How to Do an ACV Rinse

When applied to your hair, apple cider vinegar aids in removing product buildup.

When your hair has a balanced pH level, it is shinier and easier to manage. Over time, the buildup of styling products can wreak havoc on your hair's pH balance, causing it to be dry, frizzy and hard to manage. Using an apple cider vinegar rinse helps to remove all styling products from your hair, smooths the cuticle covering each hair shaft and restores the natural acidic balance that your hair needs to appear healthy.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

Instructions

How to Mix the ACV Solution

1. Purchase a bottle of apple cider vinegar from any grocery store. Do not use white vinegar or any other type because they will not work. Apple cider vinegar is dark brownish-red. Check the vinegar color and bottle label to make sure you have the right kind.

2. Purchase a plastic spray bottle with a secure top. Most retail stores sell small styling product bottles in the health and beauty department. Choose a bottle that can hold at least a quart of liquid. If you decide to use a bottle that you have at home, rinse it completely clean; any residue from other products may alter the effectiveness of the ACV rinse.

3. Add 1 qt. warm water to the bottle. Measure 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar and pour it into the water. Secure the top on the bottle and shake it until the apple cider vinegar and water mix completely. To make a smaller amount, use 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar in 1 cup water. You do not have to refrigerate the ACV solution and can even store it near the shower.

How to Apply the ACV Rinse

1. Shampoo your hair. The rinse is more effective when applied to clean hair. Use your usual shampoo and wash and rinse as you normally would.

2. Condition your hair. Some people prefer to condition after adding the rinse, or not at all. This is a personal preference based on results and hair texture.

3. Apply the ACV rinse. Hold your head down to keep the mixture from getting into your face and eyes. Start from the top of your head. Spray the ACV rinse into your hair and use your free hand to massage it into the hair shaft. Tilt your head to the left and spray the liquid into the side section of your hair. Repeat on the other side. Continue covering all sections of your hair with the ACV rinse. Leave it in your hair for a few seconds.

4. Rinse your hair with cold water. This will help seal your hair shaft and make your hair shinier. Your hair may smell like vinegar after rinsing, but this will disappear when your hair dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Rinse the ACV from your hair with cold water. This will help seal your hair shaft and make your hair shinier.

• Do not use ACV rinses frequently. ACV is highly acidic and can damage your hair shaft, causing your strands to become brittle and porous. Applying it once every two weeks to once a month is best, especially if your hair is fragile. If you notice any problems, try decreasing the amount of ACV you use.

• If you notice any negative results after applying an ACV rinse to your hair, such as breakage, dryness or brittleness, discontinue using it. Apply a deep conditioner regularly to repair these symptoms.

• Not all hair textures will reap the same benefits from an ACV rinse. If your hair is thin and already damaged, decrease the amount of ACV you use. Test a small amount of ACV mixed with water to determine how your hair will respond.

References

• Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Benefits: Apple Cider Vinegar Is a Versatile Natural Hair Care Product
• Eden Organic: Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
• Bragg Health Products and Books; An Apple Cider Vinegar A Day; Patricia Bragg