15 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoos For Gentle Scalp Exfoliation
Get that extra shine on your hair with the perfect ingredient in your hair care essentials!
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
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Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
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Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
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Many proponents in the beauty space swear by apple cider vinegar. The best apple cider vinegar shampoos sure do have a few tricks up their sleeve, from retaining moisture in your hair to keeping it extra clean. Since apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, it may be a great way to treat dandruff in your hair as well. These nutrient-rich shampoos are filled with minerals that reduce frizz and give your hair that extra shine. If you don’t know which one to buy, we’re here to help you out. We have gathered a list of the best apple cider vinegar shampoos to get you started. Scroll down to see what they are.
In This Article
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Apple cider vinegar shampoo is a hair cleansing product that consists of apple cider vinegar as the base ingredient. Apple cider vinegar is a fermented apple juice that consists of live cultures and minerals. Due to this fermentation process and mineral content, it balances the pH level of your scalp. When you use apple cider vinegar on your scalp, the sebum levels are balanced, which reduces oiliness and frizz effortlessly.
This antibacterial shampoo is also used for deep cleansing and eliminating bacteria or fungus on the scalp, which may result in dandruff and other hair issues like breakage and itchy scalp.
What Are The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Here are a few of the benefits of using apple cider vinegar shampoo:
- As apple cider vinegar balances the pH level of the scalp.
- It can drastically reduce frizz, prevent hair loss, split ends, rough hair, and add shine and bounce to hair.
- Apart from this, it flushes dirt and debris from your scalp, reduces oil-build up and bacteria growth.
- It promotes blood flow in the scalp and helps curb hair loss.
- It maintains sebum levels thereby promoting the growth of healthy and beautiful hair.
Now that we have seen the benefits of apple cider vinegar, let us take a look at the top 15 apple cider vinegar shampoos in the market.
15 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoos
1. Best For Color-treated Hair:Nature’s Craft Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Buywow If you are looking for an apple cider vinegar shampoo that comes with the added care of jojoba oil and keratin, this clarifying hair growth shampoo is worth giving a try. This shampoo is formulated using ACV, minerals, vitamins, and patchouli for nourishment and hair protection. This is a volumizing and thickening shampoo for women suffering from hair loss and hair thinning issues.
Pros
- Can be used on color-treated hair
- Consists of raw organic ACV for shine and smooth texture
- Cruelty-free and thickening shampoo for voluminous hair
Cons
- Overuse can turn hair greasy and oily
2. Best Organic:WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Wow Are you looking for a cruelty-free and organic ACV shampoo? Give this one a shot. Especially if you are struggling to get rid of extreme frizz, split ends, and dandruff, this shampoo with raw ACV can tame hair, add more shine and volume to it. This detoxifying shampoo is hypoallergenic, so it also works if you have sensitive skin. Apart from this, it is sulfate and paraben-free so you don’t have to think twice before buying it! Before buying, have a look at this video for more details.
Pros
- Organic and raw ACV for smooth and glossy hair
- Effectively cleanses oil and dirt build-up
- Nourishes hair and rejuvenates the scalp
- Slows down hair fall and stimulates hair growth
- Works on color-damaged hair too
Cons
- Leaves your hair looking greasy, if not cleaned properly
Trivia3. Best For Dull Hair:Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
Image: Aveeno Cruelty-free products are satisfying to use, and when you have a soothing ACV shampoo that conditions and nourishes your hair, it’s an added advantage. This shampoo is loaded with hair rejuvenating ingredients like ACV and oats that will keep your scalp hydrated, reduce frizz, and renew dull hair. This shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, or dyes and is safe to use for all hair types. Check out this video to know more about this product.
Pros
- Soothing and rejuvenating
- Gives manageable hair
- Adds shine and bounce to dull hair
- Paraben and sulfate-free product
Cons
- Has a strong smell
4. Best For Improving Hair Texture: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Image: Shea Moisture The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo deep cleanses and nourishes your hair to flaunt gorgeous locks. The color-safe formula comes with a blend of shea butter, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, Jamaican black castor oil, and peppermint. This moisture balance formula removes product build-up and retains sufficient moisture in all hair types, including hair that is straightened, colored, heat-styled or permed regularly. This clarifying shampoo has strengthening and softening properties that keeps hair follicles strong, reducing hair fall.
Pros
- Soothes the scalp
- Softens the hair
- Color-safe
- Natural formula
- Suitable for regular use
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Forms residue at the bottom of the bottle
5. Best For Deep Cleansing: Luseta Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Luseta Revive your beautiful, nourished hair with the active ingredients of the Luseta Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. The chemical-free formula stimulates blood circulation to hair follicles and deeply cleanses the scalp to flaunt lustrous locks all day long. It is highly beneficial for oily and damaged hair owing to a nutritious blend of apples, quinoa seeds, and jojoba seed oil. The clarifying shampoo also helps in dandruff control by clearing away dead skin cells and flakes effectively.
Pros
- Deep cleansing
- Natural ingredients
- Anti-dandruff
- Suitable for oily and damaged hair
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan
Cons
None
6. Best For Hair Growth:Maple Holistics Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Maple Holistics What else do you need when you get a nourishing ACV shampoo with added benefits of other organic ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, keratin, and rosemary oil? This shampoo for intense damage repair works effectively on dry and sensitive scalp and removes oil build-up. This repairing shampoo helps prevent hair thinning and promotes hair growth.
Pros
- Consists of natural ingredients for moisturizing scalp
- Prevents oil build-up and cleansed the scalp
- Encourages hair growth
- Adds smoothness
- Conditions hair
Cons
- Doesn’t control frizz for oily scalp
Trivia7. Best For Eliminating Dandruff:Tasmanian Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Tonic Shampoo Bar
If you are struggling with an oily and itchy scalp, this organic ACV shampoo bar will help you get rid of such hair issues in just a couple of uses. This hair tonic helps with itchy scalp, dandruff, frizz, and various scalp issues. This bar helps retain moisture and is free from sulfates, parabens, plastic, and silicone.
Pros
- Prevents split ends
- Great for color-treated hair
- Eliminates dandruff
- Stimulates blood flow and promotes hair growth
Cons
- Might leave a waxy and thick residue in the scalp
8. Best For Reducing Frizz:Hair Dance Clarifying Growth Shampoo
This clarifying and hydrating shampoo promotes hair growth and gently nourishes your scalp. It helps eliminate dryness of scalp, split ends, and hair breakage. This shampoo stimulates the hair follicles and boosts the growth of thicker and healthier hair. It is infused with a refreshing peppermint scent and is free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and silicone.
Pros
- Gently cleanses color-treated hair
- pH 5.5 for reducing frizz and brittle hair
- Consists of anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe the scalp
- Works well on sensitive and dry scalp
Cons
- Not suitable for those allergic to peppermint or menthol
9. Best Vegan Formula:ACURE Buildup Balancing Hemp & Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Acure The ACURE Buildup Balancing Hemp & Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is designed with a purely vegan formula that deeply cleanses your scalp and removes any build-ups caused due to the use of harsh and heavy hair styling products. The formula is unscented and hence, is suitable for people with sensitive skin. This shampoo contains the goodness of apple cider vinegar and hemp seed oil that balances the pH level of the scalp and gives your hair a clarifying reboot.
Pros
- Unscented formula
- Suits sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- May tangle hair
10. Best For Dry Scalp:Nature Skin Shop Apple Cider Renew Shampoo
Image: Nature Skin Shop Keep dry and frizzy hair at bay by using this organic ACV shampoo. With this shampoo, your hair will get all the care and nourishment it requires. This scalp care shampoo removes product, oil, or dirt build-up and nourishes the scalp from inside out. It is also free from silicones and sulfates, so you don’t have to worry about using it on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Moisturizes and smoothens hair strands
- Sulfate and silicone-free
- Prevents itchy and dry scalp
- Cleanses the scalp without stripping it off of its natural oils
Cons
- Not recommended for everyday use
11. Best Natural Ingredients:Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Phillip Adam If you want brighter, thicker, and smoother looking hair, this shampoo is worth trying! With the alluring scent of fresh apple and the benefits of ACV, this shampoo is sulfate-free and is gentle on the scalp. The natural ingredients eliminate scalp build-up and provide nourishment. It imparts a natural shine as well.
Pros
- Lasting fresh apple scent
- Derived from apple extracts, pear extracts, lime essential oil, and natural ingredients
- Doesn’t consist of harsh chemicals sulfates or silicone
- Maintain pH balance of the scalp
Cons
- Might feel sloppy and thick
12. Best For Regular Use: MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Majestic Pure Nurture and hydrate your scalp with the Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. The 100% natural formula is rich in apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and coconut oil without any harsh chemicals or sulfate. It clarifies and hydrates the scalp, restores the shine, and treats itchy scalp of all hair types including colored hair. The formula is lightweight and safe for everyday use, and is espceially suitable for dry, damaged hair.
Pros
- Consists of natural ingredients
- Restores shine
- For all hair types
- Color-safe formula
- Gentle
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Harsh chemical-free
Cons
- Pump on the bottle maybe defective
13. Best For Itchy Scalp: New York Biology Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: New York Biology The New York Biology Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo has a clarifying formula that is best suitable for thin and dry hair. It helps to remove oil, dirt, and build ups from the scalp to get rid of itchiness and adds volume to your hair. This nourishing shampoo also delivers moisture to your hair, reduces split ends and frizz, and ensures easy detangling. This shampoo gently exfoliates your scalp to remove dandruff, wiith the goodness of apple cider vinegar and an enriching mix of vitamins. The gentle formula calms irritated scalp and unclogs the hair follicles to promote hair growth.
Pros
- Suits all air types
- Reduces hairfall
- Anti-frizz
- Color-safe formula
- Suitable for all hair types
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
14. Best Vegan: ACURE Buildup Balancing Hemp & Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Acure The ACURE Buildup Balancing Hemp & Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is enriched with the goodness of quality apple cider vinegar that removes buildup from the scalp and hemp seed oil that deeply nourishes your hair leaving it fresh and soft. This moisturizing and fragrance-free shampoo is formulated without any harsh chemicals that makes it suitable for sensitive scalp, and the pH-balanced formula gives your sclap and hair a much needed reboot.
Pros
- Suitable for normal to sensitive scalp
- Fragrance-free formula
- Reduces scalp itch
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Very thick consistency
15. Inveda Apple Cider Vinegar And Fenugreek Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Image: Inveda If you frequently complain about dandruff and frizz, this anti-dandruff and frizz control shampoo loaded with the benefits of ACV and fenugreek will restore your scalp and hair to its natural pH levels. It works gently on the scalp and promotes cuticle health. The shampoo is enriched with Ayurvedic ingredients that can easily tackle dandruff and protect the scalp from pollution, dirt, sun damage, and other scalp issues. The best thing is that it also works on sensitive scalp and extremely damaged hair.
Pros
- Balances pH of the scalp and promotes cuticle health
- Fights split ends and rough hair
- Made using organic ingredients and vegan-friendly
- Promotes strong and healthy-looking hair
Cons
- Fragrance is not appealing
We will now discuss what makes apple cider vinegar shampoo safe for use on your hair and scalp.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Safe for Hair?
Yes. Apple cider vinegar shampoos are quite safe and healthy to use if you use the right quantity. These are the best Apple cider vinegar shampoos that can help you get thicker, smoother, and stronger hair. Especially if you are suffering from frizzy and dry hair, choose the shampoo with ingredients that work for your hair and transform your hair with the all-natural ingredients!
Cosmetologist Lindsay Loo says, “While incorporating an apple cider vinegar shampoo to your beauty rituals, you might find that not all are color- or chemically-treated hair safe. Weigh out your options on what your needs are and how the product is most effective when used. Also, start by adding an ACV shampoo as a once a week treatment.”
The Bottom Line
These are the best apple cider vinegar shampoos that can help you get thicker, smoother and stronger hair, especially if you are suffering from frizzy and dry hair. Choose the shampoo with ingredients that work for your hair and transform your hair with all-natural ingredients! The WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo combats frizz, dandruff, and split ends, while the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo is ideal for achieving smooth, lustrous tresses, thanks to its rich formula that includes potent ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and Jamaican black castor oil. The Luseta Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo helps increase blood circulation to stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy strands.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Medha Deb, is a hair care expert with a gift for finding excellent and effective products and remedies for your hair concerns. Keep your hair and scalp clean with these apple cider vinegar shampoos handpicked by Sneha after going through several user forums and brand websites. She recommends these products based on antimicrobial properties, nutrient content, ability to reduce frizz, pH level regulation, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use apple cider vinegar instead of shampoo?
Apple cider vinegar is widely used for hair rinsing, which is usually followed by shampooing. It is recommended that you use an apple cider vinegar shampoo. Also, if you are using a chemical shampoo with the ACV rinse, it may not work effectively.
Can vinegar damage your hair?
Apple cider vinegar is an ingredient that balances the pH of your scalp, and if you overuse it, it may irritate your skin. Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid, and thus, it is highly recommended to dilute the product in water and use it in less quantity.
How often should I use apple cider vinegar shampoo?
Wet your hair with cold or lukewarm water. Mix 2-3 spoons of apple cider vinegar shampoo with water and apply it on your scalp. Massage the shampoo gently with your fingertips for a minute and let the shampoo stay in your hair for 3-4 minutes. Rinse the shampoo with cold water and make sure there’s no residue. You can do this once or twice a week.
Can I use the conditioner after apple cider vinegar rinse?
Apple cider vinegar conditions and enriches hair naturally, so after an apple cider vinegar rinse, you don’t have to use a conditioner on your hair. However, some women prefer to shampoo and condition first and then use apple cider vinegar for rinsing their hair.
Is apple cider vinegar shampoo good for gray hair?
Yes. Gray hair is naturally dry, so an apple cider vinegar shampoo helps keep it hydrated, shiny, and healthy. It refreshes your gray hair, refines the color, and removes brassiness.
Can we use a regular conditioner with apple cider vinegar shampoo?
Yes, you can use your regular conditioner with an apple cider vinegar shampoo. Just make sure to apply the conditioner on the lengths of your hair and not on your scalp.
Recommended Articles:
- How To Prepare And Use Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
- PURA D’OR Shampoos For Hair Stronger And Thicker
- Multipurpose Apple Cider Vinegars
