Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Lighten Hair?

Heads up! We may use affiliate links in this post. You'll never pay more, but we might earn a small commission if you buy - thanks for supporting us! See our full disclosure here.

Ever find yourself scrolling through Reddit late at night, only to stumble upon a thread about… using apple cider vinegar to lighten hair?

Yep, you read that right.

Lately, there’s been quite a buzz on r/HaircareScience about using apple cider vinegar to lighten hair. It’s got people wondering if this kitchen staple could be the secret to salon-worthy highlights on a budget.

Now hold up! Before you start raiding your pantry, let’s first unpack everything about this vinegar-y goodness. You might find that this tangy kitchen staple might just be your ticket to subtle, natural-looking highlights without the salon price tag!

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Before we get into whether you can use apple cider vinegar to lighten your hair, let’s get to know our star ingredient a little better.

Apple cider vinegar, often called ACV, is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. How It’s Made: Fresh apples are crushed and their juice is extracted. This juice then undergoes two fermentation processes. The first turns the sugars into alcohol, and the second converts the alcohol into acetic acid.
2. Composition: ACV is mostly water (about 94%) and acetic acid (around 5-6%). It also contains other acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
3. The “Mother”: Organic, unfiltered ACV contains something called “the mother” – strands of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that give the vinegar a cloudy appearance.
4. pH Level: ACV is quite acidic, with a pH level typically between 2 and 3. This acidity is key to how it interacts with our hair.

For hair care purposes, it’s best to use raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar to ensure you’re getting all the beneficial properties without unnecessary additives.

YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE TOO:

• Is Rice Water Good for Low Porosity Hair?
• How To Do An Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
• Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make Rice Water For Hair Growth

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe To Use On Our Hair?

It’s pretty normal to be sceptical about putting any type of vinegar on your hair.

After all, if apple cider vinegar wasn’t as popular as it is, you probably wouldn’t consider it a go-to product for weight loss and clear skin either. But when used correctly, ACV can be a safe and effective treatment for your locks.

Hairstylist Adam Federico, R+Co Vice President of Technical Education says “Apple cider vinegar is wonderful in so many ways. It leaves hair looking healthy and shiny, and restores balance to an irritated scalp.”

However, it’s crucial to use ACV correctly to avoid any potential issues. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Dilution is key: Never apply undiluted ACV directly to your hair or scalp. A good rule of thumb is to mix one part ACV with two to three parts water.
2. Frequency matters: Using ACV too often can potentially dry out your hair or irritate your scalp. Start with once a week and adjust based on how your hair responds.
3. Patch test: Before going all in, do a patch test on a small area of your scalp to check for any adverse reactions.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Always rinse your hair well after an ACV treatment to avoid any lingering vinegar smell.
5. Listen to your hair: If you notice any irritation, excessive dryness, or other negative effects, discontinue use and consult a professional.

Remember, while ACV can be beneficial for many people, everyone’s hair is different. What works wonders for your best friend might not be ideal for you. Pay attention to how your hair responds and adjust your routine accordingly.

As with any new hair care regimen, if you have concerns or pre-existing scalp conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or trichologist before incorporating ACV into your routine!

Want to learn how to do an apple cider vinegar rinse? Click here.

So, Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Lighten Hair?

Before you start envisioning yourself with platinum blonde locks from a bottle of vinegar, let’s manage those expectations!

The lightening effect from ACV is usually subtle, mainly due to apple cider vinegar’s clarifying properties that play a role in making hair appear lighter, but it’s not the whole story.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Clarifying Action: Apple cider vinegar helps to remove build-up from hair products, hard water minerals, and natural oils. This deep cleansing can make your hair look brighter and feel lighter.
• Cuticle Effect: ACV’s acidity can help to close the hair cuticle. When the cuticle lies flat, hair reflects more light, appearing shinier and potentially lighter.
• Subtle Lightening: While the clarifying action can make the hair appear lighter, ACV can also cause some actual lightening over time. This is due to its mild acidic nature, which can gradually break down some of the hair’s pigment.
• Enhanced Sun Lightening: ACV can make your hair more susceptible to sun bleaching. When you use ACV and then expose your hair to sunlight, you might notice more pronounced lightening effects.

Still unsure? Well, you might be interested to know that even TikTok users such as @Maddigood swear by using apple cider vinegar when your hair feels dull, yellow, naughty and feeling like straw.

Here’s what she had to say:

@maddigood Apple Cider Vinegar for blondes #scalpcareroutine #thinhair #blondgirls #blondehair #blondehairtip #applecidervinegar #applecidervinegarforhair ♬ original sound – Maddi Good

If you’re interested in giving it a go, here’s how to do it…

How To Use ACV for Hair Lightening

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – actually using apple cider vinegar to lighten hair. Here’s your step-by-step guide to becoming a kitchen beautician:

1. The Mix: Start by diluting your ACV. A good rule of thumb is one part ACV to two parts water. If you have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, you might want to dilute it even more.
2. The Application: After shampooing (and skip the conditioner this time), pour the mixture over your hair. You can use a spray bottle for more even application, or just go full-on salon and use an applicator brush.
3. The Wait: Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This is your perfect excuse to catch up on that TikTok you’ve been meaning to watch or finally reply to those texts you’ve been ignoring.
4. The Rinse: Rinse it out with cool water. The cool water helps to close the cuticle and lock in the effects.
5. The Finale: Style as usual.

The Pros and Cons Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair

Like any beauty treatment, using apple cider vinegar to lighten hair comes with its pros and cons. Let’s break it down:

Pros:

1. It’s natural and chemical-free
2. Super budget-friendly
3. Can improve overall hair health
4. Gentle lightening effect
5. May help with dandruff and scalp issues

Cons:

1. The smell (It’s not exactly a rose garden)
2. Results can be unpredictable
3. May be drying for some hair types
4. Not as effective on darker hair colours
5. Requires consistency for noticeable results

Other Benefits of ACV for Hair

We kind of touched on it earlier, but ACV might be working some other magic on your mane too. Here’s how:

1. Shine Booster: Remember how we talked about ACV closing the hair cuticle? This can lead to seriously shiny hair. We’re talking glossy magazine cover vibes.
2. Dandruff Fighter: The antimicrobial properties of ACV can help combat the yeast that often causes dandruff.
3. Detox for Your Locks: If you’re a product junkie, ACV can help remove buildup from styling products, hard water minerals, and other gunk that weighs your hair down.
4. Frizz Tamer: By balancing your hair’s pH, ACV can help smooth the cuticle, potentially leading to less frizz.
5. Scalp Health: A healthy scalp means healthy hair. ACV’s balancing act can create a better environment for hair growth.

Now, let’s not forget the foundation of fabulous hair – a healthy scalp. While boosting your hair colour might be your main goal, neglecting your scalp is like forgetting to water your garden and expecting prize-winning roses.

Dr Masood Munir tells Sheerluxe, “Apple cider vinegar contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which has natural antibacterial, exfoliating and anti-dandruff properties. Therefore, it’s a great ingredient to clean up your scalp. Moreover, apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, so it can be used to calm a sensitive scalp, while also being gentle enough not to strip your hair of its natural nutrients.”

The Bottom Line: To ACV or Not to ACV?

So, should you jump on the apple cider vinegar to lighten hair bandwagon? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want a natural, gentle way to potentially lighten your hair while improving its overall health, then ACV might be the way to go. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a subtle change or want to enhance your natural highlights.

On the other hand, if you’re dreaming of a dramatic colour change or have very dark hair, you might want to stick with more traditional lightening methods. ACV is more of a supporting actor than the star of the show when it comes to major hair transformations.

Remember, beauty is all about experimentation and finding what works for you. So why not give it a try? Worst case scenario, your hair smells like salad dressing for a day. Best case scenario? You discover a natural, affordable way to give your hair a little extra oomph!

Let us know if you’ll be trying this out in the comments.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to see results when using apple cider vinegar to lighten hair?

A: Results can vary, but typically, you might start noticing subtle changes after 3-4 weeks of consistent use (1-2 times per week). More significant lightening might take 2-3 months. Remember, patience is key, and results will be gradual and subtle.

Q: Can apple cider vinegar damage my hair?

A: When used properly (diluted and not too frequently), ACV is generally safe for most hair types. However, overuse can lead to dryness or irritation. Always do a patch test first and discontinue use if you notice any adverse effects.

Q: Will apple cider vinegar lighten dark hair?

A: ACV tends to have a more noticeable effect on lighter hair colours. While it may slightly lighten dark hair over time, the results are usually very subtle. For significant lightening of dark hair, professional treatments are more effective.

Q: How do I get rid of the vinegar smell after an ACV treatment?

A: The smell usually dissipates once your hair is dry. If it lingers, try adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the ACV mixture. Alternatively, you can follow up with a regular conditioner or leave-in treatment with a pleasant scent.

Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar on colour-treated hair?

A: While ACV is generally safe for colour-treated hair, it may cause some fading over time due to its acidic nature. If you have dyed hair, it’s best to consult with your stylist before incorporating ACV into your routine or use it less frequently to minimise potential colour fading.