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apple cider vinegar hair detox

Source: Courtesy of House of Balloons, Made Beautiful, Fekkai / House of Ballons, Made Beautiful, Fekkai

Whether caused by an allergic reaction to the chemicals found in synthetic hair, a change in the weather, or simply going too many days since your last wash day, having an itchy scalp is never a good time. Especially if you have sharp nails, use a rattail comb, or suffer from sensitivity in the area, scratching an itchy scalp has the potential to do more harm than good.

In an interview with Naturally Curly from a few years ago, Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael of RadiantSkin Dermatology and Laser explained scratching your scalp can lead to a cycle of more itchiness, inflammation, and potentially make you more prone to getting a scalp infection. 

Everything considered, it’s important to keep itchiness at bay from the get-go. While staying hydrated and making sure your scalp and hair are moisturized is essential, an ingredient that should always be in your arsenal against a dry and flaky scalp is apple cider vinegar (ACV). 

Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, ACV is great for keeping your scalp hygiene at its best — especially during protective styles. While speaking with Brydie, certified trichologist Gretchen Friese shared that ACV also keeps “the pH level of the scalp balanced,” prevents dandruff, reduces hair loss overall and more. 

Peep some of MADAMENOIRE’s recommendations for ACV-infused products that will help your scalp stay itch-free.

apple cider vinegar hair detox

Source: Courtesy of Fekkai / Fekkai

Fekkai Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Scrub

With a focus on helping you detox your scalp, Fekkai’s Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Scrub ($30) is a perfect product for when the weather transitions from the warmth of summer into the fall, or when you need a “fresh, clean and delishly smelling scalp” after a protective style.

Utilizing micronized ACV, rice powder and ginger extract in its formula, this scrub gently removes build-up on the scalp and works great as a pre-poo treatment. In addition, since its consistency is on the thicker side, it’s not super messy in the shower and easy to use directly on your scalp. 

MN recommends using it when you need it — or up to two times a week if you suffer from scalp itchiness on a more regular basis. Massage the product throughout your scalp and leave it on for one to two minutes before rinsing it out and following up with a shampoo.

apple cider vinegar hair detox

Source: Courtesy of House Of Bombshell / House of Bombshell

House Of Bombshell Rose Glow Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

As MN shared earlier this year, House of Bombshell’s Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse ($32) is another really good ACV-infused pre-poo treatment that you can use to remove build-up, add shine, reduces frizz, and balances the scalp and your hair’s pH.

Essentially, the hydrating formula leaves the cuticles of your hair smoother, which subsequently makes it easier to maintain overall.

To get more details on how to use it and why it’s great, read our full She Tried It review of the product here.

apple cider vinegar hair detox

Source: Courtesy of Re-fresh Scalp Care / Re-fresh Scalp Care

Re-fresh Scalp Care Apple Cider Vinegar + Itch Relief

Even though each formula contains 2% salicylic acid, this shampoo and condition duo will calm any irritation from scratching or tight braids without being too harsh on your scalp. As explained, the natural antibacterial and antifungal properties of the ACV in these products will prevent both dandruff and itchiness from returning in the future after each use. If interested, you can snag the duo for ($6.99) per bottle at Walmart and drugstores nationwide.

apple cider vinegar hair detox

Source: Courtesy of Made Beautiful / Made Beautiful

Made Beautiful’s PUREifying Rinse

Made Beautiful’s PUREifying Rinse ($9.99) is a product that detoxes your scalp and removes both product build-up and impurities. With its unique blend of ACV, aloe and cucumber, it’ll also help your hair retain moisture and stimulate your scalp.

After you’ve rinsed out your shampoo, the brand recommends using this product as a follow-up. Once you’ve massaged it gently into clean, wet hair from root to end and your scalp, leave it in for five to 10 minutes before giving your head another rinse.

As a pro tip, combat tangling by giving your hair a run through with a wide-tooth comb before rinsing this product out.