Curious about this super-popular DIY hair treatment? This is your guide to making a simple apple cider vinegar hair rinse recipe for shinier, longer hair. Plus, 3 ways to use it!
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Apple cider vinegar has long been used for things like weight loss, skincare, and salad dressing recipes.
So, it might sound pretty random to use it on your hair. But it’s gained a lot of popularity in the past few years, because it works!
If you’ve got a flaky, itchy scalp, or hair that looks about as shiny as a piece of cardboard, you’ve gotta try this.
This hair rinse is also awesome for balancing the pH of your hair, and promoting a healthy scalp.
And as we know, a healthy scalp = better environment for healthy, strong hair growth!
Whether your focus is a flake-free scalp, or getting rid of frizz, this recipe will help get you there. Here’s your hair rinse recipe, and 3 ways to use it in your hair care routine.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (also known as ACV) is a type of vinegar. It’s made from the juice of crushed apples, which is then fermented with yeast.
Some of the home remedies and recipes it’s used for include:
- Sauces, salad dressings and mayonnaise
- Lowering blood sugar and diabetes symptoms
- Lowering cholesterol
- Skincare treatments
- And more!
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair & Scalp
So, why would you want to use it on your hair? Here are some of the benefits:
Balances the Scalp’s pH:
When the pH balance of your hair is off, it can lead to frizz, dryness and scalp issues.
With it’s acidic nature, apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of the hair and scalp.
Anti-Microbial Properties:
These properties fight bacteria and fungi that cause scalp issues like dandruff and hair loss.
Using this hair rinse can help relieve flakes and itching, and soothe scalp conditions.
Shiny Hair & Less Frizz:
Apple cider vinegar smooths the cuticle of the hair. This effect makes the hair look shinier and more lustrous, and also reduces frizz.
Cleanses:
Regular use of hair styling products, hard water, and pollutants can lead to a buildup of residue on hair.
The gentle cleansing properties of this rinse help remove buildup on the hair and scalp.
This also helps to add more volume to fine and flat hair, since it’s not weighed down!
Detangles:
Since it smooths the hair shaft and reduces frizz, it helps to release tangles, and make combing your hair easier and less damaging.
Overall, apple cider vinegar helps to encourage a healthier scalp, free from irritation and buildup.
Tips for Best Results
- Use organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar for maximum benefits
- Always dilute ACV with water before using it on your hair or scalp
- Don’t use ACV too frequently; once or twice a week is enough to see results
Always do a patch test when trying a new ingredient for the first time, especially if you are allergy prone or have sensitive skin. If you experience itching, burning or other signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
ACV Hair Rinse Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider vinegar (raw, with the mother)
- 3 parts water
- Optional: 5-10 drops of essential oils
Instructions:
- Add the apple cider vinegar to the water and mix thoroughly.
- If you’re including essential oils (ideas are listed below), add them to the mixture and stir.
- Transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle, spray bottle, or container that will make application to your hair and scalp easy.
Essential Oils to Add to Your Hair Rinse
You can get great results with just ACV and water, but if you want to boost your hair growth, try adding these:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Spearmint Oil
This post has a list of the best essential oils for oily hair, and here is where you can find the best essential oils for hair growth!
How to Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
1. Pre-Wash Scalp Treatment:
- Add hair growth essential oils to your mixture
- On dry hair, apply the rinse evenly to the scalp, and massage it in for a few minutes
- Leave the treatment on for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
2. In-Shower Rinse:
- After shampooing (or, use the rinse instead of shampoo), gently squeeze the excess water from your hair
- Saturate your hair and scalp with the rinse, and massage it into the scalp
- Leave on for a 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
3. Detangler after Washing:
- With your rinse in a spray bottle, lightly spritz the hair
- Use your wide toothed comb or detangling brush to gently release tangles
- Style as usual
(For this method, you’ll probably want to add essential oils to make it smell better! Though once your hair dries, the ACV smell goes away)
ACV Rinse Products
Don’t feel like making it yourself? Get all of the benefits of ACV, in a ready-to-use rinse!
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
This one by dpHue is an easy way to get all of the benefits of apple cider vinegar, plus aloe vera and argan oil, for suuuper shiny hair.
R+Co Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse
While cleansing the hair without stripping it, this R+Co rinse softens the hair, adds shine, and helps calm scalp flakes.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse FAQ’S
Because this rinse acts as a gentle cleanser, you’ll want to use it before conditioner.
Start with 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water. If your hair and scalp tolerate it well, you can increase to a 1:1 ratio (half water, half ACV).
Remember to always dilute it, as ACV can be too harsh on the hair undiluted.
You can leave it in anywhere from 3-20 minutes, depending on which method you’re using.
Yes! It can gently cleanse and remove buildup, make your hair shiny and smooth, and make it easier to detangle.
It can also reduce dandruff and an itchy scalp, and soothe scalp irritation.
DIY apple cider vinegar rinses are a natural, easy remedy to use in your hair growth routine. Try one of these 3 methods and you’ll be on your way to a dandruff-free scalp with healthier, stronger hair growth!
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