Yes, diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help with scalp folliculitis because its acetic acid content has antibacterial properties that can fight bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of the infection. While there's limited strong scientific proof for scalp folliculitis specifically, ACV can help balance scalp pH, reduce inflammation, and clear buildup, but it must be diluted to avoid skin irritation or damage.
Self care
Hair tends to get dull and lifeless after constantly using the same hair care products, which causes buildup. Apple cider vinegar clears out blocked hair follicles, leading to shinier curls over time. In the short term, it coats the hair shaft, making the hair softer and shinier.
ACV is acidic and strong, so it's necessary to dilute the product. Take precautions so you don't strip your hair, irritate your scalp or damage your skin. Start by adding a half tablespoon to every eight ounces of water. Depending on how your hair and skin react, you may gradually increase the strength over time.
Washing hair with apple cider vinegar side effects
Spray your scalp well, enough so that it's evenly coated with ACV. Gently work the vinegar into your hair with your fingers. It should be diluted enough that it shouldn't burn your scalp. Let the vinegar mixture sit for three to five minutes.
Use a clarifying shampoo: Reach for a clarifying shampoo with ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid to deeply cleanse the scalp and regulate oil production. Focus on the roots: Concentrate the shampoo application on your scalp and roots, where oil tends to accumulate, and massage it in thoroughly.
First, shampoo and condition your hair. Then pour the apple cider vinegar solution on your tresses and let it rest for a few minutes. Don't worry about smelling like salad dressing—once you rinse your hair, the scent should disappear, too.
'Some people may notice digestive benefits, like decreased bloating, quite quickly, often in a few days. For other benefits, such as weight loss or improved blood sugar control, it can take several weeks to months of consistent use to observe noticeable changes.
Common Causes of Scalp Folliculitis
Environmental irritants – hats, tight hairstyles, helmets, or chemicals (like those found in some hair treatments, dyes, pools, or hot tubs) can all damage or irritate hair follicles.
In less severe types of folliculitis, like Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub rash), your symptoms will typically fade within a few days without treatment. If they don't, reach out to your healthcare provider. When you have a more severe case of folliculitis, oral antibiotics may be needed to treat the condition.
People may sometimes mistake psoriasis and folliculitis for other skin conditions, including:
As noted, folliculitis caused by infection can be treated with over the counter antibiotic oral medication, ointments, and washes such as benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil, Proactiv), chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), or Phisoderm. Antifungal shampoos and washes.
ACV has natural anti-bacterial properties that help slough away dead skin cells. All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, go over with it on the affected areas and let it air-dry. Let the vinegar work its magic by opening up clogged pores and giving access to the ingrown hair to grow outwards.
Folliculitis is not highly contagious, but the causative agents, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or the Herpes simplex virus, can be transmitted through shared items like razors, towels, or direct contact. Some factors that can easily cause folliculitis include: Wearing tight clothing. Moist skin.
You should never apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair. As we mentioned above, it has a highly acidic pH that undiluted could cause irritation, itchiness on the scalp or burn the sensitive skin of the scalp.
When it comes to using apple cider vinegar in a skin-care routine, experts do not recommend applying undiluted ACV to your skin, as the acids in it may cause chemical burns and irritation, according to research.
How Long Should I Leave Apple Cider Vinegar in My Hair? Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and no longer than 15 minutes. Prolonged exposure could lead to dryness or irritation. If it starts to sting, rinse it off immediately with cool water.
Additionally, both Ruggeri and Hill mention that ACV can support hair growth by removing product buildup, especially from commonly used items like dry shampoo. “ACV unblocks follicles in the scalp so that strands have freedom to thrive,” Ruggeri says.
Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, B7 are usually associated with a flaky scalp. A deficiency of these vitamins can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation.
The Downsides of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Care
However, even natural substances can be harmful in large amounts or for some individuals in small doses. Dryness: Hair may become dry, especially if left on too long. Irritation: The acidity can irritate sensitive scalps.
Baking soda is another simple ingredient that helps remove buildup and clarify your scalp. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda into your regular shampoo or mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste. Massage it gently into your wet hair and scalp for a minute or two, then rinse.
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented juice, which many people have used for natural home remedies, hair care included, for centuries. One of the main benefits of this acidic substance is that it can help in the removal of scalp build up while restoring the balance of your pH level.