I wanted to share this article because as you know I have had great success with ACV. It has helped my hair retain moisture, leaving it silky and smooth. Given my success (especially considering the state my hair was in just a few weeks ago), I wanted to share some of the information I have found about ACV. I have also included a few recipes that you may want to try. I have highlighted the recipes I have tried and the results I received. Please share your thoughts if you give them a try.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has long been used as a natural hair care product to promote healthy hair in both men and women. Its acidity is close to that of natural hair, it's a good conditioner and cleansing agent and it's also an effective germ killer.
Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, while that of an apple cider vinegar rinse is pH 2.9-4.0 depending on the dilution. On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, permanents and relaxers 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.
Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 3/4 tsp of ACV into 2 cups of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.
Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.
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.
By infusing various herbs into the vinegar rinse, you can enhance different hair colors and strengthen and condition hair at the same time.
Here are some recommended herbs to use with apple cider vinegar:
- For dark hair:......Parsley, Rosemary, Sage
- For light hair:.....Chamomile, Flannel Mullein, Marigold
- For red hair:.......Henna
- For oily hair:......Lavender, Thyme, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
- For dry hair:.......Marigold
- For brittle hair: Horsetail
To make your own herbal hair rinse natural hair care product:
- Place 2 tbsp of the dried herb (or herb mixture) into a muslin bag or tea ball and put in a warmed tea pot.
- Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and infuse for 2 hours.
- Allow the liquid to cool then pour it into a quart (1 liter) jar.
- Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar* and mix well.
To add extra fragrance to the herbal rinse, try adding a few drops of lavender or lemon or rose essential oils.
*I have tried this recipe, but modified it slightly. My results were super strong and very moisturized hair. I love it and it will definitely become a staple in my regimen.
If preparing a vinegar/herb infusion is not your cup of tea, then a faster way to enhance the hair conditioning effect of apple cider vinegar is to add a small amount of certain types of essential oils.
To make a batch, just add 5 drops of the essential oil to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. When you are ready to rinse your hair, take 1 tbsp of this mixture and add it to 1 cup of warm water.
Types of essential oils that go well in a vinegar hair rinse include:
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sage
I haven't tried this method largely because I am happy with the herbal method. I have yet to find essential oils for nettle or horsetail, which are two herbs I really enjoy using for my rinse. If I ever find them I may try this rinse since it appears much quicker.
The acids and enzymes in ACV kill the "bottle bacillus", a bacteria that is one of the causes for many scalp and hair conditions such as dandruff, itchy scalp, hair loss and often baldness.The bacteria clogs hair follicles allowing dry crusts to form that itch and flake.
For a simple home treatment for dandruff and itchy scalp, apply full strength ACV to the scalp, rub in, and leave on for a half hour to an hour before washing your hair.
For an extra strength natural hair care product, apple cider vinegar can be infused with herbs such as stinging nettle, southernwood, goosegrass, plantain and burdock root all of which help prevent dandruff on their own. Tea tree oil is another excellent natural anti-dandruff ingredient, which can be added.
In her book Apple Cider Vinegar- Miracle Health System, Patricia Bragg recommends trying the following natural hair loss treatment:
For bald and thinning areas apply to scalp an hour before shampooing- 2 tbsp ACV mixed with a tiny pinch cayenne powder.
Then before going to bed, mix a royal jelly capsule with one tsp ACV, pat on bald areas and leave overnight.
The following herbs have also been used to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth:
- Burdock
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Saw Palmetto
- Thyme
- Yucca
Make your own vinegar mixture as per the herbal hair rinse recipe given above and apply it full strength to the scalp. Rub it in and leave it on for a half hour to an hour before washing your hair.
Apple cider vinegar is just one of many natural products that can be used to treat hair loss.
I would use this recipe with caution. Please research the various herbs mentioned before attempting this (or any of the above listed) recipe(s). As mentioned in some of my previous blogs the scalp is your breeding ground for wonderful things, namely a beautiful head of hair. If you plan to use this rinse I suggest using it on a small area on your scalp to see if you have any allergies or an adverse reaction.
