Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both popular options when it comes to using natural ingredients in hair care, but do they really make a difference?
Let’s take a look at a comparison of white vinegar vs apple cider vinegar for hair, comparing the benefits of each vinegar, to help you decide which is the best to use.
What Is White Vinegar?
White vinegar is a common household cleaning product that is made from acetic acid and water. The acetic acid in white vinegar gives it its very sour taste, pungent taste and smell and makes it an excellent cleaner for many different tasks.
It is known for being effective at killing bacteria, removing stains from surfaces, eliminating odors from carpets and furniture, disinfecting surfaces and countertops, removing grease residues from utensils, as well as being used in cooking and baking. White vinegar is also used to make pickles, vinaigrette, sauces, and marinades.
The concentration of acetic acid varies between 5-10% depending on the type of white vinegar being used. The higher the concentration of acetic acid in the white vinegar will be more useful for cleaning because it is more acidic than other types of vinegars such as red or cider vinegar.
How Does White Vinegar Benefit The Hair?
If you’re looking for a natural and affordable solution to improve your hair’s health, white vinegar might be worth considering. Here are some ways white vinegar can benefit your hair:
Balances pH Levels
White vinegar has acidic properties that can help balance the pH levels of your hair and scalp. This is important because an imbalanced pH level can cause hair cuticles to open up, leading to hair breakage, frizz, and dullness.
Removes Buildup
Hair care products, hard water, and pollution can leave buildup on your hair, making it look dull and lifeless.
White vinegar can help remove this buildup and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed. It can also help remove dead skin cells and promote blood circulation in the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth.
Soothes Itchy Scalp
If you have an itchy or irritated scalp, white vinegar can help soothe the discomfort. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help prevent scalp infections and treat dandruff too. Using a white vinegar rinse once a week can help keep your scalp healthy and itch-free.
Improves Hair Texture
By using a white vinegar rinse, you can help improve your hair’s texture. It can help smooth down the hair cuticle, making your hair look shinier and feel softer. It can also help enhance curls and reduce frizz.
Suitable for All Hair Types
White vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used on all hair types. Whether you have oily, dry, or normal hair, a white vinegar rinse can help improve your hair’s health.
However, if you have color-treated hair, it’s best to avoid using white vinegar as it can strip away the color.
White vinegar can be a useful addition to your hair care routine. It can help improve your hair’s health, texture, and appearance, without breaking the bank.
Just remember to dilute the vinegar with water before using it on your hair, and rinse it off thoroughly to avoid any lingering smell.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider or apple vinegar, is a light, amber-colored vinegar made from fermented apples. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many ailments, and modern research demonstrates its multiple health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar contains numerous vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and vitamin B1, B2 and B6.
It also contains several types of acids including malic acid and acetic acid which can help to break down fats in the body more efficiently.
Aside from its nutritional benefits, apple cider vinegar may have powerful antibacterial antimicrobial properties, that can help to protect against disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Benefit The Hair?
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your hair health, you might want to consider using apple cider vinegar. Here are some benefits of using apple cider vinegar for your hair:
Promotes Scalp Health
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve scalp health. By reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi on the scalp, it can help prevent dandruff and other scalp infections.
It can help restore the natural acidity of the scalp, which is important for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair.
Helps Prevent Hair Loss
Apple cider vinegar can help prevent hair loss by improving the health of the hair follicles. It can help remove buildup from the scalp that can clog hair follicles and inhibit hair growth. Apple Cider Vinegar can help rebalance the pH level of the scalp, which is important for healthy hair growth.
Improves Hair Texture and Shine
Apple cider vinegar can help improve the texture and shine of your hair. It can help remove buildup from hair products and natural oils that can weigh down your hair and make it look dull. As well as helping to help smooth the hair cuticle, which can make your hair look shiny and feel soft.
Reduces Hair Breakage
Apple cider vinegar can help reduce hair breakage by strengthening the hair shaft. It can help improve the elasticity of your hair, which can make it less prone to breakage. Plus, helping to prevent split ends by smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing friction between hair strands.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Care
To use apple cider vinegar for hair care, you can make apple cider vinegar help create an apple cider vinegar rinse. Here’s how:
- Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar rinse over your hair and massage it into your scalp.
- Let the rinse sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with water.
- Condition your hair as usual.
You can use an apple cider vinegar rinse once or twice a week, depending on your hair type and needs.
White Vinegar Vs Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Comparison – Which Is Best?
When it comes to hair treatments, white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are two popular options. While both types of vinegar offer a range of benefits, there are some differences to consider before deciding which one to use on your hair.
Color and Smell
One of the most obvious differences between distilled white vinegar, and apple cider vinegar is their color and smell. White vinegar is clear and has a strong, pungent odor, while apple cider vinegar is brown and has a milder, fruity smell.
Hair Types
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be used on a variety of hair types. However, some people find that white vinegar is better suited for those with oily or textured hair, while apple cider vinegar is more beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair.
Color-Treated Hair
If you have color-treated hair, you may be wondering which type of vinegar is best for you. While both types of vinegar can help maintain your hair’s vibrancy, some experts recommend using apple cider vinegar for color-treated hair. This is because apple cider vinegar is less acidic than white vinegar, which can help prevent color fading.
Dandruff and Scalp Issues
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar can help reduce dandruff and soothe scalp issues. To use vinegar for this purpose, dilute it with water and apply it to your scalp before shampooing.
Some people find that apple cider vinegar is more effective for this purpose, as it contains alpha-hydroxy acid, which can help exfoliate the scalp.
Final Rinse
Whether you choose white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, it’s important to dilute it with water before using it on your hair. A common ratio is one part vinegar to three parts water. You can adjust this ratio depending on your hair type and the desired results.
To use vinegar as a final rinse, mix the diluted vinegar with hot or cold water and pour it over your already wet hair first. Some people find that using a vinegar rinse as a final step in their hair care routine can help make their hair stronger and cleaner.
How To Use White Vinegar Or Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Hair?
When it comes to using white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for your hair, there are a few different methods you can try. Here are some tips on how to use each type of vinegar effectively:
Using White Vinegar
- Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, spray the mixture onto your scalp and hair, making sure to avoid your eyes.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
- You can also use white vinegar as a final rinse after washing your hair, to help remove any buildup and leave your hair looking shiny.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar
- Mix 2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water.
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
- You can also use apple cider vinegar as a leave-in treatment, by mixing a few drops with coconut oil or other hair products.
- For a cleansing rinse, mix 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray onto your scalp and hair, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar can also be combined with other ingredients, such as lemon juice or essential oils, to create a more effective remedy for treating dandruff, or other hair issues.
How Often Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar In Your Hair?
When it comes to using apple cider vinegar (ACV) in your hair, the frequency of application depends on your hair type. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- For oily hair: Use ACV rinse once a week.
- For dry hair: Use ACV rinse once every two weeks.
- For normal hair: Use ACV rinse once every two weeks.
- For natural hair: Use ACV rinse a couple of times a week.
It’s important not to overdo it with ACV rinse, as it can cause damage and brassiness in high doses. So, stick to the recommended frequency for your hair type.
When using ACV rinse, it’s also essential to dilute it properly. Mix one part ACV with two parts water to create a solution that won’t irritate your scalp shiny hair, or skin.
Apply the solution to your hair and scalp, massage it in, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it and smooth hair off with water.
Can White Vinegar Or Apple Cider Vinegar Damage Your Hair?
When it comes to using vinegar for hair care, you might be wondering if it can damage your hair. The answer is that it depends on how you use it and how much you use.
Excess vinegar can damage your hair. Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are acidic, and using too much can cause scalp irritation and dryness. If you have sensitive skin, you should be especially careful when using vinegar for hair care.
Another concern is hair color. If you have dyed hair, using vinegar may cause the color to fade.
This is because the acidity of the vinegar can open up the hair cuticle, allowing the color to escape. If you have colored hair, it’s best to avoid using vinegar as a hair rinse.
It’s also important to consider your hair type. If you have dry or damaged hair, vinegar may not be the best choice for you.
The acidity can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it even more dry and brittle.
However, when used in moderation, vinegar can be a great addition to your hair care routine. It can help to remove buildup from hair care products, leaving your hair feeling clean and refreshed.
It can also help to balance the pH of your scalp, which can promote healthy hair growth.
When using vinegar for hair care, it’s important to dilute it with warm water first. A good rule of thumb is to use one part vinegar to four parts water. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture to make it smell nice.
Can White Vinegar Or Apple Cider Vinegar Change Your Hair Color?
If you’re someone who has undergone a hair color treatment, you may be wondering if using vinegar for hair care can change your hair color.
The good news is that both white distilled vinegar and apple cider vinegar are safe to use on color-treated hair.
The acidic properties of vinegar can help to balance the pH level of your hair and scalp, which can improve the overall health of your hair. However, it’s important to note that vinegar rinses are not a substitute for professional hair care treatments.
When it comes to choosing between white vinegar rinse and cider vinegar rinses, there is a secret to why some people prefer white and leave apple cider vinegar behind.
White or distilled vinegar helps to preserve the hair color, making it a great option for those who have recently undergone a color treatment.
On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is slightly different in makeup and can be beneficial for those with major product buildup or excess grease.
Summary
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are both popular options for natural hair care. White vinegar is a great choice for those with oily or textured hair, and it can help balance the pH levels of your scalp and remove product buildup.
Apple cider vinegar has alpha-hydroxy acid which can help exfoliate the scalp and reduce dandruff, making it beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair.