If you’re looking for an affordable, natural solution for your hair care routine, apple cider vinegar might be the answer you’ve been searching for. You might be thinking, can you use apple cider vinegar as shampoo?
I’ll share the benefits of using apple cider vinegar as shampoo and give you some tips on how to use apple cider vinegar for hair care benefits. Keep on reading to find out more…
What Are The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Using apple cider vinegar as a shampoo has become a popular trend in recent years. But did you know that apple cider vinegar has many other benefits as well? Here are some of the benefits of using apple cider vinegar:
1. Helps Balance pH Levels
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, which means it can help balance the pH levels of your scalp and hair. This can help prevent hair and scalp problems such as dandruff, itchiness, and dryness.
2. Promotes Hair Growth
Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair strands growth. It can help strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth.
3. Improves Scalp Health
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help improve scalp health. It can help prevent scalp infections and reduce inflammation.
4. Adds Shine to Hair
Apple cider vinegar can help remove buildup from hair products and hard water. This can help make your hair look shinier and healthier.
5. Reduces Frizz
Apple cider vinegar can help smooth down the cuticles of your hair, which can reduce frizz and make your hair look smoother.
6. May Help with Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antifungal properties that can help combat dandruff. It can also help soothe an itchy scalp.
How Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar As An Hair Product?
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to commercial shampoos, apple cider vinegar (ACV) may be a good option for you. Here’s how you can use ACV as a hair product:
1. As a Hair Rinse
Apple cider vinegar helps cleanse your hair of oils and impurities. To make the rinse, mix one part ACV with two to three parts water. After shampooing, pour the mixture over your hair and massage it into your scalp.
Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water. This rinse can help remove buildup, balance the pH of your scalp, and add shine to your hair.
2. As a Detangler
ACV can also be used as a natural detangler in both dry hair or damp hair. Mix one tablespoon of ACV with one cup of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. After washing your hair, spray the mixture onto your hair and comb through gently.
3. As a Scalp Treatment
You can even use apple cider vinegar for your hair thanks to the antimicrobial properties, that can help fight dandruff and other scalp infections within the hair on your scalp. To use it as a scalp treatment, mix equal parts ACV and water and massage the mixture into your scalp to alleviate scalp and hair problems. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
4. As a Hair Mask
You can use apple cider vinegar as a hair mask to nourish and condition your hair, and reduce hair dryness. Mix one tablespoon of ACV with one egg and apply the mixture to your hair. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar As Shampoo?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar as a shampoo. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is made from fermented apples and contains vitamins B-1, B-2, A & E, which are all essential for healthy hair growth.
ACV also has antifungal properties that help remove impurities from your scalp and hair follicles, while balancing out the pH of your scalp.
This helps reduce irritation and eliminate dandruff. Additionally, ACV has numerous benefits when used externally on the hair such as promoting shine to the hair, or removing product build up.
If you do opt for using ACV as a shampoo substitute it’s best to do so in small increments and combine with other natural ingredients such as a few drops of lavender oil to help enhance the smell and allow it to lather more efficiently when combined with water.
When washing your hair with this homemade solution be sure not to leave it on too long before rinsing off because ACV can be too strong if left on for too long which could damage your hair by drying it out prematurely.
How To Do An Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse?
If you’re interested in trying out an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse for your hair, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Dilute the ACV: Mix 1/2 tablespoon of ACV for every 1 cup of cold water to dilute the vinegar. This will prevent any potential irritation or damage to your hair and scalp.
- Repurpose a bottle: You can use an old shampoo or spray bottle to mix and apply the ACV rinse. Make sure it’s clean and easy to use in the shower.
- Apply the rinse: After shampooing and conditioning your hair, apply the ACV rinse to your hair and scalp. Massage it in gently and make sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Let it sit: Leave the ACV rinse in your hair for about 5 minutes to allow it to work its magic. This will help to balance the pH of your scalp and hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove all traces of the ACV rinse. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause damage to your hair and scalp.
- Condition as usual: After rinsing out the ACV rinse, you can condition your hair as usual. This will help to keep your hair soft, smooth, and healthy.
Your ACV rinse can help to remove buildup, balance the pH of your scalp and hair, and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed.
Just make sure to dilute the vinegar properly and rinse your hair thoroughly to avoid any potential irritation or damage.
How Often Should You Do A Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
If you’re considering using apple cider vinegar as a shampoo replacement, you may be wondering how often you should do a hair rinse with it.
The frequency of use will depend on your hair type, scalp condition, and the amount of buildup you experience.
As a general rule of thumb, you can use an apple cider vinegar rinse once a week. However, if you have oily hair or a lot of buildup, you may want to use it more frequently. On the other hand, if you have dry or damaged hair, you may want to use it less often.
It’s important to note that using apple cider vinegar too frequently can cause damage to your hair. It can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Therefore, it’s best to use it in moderation and pay attention to how your hair reacts.
When incorporating an apple cider vinegar rinse into your hair care routine, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase the frequency. Begin by using it once a month, and if your hair responds well, you can increase it to once a week.
As well as the frequency of use, it’s also important to dilute the apple cider vinegar before using it on your hair. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water to create a solution that’s gentle enough for your hair and scalp.
Summary
ACV can help remove buildup from styling products, hard water, and chlorine. It can also help balance the pH of your scalp and hair, which can lead to healthier, shinier hair.
However, it’s important to note that ACV can be drying if used too frequently or in high concentrations. Start with a lower concentration and use it once a week at most. If you have color-treated hair, be cautious, as ACV can cause fading.