How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Concentrate
Directions For Whole Head Rinse: NEVER use undiluted Vinegar on your hair. Our hair rinse is pure ACV and must be diluted.
The typical suggested dilution is five parts water to one part vinegar. Which is about 1.5 tablespoons (22 ml) of AVC concentrate to 8 ounces (237 ml) of water. However each person's hair is unique.
Organic, raw, non-pasteurized vinegar appears cloudy with sediment on the bottom due to the “mother” which contains the natural living enzymes and nutrients.
- Since we use raw vinegar with natural "mother," please shake our ACV concentrate before use
- Add 8 ounces (237 ml) of warm water to Squeeze Bottle, Spray Bottle, or measuring cup*
- Add 1/2 - 2 Tablespoons (7.4 to 30 ml) of Herbal Vinegar and mix**
- Pour or spray through wet hair after shampooing
- Take care to avoid eyes
- Massage into hair and scalp, paying attention to ends
- Let sit for a couple of minutes
- Rinse it out thoroughly with cool water to help seal your hair’s cuticle***
- Towel dry
- The vinegar scent will disappear as the hair dries
- For long thick hair, the recipe can be doubled
- For short thin hair, the recipe can be halved
*Container Type: I find that using a squeeze bottle or spray bottle requires a lot less vinegar rinse than pouring the rinse on your head from a measuring cup. I have long, fine hair, and one 8-ounce recipe mix will last me for 3 to 4 rinses. The premixed vinegar solution will last for about a week without refrigeration.
**Concentration Note:
- I have seen way too many websites that provide the "ideal" dilution amounts for ACV and water. My question is "ideal" for whom? You will need to experiment to find a dilution that works best for your hair type. Typically a dry scalp likes less ACV and oily scalp likes more.
- We provide a range of 1/2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) with 8 ounces (1 cup) of water since we all have different hair types.
- We suggest you begin with 1/2 tablespoon of ACV to 8 ounces of water in order to judge how your hair and scalp will feel. I find that using 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) ACV to 8 ounces (1 cup) of water is too concentrated for most.
***Rinse or Not Rinse: Some people find that they obtain better conditioning and detangling if they don't rinse all of the ACV out of their hair. Just remember that ACV is quite acidic and again you will have to judge for your own hair and scalp.
If you have very sensitive skin or are simply trying a new product for the first time, we always recommend doing a patch test.
For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Best if used within 6 months of opening.
Common Questions
Is an ACV Rinse Safe for My Hair?
When using the proper dilution, apple cider vinegar is generally safe for all hair types. It is especially beneficial for those with major product buildup, whether from excess grease, styling products, or lots of dry shampoo.
Folks with oily hair types can often use a higher concentration of ACV, but if you have dry hair, we recommend using a greater concentration of WATER to ACV to avoid drying out your hair and scalp.
How Often Can I Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
Since everyone's hair is unique you should use your own judgment on this. You will need to experiment to find a dilution that works best for your hair type. Remember--dry hair likes less vinegar and oily hair likes more.
Some say that vinegar rinses may be drying if used every day and it is best to restrict use to two times per week. I used a vinegar rinse every other day for the first few weeks when I switched to natural shampoo bars until my hair adjusted to the new shampoo. I now have that typical somewhat wiry gray hair and I find that using a very dilute ACV rinse every one to two weeks helps keep my hair healthy and shiny. Many customers have found this regimen to work, but do some experimenting!
Do I Still Need To Use Conditioner?
There is no "yes or no" answer to this question. I have long, thin hair and have found that after using our vinegar rinse my hair is tangle-free and after drying it has more body and shine than when I used conditioner. So I would say that you do not need a conditioner.
But you must experiment. If you normally need conditioner and you discover that the lack of conditioner affects the appearance of your hair, I would suggest applying conditioner sparingly to the ends of your hair.
Are Vinegar Rinses Safe For Color Treated Hair?
The information concerning the effect of vinegar rinses on color-treated hair runs the gamut from one extreme to the other. On one hand, some folks say that the acidic pH of vinegar will strip some color from color-treated hair.
On the other extreme some believe that since vinegar seals the hair cuticle it can actually help prevent color from fading.
Still others say that a dilute vinegar rinse once or twice a month will freshen highlights and enhance shine as it removes residue that has accumulated on the hair shaft. If you are unsure I suggest doing a "strand test" on hair strands that are hidden when you style your hair.
Some Benefits of an ACV Rinse
- clarifies as it conditions the hair and scalp
- removes residue
- brings back body, bounce, and shine
- smooths frizzy hair
- revitalizes dull hair
- stimulates scalp circulation
- helps decrease dandruff
- unclogs hair follicles which may help with excess shedding or hair loss
An apple cider vinegar hair rinse benefits your hair and scalp and is a wonderful addition to any hair care regimen. It can also be very helpful for those who chose to use Natural Shampoo Bars. Support the health and beauty of your hair by using natural shampoo bars and an ACV rinse and your hair will shine with thanks!
Learn More Blog: "Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Benefits & How to Use Them"
