Apple Cider Vinegar vs White Vinegar For Hair: Which Is Better?

When it comes to natural remedies for hair care, apple cider vinegar and white vinegar have both garnered attention for their potential benefits, from promoting shine to addressing dandruff. But which vinegar is the better choice for your hair? 

Let’s explore the differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar and help you determine which one might be better suited to your specific hair needs!

Key differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar

Vinegar, in general, is acidic, which can help restore the pH balance of you scalp and hair, remove buildup, and enhance shine.

While both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar have some similarities in their benefits for hair, there are key differences you should consider:

Scent: Apple cider vinegar has a somewhat fruity and slightly sweet aroma due to its fermented apple base, whereas white vinegar has a sharp, acidic, and acrid smell. Some people find the smell of apple cider vinegar more tolerable than white vinegar, but it’s all about personal preference!

Nutrient content: Apple cider vinegar contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that white vinegar lacks. These nutrients can potentially offer additional benefits to your hair.

Acidity: ACV is milder in acidity compared to white vinegar, which can make it a gentler option for those with sensitive scalps.

Cost: White vinegar is generally less expensive than apple cider vinegar.

	Apple cider vinegar	White vinegar
Scent	More mild, fruity, slightly sweet	Strong, sharp, pungent
Nutrients	Contains trace vitamins and minerals	Lacks nutrients
Acidity	Less acidic (pH = 2-3)	More acidic (pH = 2.4-2.6)
Cost	More expensive	Less expensive

Apple cider vinegar for hair

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), a fermented liquid made from crushed apples, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its potential health and beauty benefits. Here’s why many people turn to ACV for their hair:

• pH balance: ACV is acidic, which can help balance the pH of your hair and scalp, reducing excessive oiliness or dryness.
• Detoxification: ACV can help remove product buildup and residue from your hair, leaving it feeling refreshed and cleaner. See this DIY detox hair mask recipe!
• Shine and smoothness: Regular use of ACV may enhance hair shine and reduce frizz, resulting in smoother, more manageable locks.
• Dandruff control: ACV’s natural antimicrobial properties can help combat dandruff and other scalp issues, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
• Reduces hair loss: Since it can balance the scalp’s pH, unclog hair follicles, and potentially enhance blood circulation to the hair follicles, ACV can contribute to stronger, healthier hair and potentially reduce hair loss. 

Here are the pros and cons of using apple cider vinegar for hair care:

Pros:

• Contains nutrients: ACV contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, which can nourish and strengthen your hair.
• Amino acids: It also contains amino acids that may help repair and condition hair strands.
• Antibacterial properties: ACV’s antibacterial properties can help maintain a healthy scalp and prevent dandruff.

Cons:

• Smell: While the smell of ACV is milder than white vinegar, it can still be pungent. Some people find it unpleasant.
• Cost: ACV is typically more expensive than white vinegar.

White vinegar for hair

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar, is another vinegar variety commonly found in households. 

While white vinegar may not be as popular for hair care as apple cider vinegar, it still has some benefits:

• Scalp health: White vinegar can help maintain a healthy scalp by balancing pH levels and reducing dandruff and itching.
• Shine and softness: Similar to ACV, white vinegar can improve the shine and softness of your hair, especially if you have hard water that leaves mineral deposits on your strands.
• Removing buildup: White vinegar can effectively remove product buildup and residues from your hair, helping it look and feel cleaner.

Here are the pros and cons of using white vinegar for hair care:

Pros:

• Affordability: White vinegar is usually more budget-friendly than ACV.
• Effective cleanser: It can effectively remove product buildup and mineral deposits from hard water.

Cons:

• Strong smell: The strong odor of white vinegar can be off-putting to some people.
• Lack of nutrients: White vinegar lacks the beneficial nutrients found in apple cider vinegar.

Which vinegar is better for your hair?

Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can be beneficial for your hair in various ways, including improving shine, removing buildup, and maintaining scalp health. However, I have a clear favorite: Apple cider vinegar (here are the best brands)!

I find apple cider vinegar is gentler on the scalp due to its milder acidity, which is better for my sensitive scalp. If you have an oily hair type, you may be able to get away with using diluted white vinegar, but I usually recommend apple cider vinegar to prevent drying out your hair. Apple cider vinegar is generally safe for all hair types (even color treated hair). I admit, it doesn’t smell the best, but it works to enhance shine and get rid of buildup without stripping your hair of its color and natural oils.

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