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As a natural antibacterial and antifungal, apple cider vinegar has long been a remedy used not only for cooking, but also for a slew of other off-label uses, including taking orally to boost digestion, regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss. As of late, it’s even used topically as a DIY anti-acne toner thanks to a viral Pinterest recipe. Now, this unlikely vinegar is being touted for its hair-enhancing benefits, and some of our favorite hair care brands are starting to catch on.
ACV is rich in a number of hair-enhancing vitamins and amino acids that not only help strengthen your hair in a similar way that keratin products do, but its acidic properties also work wonders for balancing the hair’s pH, blasting away product buildup and reducing inflammation by eliminating yeast growth on the scalp. Cosmetically, this means less dandruff, reduced frizz and serious shine. But that’s not it – unlike some protein-based bond builders and hair straightening products, apple cider vinegar doesn’t tend to over-dry the hair, which can of course lead to breakage and split ends over time (as long as you don’t overdo it, that is).
Sure, you can always just dump some ACV from your local supermarket on your head directly to reap its benefits, but you’ll have to be okay with smelling like your favorite salad dressing for a few days. Smell aside, using straight-up ACV on your locks too often can even lead to brassy tones on color treated hair. Fortunately, there are plenty of luxe hair products infused with this magical liquid, so you can reap its endless hair-enhancing benefits without the pungent stench.
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1. R+CO ACV Cleansing Rinse
For those of you who can’t give up the traditional (and often times follicle-clogging) dry shampoo, adding this ACV rinse once a week to your hair regimen will thoroughly cleanse the hair and calm the scalp without stripping your strands completely dry or causing breakage to compromised hair.
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2. Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner
Many “detox” or “clarifying” shampoos can leave your strands dry and brittle if they’re not formulated with a balance of hydrating ingredients to offset the detoxifying properties of ACV. However, this ACV-infused shampoo effectively cleanses the scalp to remove product buildup, sebum and other impurities without over-drying, leaving you shiny, smooth and ultra clean locks.
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3. SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Treatment Masque
Not only does this affordable hair mask contain clarifying ACV, but it’s also infused with castor oil to promote hair growth and restore volume to thinning hair. It also contains bond-building coconut oil to repair damage and help your strands retain moisture.