Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is much more than just a salad dressing. This amazing tonic is full of raw enzymes and beneficial bacteria that help with digestion, weight loss, cholesterol levels, and more. It’s also a cost-effective, natural, and organic remedy for various skin and hair issues. Regardless of your hair type, apple cider vinegar can be a valuable addition to your hair-care routine.

Here are 10 reasons why an apple cider vinegar hair rinse is beneficial:

1. Balance Hair & Sebum pH: Our hair and scalp oils have a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, which helps prevent fungal and bacterial growth. Many shampoos disrupt this balance, but apple cider vinegar, with its acetic acid and similar pH, can help restore it, especially for oily hair.

2. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: The acetic acid in ACV is a strong antimicrobial that can kill bacteria and fungus, common causes of dandruff and hair loss. Using an ACV rinse can prevent these issues by maintaining the scalp’s natural pH.

3. Cleansing and Clarifying: Hair products can leave a sticky residue that makes hair look dull. ACV can break down this build-up, restoring your hair’s natural shine. Let the vinegar sit for at least three minutes before rinsing to effectively remove the residue.

4. Add Natural Body & Define Curls: An ACV rinse can enhance your curls’ bounce and body without weighing them down like conventional shampoos and conditioners. This can reduce the need for heat styling, which can further damage hair.

5. Detangle: ACV’s natural acidity smooths down the hair cuticle, making it easier to detangle and brush through your hair.

6. Reduce Frizz: Frizzy hair is caused by lifted cuticles. ACV smooths them down, resulting in a sleek, frizz-free look.

7. Add Shine: When the cuticle is smooth, hair reflects light better, giving it a glossy appearance.

8. Reduce Porosity: High porosity hair absorbs and loses moisture quickly due to damage. While you can’t change hair porosity, ACV can help manage it by flattening the cuticle and reducing gaps, making hair less prone to further damage.

9. Stimulate Hair Growth & Prevent Hair Loss: ACV improves blood circulation to hair follicles, which is crucial for hair growth and preventing hair loss. This increased blood flow brings essential nutrients to the hair follicle cells.

10. Prevent Split Ends & Breakage: Regular ACV rinses help detangle hair, close the cuticles, improve porosity, and strengthen strands, reducing split ends and breakage.

Choosing an Apple Cider Vinegar:
For the best results, choose organic, raw, and unfiltered ACV, which contains the beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular choice and is available in most grocery and health stores.

How To Do an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse:
1. Mix one cup of water with two to four tablespoons of vinegar.
2. After shampooing, pour the mixture over your scalp and hair.
3. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for one to two minutes.
4. Rinse out the vinegar.

For dry hair, start with two tablespoons of vinegar per cup of water. For oily hair or dandruff, use three to four tablespoons. Adjust as needed and use the rinse once a month to twice a week, depending on your hair’s needs. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell; it will disappear once your hair dries.

Adding Herbs To Your Rinse:
Enhance your ACV rinse by adding herbs:
– Rosemary or parsley: Enrich dark hair.
– Sage: Cover grey hairs.
– Chamomile: Highlight blonde or light brown hair.
– Rosehips: Enhance red hair.
– Calendula: Condition dry hair.
– Linden: For frequently shampooed hair.
– Nettle: Reduce dandruff.
– Lavender: Add fragrance.

To make an herb-infused vinegar, steep two cups of ACV with one cup of chopped herbs for two weeks, then strain. Use two to four tablespoons of the infused vinegar per cup of water for your rinse.

Adding Essential Oils:
Essential oils can also enhance your ACV rinse without the steeping time. Mix two cups of ACV with 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Store in a cool, dark place and use two to four tablespoons per cup of water for your rinse. Suitable essential oils include:
– Cedarwood or Clary sage: Stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth.
– Chamomile: Add shine and softness, soothe the scalp.
– Geranium: Strengthen hair.
– Lavender: Deep condition, add shine and fragrance, control dandruff.
– Rosemary: Stimulate roots, improve hair growth, increase scalp circulation.
– Sandalwood: Help with dry ends, add fragrance.
– Tea tree oil: Control oily hair.