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 1 tablespoon | 1 cup |
| Medium | 1.5-2 tablespoons | 1 cup |
| Long | 2 tablespoons | 2 cups |
What’s the best kind of vinegar to use?
The best vinegars to use are:
- Apple cider vinegar: This is the most popular option. It contains vitamins C and B-complex as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- White vinegar: Made from grain alcohol, this has the strongest acidity at 5-8% to help remove buildup.
- Rice vinegar: This is more gentle for sensitive scalps. It contains inositol, a carbohydrate that may boost hair strength.
What are other remedies for hair loss?
In addition to vinegar rinses, other natural remedies that may help with hair loss include:
Massage
Massaging the scalp increases circulation to stimulate hair follicles. Try using essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, or tea tree oil in a carrier oil like almond, coconut, or jojoba oil.
Aloe vera gel
The mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera may help strengthen hair and prevent breakage. Apply pure aloe gel to roots and scalp a few times per week.
Green tea
Green tea contains antioxidants that may help block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Consume 2-3 cups per day or use as a rinse.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herb that may inhibit DHT production. Take 400-600 mg capsules daily or use a topical saw palmetto hair oil.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin that aids keratin production for hair growth. Take 2.5 mg biotin supplements daily or use biotin shampoos and conditioners.
Conclusion
Vinegar rinses provide a safe, affordable home remedy to help stimulate hair growth. The acetic acid removes buildup from clogged follicles, balances pH, increases shine, and may encourage growth. Apple cider vinegar is the most popular option. For best results, massage a few tablespoons into clean, damp hair and scalp 2-4 times weekly. When used correctly, vinegar rinses are a nourishing addition to your hair care routine.