Apple Cider Vinegar & Herbal Hair Rinses

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How to Make a Natural Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

An apple cider vinegar (ACV) hair rinse can improve the condition of hair and scalp regardless of the shampoo products used. These rinses are particularly beneficial for those using shampoo bars, but they can also be a valuable addition to any hair care routine.

Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV), rich in nutrients, offers numerous benefits for hair care. It can assist with detangling and reducing frizz, enhancing body and shine, removing residue and clarifying, stimulating the scalp, reducing dandruff, and unclogging hair follicles which may aid in mitigating excess shedding or hair loss.

The application of vinegar combined with various plants, herbs, and essential oils for cosmetic purposes dates back to Roman times and gained popularity during the nineteenth century as "vinegar de toilette."

Hair may lose its shine and volume as a result of residue accumulation from shampoo, conditioner, and various hair styling products.

Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains nutrients that may offer various benefits for hair care:

·         help manage tangles and frizzy hair

·         enhance body and shine

·         reduce residue

·         clarify and stimulate the scalp

·         decrease dandruff

·         clean and unclog hair follicles, potentially aiding in reduction of excess shedding or hair loss

·         may be particularly useful for those using natural shampoo bars

 

Creating an ACV rinse is straightforward, and we have provided some recipes below for your convenience.

Recognizing the busy lifestyles of our customers, we were requested a few years ago to offer vinegar rinses in our product line.

Unlike other vinegar rinses where water is the primary ingredient, our vinegar rinse is a pure concentrated vinegar. This allows you to dilute it with water as needed to suit your hair type, ensuring that you receive a high-quality product without paying for unnecessary water content.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar?

While plain white vinegar can be effective, apple cider vinegar is commonly used for hair care. Some suggest that wine vinegar may be less drying for those with dry scalp conditions.

The process for making apple cider vinegar starts with the juice of fresh apples. Bacteria and yeast added to the juice begin the fermentation process, which breaks down fructose, the naturally occurring fruit sugar, into alcohol. The alcohol is then converted to vinegar (which means "sour wine" in French) by acetic acid-forming bacteria.

The natural raw non-pasteurized vinegar contains various nutrients. It appears cloudy with stringy material and sediment at the bottom due to the "mother," which includes the natural bacteria and enzymes.

Raw apple cider vinegar with "mother" differs from commercial clear vinegar in that the latter is heated, distilled, and clarified. This processing removes much of the naturally occurring bacteria, nutrients, and living enzymes, thereby reducing the natural benefits.

 

How to Prepare a Simple Vinegar Rinse

Plain vinegar possesses a high concentration and can be very drying to hair; therefore, it is essential to dilute the apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse accordingly. Under no circumstances should undiluted ACV be applied to the hair, as it may irritate the scalp and cause damage.

Recipes typically recommend mixing 1/2 to 4 tablespoons of ACV with 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. Adjustments may be necessary to determine the optimal dilution for your hair type (dry scalps benefit from less ACV, whereas oily scalps may require more). It is advisable to start with 1/2 tablespoon of ACV per 8 ounces of water to assess how your hair and scalp respond. In my experience, using 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of ACV per 8 ounces of water tends to be excessively concentrated for most individuals.

Place the diluted ACV into a plastic squeeze bottle, spray bottle, or another suitable container.

For customization, you may create a vinegar rinse tailored to your hair by incorporating herbs and/or natural essential oils. Below, I have provided recipes for an herb and vinegar rinse as well as an essential oil vinegar rinse.

How Do I Apply The Vinegar Hair Rinse?

After shampooing, apply the rinse to wet hair by pouring, squirting, or spraying it. Massage the product into your hair and scalp, paying particular attention to the ends. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes.

You now have several options:

·         You may choose to rinse it out entirely.

·         Alternatively, you may leave the rinse on your hair.

When applying the ACV rinse in the shower, I typically use one quick spray of water to rinse lightly. If using a spray bottle, I prefer to apply the rinse after my shower and do not rinse it out. Leaving the vinegar rinse in your hair can help prevent tangles, particularly in long hair.

As your hair is drying you will smell vinegar, but once your hair dries, no smell. I was skeptical at first--but this really works!

How Often Can I Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?

Since hair types vary, use your judgment. Experiment with dilutions: less vinegar for dry hair, more for oily hair.

Daily use might be drying; limit to twice weekly. Initially, use every other day when switching to natural shampoo bars until hair adjusts. Now, once or twice a month keeps my hair healthy and shiny. Many customers find this regimen effective, so try different routines to see what works best for you.

 

Some Helpful Vinegar Hair Rinse Hints

While you can use any container to make your vinegar rinse, I like to use a reusable plastic squirt bottle

It is easier to squirt it all over my scalp and then massage it through, rather than pouring it all over my head from a cup. Recycle any clean plastic bottle with a squirt top.

Pouring a cold rinse on your hair may be a more invigorating experience than you would like. (Although if you're feeling brave, the cold water will give your hair added shine.)

If you would like a warmer rinse, make it just before you step in the shower using very warm tap water.

 

More Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipes

Herbs & Vinegar Hair Rinse

Rinsing your hair with vinegar after shampooing can make it shiny. Certain herbs may affect or support your hair color and condition. For instance:

·         Rosemary and parsley are used for dark hair

·         Sage is thought to help darken graying hair

·         Chamomile, mullein, and marigold can be used to highlight blonde or light brown hair

·         Calendula may help with conditioning

·         Lavender, thyme, witch hazel, and yarrow are beneficial for oily hair

·         Lavender and lemon verbena can add fragrance

·         Linden is suitable for frequently shampooed hair

• nettles will control dandruff
• horsetails help with brittleness

 

These rinses are derived directly from the herbs, rather than essential oils. Both fresh and dried herbs can be utilized. If a rosemary bush is available, use one or two sprigs, each approximately 5 inches in length. For dried rosemary, use about one tablespoon. Rosemary is highly regarded for its beneficial properties for hair.

Fresh lavender is also an advantageous option. Most of the herbs cultivated in a garden are likely to offer some form of benefit.

Fresh herbs are excellent to use, but ensure that they are thoroughly rinsed if they have been exposed to any sprays. It is advisable to cut fresh herbs in the morning after the dew has dried. Note that the water content in fresh herbs may cause issues with mold growth even in vinegar.

When using dried herbs, they can be utilized either loose, enclosed in cheesecloth or muslin fabric, or in tea bag form (such as a chamomile tea bag). If using loose herbs, it is necessary to strain your "tea" before use (a coffee filter is recommended) to prevent herb particles from becoming entangled in hair.

Note: When using dried herbs or botanicals to make a concentrated herbal-infused vinegar (without adding water), better extraction results can be achieved by gently warming the vinegar slightly.

Although sterilization of equipment is not required since this is not intended for consumption, it is essential to clean all equipment thoroughly before commencing. Wash all items in hot, soapy water, and rinse well with hot water.

 

 

Herbs & Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe #1: Quick Recipe for a Single Application

Ingredients:

·         2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

·         Herbs of choice

·         2 cups of boiling water

Directions:

·         Boil water in a small saucepan.

·         Add the herbs, cover, and allow the infusion to steep for at least 15 minutes. For a stronger herbal infusion, add additional herbs, cover, and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat and allow it to steep for 30 minutes.

·         Allow the infusion to cool before adding the vinegar.

·         Use the mixture the same day or refrigerate for later use. The recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed, but ensure that unused portions are refrigerated.

·         After rinsing the shampoo out of your hair, pour the rinse over your hair and massage your scalp. For very long hair, dip your hair into the jug before pouring its contents over your head. Make sure the temperature of the rinse is comfortable.

·         Avoid contact with eyes, especially if essential oils have been used.

·         Rinse out the mixture with clean water or leave it in for extra conditioning benefits and towel dry your hair. The vinegar scent will dissipate as your hair dries.

·         Ensure you rinse the shower afterward, as some herbs may cause temporary staining. Similarly, take care with towels. Any staining is temporary and washes out easily, particularly with strong infusions.

Herb & Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe #2: Recipe For Larger Batch Concentrate

Ingredients:

·         2 cups of apple cider vinegar

·         1 cup chopped herbs of choice

Instructions:

·         Place approximately 1 cup of chopped herbs in a glass jar.

·         Cover the herbs with 2 cups of vinegar.

·         Allow this mixture to "steep" in a tightly closed jar or bottle stored in the refrigerator or in a dark, cool place for two weeks.

·         Strain the steeped vinegar from the herbs using cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a fresh, clean bottle.

The infused vinegar, if made with dried herbs and stored properly in a cool and dry area, will keep for 6 months to a year. (It is advisable to reserve about a week's worth for immediate use.)

Tip: To expedite the infusion process, you may gently heat the vinegar before pouring it over the herbs, allowing it to "steep" for a few days instead. Please note that heating natural raw non-pasteurized apple cider vinegar may destroy natural enzymes and reduce its health benefits.

To use: dilute 1-2 tablespoons of herbal vinegar in 1 cup of water. After shampooing, rinse through wet hair. Rinse with fresh water or leave it in for extra conditioning; towel dry. The vinegar scent will fade as your hair dries.

 

Essential Oil & Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe

There are many beneficial essential oils for hair care. They can be diluted in water or vinegar, or added to an herbal vinegar recipe.

Caution:

·         Essential oils are potent and can irritate the skin if used improperly. Lavender is one of the few that can be applied directly.

·         Some oils are stronger than others; know the proper dilution amount.

·         Essential oils are costly. Avoid cheaper fragrance or synthetic oils as they can cause irritation and lack the benefits of natural oils.

 

Essential Oil & Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar (herb-infused or plain)
• 5 to 10 drops of essential oil**

Directions:

1. Mix vinegar and essential oils.
2. This mixture should be stored in a glass bottle since the essential oils may react with plastic.
3. The mixture can be used right away, but if you allow it to sit for a day or two the "flavors" will blend.
4. When ready to use: dilute 1 to 2 tablespoon of the vinegar/essential oil mixture in 1 cup of water.
5. Rinse through wet hair after shampooing. Rinse it out with fresh water or, for extra conditioning benefits, just leave it in and towel dry your hair.