Everyone dreams of vibrant, voluminous hair. However, the high pH level of the products you use can negatively impact skin and hair health. pH, which stands for potential hydrogen, represents the relative acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Our skin, hair, and body need a certain pH to remain balanced; however, many factors, including toxins, stress, and low-quality foods and products, disrupt the natural pH of our hair and skin. This makes hair care and management challenging.
Hair vinegar is a product specifically formulated for hair , which strengthens hair and increases shine by lowering the pH of the hair and scalp . It's a hair care product that's been gaining a lot of attention recently. Because it protects hair's structure, it's a popular choice for both women and men.
Washing your hair with vinegar nourishes your scalp without leaving it feeling sticky and helps alleviate many hair problems. If you're wondering what hair vinegar is and how to use it, read on to learn how to boost your hair's shine.
What is Hair Vinegar?
Your scalp has a natural pH level of around 5 degrees, which is slightly acidic. This acidity level is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. A healthy cuticle helps each strand retain moisture, preventing breakage, dryness, and hair loss. Many shampoos and hair products have a more alkaline pH, which disrupts the scalp's acidity. This can trigger a reaction in the cuticle, leading to dryness, breakage, frizz, and tangling. So, how does the idea of revitalizing your hair without using dozens of products sound?
You might have noticed that your hair isn't as thick and shiny as it used to be, or you might be experiencing a "bad hair day" because you can't get it to style the way you want. However, dealing with dry, lifeless hair isn't as difficult as it seems.
For some, the idea of applying vinegar to your hair may seem strange; but once you observe exactly how vinegar works, you'll be more comfortable with the idea:
When the acidic layer in your hair's structure becomes unbalanced, the cuticles within your hair structure open and swell. This makes your hair susceptible to damage. Because it absorbs light instead of reflecting it, it creates a dull appearance. Vinegar, with its acidic structure and pH level compatible with your hair, comes to the rescue at this point.
If you're wondering, "What if my hair smells like vinegar?", don't worry. Hair vinegars offered by various brands are specifically formulated for the scalp and don't leave a scent after rinsing; in fact, they even leave your hair with a pleasant scent.
However, there are some things you should be aware of about hair vinegar. For example, you can't use it in place of shampoo. While vinegar is an effective cleanser, it doesn't fully cleanse your hair. Therefore, you need to continue using shampoo to cleanse your hair.
What is the Benefit of Hair Vinegar?
As mentioned above, using vinegar for hair shine is becoming increasingly popular. But vinegar's benefits don't end there. So, how does it help your hair?
- It helps hair grow
There are many factors that trigger hair loss in both men and women, including genetic factors, hormonal changes, and stress. Vinegar, rich in potassium, reduces hair loss by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth. It also helps repair split ends.
- Softens hair
Thanks to vinegar, which nourishes the cuticle layer by balancing the pH level in the hair, your hair strands will have a soft and shiny appearance.
- Reduces frizz in hair
Apple, grape, strawberry, or raspberry... Thanks to its acetic acid content, vinegar reduces dryness in hair and prevents frizz. Its acidic nature balances the pH of the hair and scalp, preventing a dull, lifeless appearance.
- It is effective against itching and scalp infections.
Vinegar's antimicrobial properties also fight fungi and bacteria that cause scalp infections. Regular use of vinegar can help heal your scalp and relieve itching.
- Reduces dandruff formation
Alpha-hydroxyc acid, especially found in apple cider vinegar, cleanses the scalp, reducing dandruff formation and removing chemical residues from the hair.
- Protects hair color
If you color your hair, you know that colors fade after each wash. Hair vinegar prevents the color from fading quickly by sealing the hair cuticles. Rinsing your hair with vinegar and warm water can help the color last longer.
How to Use Hair Vinegar?
If you've never used vinegar on your hair before, it's normal to have some questions. So, how do you use vinegar on your hair ?
For vibrant, healthy hair, it's beneficial to use hair vinegar after every shower. The key here is to use it as the final rinse. After your regular shampoo, you can massage the vinegar into your hair and scalp. Using CONDITIONER afterward is up to you. However, hair vinegar alone is sufficient to soften your hair and make it easier to comb.
If you want to make hair vinegar at home, you need to make sure it's completely organic and chemical-free. While apple cider vinegar and grape vinegar are the most popular choices, you can also use raspberry and white vinegar. Mix equal parts water and your chosen vinegar and use it as a rinse, or pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to clean hair. Leave the mixture on for 10 minutes to allow it to absorb thoroughly, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
In short, using hair vinegar is one of the simplest things you can do to revitalize your hair. By adding it to your daily hair care routine and regularly applying it, you'll easily notice the difference. Instead of dull and lifeless hair, you'll turn heads with shiny, voluminous hair. However, because every hair type is different, be sure to wait a while to see the results before reapplying.