There is a growing interest in using natural hair care products as opposed to chemical ones. Some magazines recommend apple cider vinegar as a cheap hair conditioner because apple cider vinegar makes hair shiny and beautiful. However, if you have certain health problems, it is not advisable to use vinegar as a hair conditioner, because it can even be dangerous.

 

When not to use vinegar as a hair conditioner

Sensitive people can get allergic reactions when they rinse apple cider vinegar over their hair. Even though vinegar itself is not a common allergen, the body can develop an allergy to it. Anyone who has ever had allergic reactions to vinegar from eating it should not use it as a hair conditioner. Even without prior signs of allergies, an allergic reaction can break out unexpectedly. If a skin rash or breathing difficulties begin, you should go to the doctor immediately.

Sulphites are natural compounds in vinegar. In addition, sulphites are often added to the product by the manufacturer to extend the shelf life. People who suffer from asthma, take a steroid-containing medication or have sensitive respiratory tracts may have interactions with the sulphites contained in vinegar.

Vinegar can irritate the scalp. There are numerous blood vessels and nerves on the head that can be irritated by the acetic acid. Especially if there are small wounds on the scalp, the vinegar will sting when washed over the head. After a beach bath, the scalp may have received tiny scratches from the grains of sand.

Even though vinegar makes hair shiny, it dries it out. Brittle, stressed or coloured hair is more likely to be damaged by a vinegar rinse. If you still want to use a vinegar rinse, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water and wash it out with lukewarm water immediately after use.