does apple cider vinegar cause hair loss - #23795
I am really confused about something and hope someone can help. I’ve been reading about apple cider vinegar a lot lately because my hair has been thinning quite a bit. I started using apple cider vinegar as a rinse a few months ago, thinking it would help with my scalp and maybe even promote hair growth. But then I came across this article that said apple cider vinegar can actually cause hair loss! Like, what?? I’ve noticed my hair feels kinda dry and brittle since I started using it. I think it's been about 3 months now and just looked in the mirror and panicked a bit. The last few times I brushed my hair, there’s been more and more strands on the brush. I mean, does apple cider vinegar cause hair loss or is this just a coincidence? Maybe it's just stress or something else but I can't help but think, could it be the apple cider vinegar? I also got a couple of products with vinegar in them. Should I stop using them? I don’t wanna make things worse! It’s like, everything points back to apple cider vinegar, and now I’m worried. Any insights on this would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe for use on hair and scalp, and it’s quite popular for its antibacterial properties and ability to balance scalp pH. However, using it, especially in concentrated forms, might potentially lead to hair becoming dry or brittle, as acids can strip natural oils. This dryness could contribute to breakage, giving the impression of hair loss. On its own, apple cider vinegar is unlikely to be the direct cause of hair loss; hair loss is typically influenced by a variety of factors like genetics, diet, stress, hormonal changes, and underlying medical conditions. It’s possible that the dryness from the vinegar rinse could be exacerbating the problem by making your hair more prone to breaking. Given this, it would be reasonable to stop using apple cider vinegar on your hair to see if there’s any improvement after a few weeks. Instead, consider using a milder, pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner tailored for sensitive scalps or restoring moisture to the hair. Look for ingredients like argan oil or coconut oil, which are known to be nourishing. Also, ensure you’re not using the vinegar rinse too frequently; once every couple of weeks is usually sufficient if you choose to use it again, and always dilute it with water to minimise the risk of further dryness. If your hair continues to thin or the shedding persists, consider consulting a healthcare professional to help identify any underlying conditions or factors contributing to the hair loss. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective management and recovery.
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