How to Clean Hair With Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an inexpensive way to naturally clean and add shine to your hair while removing buildup from styling products and shampoos. Vinegar removes the residue coating the hair shaft that causes it to look dull. It also closes the hair cuticle that covers and protects your hair while helping to restore the natural pH balance of your scalp. Frequent use of apple cider vinegar shampoo will result in smoother, shinier and easier-to-manage hair. It is also inexpensive and better for the environment than traditional shampoos.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of apple cider vinegar
• Plastic squirt bottle
• Herbs and essential oils, as desired

Instructions

1. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of warm water in a plastic squirt bottle. You can use more or less vinegar, depending on personal preference.

2. Add herbs or essential oils to the mixture for additional benefit. Some herbs that are soothing to the scalp and healthy for the hair include chamomile, horsetail, lavender and rosemary.

3. Wet your hair in the shower or shampoo as normal. Apple cider vinegar can be used in lieu of traditional shampoos or can be poured over the hair as a cleaning and conditioning rinse after your usual shampoo application.

4. Pour the apple cider vinegar and water solution over your scalp and hair and allow it to sit for several minutes. Work the vinegar through your hair, using your fingertips to gently massage your scalp. This will help loosen up any product buildup and dead skin cells.

5. Treat an itchy or flaky scalp by rubbing a few tablespoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar directly onto your scalp. Leave for several minutes before rinsing. If you have sensitive skin, you should first test a small area of skin on the back of your neck for irritation. If you experience burning or stinging, use only diluted vinegar on your scalp.

6. Rinse the vinegar mixture out of your hair with warm water. Do not worry about removing all the vinegar as it will not damage your hair if left in, and any remaining smell will disappear by the time your hair dries.

7. Make a larger batch of the apple cider solution by combining 1/3 cup of vinegar with 1 liter of water. This can be stored in a plastic bottle and used whenever desired.

8. Use apple cider vinegar as a shampoo or rinse as often as every other day. Some people find vinegar to be too drying when used frequently, but weekly applications are typically fine for all hair types.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to mix the vinegar with warm water as even room temperature solutions will feel very cold against your skin after standing in a hot shower.