Hair Maintenance Tip: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

I wanted to share with you guys the results of my first try using the apple cider vinegar rinse (ACV).  First, let me say that I had shampooed and conditioned my natural hair 2 days prior.  However, my hair was really itchy and flaky.  I'm not sure if this was a result of me leaving a little of the conditioner on my hair.  I re-washed my hair with Trader Joes Tea Tree & Peppermint Shampoo then rinsed the shampoo out and applied the ACV rinse (see below for suggested mixture).  I let it sit in my hair for about 10 mins before rinsing it out.  It tingled a little initially (probably b/c I had been scatching my scalp a lot).  My hair felt really soft with the mixture, not coarse at all.  After completing rinsing the mixture from my hair, I towel dried and spray my hair with EVOO mixed with water to give it a little extra moisture before blow drying my hair.  I did not use any conditioner in this process.  The results are AMAZING!!! I have not seen a single flake and my hair looks, feels and smells great!

Vinegar Hair Rinse – Natural Hair Care Product

Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9).

On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline.

Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos.

Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.

Rough hair shaft with open cuticles compared to smooth hair shaft with closed cuticles.



Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.

Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.

If you would like to prepare a smaller batch of this vinegar hair rinse recipe to experiment with, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm filtered tap water.

Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.

I hope this info helps, PJ2