While it may sound odd to use apple cider vinegar in your hair, take it from us that it’s one of the best things you can do for your locks. Rich in nutrients, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar offers everything from relieving dry scalp and dandruff to gently exfoliating the scalp to making your hair smoother, less frizzy and more moisturized. Sounds pretty great, right? Check out these apple cider vinegar hair rinse tips and recipes for beginners!
What Is an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
An apple cider vinegar hair rinse is a great way to strengthen your hair and improve lustre by lowering scalp and hair pH. It can be used a couple times a week as part of your regular hair care routine. For a simple ACV hair rinse, mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 ¾ cups of water. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour the mixture over your hair evenly and massage it into your scalp. Let the mixture sit on your hair for 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse it out.
You can increase the amount of ACV you use with each rinse, but it’s generally a good idea to keep it around 5 tablespoons or less. If you have oily hair or scalp issues such as dandruff, increasing to 4 or 5 tablespoons can be helpful. If the acidic smell is too powerful for you, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the mix!
What Are the Benefits of Using an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
1. Reduces Frizz
Apple cider vinegar balances hair and scalp pH. By lowering the pH of your scalp, ACV flattens and closes the hair cuticle making hair smoother and less frizzy. By balancing the pH, it also makes your hair easier to detangle, less prone to breakage and more moisturized for healthier hair all around.
2. It’s an Anti-Microbial
Since ACV is an anti-microbial, it prevents fungal and bacterial growth, keeping the hair and scalp healthy. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help with dandruff and hair loss, since the underlying cause of these two things is often bacteria. If you’re dealing with dandruff and an itchy scalp, an ACV rinse is for you!
3. Removes Product Build Up
Hair product build up is a real thing, especially if you style your hair on the regular. ACV is a great way to remove built up residue left on your hair from styling products. It contains natural alpha-hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp and hair, removing dead skin cells and product build up. This improves the appearance of the hair, reduces itchiness and allows for better styling.
3 Tips for Using an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
1. Use a Plastic Squirt Top Bottle
While you can use any container for your ACV rinse, a plastic squirt top bottle will be the easiest to use. It allows you to easily squirt the rinse all over your scalp, rather than pouring it over your head with a cup. It makes the whole experience a lot cleaner and easier.
2. Don’t Overdo It
The goal of using apple cider vinegar is to bring your hair back into balance, so you want to make sure not to overdo it. If your hair or scalp issues worsen, lessen the amount of ACV you’re using or discontinue use altogether. You can also try decreasing the frequency you use it. Always make sure you dilute ACV before using it and dilute it even more if you think it’s too strong.
3. Rinse Your Hair with Cool Water
After you’ve let your ACV sit in your hair for a few minutes, rinse it out with cool water. This will help seal your hair’s cuticle, which makes it shinier and reduces tangles. While warm water opens the cuticle and allows shampoo, conditioner and rinses to penetrate the hair, cool water seals everything back in by closing the cuticle down. Any products used afterwards for styling will work better as they’ll have a nice, even surface to lay on.
3 Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipes
1. Rosemary and Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse | Miss Nutritionista
If your hair is colour treated, this ACV hair rinse is perfect for you! Blending ACV, fresh rosemary and water, it will reduce excess oiliness, soothe itchy scalp and revitalize your hair. Rosemary removes flakes and dandruff and promotes hair growth, while ACV adds shine and balances your scalp’s natural pH. A match made in hair heaven.
2. Herbal Hair Rinse | Bumblebee Apothecary
Along with ACV, this rinse uses horsetail, nettle and lavender. Horsetail is full of silica, which strengthens hair. It also contains important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium and iron. Nettle is also rich in vitamins and minerals, working to nourish the scalp and keep the scalp and hair healthy. Lavender calms inflammation and increases circulation in the scalp, which enhances hair growth.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse with Lavender and Rosemary | Loving Essential Oils
This hair rinse is ideal if you’re looking to soften and rejuvenate your hair. The ACV gets rid of any product build up, cleaning your hair. Lavender essential oil is beneficial for scalp health, relieving itching, rashes and irritation, and rosemary essential oil is great for dandruff and hair loss.
3 Store Bought Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Products
1. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
This ACV hair rinse removes impurities without stripping the hair’s natural oils, which are essential for hair and scalp health. Since ACV is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, it helps control issues that can lead to scalp dryness and irritation. The rinse is also formulated with lavender extract and aloe vera for added softness. It also contains argan oil, which is high in vitamin E and fatty acids to support your hair’s strength and shine!
2. R+Co Acid Wash Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse
This scalp calming hair cleanser promises soft and shiny hair. It’s the perfect way to cleanse your hair without stripping away natural oils and colour and it softens the hair, calms the scalp and adds dramatic shine. Along with ACV, it also contains apple fruit extract to protect hair and scalp from damage and smooth and moisturize for healthy looking sheen. Aloe vera leaf juice adds strength and lustre to the hair, and tamanu seed oil promotes an optimal scalp environment and restores vitality to dull hair.
3. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying In-Shower Hair Rinse
Infused with a blend of oats and apple cider vinegar, this rinse clarifies and adds shine to enhance your hair’s natural beauty. It works to rebalance pH in your hair, help promote a healthy scalp and soothe and balance your strands. Oats help treat dandruff and relieve itchy scalp, while promoting hair growth and nourishing your strands from roots to tip.
Apple cider vinegar boasts many benefits, and hair health is one of the best. Use these tips and hair rinses for shiny, healthy, revitalized hair!
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