Using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse (ACV) has been a thing for centuries now. This is not surprising considering the remarkable benefits it can offer for the scalp and hair.
The alpha-hydroxy acid content within the ACV offers exfoliating benefits to the scalp which can also help to combat dandruff. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can provide a welcome relief from an itchy scalp.
But that is not all, as this simple kitchen cupboard ingredient can do so much more. It reminds me a lot of some of the other hair rinses I’ve made, because it’s just so easy!
ACV is bursting with minerals and vitamins A and C, which are needed to help promote stronger healthier hair from root to tip. Regular use can help to rebalance the scalp’s oil production; over time, you will notice your hair is less greasy.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
So, do you need an apple cider vinegar hair rinse? That really depends on the products you use on your hair. The main reason for using an apple cider vinegar rinse on the hair is to lower the pH of the hair after using a high-pH product that could irritate the scalp, causing hair loss or brittle hair.
An apple cider vinegar rinse is a must if you are using a cold processed shampoo bar. CP shampoo usually has a PH range of around 9 which is way too high for our scalp and hair. The Ph of hair is around 4 and our scalp is around 5.5. So your products should be no higher than 6.
If you are not using apple cider vinegar as a pH adjuster then you will still benefit from using this rinse. I mentioned earlier that the rinse was good for scalp exfoliation, dandruff, and strengthening the hair. What I didn’t mention was the glossy shine this rinse produces, thanks to enzymes from fermented apples in the acv.
Should Everyone Use An Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
ACV rinses are not for everyone. If you have sensitive skin we recommend something more gentle like a green tea hair rinse or rice water. This is because the acidic acids within the ACV are slightly caustic.
If your hair is dyed then I would also stay away from an ACV rinse as it can cause the dyed hair to fade. If your hair has a product build-up but has been dyed, try diluting the ACV in the recipe to 2 tablespoons. Use a couple of washes to eliminate the build-up. Then once again go for a green tea, rosemary or rice water rinse.
DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
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Equipment
- Digital Scales measuring cups are fine too
- Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 240 g Water (tap, bottled or distilled)
- 60 g Apple Cider Vinegar
- 8 oz PET Plastic Bottle (glass is also fine)
Video
Instructions
- Measure your water into a glass beaker.240 g Water
- Add the Apple Cider Vinegar.60 g Apple Cider Vinegar
- Stir or shake, deepening the container you are using.8 oz PET Plastic Bottle
How To Use & Store Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
We recommend using no more than once a week, however, if you suffer from oily hair or have a build-up of hair product on the hair, such as wax, spray, or mouse you want to use it twice in the first week, then once a week after that. Rinsing your hair with ACV twice in the first week will strip the hair of the excess oils and the product build-up, leaving the hair feeling lighter and more shiny.
How To Use
- Wash hair as usual and rinse fully with warm water.
- Pour the ACV water over the hair, then briefly massage into the scalp.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- To help with detangling and hydration, I suggest using a conditioner after this rinse, as Apple cider vinegar is not a conditioner and it can dry the hair out with long term use.
How To Store
Thoughts On Adding A Preservative
Adding a preservative is something I would usually recommend when making cosmetics. However, vinegar is self-preserving so it should be good for a couple of weeks, but keep an eye on it, if it starts to smell rancid or look funny, throw it away.
Making it as you need it is the best course of action to keep it fresh and bacteria-free.
In-Depth Analysis
Formula Inspiration and Theming
Making an apple cider vinegar hair rinse is a simple and easy thing to make, and very cost effective. Being someone who is always making my own stuff, I love to dabble, and this ACV rinse was no exception.
First I tried infusing the water with different things, fresh rosemary and mint leaves and herbal tea bags, I even added some orange and lemon peel to the water. They were okay and it did feel like I had added a bit more good to the rinse, however the rinse still smelt quite strongly of vinegar.
Next I tried adding an essential oil. This I really liked. But to do this you will also need to add a solubilizer such as polysorbate 80, which is an additional cost. Although I do find having a solubilizer to hand that can infuse essential oils in oils in water can be very handy to have around.
I use it in loads of things, body spritzers, toners, bath bombs and cleaners being just a few. You will need about 1⁄2 tsp mixed with a few drops of essential oil. This can then be added to the water part of the rinse before adding to the acv.
Substituting Ingredients
- While it’s not a great substitute, distilled white vinegar can be used instead. Although it doesn’t contain the same vitamins and minerals that can benefit our hair and scalp.
- Try replacing half or all of the water with a herbal tea, camomile or green tea would be good.
Final Thoughts
The main reason for using an ACV rinse would be to lower the PH of a shampoo. Solid cold processed shampoo bars and liquid castile soap. These soap-based shampoos can be kind and gentle on the skin and contain no preservatives, but they carry a high PH that can make the hair dry and brittle, and fade the hair’s natural color. Although we wouldn’t recommend using a CP shampoo bar. An ACV can help mitigate the problems we associate with CP shampoo bars.
If you have made one of our lye and sulphate free shampoo bars, you will know that the pH can only be tested once it has become a solid. Sometimes it takes some tweaking to get your formula just right. If you find the pH is too high on your first tester bar, you can still use it as long as you use an ACV rinse to lower the pH afterward.
Constant use of AVC can dry the hair out, so avoid overusing it. Always try to use a conditioner and treat your hair with a nourishing hair mask weekly.
