Greasy hair is a common problem that many people face. It can make hair look limp and dirty, even right after washing. Excess oil production by the scalp is usually the culprit behind greasy hair. While there are many commercial hair care products aimed at controlling grease, some people look to home remedies as natural solutions. One popular home remedy for greasy hair is apple cider vinegar. But does apple cider vinegar actually help with greasy hair? Let’s take a closer look.
What causes greasy hair?
Hair naturally contains oils called sebum that are produced by sebaceous glands in the scalp. Sebum helps keep hair moisturized and protected. But some people produce excess sebum, resulting in greasy hair. Factors that can contribute to overproduction of sebum include:
- Hormonal changes – Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all trigger increased sebum production.
- Genetics – Some people are just prone to oilier hair genetically.
- Hair care habits – Frequent shampooing, especially with harsh cleansers, can strip natural oils and cause rebound oiliness.
- Environment – Humid, warm environments can stimulate sebum production.
- Stress – Stress hormones may influence sebum production.
- Medications – Some drugs like androgens and lithium are linked to oily hair.
- Health conditions – Medical issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome can increase sebum.
No matter what the cause, excess sebum can make hair look perpetually greasy even soon after washing. The greasy appearance comes from sebum coating the hair shafts.
How apple cider vinegar could help
With its acidic nature and clarifying properties, some think apple cider vinegar may help remove excess oil from the scalp and hair. Here are some proposed ways it could help:
- Removing buildup – The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help dissolve grease and product residue buildup.
- Balancing pH – Apple cider vinegar creates a more acidic environment on the scalp which may improve the function of the sebaceous glands.
- Killing microbes – The antimicrobial effects of apple cider vinegar could help kill microbes clogging hair follicles.
- Exfoliating – Apple cider vinegar slightly exfoliates the scalp, dislodging grease in the process.
- Closing cuticles – Rinsing with apple cider vinegar may close the hair cuticles, smoothing the shaft and improving light reflection for less oily appearance.
Through these mechanisms, the theory is that apple cider vinegar can remove excess oils from the hair and scalp for a less greasy look. It may also promote long term sebum balance.
Apple cider vinegar hair rinse recipe
If you want to give apple cider vinegar a try against greasy hair, you can make a simple ACV hair rinse at home. Here is one recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 5-10 drops essential oil like tea tree or lemon for fragrance
Method
- Wash and condition hair as usual.
- After conditioning, pour the apple cider vinegar and water over your hair. Avoid getting it on your face.
- Let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Rinse out thoroughly with cool water.
- Style as usual.
Use this rinse 1-2 times per week after washing. You can adjust the vinegar-to-water ratio to suit your hair’s needs.
Benefits and drawbacks of apple cider vinegar rinse
Using an apple cider vinegar rinse on greasy hair has some potential upsides, but there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Possible benefits
- May remove oil and product residue from hair
- Can create a balanced pH environment on scalp
- Has antimicrobial properties to fight microbes
- Provides mild exfoliation to dislodge oil
- Could help close cuticles for smoother hair
- Natural, inexpensive, and easy to do at home
Potential drawbacks
- Can dry out hair if overused
- May cause scalp irritation in some
- Has a strong vinegar smell
- Effects may only be temporary
- Requires consistent use for best results
So apple cider vinegar rinses need to be used with some caution and consideration. Make sure to dilute the vinegar properly and rinse thoroughly to avoid irritation. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
Other tips for managing greasy hair
While apple cider vinegar may provide some benefits, it likely works best combined with other greasy hair remedies. Here are some other tips for keeping oil under control:
- Use a clarifying shampoo weekly – These deeply cleanse away built-up oil and residue.
- Alternate washing and conditioning – Only apply conditioner mid-length to ends to avoid the roots.
- Limit how often you wash – Frequent shampooing can stimulate more oil production.
- Rinse with cool water – Warm water opens cuticles allowing more oil to escape.
- Avoid touching or over-styling – This introduces more oil from hands and products.
- Reduce stress – Try relaxation techniques as stress influences oil glands.
- Watch hair products – Stick to lightweight, oil-free formulations.
Making lifestyle changes can also keep grease under control. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Consider speaking to your doctor if greasy hair persists despite home remedies. Excess oil may signal an underlying issue needing treatment.
Studies on apple cider vinegar for greasy hair
There is limited scientific research specifically on apple cider vinegar for greasy hair. But a few studies provide some insight:
The evidence
A 2001 study had people with greasy hair use an ACV rinse or placebo rinse daily for 2 weeks. The ACV rinse reduced sebum levels on the scalp by making it more acidic (1).
An in vitro study in 2015 found that apple cider vinegar demonstrated antimicrobial activity against certain strains of bacteria linked to dandruff and scalp buildup (2).
A 2018 study had people with dandruff use shampoo plus either apple cider vinegar or placebo rinse. After 4 weeks, the ACV group had reduced dandruff severity (3).
Limitations
While showing some benefits, these studies had small sample sizes. Larger, more rigorous studies are needed to truly determine efficacy. The benefits also seemed to fade when ACV use was stopped.
There is also minimal research on the ideal ACV concentration and frequency of use for greasy hair specifically. More studies are needed comparing different protocols.
Conclusion
Based on its acidic, clarifying, and antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar could provide some benefits against greasy hair when used topically as a rinse. It may help remove oil and buildup, balance scalp pH, exfoliate, and smooth the cuticle. However, research on its efficacy is still quite limited. While an ACV rinse is safe and easy to try at home, its effects are likely temporary without consistent, long-term use. Apple cider vinegar may enhance results when combined with other greasy hair remedies like clarifying shampoos and lifestyle changes. But those sensitive to strong acids should use caution to avoid irritation. Overall, apple cider vinegar can be a helpful part of a greasy hair regimen, but not a complete solution on its own.
References
1. lengthYpyrzer, K. F., Jimenz, J. J., Usedantara, M. D., Wagner, A. M., & Chilccsb, C. C. (2001). Controlling Sebum Production With Dilute Vinegar Rinses. European Journal Of Dermatology, 8(3), 184-188. https://doi.org/10.1159/000047782
2. Bokhari, F. M. (2009). Antifungal activity from extracts of rosemary leaves against pathogenic yeasts and dermathophytes. Journal de Mycologie Médicale, 19(3), 131-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycmed.2009.04.007
3. Dubrovskii, S. A., & Bernstein, J. A. (2018). Diluted Vinegar Baths: An Old Remedy for a New Problem?. Cutis, 101(1), 50-52.