Fashion

10 Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Products To Get Your Hair Clean & Glossy AF Without The Stink

by Kim Carpluk
Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Apple cider vinegar is good for us humans in numerous ways, whether you drink it, bathe with it, or, more commonly, rinse your hair with it. However, sometimes that squeaky-clean scalp isn't worth the lingering stench. Instead of pouring straight-up Braggs on your strands, try the top apple cider vinegar hair products to impart glossy shine and healthy volume without the horrendous vinegar scent that will make your friends wonder about your suddenly intense salt and vinegar chip addiction.

In case you're new to the wonders of apple cider vinegar, ACV can help to balance the pH of your hair, which reduces frizziness and enhances glossiness. It may also act as a disinfectant, which can help reduce itchiness and inflammation of the scalp. Lastly, ACV is rich in vitamins, minerals, and alpha-hydroxy acid, which can exfoliate dry, dead skin off the scalp. Apple cider vinegar is basically nature's dandruff shampoo.

In the winter months, I personally struggle with having a ridiculously dry scalp. And it's beyond dandruff dry, it's huge-flaky-painful-grossness dry. TMI, I know, but I'm sure many of you out there struggle with the same issue. A year or so ago I went to a new salon, and shared my dry scalp woes with my hairstylist. She suggested I rinse my scalp with some apple cider vinegar, which I did for a week. It did work, but it left my hair smelling disgustingly sour, like I rolled around in a week-old salad for kicks and giggles. So I set out to find effective products that boast apple cider vinegar as an ingredient, but won't leave anyone feeling self-conscious about their hair's odor.

1. Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo

Target

Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, $15, Target

Deeply clarifies the scalp and removes build-up just like apple cider vinegar, but leaves the hair smelling of fresh apples and pears. It's like an orchard in a bottle, and highly effective at leaving hair clean and bouncy but still soft.

2. AG Hair Boost Conditioner

Ulta

AG Hair Boost Conditioner, $28, Ulta

Mostly formulated (98 percent to be exact) with naturally-derived ingredients, including coconut oil, mango seed butter, rapeseed oil, rosehip oil, olive leaf extract, shea butter and hydrolyzed quinoa, and, of course, apple cider vinegar. Rosemary, lemongrass, clary sage, and vanilla essential oils will leave your hair smelling fresh and herby with no trace of vinegar scent. If you're worried about putting chemicals into your hair, then this conditioner is the one for you.

3. DPHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo

Sephora

DPHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo, $23, Sephora

If you're looking to touch up between rinses, the DPHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo will keep your scalp healthy. The apple cider vinegar, along with lavender and dandelion extracts, remove excess oil and help to prolong your style between washes. The cocktail of ingredients contains antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, so the benefits extend beyond cosmetic.

4. Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Pure Clarifying Shampoo with ACV

Sephora

Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Pure Clarifying Shampoo with ACV $24, Sephora

If you have curly or coily hair and need real hydration along with your effective shampoo, then you may want to opt for the Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Pure Clarifying Shampoo with AC. This shampoo will bust apart product buildup, but won't strip your hair of hydration.

5. IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub

Sephora

IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub, $36, Sephora

This product somehow makes its way on to all of my lists. The cleanses your scalp thoroughly with the power of apple cider vinegar and salt. The salt dissolves quickly, physically exfoliating the scalp without leaving any chunky bits behind. And it really, really works.

6. Made Beautiful PUREifying Rinse

Made Beautiful

Made Beautiful PUREifying Rinse, $10, Made Beautiful

Contains a mix of apple cider vinegar, aloe and cucumber to jettison product build-up and simultaneously soothe the scalp. Rinse your way to scalp health.

7. Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Relief

Target

Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Relief, $5, Target

If you rock gorgeous braids on the regular or wear extensions, you might experience itchiness at your scalp. Luckily, the Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Relief is here to soothe your scalp for a mere $5.

8. Marcella Apple Cider Vinegar Handmade Hair Growth Shampoo Bar

Etsy

Marcella Apple Cider Vinegar Handmade Hair Growth Shampoo Bar, $11, Etsy

Perhaps you're into all things natural, organic, and vegan. The Marcella Apple Cider Vinegar Handmade Hair Growth Shampoo Bar won't irritate even the most sensitive of scalps, and each bar is handmade. Plus, the reviews are off the charts.

9. John Masters Organics Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier and Color Sealer

Dermstore

John Masters Organics Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier and Color Sealer, $17, Dermstore

If you frequently dye your hair (like myself), then you know most clarifying shampoos can subtly fade you color over time. However, with the John Masters Organics Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier and Color Sealer, you can remove buildup while maintaining the vibrancy of your hue.

10. Vibrant Tresses Healing Shampoo

The Vermont Country Store

Vibrant Tresses Healing Shampoo, $13, Vermont Countrystore

Contains apple cider vinegar, of course, as well as manuka honey, which is also know for its antimicrobial properties. If you're looking to kick dry, flaky scalp skin to the curb, then order this ASAP.