By All Things Hair
It’s official: apple cider vinegar (ACV) is no longer a quaint ‘old wives remedy’ – this summer, it has surged in popularity, with the hashtag #applecidervinegar pulling in 210M views on TikTok in the past 2 months, and 988M views overall. Many videos show users experimenting with using apple cider vinegar in their beauty routines, particularly focusing on how it can help to promote healthy hair.
Experts at All Things Hair turned to Google data to find out the biggest hair concerns people are seeking to treat with apple cider vinegar and whether or not it does actually help to resolve them.
#1 Apple cider vinegar for dandruff – 35,640 Google searches p.a.
The greatest number of searches by far were asking if apple cider vinegar can help with dandruff. Milena Prinzi, hair expert at All Things Hair, sheds light on exactly how this fermented apple juice combats dandruff and answers Google users’ questions:
What causes dandruff and why is ACV a good treatment?
Prinzi explains: ‘Dandruff happens when a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia gets out of control by feeding on oils on the scalp. The excess of fungus unbalances the normal pH levels on the scalp and disrupts the cell regeneration process. As a result, white flakes, odor, and itchiness appear on the scalp. Apple Cider Vinegar has natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and acetic acid, which helps regulate the scalp’s pH levels and target dandruff.’
Which ACV is best for dandruff?
‘Many versions of ACV vinegar are available, but to tackle dandruff, you want to choose one with the highest concentration possible of acetic acid. Why? This acid will target the unprecedented production of Malassezia, the yeast-like fungus responsible for dandruff. Furthermore, acetic acid will keep the scalp’s pH levels in check to eliminate flakiness and itchiness. You also want to choose a version of the vinegar that is raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and if you can see the good bacteria floating on the bottom of the bottle, even better.’
How do you treat dandruff with ACV?
‘I’m a big fan of ACV as a scalp treatment and have used it for years. If your scalp can handle it straight up to target problematic areas, go for it. I usually dip a cotton ball and gently rub it on the scalp. However, this vinegar has a strong scent, so you should only apply it before washing your hair; 30 minutes to an hour before hitting the shower. For my rinse, I purchase a spray bottle and mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of the vinegar in 8 to 10 ounces of water. Of course, you can adjust these measurements as you see fit and as your scalp’s tolerance for the vinegar increases.’
#2 Apple cider vinegar for hair growth – 16,920 searches p.a.
Prinzi is not so convinced on the efficacy of ACV for this condition, saying: ‘This might be an unpopular opinion, but as far as I know, apple cider vinegar does not help with hair growth. However, apple cider vinegar is one of nature’s greatest alkaline and aids the body to balance our pH levels, which means it helps eliminate free radicals in the organism. Due to these redeeming qualities, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic scalp cleanser. People have used apple cider rinse to soothe scalp itchiness, remove product buildup, control the overproduction of Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff, and eliminate scalp odor produced by bacteria developed by scalp dermatitis. A healthy scalp is necessary for hair growth, but the regular use of apple cider vinegar doesn’t necessarilly mean you’ll grow long strands. Since hair is mostly protein, eating a high-protein diet might aid hair growth.’
#3 Apple cider vinegar for hair loss – 4,800 searches p.a.
Prinzi does not think ACV would make much difference: ‘As far as I know, there’s no scientific proof that apple cider vinegar prevents hair loss or stimulates hair growth. Apple cider vinegar is best known for its antibacterial properties, which can be applied to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff and dermatitis.’
#4 Apple cider vinegar for greasy or oily hair – 4,320 searches p.a.
Prinzi confirms that ACV could help with this condition: ‘There might be a precedent to support this claim due to apple cider vinegar’s natural cleansing properties. If used as a rinse or wash, ACV removes product buildup on the scalp. Since this vinegar is rich in antioxidants and balances the pH, it might control the overproduction of oil on the scalp and, therefore, less oily hair.
#5 Apple cider vinegar for dry hair – 960 searches p.a.
Prinzi does not think ACV is the right treatment for dryness: ‘I don’t see how apple cider vinegar can hydrate dry hair because this vinegar has no moisturizing ingredients. Dry hair often needs the help of oils and vitamins to smooth its coarse texture and bring out the shine. If anything, I think apple cider vinegar will make dry hair drier.’
Methodology
To conduct the research, we analyzed TikTok content and hashtag data and used Google Analytics to research search volumes. Data correct as of 11/09/23.
| Hair Concern | Google Searches (annual) |
| Apple cider vinegar for dandruff | 35,640 |
| Apple cider vinegar for hair growth | 16,920 |
| Apple cider vinegar for hair loss | 4,800 |
| Apple cider vinegar for greasy or oily hair | 4,320 |
| Apple cider vinegar for dry hair | 960 |
About Milena Prinzi
Milena Prinzi is an award-winning editor with over fifteen years of experience in print and digital media. She’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Unilever’s editorial property allthingshair.com where she leads all content strategies and production. She’s a beauty and wellness connoisseur who particularly enjoys everything homemade.
For more hair advice visit: https://www.allthingshair.com/en-us/
