15
June
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Rinse
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Rinse
Apple cider vinegar or ACV is considered no longer just an ingredient in the kitchen, it has come out of its way and started caring for your hair! Surprised? With its ability to balance pH, reduce frizz and clear away product buildup ACV has gained great popularity.
But how does it work and how can you use it to make your hair healthier?
Let’s learn everything you need to know about ACV for hair rinse.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermentation process of apple juice, which creates a natural acidic liquid, containing acetic acid, vitamins and minerals. The pH balance is the main reason for its effectiveness. Shampoos, hair care products, styling products and even water can sometimes leave you with an alkaline residue making it dry and frizzy. As ACV has slightly acidic pH so it will help restore the balance and keep your hair silky and shiny. This formula is also packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it great for scalp health.
How to Clean Your Hair Naturally with ACV?
Still wondering how to leave harsh shampoos and clean your hair naturally? ACV is an excellent choice for removing dirt, oil and product buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Combination: mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup of water. This makes it less harsh for your scalp and hair.
Application: after using shampoo, pour the mixture over your scalp and hair. Make sure to massage your scalp very gently for at least 3 minutes.
Rinse: leave it for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Use a conditioner after that to make your hair even smoother.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
Shine and Softness
ACV helps in flattening and sealing the hair cuticles. When your cuticles are in good shape light reflects more evenly on the hair, creating a natural shine and smooth texture. ACV has a 3.5-4.5 level of pH, which helps to reduce the roughness, increases moisture and keeps your hair hydrated and bouncy.
Reduces Frizz
Frizzy hair is caused by raised cuticles, which allows humidity to enter the hair lines making it rough and tangled. ACV seals the cuticles, prevents moisture from entering and causing frizz. If you use it regularly you will see your hair become smoother and more manageable even in humid conditions.
Dandruff Control
ACV has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which targets Malassezia - the yeast like fungus causing dandruff. By restoring the scalp's natural pH balance and breaking down dead skin cells, it can help reduce dandruff and itchy scalp. The acidity also helps with exfoliation and clearing out flakes.
Strengthens Hair
ACV has vitamin B&C which helps with hair growth by nourishing scalp and hair follicles. The acetic acid in ACV helps with reducing residue helping the hair follicles to absorb nutrients more effectively. This helps with stronger hair and it prevents breakage and split ends. It reduces greasiness without stripping the natural hair oils.
Improves Scalp Health
ACV can clean and clarify your scalp like no other. It is less harsh than baking soda. It also reduces inflammation and irritation, helping people who suffer from psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. For oily hair it helps with the production of excessive sebum .
Prevents Split Ends
The sealing effect of ACV helps to reduce split ends because it nourishes your hair from deep within. This saves you from the time and cost of frequent trimming.
Enhances curl definition (for curly hair)
For those with curly or wavy hair, ACV can help enhance curl definition by making cuticles smoother and reducing frizz. The tighter more defined curls, more defined curls are less likely to appear dry or uneven after an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Helps maintain Dyed Hair
ACV’s gentle, natural formula helps to make the colour on your hair last longer. It prevents rapid fading and maintains the vibrancy longer.
How Often Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar?
When it comes to using ACV in your hair routine, less is more. For most hair types, 1-2 rinses per week is enough. But, for dry or color-treated hair, consider using it once every two weeks. If you have oily hair you can use more, but make sure to check how it reacts with your scalp.
Tips for Using ACV in Your Hair Care Routine
ACV is a versatile and powerful ingredient. If you use it in the right way you will definitely get the best result. Here are some tips:
Always mix ACV Before applying it to Your Hair: if you apply ACV without mixing it with water then the concentrated form can be too harsh for your hair and scalp. For the mixing the ratio can be 1:3 or 1:4. You can adjust this ratio depending on how your hair reacts.
Combine with Essential Oils and Herbs for more Benefits: For more luxurious experience and benefits considering adding essential oils or herbs in you ACV rinse:
Lavender Oil: Known for its soothing properties lavender oil can calm an irritated scalp leaving your hair smelling fresh.
Rosemary: this stimulates hair follicles and hair growth. You can use both fresh and dried rosemary leaves or add a few drops of rosemary essential oil.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil is quite cooling and refreshing and it helps with circulation, inflammation and itching.
Chamomile: Chamomile is excellent for soothing sensitive scalps and enhancing shine particularly for lighter hair tones.
Store ACV Mixture in the Fridge: Storing your apple cider vinegar hair rinse in the fridge will definitely increase its life-span. This way you can feel the cooling effect on your hair which will make you feel refreshed.
ACV Masks and Recipes
If you are looking for a more intensive treatment to boost hair health, you can use ACV DIY hair masks. Here are some easy to make recipes using ACV and other natural ingredients:
Moisturising ACV hair mask for dry hair:
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV + 2 tablespoon coconut oil + 2 tablespoon honey
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the ends.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 20 minutes.
Rinse your hair, then use shampoo and conditioner as well.
Benefits: The masks help with dryness and promote scalp health. The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair
To treat dry hair, read - Why Is My Hair So Dry?
ACV and Aloe vera soothing Mask
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV + 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel + 2 tablespoon olive oil
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 20-25 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly, then use shampoo and conditioner as well.
Benefits: Aloe vera soothes and reduces inflammation. This mask is for dry and itchy scalp. Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair
ACV and Egg protein mask for hair straightening
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV + 1 egg + 2 tablespoon olive oil
After whisking the egg, mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly, then use a mild shampoo and conditioner as well.
Benefits: Eggs are rich in protein so it helps to strengthen hair and repair hair damage.
ACV and Avocado mask for frizz control
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV + 1 ripe avocado + 2 tablespoon jojoba oil (or any lightweight oil)
After mashing the avocado, mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes.
Benefits: Avocado nourishes and hydrates hair by providing moisture.
Clarifying ACV and Bentonite clay detox mask
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV + 2 tablespoon water or aloe juice + 2 tablespoon bentonite clay
First mix bentonite and ACV then mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly, then use a mild shampoo and conditioner as well.
Benefits: Bentonite clay detoxifies and removes impurities. This mask is great for people who have oily hair and use a lot of styling products.
ACV and Banana mask for hair growth
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV + 1 banana + 1 tablespoon honey
After mashing the banana, mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 20-25 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly, then use a mild shampoo and conditioner as well.
Benefits: Bananas provide vitamins and minerals which promotes hair growth and enhances the elasticity of hair.
ACV and Yogurt Scalp Exfoliating Mask
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ACV +2 tablespoon of yoghourt (contains lactic acid) + 1 tablespoon honey
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Massage the mask into the scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly, then use shampoo and conditioner as well.
Benefits: The lactic acid in the yoghurt helps to exfoliate the scalp.
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FAQ
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of other hair products?
Answer: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a clarifying shampoo for coloured hair.
Will ACV dry my hair?
Answer: Overuse of apple cider vinegar can dry out your hair. So if you mix ACV well and don’t use it frequently then it will not dry out your hair.
Will ACV make my hair smell weird?
Answer: NO! ACV does not leave odour on hair.
Can you ACV directly onto the hair?
Answer: No! Never use ACV directly on your hair. Use any mixture or water.
Can I use ACV with shampoo?
Answer: Yes! You can mix ACV with shampoo, but don't leave it for too long.
How do I rinse my hair with white vinegar?
Answer: Use 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar and combine with essential oil and 1 cup of water. Then use this mixture after shampooing.