Apple cider vinegar is not only an important health food product. This ingredient can also be used as an effective beauty product for hair. All you need is unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water to create a mixture that can treat itchy scalp and hair breakage, and promote faster hair growth. Using apple cider vinegar on your hair can also lift the buildup of care products so your hair looks shinier and smoother.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse Mix
Step 1. Get raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
When buying apple cider vinegar for hair, choose a product that has not been filtered and looks cloudy (rather than clear). Clear apple cider vinegar is pasteurized to remove the deposits that make raw apple cider vinegar look cloudy. This precipitate actually contains nutrients that are beneficial for the hair, so it's a good idea to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
Most organic apple cider vinegar products are unpasteurized so it's a good idea to visit an organic food store
Step 2. Measure apple cider vinegar and water in equal proportions
To make an apple cider vinegar rinse mix, use water and apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you want to make a large rinse mix, mix 230 ml of apple cider vinegar with 240 ml of water.
- If you have sensitive skin, make a lighter/watery mixture. For example, you can mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:2 (or 1:3) ratio. Thus, the acid content is reduced and the rinse mixture feels lighter on the skin.
- Use warm water so that the use of the mixture feels more comfortable on the skin/hair.
Step 3. Mix the ingredients in a glass or spray bottle
After measuring the ingredients to the desired ratio, pour the apple cider vinegar and water into a glass or spray bottle. Beat or stir the ingredients using a spatula or spoon until smooth.
- Using a spray bottle will help, as you will be able to spread the rinse mixture more evenly across your hair. If you use a spray bottle, make sure it's new and clean, as any residue on the bottle may be harmful to your hair.
- If you don't use all of the mixture, store the rest in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Step 4. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil
For added nutrition or to mask the vinegar smell, add a few drops (1-3 drops) of your favorite essential oil to the apple cider vinegar and water mixture. Lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, and tea tree oils are some of the essential oils commonly found in hair care products, and contain nutrients that make hair healthier. In addition, lavender, tea tree, and rosemary oils are also well-known for promoting healthy hair growth. Meanwhile, lemongrass oil can relieve itchy scalp caused by dandruff.
Be careful with hot oils like peppermint oil as they can irritate the skin. If you want to add a hot oil such as peppermint oil to the mixture, use only 1-2 drops until you know the effect or effect the oil has on the skin
Part 2 of 2: Using the Rinse Mix on Hair
Step 1. Wash your hair with shampoo and condition your hair as usual
Prepare the shampoo and conditioner of your choice, then wash your hair as usual. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water before you use the apple cider vinegar rinse mixture.
- Make sure you've removed all the shampoo and conditioner residue from your hair. This way, the vinegar won't react against the chemicals in the shampoo or conditioner.
- If you don't normally use conditioner, you don't need to. The apple cider vinegar rinse mix can still leave hair feeling smooth and soft!
Step 2. Use the apple cider vinegar rinse mixture on clean, damp hair
Pour or spray the mixture on your hair and make sure you use enough to cover the entire hair. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp for a few seconds to encourage hair growth.
- If you are storing the mixture in a glass/bowl instead of a spray bottle, tilt your head back when pouring the rinse water to prevent the mixture from getting in your eyes.
- If you have split ends, take more time to apply the mixture to the ends.
Step 3. Let the mixture sit on your hair for 2-10 minutes
Let the mixture sit for 2-10 minutes, depending on the strength of the mixture and skin sensitivity. If this is your first time using apple cider vinegar on your hair, rinse your hair after two minutes as you may not yet know the effect the mixture has on your skin.
If you are making a strong mixture (eg a 1:1 ratio), do not let the mixture sit for more than 10 minutes as it can cause serious skin irritation. Even if you don't have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to "play it safe" on the first treatment
Step 4. Rinse hair thoroughly
Remove the remaining apple cider vinegar rinse mixture from your hair using clean water. Once your hair is rinsed, you can dry it as usual. Do not use any product until the hair is completely dry, then style as usual. Hair will look shiny, healthy, and smooth to the touch.
Step 5. Use the apple cider vinegar rinse mixture 1-3 times a week
For best results, apply this mixture to hair 1-3 times a week to remove build-up of hair care products and ensure hair remains healthy and strong. If your hair tends to dry out more easily, reduce the frequency of treatment (eg about once a week) to prevent it from drying out even more. If your hair is oily, use this apple cider vinegar rinse mixture up to three times a week.
