How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar as an Effective Hair Rinse

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• Your hair is extremely dry.
• Homemade Hair Rinses That Are Easy, Quick, and Effective
• Antioxidant Green Tea Hair Rinse
• Rinse it, starting at your scalp, and pull to the end.
• OK, that sounds great, but how do I use an apple cider vinegar hair rinse?
• Select your shipping destination to see available products

In the realm of natural beauty remedies, there are few ingredients that are as versatile and beneficial as apple cider vinegar (also known as ACV). This DIY shampoo uses all-natural ingredients and can help reduce your use of phthalates which are found in many commercial shampoos. ​Individuals with sensitive scalps should exercise caution when using apple cider vinegar.

Your hair is extremely dry.

Yes, natural rinses are here to stay, and we're all for it. “Hair rinses are a shampoo alternative, so you can still wash away any grime or gunk without over-cleansing or stripping the good oils and color out of your hair,” says Anderson. If you’re wrinkling your nose at the thought of essentially washing your hair with vinegar, you’re not alone—I was a skeptic too. So I spoke with professional colorist and blonde expert Justin Anderson to answer all the burning questions you may have about rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar. Yes, you can store leftover apple cider vinegar rinse in a clean, airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.

Homemade Hair Rinses That Are Easy, Quick, and Effective

That said, there are lots of ways to reap ACV's benefits without irritating your scalp or hair. Ahead, experts break down exactly what those are, plus how to use it properly. As always, if you have concerns about using ACV in your routine, consult with your hair colorist or stylist. Here's a good place to start, and from here you can adjust based on your personal experience. No matter the way you use it, be sure to let it sit on the hair for upwards of a few minutes before you rinse it out. Lactic acid, in particular, is a very beneficial acid for skin health as it can act as humectant as well.

Antioxidant Green Tea Hair Rinse

If you’ve ever had a bad hair day, it’s probably because of disruptions to your acid mantle. The acid mantle typically has a pH of around 5, which means it is slightly acidic. Many hair care products, treatments, and some shampoos are more alkaline (have a pH above 7), which can contaminate or remove the acid mantle. If the thought of using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse seems a bit out there, I totally get it. Before I added it to my hair care routine, I was a bit skeptical to say the least.

Not only is the fragrance sublime, but lavender essential oil is also believed to stimulate roots and improve circulation in the scalp, which is all great for hair growth. We don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to prevent bacteria from formulating on their hair. While no one of course intentionally allows bacteria to grow on their scalp, it can sometimes sneakily grow on your scalp unbeknownst to you. In fact, it is actually quite common for your scalp to be a host of fungus and bacteria that are usually harmless, but can cause significant damage to your scalp if not treated.

"I only wash my hair with VINEGAR and my locks are healthier than ever" - Yahoo News UK

"I only wash my hair with VINEGAR and my locks are healthier than ever".

Posted: Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It Can Balance & Soothe Your Scalp

If your hair or scalp issues worsen instead, discontinue using ACV. Or, try lowering the amount you put into a rinse, or the frequency you use it. Hair that looks dull, brittle, or frizzy tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale. The idea is that an acid substance, like ACV, helps lower pH and brings hair health back into balance.

There’s no research or science behind dry scalp or dandruff support, however. Two times a week should be ok for most people but, if you experience dryness, every two weeks may works better. Even though we talked about removing the gunk from the scalp like sebum.

OK, that sounds great, but how do I use an apple cider vinegar hair rinse?

Luckily, there are apple cider vinegar hair rinses available at your disposal to cleanse your scalp of build-up and dandruff flakes while boosting shine at the same time. Most of the products on the market today strip hair and skin of its natural oils. But the acidity found in apple cider vinegar can stop that process by balancing your scalp and hair’s natural pH levels. ACV can help reduce excess natural oils at the root, making it ideal for individuals with oily hair or fine hair.

It's not going to have the same preservatives and stabilizers, which means you need to make your rinse single-use. The hair's pH is very important, as an unbalanced hair and scalp pH can cause irritation, dryness, dullness, and frizziness. Studies even show that when your hair is balanced around this range, it can reduce frizz and damage1. Apple cider vinegar is one of the trendiest hair care ingredients—you'll find it as an ingredient in everything from a scalp detox to a shampoo. Part of the reason it's become so popular is the plethora of DIY anecdotes and recipes on the internet. If you’re already aware of the many benefits to apple cider vinegar—both internally and topically—you’re going to love this hair rinse.

There are some potential risks for irritation when using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse— not to mention, the unpleasant smell. Dr. Finney says that using a homemade concoction, such as the one outlined above, is a cost-effective measure. "[Apple cider vinegar] is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice," says trichologist Gretchen Friese. So keep scrolling as we're bringing you everything you ever wanted to know about apple cider vinegar for hair. It's easy to go overboard on anything that sounds this good. But like most things in the beauty space, the key is moderation.

You can also find premixed ones that work very well—and usually have added ingredients to amplify the apple cider vinegar properties. Because apple cider vinegar is highly acidic with a pH of around 3, it can help reduce the pH of the acid mantle of the hair, leaving it smooth and soft. It also can help clarify and cleanse the scalp and remove build-up, which can improve growth and integrity of the hair.

For those of you with color-treated hair, the apple cider vinegar rinse is not very acidic, so you can safely use it without stripping your hair color. Vinegar for hair can only affect its color when used more often than twice per week. Your acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film that maintains and protects the overall health of the hair and skin, and it has a big impact on the appearance of your hair. The outer layer of the shaft, also known as the cuticle, is compromised of tightly packed overlapping scales. The acid mantle is instrumental in making cuticle scales lie flat, which gives hair a shiny, smooth appearance and protects from moisture loss.

Blend 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add an essential oil of your choice—sweet orange, tea tree, lavender, or bergamot essential oils work well. You can rinse your hair with water afterwards, but there's no need. If you find the smell of vinegar slightly overpowering, you can add a few drops of essential oil and mix well before using.