How apple cider vinegar works for hair

Apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your hair.

There are hundreds of products on the market today that are meant to clean, condition, curl, shine, strengthen, color, and moisturize your hair. Unfortunately many of these products contain sometimes harsh chemical ingredients that can damage your hair and cause build-up in your hair and scalp.

All natural remedies generally exist for many conditions, and maintaining healthy hair is one of those conditions that nature can help with. Apple cider vinegar is all natural and has a naturally high pH which makes it an excellent cleaning agent. In fact many people have used apple cider vinegar to clean everything from bathroom floors to kitchen counters and sinks. Many of the new 'green' cleaning products contain apple cider vinegar. But it also safe and effective and cleaning your hair and scalp. It is also used sometimes to promote healthier skin because some research indicates it helps to relax and restore the tiny blood vessels found in the layers of skin.

Some hair enthusiasts have gone a step further and discovered that adding a small amount of sage oil to the apple cider vinegar mix not only helps remove build-up and moisturize, but also may promote scalp health, and slow hair loss. Some people swear that this mix with sage oil will also promote hair growth.

For best results you should use raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar as it contains many probiotics that help maintain the balance and health of naturally occurring bacteria found on your scalp and your hair (Much like your digestive system relies on 'good' bacteria for proper health and function, your hair and scalp also rely on bacterial helpers). This group of probiotics is also known as 'the mother strain'.

According to many hair care websites and message boards, it appears that at use at least once of week of apple cider vinegar (mixed with a little sage oil if you prefer) can deliver healthy benefits to your hair and scalp. It is safe to use up to once a day, and should be left on your scalp and hair for about 30 minutes before rinsing.

Of course these benefits can only be experienced if you also take care to clean and condition your hair after using this natural treatment. Your hair will be better prepared to deal with any harsh ingredients in your other hair products and you'll have cleaner, healthier hair with a scalp that doesn't itch and flake. Plus your hair will feel lighter and be easier to brush or style.