Apple Cider Vinegar For Thinning Hair: How to Use It To Boost Hair Growth, Shine and More

Whether it’s used for cooking, laundry, household cleaning or weight loss, apple cider vinegar (or ACV for short) can be found in almost every pantry across America. It’s no wonder, since this kitchen staple is so versatile — and these days it’s getting a whole lot of buzz for being a miracle ingredient for hair care. Plenty of online beauty influencers say apple cider vinegar for thinning hair can help with hassles many of us in our 50s struggle with — everything from lackluster locks to thinning hair and more. Keep scrolling to learn all the ways to use the pantry staple to turn back your lock clock.

4 apple cider vinegar benefits for thinning hair

1. ACV prevents hair loss

“Having a healthy scalp and hair is essential in preventing hair loss and thinning,” says celebrity hairstylist Clyde Haygood. “Using ACV in your hair care routine helps exfoliate product buildup, dirt and oils and also removes mineral deposits from hard water, all of which can clog follicles and lead to hair loss and breakage.”

2. Apple cider vinegar banishes dandruff

Apple cider vinegar balances pH levels on the scalp and is also natural antimicrobial — so it combats dandruff-causing bacteria and fungus that can sit on the scalp. “Dandruff sufferers can benefit from using ACV as it clarifies the scalp to help achieve proper pH balance,” says Haygood. “A simple scalp treatment with ACV can help fight off flakes.”

3. ACV eliminates oily hair

Thanks to its astringent properties apple cider vinegar can give oily stands the boot, and lead to a fuller-looking mane. “It’s great for combating oily hair by eliminating the greasy buildup in the hair,” says Haygood. “Once this layer of buildup is removed, strands won’t be weighed down and will have so much more fullness and lift.” (Dealing with oily, greasy roots? Click through to learn about why does my hair great greasy so fast.)

4. Apple cider vinegar increases shine

Over time product build-up can make locks look lifeless and dull. “ACV adds shine in two ways,” says Haygood. “The first is by removing buildup and the second is by closing the cuticle so the hair’s smooth surface reflects more light.”

How to use apple cider vinegar for thinning hair

1. Use apple cider vinegar in a hair mask

Mix 1 cup of plain yogurt (its protein strengthens brittle hair) and 1 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar. After shampooing hair, apply the mask to damp hair from roots to ends. Let sit for 15 minutes; rinse with cool water. Want a ready-made mask? Look to WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask.

For an apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner duo, try PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner Set.

2. Use apple cider vinegar as a natural hair rinse

Dilute 2 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar in 1½ cups of water. Shampoo and condition hair as usual then pour the ACV-water mixture all over hair and work into the scalp for one minute. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water. (Click through to discover more natural hair rinses.)

If you’d prefer a ACV hair rinse product, grab Pacifica Beauty Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic.

3. Use apple cider vinegar as a hair growth treatment

Mix 2 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar with a small pinch of cayenne pepper. Pour into a small spray bottle and mist onto sparse areas and let sit for an hour. Then wash hair as usual. Tip: Patch test the mist on the back of the neck to ensure you’re not sensitive to cayenne pepper before using this spray on the scalp. (Click through for more natural ways to outsmart thinning hair.) Or try a ready-made treatment, like Hawaiian Silky Apple Cider Vinegar Bald Spot Recovery Serum.