Apple Cider Vinegar As a Natural Conditioner to Strengthen Hair

Apple cider vinegar offers many benefits for your health and beauty. On top of restoring the hair's healthy shine, it also fights bacterial and fungal infections, making it excellent for eliminating dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar As a Natural Conditioner to Strengthen Hair

Last update: 09 October, 2022

The hair care products that we call conditioners have been around for years and have earned an important place in many women’s beauty regimens. Use urge you to try apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.

While shampoo cleans and leaves hair fresh, it needs to be complemented with a conditioner to protect and restore hair.

During normal washing, excess sebum, dead cells, and the build-up from various impurities in the environment are all washed away.

However, it leaves the follicles slightly inflamed and the hair susceptible to damage from free radicals and heat.

Here’s where conditioner comes in to provide the hair with essential nutrients to repair the damage.

Luckily, it’s easy to find and can be found in many different variations depending on your needs.

However, for those who prefer to save money and use 100% natural products, there’s a simple and effective solution that offers the same benefits and more.

Ready to find out what it is?

Apple cider vinegar as a natural conditioner

apple-cider-vinegar

This conditioner uses apple cider vinegar as its base and is an economical alternative to strengthen and restore hair’s shine.

We’ve highlighted some of the medicinal properties of apple cider vinegar on our site several times, as well as its many uses around the home.

What many don’t know is that it can be used on the hair in place of commercial conditioners that often contain harsh chemicals.

The best thing is that on top of softening and detangling hair, apple cider vinegar offers additional benefits that will, without a doubt, prove its advantages over other products.

Fight dandruff

Thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is an excellent way to reduce the presence of the fungi that cause dandruff.

In addition, it provides soothing relief for an itchy, irritated scalp.

Restore the hair’s natural pH

comb-hair

Changes in the hair’s natural pH can cause problems like an oily or dry scalp.

Unfortunately, there are many factors that can lead to this imbalance that makes hair look brittle.

Vinegar rapidly restores the pH to natural levels between 4 and 5.5.

Retain the hair’s natural oils

The hair follicles are crucial for maintaining the natural oils that keep hair healthy and shiny.

The compounds in apple cider vinegar promote their renewal, naturally helping them to retain natural oils without causing other changes.

Stimulate hair growth

hair-rinse

By applying it directly to the scalp, this ingredient stimulates blood flow to the hair roots, boosting their natural growth.

It also eliminates the microorganisms that can negatively affect the hair follicles, essential for a long, strong hair.

Heal split ends

Using this product consistently improves hair quality and reduces the appearance of unsightly split ends.

Check out this article: Home Remedies to Treat and Prevent Split Ends

How to make a natural conditioner with apple cider vinegar

100% Natural Conditioner to Strengthen Hair

In the first place, we need to point out the most benefits are obtained from 100% organic apple cider vinegar.

It undergoes a different refinement process that perfectly preserves its vitamins, fiber and trace elements.

On the other hand, it does tend to leave a faint smell that fades. It will disappear as the hair dries.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 spray bottle

Directions

  • Dilute the apple cider vinegar in the water and put on low heat for 20 minutes.
  • When ready, remove and let cool for 30 minutes.
  • Then, pour the liquid into the spray bottle to apply.

Application

  • Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and spray your hair with the conditioner.
  • Gently massage into the scalp in circular motions.
  • Let work for a few minutes and rinse.
  • You can use it every day. Try to use at least 3 times a week for best results.

If your hair tends to be too oily, you should make the conditioner more concentrated by adding a little more vinegar. However, it should never be applied directly to the hair without first diluting because it can be too harsh at full strength.

Add apple cider vinegar as a conditioner to your routine and you’ll notice your hair shines more healthily.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Bunick CG, et al. (2012). Chemical burn from topical apple cider vinegar DOI:
    dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2011.11.934
  • Dias MFRG, et al. (2014). The shampoo pH can affect the hair: Myth or reality? DOI:
    10.4103/0974-7753.139078
  • Liu F-Z, et al. (2011). Analysis of nutritional components of fruit vinegar.
    en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-ZGTW201106024.htm
  • Nilgün HB, et al. (2014). Functional properties of vinegar. DOI:
    10.1111/1750-3841.12434

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.