Have you noticed your hair color fading fast and wondering if there’s a way to make it last longer? Well, the latest DIY hack may be just what you need – Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Sounds strange, right?
But does apple cider vinegar make hair dye last longer? Or is it just a crazy beauty hack that doesn’t work? Keep on reading to find out the answers, and see if you should try an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Understanding Hair and Hair Color
When it comes to maintaining your hair’s health and color, it’s essential to understand its structure and the role of natural oils, vitamins, and proteins in promoting natural hair health.
Your hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which forms the hair shaft and the outer layer called the cuticle.
The cuticle consists of overlapping cells that protect the hair shaft and determine the hair’s porosity, which affects how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture, making it essential for hair health and color retention.
Hair color is achieved by using various dyes that penetrate the hair shaft, altering the hair’s natural pigment.
The longevity of hair color depends on how well the color penetrates the hair shaft and how effectively the hair cuticles close after the color treatment, locking in the color.
Your hair relies on natural oils, vitamins, and proteins to maintain its health and appearance. Sebum, a natural oil produced by your scalp, helps to keep the hair shaft moisturized and protected.
Vitamins, such as biotin and vitamins A, C, and E, play a role in promoting hair growth and health.
Plus, proteins are essential for maintaining hair strength and preventing breakage.
Managing your hair’s porosity is essential in retaining color and ensuring overall hair health. Highly porous hair can have difficulties retaining color as it absorbs and loses moisture quickly.
Hair with low porosity does not readily absorb moisture but retains color better.
To achieve a balance between these extremes, it’s essential to maintain good hair health by using products that nourish the hair and help close the hair cuticles, such as apple cider vinegar.
Role of pH in Hair Health
Maintaining a balanced pH level in your hair is essential for its overall health, appearance, and longevity of hair dye. Hair has an ideal pH level of between 4 and 5, which is slightly acidic.
When pH balance is disrupted, it can result in issues such as dryness, brittleness, and an uneven appearance in your dyed hair.
Most commercial shampoos, as well as hair dye treatments, have alkaline properties; this means that they can raise the pH level of your hair and open up the hair cuticles.
When the hair cuticles are open, your hair color is more prone to fading and losing its vibrancy.
It is imperative to reestablish the pH balance after using such products to lock in your hair dye and maintain hair health, preventing hair loss.
This is where apple cider vinegar (ACV) comes into play. Due to its acidic properties, ACV can help re-balance your hair and scalp pH levels.
Including ACV into your hair care routine after a color treatment or shampoo can be beneficial in sealing the hair cuticles after they’ve been opened by alkaline products. By doing so, you are effectively locking in your hair color and ensuring it lasts longer.
To introduce ACV into your hair care routine, use it as a rinse once per week. This frequency can vary depending on your hair type and product formulation.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Make Hair Dye Last Longer?
Apple cider vinegar, commonly referred to as ACV, is a versatile and natural ingredient used for various purposes, be it health benefits, cooking, or even hair care.
Made from fermented apple juice, ACV contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and its active component, acetic acid.
Specifically, when it comes to hair care, utilizing apple cider vinegar in your routine can be beneficial in several ways.
The raw and organic forms of apple cider vinegar are typically more advantageous as they contain the “mother of vinegar.”
The “mother” includes enzymes, proteins, and beneficial bacteria that contribute to the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Choosing raw and organic ACV ensures that you will reap the most advantages when using it for your hair.
One significant aspect of apple cider vinegar is its acidity. The acidity helps close the hair cuticles, resulting in smoother, shinier hair and better color preservation.
Indeed, the more closed the hair cuticle, the less likely your hair color will fade. Therefore, apple cider vinegar can aid in extending the lifespan of your hair dye.
ACV is also rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates both hair and scalp. This exfoliating property helps to remove product buildup and alleviate dandruff, promoting a healthier and cleaner scalp.
Plus, by balancing the pH of your scalp, apple cider vinegar may contribute to hair growth.
The vitamins and minerals in apple cider vinegar—such as vitamins B and C—help strengthen hair strands.
Stronger strands not only improve the overall look and feel of your hair but also aid in preventing breakage and maintaining the health of colored hair.
The Link Between Hair Dye and Apple Cider Vinegar
When it comes to preserving the color of your dyed hair, apple cider vinegar can play a role.
Its mild acidity helps close the hair cuticle, which in turn can extend the lifespan of your hair color. The more firmly closed your hair cuticles are, the less likely your color will fade.
However, there’s a flip side to using apple cider vinegar on colored hair. Because it is acidic, it may strip hair color when used excessively or improperly.
Some people even use apple cider vinegar to lighten dark hair color as an at-home dye job.
To achieve the benefits of apple cider vinegar for your hair, without detrimental effects, follow these guidelines:
- Dilute it properly: Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water. This dilution ensures that the vinegar won’t be too harsh on the hair and scalp.
- Use it as a hair rinse: After shampooing and conditioning, pour the diluted apple cider vinegar mixture over your hair evenly, working it into your scalp. This process can help remove excess product buildup and contribute to a healthy scalp.
- Limit the frequency: Use apple cider vinegar once a week or less. This can vary depending on the product formulation and your own hair type.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known for its numerous benefits for hair care.
Including ACV into your routine can help improve the overall health and appearance of your hair. Let’s discuss some of the main advantages of using apple cider vinegar for your hair.
Using ACV as a hair rinse can significantly enhance the natural shine and luster of your locks. It does so by clarifying your hair, removing any build-up from products that could be dulling your hair’s shine.
Just remember to dilute one-half tablespoon of ACV with 8 ounces of water before applying it to your hair.
Another advantage of apple cider vinegar is its ability to moisturize your hair. It can help balance your hair’s natural oil production, which in turn prevents excessive dryness or oiliness.
This ultimately makes your hair healthier and softer.
When it comes to reducing breakage, ACV can be helpful too. By detangling your hair, it minimizes the need for harsh brushing, which can contribute to breakage.
It also works to strengthen your hair, as its acidic properties help close the cuticle, making it more resistant to damage.
ACV promotes hair growth by stimulating a healthy scalp. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties work to combat dandruff and irritation, creating a more favorable environment for hair growth.
Make sure to use apple cider vinegar on your scalp once a week, adjusting the frequency based on your scalp’s reaction.
Finally, ACV’s ability to lock in hair dye will benefit those who color their hair regularly. Its acidic properties help seal the hair cuticle after a color treatment or shampoo, preventing the color from fading quickly.
This means that you’ll be able to enjoy your vibrant hair color for a longer period of time.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Improve Hair And Scalp
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known for promoting a healthy scalp, which can contribute to making hair dye last longer.
It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are effective in killing and preventing dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp.
Maintaining a clean and balanced scalp will help ensure that your hair dye lasts as long as possible.
Using ACV in your hair care routine can help alleviate scalp irritation and soothe dry scalps. Its acidic nature also aids in closing hair cuticles, which can lock in your hair color and reduce fading.
However, you should never apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair. Instead, dilute it with an equal amount of water to create a mixture that you can rinse your hair with.
As well as combating dandruff, ACV effectively removes product buildup and can gently exfoliate the scalp.
This exfoliation process helps to unclog hair follicles and promotes a healthier environment for hair growth. As a result, your hair can be better prepared to hold on to color for a more extended period.
How To Make An Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse For Color-Treated Hair
To prepare an apple cider vinegar (ACV) hair rinse, you will need a few simple ingredients and tools. This rinse can help improve the overall quality of your hair and may even help your hair dye last longer.
First, gather your ingredients. You will need apple cider vinegar, water, and an optional essential oil for added fragrance.
The typical ratio for an ACV hair rinse is 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for every 16 ounces of water. You can adjust this according to your personal preference and hair type.
Next, find a spray bottle to mix and store your rinse. A spray bottle makes it easier to apply the rinse evenly throughout your hair.
If you don’t have a spray bottle, any clean container will do, but make sure it has a tight seal to prevent leakage.
Once you have gathered your ingredients and spray bottle, mix the apple cider vinegar and water together in the bottle.
If you decide to include an essential oil, add a few drops to the mixture. Shake well to combine all ingredients.
Before using your ACV hair rinse, wash and condition your hair as usual. Then, apply the rinse evenly to your hair and work it into your scalp.
Pay special attention to the root area, as the ACV can help create a balanced environment for your hair and scalp pH.
DIY Hair Care with Apple Cider Vinegar To Care For The Scalp And Hair
One effective way to use ACV is by creating a hair rinse. Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water.
After shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour the mixture evenly over your strands, working it into your scalp.
Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cold water. This rinse can help remove product build-up and add shine to your hair.
Another option for using ACV in your hair care routine is as a scalp treatment. Due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, ACV can help soothe an irritated scalp and fight dandruff.
To make a treatment, mix equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle. After shampooing, spray the mixture directly onto your scalp and massage it in.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it out. You can repeat this once a week to maintain a healthy scalp.
As well as rinses and treatments, you can use ACV as a pre-shampoo detangler. Combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and spray it on your hair before washing.
Gently comb through your hair to remove any knots, making the shampooing process easier and less prone to breakage.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar is an essential ingredient for both hair health and dye longevity. Its many benefits—such as balancing scalp pH, fighting dandruff, and closing the hair cuticles—contribute to making your hair dye last longer by locking in color.
By adding apple cider vinegar into your routine, you can reap several advantages for both natural and colored hair.
As always, be sure to dilute ACV with water—preferably equal parts of each —to reduce any potential harm from its high acidity content.