As the leaves change color and the air turns cooler, your beauty routine needs a little shift too. Fall is notorious for bringing dryness, dullness, and irritation to both skin and hair. Enter apple cider vinegar (ACV), an ingredient that has quietly earned its place in beauty circles thanks to its natural ability to balance, clarify, and refresh. This multitasking powerhouse can do a lot more than just spruce up your salad; it’s a natural ally when it comes to keeping your skin and hair healthy as the seasons change.

Here’s a deeper look at why apple cider vinegar deserves a spot in your fall beauty lineup and practical ways to use it safely and effectively.

Why Fall Calls for a Beauty Reset

The transition from summer to fall means less humidity in the air, cooler temperatures, and often more indoor heating, all of which can dry out your skin and hair. Summer’s heat and sweat also tend to leave behind buildup, whether from sunscreen, sweat, or styling products, that lingers on your scalp and skin longer than you might realize. This can lead to clogged pores, flaky scalps, and dull hair.

You may notice more irritation, itchiness, or stubborn dryness as your body adjusts to the season. Your hair might look lifeless or feel rough, and your skin could appear dull or flaky. To combat this, you need ingredients that both cleanse and nourish without stripping away essential moisture.

What Makes Apple Cider Vinegar So Effective?

Apple cider vinegar is made through fermenting crushed apples, which produces acetic acid along with beneficial enzymes and probiotics. The acetic acid is what gives ACV its gentle exfoliating power, antimicrobial benefits, and pH balancing abilities.

Balancing pH

Healthy skin and scalp have a slightly acidic pH, usually around 4.5 to 5.5. When the pH is off, your skin barrier can weaken, leaving you vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and bacteria overgrowth. ACV helps restore that natural acidity, which supports a strong skin barrier and a healthy scalp environment.

Exfoliating and Clarifying

Thanks to its acidic nature, ACV acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and product buildup that can clog pores or weigh down hair. Unlike harsh scrubs or strong acids, ACV clears without stripping, leaving your skin and hair smoother and more radiant.

Antimicrobial Properties

The acetic acid and probiotics found in ACV provide antibacterial and antifungal effects. This is particularly helpful for scalp issues like dandruff, itchiness, or fungal buildup, as well as for calming acne or irritation on the skin.

Sealing Hair Cuticles

ACV’s acidity helps close the hair cuticle after washing, which locks in moisture and reduces frizz. This makes your hair look shinier and feel silkier, perfect for combating fall dryness.

How to Incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar Into Your Fall Beauty Routine

If you’ve never used ACV on your skin or hair before, start slow and always dilute it with water. Straight vinegar is too harsh for direct application and can cause irritation or burns. Here are some easy ways to bring ACV into your routine this fall:

Scalp Rinse

After shampooing, mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and pour it over your scalp. Massage gently, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This rinse helps clarify product buildup, soothes irritation, and reduces flakes. Doing this once a week can help maintain a healthy scalp as the air dries out.

Facial Toner

Dilute ACV in a 1:3 ratio with water and apply it as a toner using a cotton pad after cleansing your face. This helps refresh the skin, tighten pores, and even out skin tone by gently exfoliating dead cells. It’s especially useful in fall when skin can become dry and flaky.

Hair Gloss Rinse

After conditioning, use a diluted ACV rinse to smooth and seal your hair cuticles. This step can boost shine and reduce frizz, making your hair easier to manage during the dry, windy days of fall.

 

Choosing the Right Apple Cider Vinegar

Not all ACV is created equal. For beauty purposes, opt for organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother.” The mother refers to strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that form naturally during fermentation. These are thought to offer additional benefits for your skin and scalp.

Avoid ACV that is heavily processed or pasteurized, as it will have fewer active compounds and won’t provide the same effects. Look for brands that clearly state “raw” and “with the mother” on the label.

 

Product Picks: Beauty Staples with Apple Cider Vinegar Built In

If DIY treatments aren’t your thing or you want something more convenient for your routine, there are plenty of ready-made beauty products that harness the power of apple cider vinegar without the mess or guesswork.

 

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

 

dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum

 

dpHUE ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox 

 

What to Watch Out For When Using Apple Cider Vinegar

While ACV is gentle when diluted, it is still acidic and can cause irritation if used improperly. Here are some tips to use it safely:

  • Always dilute ACV before applying to skin or scalp. A good starting point is one part vinegar to three parts water. You can adjust depending on your sensitivity.
     
  • Avoid leaving ACV on your skin or scalp for too long. A few minutes is plenty before rinsing it off.
     
  • Use ACV treatments once or twice a week rather than daily to prevent over-exfoliating or drying out your skin.
     
  • If you have sensitive or damaged skin, eczema, or scalp conditions, consult a dermatologist before adding ACV to your routine.
     
  • Perform a patch test before first use to check for any adverse reaction.
     
  • Avoid contact with eyes, and rinse immediately if it gets in.
     

Combining Apple Cider Vinegar With Other Fall Beauty Favorites

ACV plays well with many other nourishing ingredients that come in handy during fall. After rinsing with ACV, consider following up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to lock in moisture and soothe any dryness. For hair, pairing ACV rinses with deep conditioning treatments or leave-in conditioners can enhance softness and manageability.

Some fall favorites to combine with ACV include:

  • Jojoba oil or argan oil for sealing in hydration and adding shine
     
  • Honey for natural humectant properties to draw moisture into skin and hair
     
  • Aloe vera gel to calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin
     
  • Shea butter for rich, nourishing moisture on dry ends
     

Some of the products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal use, stylist feedback, or product performance.