Scalp Woes: Apple Cider Vinegar Revisted

My scalp and I haven't gotten along since I was first started getting a relaxer.  I would nurse my scalp from the chemical burns only to have the same burns again in 6 to 8 weeks! Those same tender spots are still problem areas today even though I no longer relax.  I must have bought and tried every remedy, but nothing truly eradicated my constant itchy, dry scalp.

The truth is, I could have been experiencing my scalp woes due to various different reasons, but I had no clue which was my primary problem.

1. Product build-up:  So I would cleanse more frequently and try not to apply products directly to my scalp.  I used shampoos with tea tree oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil and/or menthol that give you that tingly sensation and my scalp felt great for about a day.  Then I was back to an intensely itchy scalp. 
2. Just dry:  I discovered that over cleansing can also cause dry scalp...go figure, so I started diluting my shampoo with water and applied jojoba oil which is supposed to be as close to sebum produced by the oil glands. This provided only temporary relief.  
3. Fungal or bacterial infection:  I wasn't sure this was a problem for me, but learned that coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so I started to alternate using this and jojoba oil with similar temporary results.  
4. pH imbalance:  I read that many shampoos can leave the scalp at an improper pH and this can disrupt the environment causing dandruff.  The pH should be between 4.5 and 5 to maintain a healthy scalp.  You may find some products provide the pH, but many do not.  You can buy pH paper and test products, but I'm not that obsessive.  I learned that apple cider vinegar can be used to correct the pH and was a miracle cure for scalp woes! I was too excited to try this!

I had some apple cider vinegar in my pantry...probably a generic version from Walmart.  I rinsed my scalp with some straight from the bottle and it worked, but just a little too well!  Okay, I basically burned my scalp.  Don't EVER do this!  I had an already irritated scalp and undiluted apple cider vinegar is WAY to acidic to directly apply...especially to any open areas in your skin/scalp.  I did read that it should be diluted, but I thought I needed an extra strength version.  NOT TRUE!  I was too traumatized to try this again so I pretty much gave up and just expected to forever battle my scalp issues.

After researching more, I learned that all apple cider vinegar is not created equal.  Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the "cream of the crop" when it comes to receiving potential health benefits and it should contain the "mother."  The "mother" is the murky substance that may settle in the bottom of the bottle and contributes to the various health claims to include:  weight loss, gastrointestinal health, energy boost, decreased allergy symptoms, antibacterial and antifungal properties.  I was intrigued the fat blocking potential, especially when friend mentioned she was taking it daily.  I decided to purchase the Top Bragg brand and give it a go.  I mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and raw honey with a dash of cinnamon in 8 oz of water and drink on ice daily.  It is actually very refreshing!

Since I was still suffering with my irritated scalp, I decided to revisit the use of apple cider vinegar.  I was not ready to shampoo because my hair was not particularly dirty, but my scalp was tight and itchy with a little flaking.  I wanted to see if this could be used in between shampoos to refresh and relieve my scalp.  I made sure to dilute with water.  I used 1 part vinegar (1 oz) with 2 parts water (2 oz) and sprayed my scalp, then massaged gently.  I did not rinse, but I moisturized and sealed my hair and twisted it back up.  I must say that this remedy is the TRUTH and I am so glad I tried this again!  I will be sure to use this after every shampoo and in between as necessary.  Please try this if you too are a victim of the scalp woes.  Just remember to SHAKE the bottle of apple cider vinegar before each use to disperse the "mother" and DILUTE with water;-)