How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Hair Rinse: A Simple DIY Guide
Here's our quick guide on how to use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse - your hair's new best friend for unbeatable shine.
February 19, 2024 5 minutes readIn This Post
In the world of beauty, sometimes the simplest ingredients can offer the most remarkable results. Take apple cider vinegar, for instance. This humble kitchen staple has emerged as a star in hair care, as rinsing hair with it can help with a lot of hair woes. But how do you make apple cider vinegar hair rinse, and what sets it apart?
In today's article, we'll guide you through making your own rinse at home and reveal why this natural remedy could be a game-changer for your hair care routine.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is praised for its natural properties that benefit hair health. It's rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium.
Besides these nourishing hair-loving vitamins, apple cider vinegar contains AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, that exfoliate the scalp and act as an anti-inflammatory compound, helping with dandruff and itchy scalp.
AVC is also acidic, which helps balance the pH levels of your scalp and hair. This is particularly beneficial if you regularly use alkaline hair products like shampoos and conditioners.
Other great benefits of using an apple cider hair rinse include detangling dry and damaged hair, adding shine, reducing frizz, and removing product buildup. By removing buildup from your scalp, AVC unblocks hair follicles, letting them breathe and thrive, which can help with hair growth.
How Do You Make Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
Making your own apple cider vinegar hair rinse is surprisingly straightforward and requires only a couple of basic ingredients. The beauty of making it at home lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to suit your specific hair needs. Whether you're aiming to restore shine, balance your scalp's pH, or give your hair a natural cleanse, this homemade rinse is a versatile solution.
Below, we're sharing a simple recipe that can be easily tweaked and adapted to fit your preferences. So, let's dive into how you can make this natural wonder in just a few easy steps.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse: DIY Recipe
For this homemade apple cider vinegar hair rinse, you'll only need 2 or three things: apple cider vinegar (of course), distilled water, and a spray bottle, which is optional.
You'll need:
- 2-4 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water (distilled or filtered water is preferable)
Preparation:
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the apple cider vinegar with water. The general rule of thumb is to use two tablespoons of vinegar per 1 cup of water. However, you can adjust this ratio based on your hair type and sensitivity. For dry hair, less vinegar is recommended, while oily hair may benefit from a bit more.
- Bottle It Up: For ease of use, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. This will make the application process straightforward and mess-free.
- Apply the Rinse: After shampooing, apply the rinse all over your scalp and hair.
- Condition: Apply your conditioner and rinse with plain water after a few minutes.
Note: Apple cider vinegar can sting if it gets into the eyes, so be careful during application.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse: Tips & Tricks
This recipe for AVC hair rinse is the most basic one, but it works. However, you can always add other ingredients to it, like rose water, cinnamon water, rosemary water, or rice water – all of which stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss while nourishing your hair strands at the same time. Just make sure to add more apple cider vinegar if you're adding one of these ingredients to maintain a good ratio.
Once you have your DIY apple cider vinegar ready, with the proper proportion of ingredients suitable for your hair type and needs, here are a few tips on how to best use it:
- Shampoo Your Hair First: Before applying the apple cider vinegar rinse, wash your hair with your regular shampoo to remove dirt and oil.
- Apply the Rinse: After shampooing, tilt your head back and pour the apple cider vinegar hair rinse over your entire scalp. Make sure to cover all areas, including the length of your hair. For an even application, you can spray the rinse if you've chosen to use a spray bottle.
- Massage and Wait: Gently massage the solution into your scalp for a few minutes. Then, let it sit for about 3 to 5 minutes to allow the vinegar to do its magic.
- Condition Your Hair: Use this waiting time to apply a light conditioner to your hair ends. There's no need to use a heavy conditioner after an apple cider vinegar rinse, as it naturally conditions your hair.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Finally, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
You can use this rinse once a week or every few weeks, depending on your hair needs.
Why Make Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse at Home?
Making your DIY apple cider hair rinse has several benefits. It's cost-effective, free of harmful chemicals and preservatives found in many commercial hair products, and can be customized to suit your specific hair needs. Moreover, it's an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the need for plastic bottles and containers.
Apple cider vinegar is also a popular ingredient for people who want to avoid shampooing their hair too often and use a no-poo (coming from no shampoo) shampoo technique. Some call it dry shampoo, but it's not really a dry shampoo as it involves first applying baking soda paste to the roots and then rinsing the hair with the AVC-water solution.
Common Concerns About Using Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Applying vinegar to your scalp and hair sounds a bit too much, we admit. It's acidic, it smells weird (even though we personally don't mind the smell), and generally, people are wondering if it's safe.
So, here are some answers to your most common concerns:
- Will it make my hair smell like vinegar? The smell of vinegar does linger during the application, but once your hair dries, the smell dissipates.
- Can I use it on colored hair? Apple cider vinegar is safe for colored hair and can actually help maintain color by balancing pH levels.
- Is it suitable for all hair types? Yes, but the key is to adjust the vinegar-to-water ratio according to your hair type.
Takeaway...
An apple cider vinegar hair rinse is a natural and effective way to rejuvenate your hair. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy shinier, healthier, and more manageable hair in no time. So, why not give this natural remedy a try and see the difference for yourself? Your hair (and scalp) will thank you!
FAQs
How long can I leave apple cider vinegar in my hair?
Leaving apple cider vinegar (ACV) in your hair for too long can lead to irritation or dryness due to its acidity. Typically, it's recommended to leave the ACV rinse in your hair for about 3 to 5 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out. This duration allows the vinegar to work its magic without causing harm to your scalp or hair.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of shampoo?
Apple cider vinegar shouldn't be used as a complete replacement for shampoo. While ACV can help balance scalp pH and remove buildup, it doesn't cleanse the hair and scalp as effectively as shampoo in removing oils and dirt. It's best used as a rinse after shampooing to maximize its benefits without compromising hair cleanliness.
Should I rinse after an apple cider vinegar bath?
Yes, it's advisable to rinse your hair with water after using an apple cider vinegar bath. This helps to remove any residual vinegar, ensuring that your hair doesn't retain the strong vinegar smell and that the acidic nature of the vinegar doesn't linger on your scalp and hair.
Can you use apple cider vinegar as a dry shampoo?
Apple cider vinegar can't replace dry shampoo. Dry shampoos are designed to absorb excess oil and provide a refreshed look to your hair without needing water. In contrast, ACV is a liquid solution that requires rinsing and is used for its clarifying and pH-balancing properties rather than oil absorption.