Using apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse can be a great way to boost shine, prevent product buildup, clean and detangle your hair, as well as, balance scalp pH.
Jump to Recipe![apple cider vinegar hair rinse in a mason jar with flowers and essential oils beside it](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/how-to-use-acv-for-a-hair-rinse-featured-image.png)
I use this apple cider vinegar rinse on my hair on a regular basis. My goal is to remember to use this at least 2 times a week.
The difference my hair shows when using this rinse versus without it is kind of crazy!
Something so cheap to make and also natural can be so effective.
My hair is prone to making buildup. Whether it be from working and sweating outside, to getting caked in dust, my hair just feels dirty very quickly.
Apple cider vinegar can also help cut excess grease when you are transitioning to using natural shampoo. It is really a lifesaver, I know from experience:).
Another one of the best parts about using an acv rinse, is that your hairbrushes and combs stay cleaner!
Often my hair comb gets this gross fuzzy stuff on it. However, when I finish my hair washing off with this rinse, my combs stay clean without me having to wash them!
I have no idea how that works, but it is just another perk of using this amazing apple cider vinegar rinse.
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What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed apples that are fermented.
ACV is highly acidic, with a pH of 2-3 (the lower the pH number, the higher the level of acidity).
There are many different forms of apple cider vinegar you can find. They include organic and nonorganic, filtered and unfiltered, raw and pasteurized.
Organic versus nonorganic: Organic acv is made with apples that are not treated with pesticides and herbicides, whereas nonorganic apples may be raised with these chemicals.
Filtered versus unfiltered: Unfiltered apple cider vinegar has ‘mother’ in it. This ‘mother’ is basically just sediment that is full of beneficial bacteria and nutrients. Filtered acv has the ‘mother’ and any other beneficial floaties strained out of it.
Raw versus pasteurized: Raw apple cider vinegar is just that, raw, uncooked. Whereas, pasteurized acv is heated up to get rid of any potential bacteria, good and bad.
So what is my choice when picking apple cider vinegar? This raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
![sediment in the bottom of a apple cider vinegar jug](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/How-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-as-a-Hair-Rinse-1-1024x768.jpg)
What are the benefits of ACV for hair?
Acetic acid, a compound found in apple cider vinegar, helps kill bacteria, as well as, decrease inflammation.
The acid in acv helps get rid of buildup on your hair and scalp that may be left from chemicals, hair products or just sweat and the great outdoors.
If you are transitioning from using conventional hair products, (especially natural shampoo) acv rinses may be exactly what you need.
When you start using natural shampoo, your hair will most likely become more greasy than you are used to. Thankfully though, this rinse can help cut the extra grease until your hair becomes used to natural hair products.
Using apple cider vinegar on your hair helps to balance your hair and scalp pH.
This vinegar also helps to close and flatten hair follicles, which helps protect against hair damage, frizz, and tangles.
As a result of using apple cider vinegar in a hair rinse, your hair will be smoother, more shiny and overall, more healthy.
![apple cider vinegar hair rinse beside apple cider vinegar and essentail oils](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/How-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-as-a-Hair-Rinse-16-768x1024.jpg)
Other ingredients you can add
For this hair rinse, you will only need two ingredients, water and apple cider vinegar.
However, if you would like to, you can also add some essential oils for added benefits and fragrance.
Some great essential oil choices for your hair rinse are:
- lavender – good for hair growth
- lemongrass – helps with dandruff
- rosemary – boosts hair growth and volume
- cedarwood – helps balance oil glands in the scalp, is anti-fungal
To use any of these essential oils, just add about 5 drops to your hair rinse.
FAQ and tips
- How often should you use this? Use this rinse on your hair 1-2 times per week if you have an oily, greasy scalp or if you have dandruff. If you have a dry scalp and hair, use this rinse less often.
- When do I use this rinse? Use this rinse after you have shampooed your hair, and your hair is still wet.
- What does this hair rinse help with? This rinse helps your hair if you have problems with greasiness, dandruff or an oily scalp.
- Should I make a big batch of this? You can, or you can also just make this every time you are going to use it because it is very fast to whip up.
- Am I going to smell like vinegar? You may smell a little bit like acv after using this rinse, but you will be rinsing most of this out after it sits for a few minutes. This should make the after smell minimal.
![a woman pouring apple cider vinegar into a mason jar](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/How-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-as-a-Hair-Rinse-17-768x1024.jpg)
How to make apple cider vinegar hair rinse
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 5 drops essential oil (optional)
Directions:
1. Pour the vinegar and water together in a mason jar, shake to combine.
2. Add in the essential oils, if using.
How do I Use this hair rinse?
Start by washing your hair using a good, natural shampoo bar or regular natural shampoo.
While your hair is still wet, pour your apple cider vinegar hair rinse over your hair, making sure that the roots of your hair get the rinse on them.
Let the rinse sit on your hair for anywhere between 2 to 5 minutes. (If this is your first time using acv on your hair, start with 2 minutes for the first application to make sure that your scalp won’t become irritated.)
Rinse your hair with water, making sure to get all of the apple cider vinegar rinse out of your hair.
Dry your hair as you normally do, detangle (using a detangling spray) and style!
Use this rinse once or twice a week, as needed.
![apple cider vinegar hair rinse in a mason jar](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/How-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-as-a-Hair-Rinse-8-360x361.jpg)
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 drops essential oil optional
Instructions
- Pour the vinegar and water together in a mason jar, shake to combine.
- Add in the essential oils, if using.
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Raw, Organic, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
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Check out these other posts
How to Make Natural Dry Shampoo
How to Make Peppermint Bath Salts
Lemon Coconut Leave-In Conditioner Recipe
Have you used this acv rinse?
Let us know how your hair responded to using this in the comment section!
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