Maintaining the proper pH of the scalp is vital for the health of your hair and scalp. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar is an excellent way to restore pH balance. Most hair products have an alkaline pH, while the scalp has an acidic pH. This can lead to a pH imbalance.
Apple cider vinegar has a slightly acidic pH that helps prevent the cuticles from opening, allowing them to retain their natural texture and shine.
Why should you rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar?
Antimicrobial Activity
Apple cider vinegar has demonstrated antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects against microbes such as E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. These microbes cause infections and skin inflammation, leading to scalp issues and hair loss.
Low pH
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. This weak acid is responsible for the low pH (5.0) of the vinegar. It is close to the pH of our scalp and, therefore, is a better healing option.
Heals Wounds
Fungal and bacterial activity and lice infestation can irritate the scalp, damage hair cuticles, and form painful, bleeding sores. Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to affected areas can accelerate the healing of wounds.
Removes Buildup
Adding apple cider vinegar to your rinse is a good way to deeply cleanse the scalp. It helps eliminate the buildup of impurities, excess oil, dirt, and dead skin around hair follicles. Healthy follicles anchor hair strands better, supporting faster hair growth and maintaining natural shine.
There are several ways to use apple cider vinegar for hair and scalp. However, using it as a hair rinse provides quick and visible results.
How to use apple cider vinegar for hair
Always use a fresh mixture and prepare it just before you shower. You do not need to use a hair conditioner as vinegar acts as a natural conditioner.
You will need:
2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of water
A spray bottle
Preparation method:
Mix the vinegar and water.
Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
Rinse your hair with this mixture depending on the condition of your hair and scalp. For oily hair, use it once a week, while for dry hair, use it once or twice a month. For normal hair, use it once every two weeks. Here’s how to use it:
How to use:
As a pre-shampoo treatment:
Spray the mixture on your hair and scalp.
Massage the scalp and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Continue with your regular hair washing routine.
As a natural conditioner (rinse after washing)
Saturate your hair and scalp with this mixture while damp.
Gently massage the scalp using your fingertips.
Let the solution sit for about 5 minutes.
Rinse well with room temperature water.
You can also add natural plant extracts, juices, and other ingredients.
1. Rinse for hair with apple cider vinegar and Aloe Vera
This hair rinse recipe is excellent for dry hair. Aloe vera gel has moisturizing properties and acts as an emollient for dry skin. It can help restore dry and flaky scalp and maintain healthy hair. You do not need to condition your hair after using this hair rinse.
You will need:
4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
A bottle
A mixing bowl
Preparation method:
Mix the ACV and aloe vera in a bowl. Adjust the quantities based on the desired consistency and hair length, maintaining the proportions.
Transfer the mixture into a bottle.
Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp washed with shampoo and massage.
Let it sit for about 4-5 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
2. Rinse for hair with apple cider vinegar and essential oil
This is for all aromatherapy lovers. Essential oils of lavender, mint, and rosemary have shown hair growth-stimulating effects in animal studies. This hair rinse is best for those experiencing hair loss.
You will need:
1 cup of filtered or purified water
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
3 drops of rosemary oil
3 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of mint oil
A clean spray bottle (200 ml capacity)
Preparation method:
Mix the vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. Shake well.
Add the essential oils and shake to combine.
Spray on clean, damp hair and scalp (before or after shampooing).
Let it sit for 3-4 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and continue with your regular hair washing routine.
3. Rinse for hair with horsetail, nettle, and apple cider vinegar
This hair rinse is best for those with alopecia and telogen effluvium. When taken as a supplement, horsetail extract can strengthen and thicken hair by inhibiting genes that cause baldness and their respective proteins. Animal studies have found that applying nettle extract could promote blood circulation and cell growth and induce anagen (growth) in hair follicles.
You will need:
1 cup of dried horsetail
1 cup of dried nettle
2-3 drops of lavender essential oil or 1 cup of dried lavender
4 cups of apple cider vinegar
A 1-liter jar with a lid
A 1-liter spray bottle
Preparation method:
Place the herbs in the jar and fill it with apple cider vinegar.
Close the lid and shake well. Let it steep for 2-4 weeks.
Strain the herbs and store the mixture in a glass bottle or one with a spray nozzle.
Spray or pour it onto damp hair washed with shampoo.
Massage your scalp and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
You can rinse it out or not with warm water.
Tips to remember when using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse
Adjust the amount and dilution rate of the vinegar based on hair length, scalp type, and dermatological concerns.
Do not use a vinegar rinse on dyed hair and sensitive scalps. Vinegar can fade color, and the acetic acid in it can irritate a sensitive scalp.
Avoid getting vinegar in your eyes.
Do not use this rinse excessively. Use it every two weeks initially and see how your hair and scalp respond.
Use high-quality, pure vinegar. Processed vinegar can irritate hair and skin.
