Apple cider vinegar is known for helping with weight loss. But, it’s also a great way to grow healthy hair.
ACV, as it’s sometimes called, has become quite popular in the natural hair community. When I decided to ditch the relaxer in 2012, a friend put me on to it and I haven’t stopped using it since. I quickly notice a huge difference in the look and overall feel of my hair and my children’s curls as well.
If you decide to introduce apple cider vinegar to your little one’s curly hair routine, be careful that it doesn’t get into the child’s eyes.
The acidity of apple cider vinegar balances the pH level of the hair and treats head lice and dandruff. Mix 1 tablespoon with 1 cup of filtered water and spray it on your child’s hair. Wash if off after 30 minutes.
5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar on Curly Hair
It’s a great substitute for shampoo
Add a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. Pour the mixture over the hair and massage the scalp using your fingertips, then rinse it out. This DIY no poo shampoo should leave curls feeling soft and manageable.
It’s a great substitute for conditioner
Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Rinse hair with this mixture and you’ll notice that hair looks shiny and moisturized.
ACV reduces tangles
When used as a conditioner, ACV makes combing through knots easy without causing damage.
Balances porosity
Everyone’s level of porosity is different. Apple cider vinegar has a PH of 3, which is more acidic than the 4.5-5.5 pH level of hair. It can actually improve the porosity by sealing the cuticle and allowing hair to stay moisturized.
It eliminates dry and itchy scalp
Sometimes product buildup leads to dry and itchy scalp. ACV has antibacterial properties that can help with that.
While apple cider vinegar has many benefits for growing healthy hair, it’s also important to use it sparingly. If used too much, it could eat away at the hair shaft. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar every six to eight weeks should be enough. It really does depend on hair texture, so pay close attention to how your curls react to it. You may find that your curls react better with a little more ACV. I also recommend using the raw organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar for best results.
