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The 14 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoos for Shiny Hair and a Healthier Scalp

Deep clean your hair with picks from dpHUE, WOW, Aveeno, and more.

three bottles of apple cider vinegar shampoos on a counter

Byrdie / Alexander Huang

Apple cider vinegar has long been a favorite in the beauty space. Proponents say the all-natural ingredient can do everything from deep-clean your hair to balance the pH of your scalp, especially when used as a shampoo. "Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties," dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D. says, adding that these properties may be helpful if you're dealing with acne or trying to get rid of dandruff. Plus, since apple cider vinegar boasts an acidic pH, it may be able to gently exfoliate your scalp. (Just remember that because it's acidic, it can also dry out your hair or irritate your scalp if overused, Dr. King says.)

Though you can DIY with the apple cider vinegar probably sitting in your pantry right now, you can also buy one of the many widely available and beloved apple cider vinegar shampoos, which contain proportions of apple cider vinegar that are formulated for hair and scalp health. We conducted hours of research on the best apple cider vinegar shampoos, evaluating nourishing ingredients, what hair type it works best on, and whether the formula is sulfate-free. After considering dozens of options and consulting an expert, we landed on these picks to give you the best in show.

What We Like
  • Uses natural ingredients

  • Clears buildup

  • Leaves hair looking shinier

What to Consider
  • Strong vinegar smell

Hair Type: Thin, damaged | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Herbal | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Wow's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is a fan favorite, and it's not hard to see why. The shampoo draws on apple cider vinegar to clarify your scalp and cut down on buildup. And since it's equipped with emollients—such as almond oil and argan oil—you can expect that deep clean to come with a side of glossy moisture. This dynamic combination makes the shampoo a fit for all kinds of different hair types. So whether you're dealing with dry hair, an oily scalp, or dandruff, you can rest assured knowing this shampoo should get the job done. While testing, we absolutely loved the results. Our hair felt shinier, smoother, and healthier-feeling the next day.

What We Like
  • Packed with clean ingredients

  • Smells great

  • Affordable

What to Consider
  • A little watery

Hair Type: Curly, coily, damaged | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Peppermint | Size: 13 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

SheaMoisture is a beauty brand that specializes in creating products for people of color. Its Strengthen and Restore Shampoo was crafted with natural, chemically processed, and heat-styled hair in mind. The shampoo draws on apple cider vinegar to cleanse, peppermint oil to refresh, and shea butter to soothe. And its key ingredient, Jamaican castor oil, promises to moisturize and strengthen your hair in equal measure.

What We Like
  • Deeply cleanses hair and scalp

  • Soothes a sensitive scalp

  • Multiple sizes available

What to Consider
  • Strong vinegar smell

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Herbal | Size: 8.5, 20 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Over-shampooing can dry out your hair. But you shouldn't have to let your scalp get greasy or dirty just to maintain some of your hair's natural moisture. So instead of skipping shampoos, try swapping a few of your weekly washes with a hair rinse. dpHUE's Hair Rinse draws on apple cider vinegar to gently clean your scalp without stripping natural oils from your hair. And since the shampoo is loaded with soothing ingredients—such as argan oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera—you shouldn't have to worry about it leaving your scalp feeling itchy or irritated.

What We Like
  • Gentle yet effective

  • Can be used daily

  • Not drying

What to Consider
  • Must use a lot of product

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're looking to score a solid apple cider vinegar shampoo on a budget, Renpure's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is a no-fail option. The primarily plant-based shampoo uses apple cider vinegar to cleanse the scalp. And it's packed with soothing ingredients, such as argan oil, manuka honey, and mint. Where other apple cider vinegar shampoos tend to be pretty intense, this one promises to be gentle. Renpure says you can get away with using the shampoo daily if you want to.

What We Like
  • Works to clear buildup

  • Boosts shine

  • Made for all hair types

What to Consider
  • Strong smell

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple cider vinegar | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Aveeno's Scalp Soothing Shampoo is designed to cleanse and soothe your scalp at the same time. The drugstore must-have uses apple cider vinegar to clarify the scalp, helping you cut down on buildup from dirt, sweat, and hair products. But since the shampoo's key ingredient is a soothing oatmeal extract, you can expect a cleanse that feels nourishing—rather than overly intense. This careful balance makes this shampoo a great pick for a variety of different hair types—and an excellent budget-friendly go-to.

What We Like
  • Deeply cleanses hair and scalp

  • Not drying

  • Leaves hair feeling soft

What to Consider
  • The acid in the shampoo can make hair prone to tangles

Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple cider | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dealing with persistently oily hair can be frustrating. But Luseta's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo promises to make it a little easier. It uses apple cider vinegar to clarify your scalp, keeping you feeling clean and refreshed. And since apple cider vinegar promises not to strip the natural oils from your hair, you shouldn't have to worry about your hair drying out every time you use the product. The careful balance should help you escape the constant cycle of too oily or too dry, helping you get to hair harmony faster.

What We Like
  • Boosts shine

  • Strengthening formula

  • Helps clear buildup

What to Consider
  • A little watery

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Vita A to Zee's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo pairs the cleansing power of apple cider vinegar with the strengthening power of biotin, a B vitamin that's commonly used to treat hair loss. The apple cider vinegar in the shampoo will cleanse your scalp, helping you cut down on buildup. And the biotin may help strengthen your hair and revitalize your scalp. The shampoo is also loaded with other helpful ingredients—such as aloe vera, argan oil, and avocado—which will work together to soothe your scalp and promote hair shine.

What We Like
  • Nourishing formula

  • Soothes a sensitive scalp

  • Can be used daily

What to Consider
  • Pump gets stuck easily

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Majestic Pure's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is one of the most popular options on offer. The shampoo promises to be gentle enough to use daily and suitable enough for a range of hair types, including—you guessed it—color-treated hair. The shampoo draws on apple cider vinegar to cleanse. And it's packed with emollients—such as coconut oil and avocado oil—which will soothe and nourish the scalp while the apple cider vinegar does its thing.

What We Like
  • Soothes a sensitive scalp

  • Contains nourishing oils

  • Gentle yet effective

What to Consider
  • Since it's formulated for dandruff, it may be overly drying

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple cider vinegar | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

New York Biology's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is designed to clean your scalp while cutting down on dryness and irritation—making it a great pick for anyone worried about itchiness. The shampoo is free of ingredients some people like to avoid, such as alcohol, sulfates, and parabens. And even better: It's packed with soothing ingredients, such as argan oil, almond oil, and shea butter. While the shampoo was originally crafted with dandruff in mind, it promises to be suitable for a range of different hair types. So if you're looking for a gentle, soothing cleanse, rest assured knowing it's a great go-to.

What We Like
  • Soothes a sensitive scalp

  • Made for all hair types

  • Lathers well

What to Consider
  • The thinner consistency requires using more product

Hair Type: Dry, dandruff-prone | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Coconut | Size: 31.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Dealing with dandruff? Head and Shoulders is a best-in-class option. And the brand's Royal Oils Dandruff Shampoo makes it easy to enjoy the gentle cleanse of apple cider vinegar—without disrupting your scalp. Like other Head and Shoulders products, the shampoo comes loaded with soothing ingredients, like coconut oil. And it's free of the common irritants—like dyes and parabens—that might leave your scalp feeling dry or itchy. What's nice? The shampoo is suitable for a range of hair types. So you should be able to use it, whether your hair is dry, oily, color-treated, or natural.

What We Like
  • Gently cleanses

  • Fragrance-free

  • Hair feels balanced and healthy

What to Consider
  • A little thick

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

ACURE's Hemp & Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is completely vegan. And it's also free of common irritants, such as parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde. The shampoo draws on a combination of apple cider vinegar and hemp to naturally clarify and balance the hair. And it turns to natural soothers, like chamomile and aloe extract, to nourish the scalp. The all-natural formula makes this shampoo a great pick for those looking for a gentle cleanse. And since the shampoo is fragrance-free, it should be sensitive-skin-friendly, too.

What We Like
  • Portable

  • Gently cleanses

  • Soothes a sensitive scalp

What to Consider
  • A bar can be harder to store

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple cider vinegar | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you'd prefer an apple cider vinegar shampoo you can easily take on the go, Beauty and the Bees' Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Bar should get the job done. The shampoo bar may look small, but it's actually equivalent to 27 ounces—that's about the size of two liquid shampoo bottles. The shampoo draws on apple cider vinegar to gently cleanse, while coconut oil, lavender oil, and beeswax soothe. Since it comes in recycled packaging, you can cut down on waste, too.

What We Like
  • Exfoliates scalp

  • A little goes a long way

  • Soothes a sensitive scalp

What to Consider
  • Hard to scoop out of the jar

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

dpHUE's Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub isn't shampoo, but it works a lot like one. The scalp scrub is crafted from a blend of clarifying apple cider vinegar and exfoliating Himalayan salt—a combination sure to cleanse. And it's equipped with soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera and avocado oil. Massage the scrub into your scalp any time you need a deep clean, then post-game with a little shampoo and conditioner.

What We Like
  • Moisturizes and nourishes

  • Doesn't strip hair

  • Gently removes buildup

What to Consider
  • May weigh down fine hair

Hair Type: Dry, thick, curly, straight | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dry hair? AG Care Balance Shampoo is your best bet. The sulfate-free formula oh-so-gently cleanses and removes buildup without stripping your strands, then moisturizes and nourishes your hair with argan oil and a blend of superfood ingredients. It's great for most hair types and textures, but due to the oil content, this shampoo might be a little too heavy for fine hair.

What to Look for in an ACV Shampoo

  • Soothing ingredients: Apple cider vinegar can be intensely clarifying. So if you have sensitive skin (or even if you don't), it may make sense to look for a shampoo with some soothing ingredients in it, too. Look for emollients, such as argan oil, almond oil, shea butter, and avocado. These ingredients can help soothe your scalp while giving your hair a little glossy shine too.
  • Style: Classic shampoo isn't the only hair option that contains the ingredient. You can get apple cider vinegar shampoo in bar form, or even dry shampoo. And if you're looking for a shampoo alternative, you can get an apple cider vinegar rinse or scalp scrub.
  • Size: When it comes to buying shampoo, it can be tempting to stock up on a big, budget-friendly pump bottle. But remember that you'll probably use your apple cider vinegar shampoo a lot less frequently than a more classic shampoo. Keep this in mind as you shop, and opt for a bottle sized to fit your routine. If you only use ACV shampoo a couple of times a week, something smaller might suffice.
FAQ
  • How often can I use apple cider vinegar on my hair?

    How often you wash your hair depends on your hair texture. Since apple cider vinegar is meant for occasional clarifying, you'll only want to use it less than your typical shampoo. Depending on your wash frequency, that could mean every couple of weeks or once a month.

  • Does apple cider vinegar help with hair growth?

    Apple cider vinegar won't stimulate hair growth, but its clarifying power can help reduce scalp buildup that might be causing hair loss.

  • Will apple cider vinegar dry my hair out?

    If you're worried about apple cider vinegar shampoo drying out your hair, consider using a couple of moisturizing products after you've washed it out. "I would use apple cider vinegar shampoo when your hair needs a detox," says cosmetologist Crystle Jones-Bond. "Then go in with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner after to restore moisture if needed."

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and beauty space. And as an avid shopper, she knows what a bummer a bad product can be. That's why she makes sure to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and widely beloved by those who've tried them. For this article, she consulted two experts:

  • Dr. Hadley King, M.D., a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist
  • Crystle Jones-Bond, a cosmetologist and natural hair specialist

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough ACV shampoo from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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