Remember--dry hair likes less vinegar and
If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to use the rinse less often; if your hair and scalp are more on the oily side, you may want to do it more frequently. Generally speaking, though, you'll want to rinse your hair with an apple cider vinegar solution a couple times a week.
Try incorporating the rinse into your hair care regimen a couple of times a week. Also feel free to increase the amount of ACV you use in each wash or rinse. Generally, keeping it around 5 tablespoons or less is recommended.
It's especially beneficial for those with major product buildup, whether that's from hairsprays, dry shampoo, braids, or excess grease. And while oily hair types can get away with using a higher concentration of ACV, if you have dry hair, we recommend using a higher water to ACV ratio to avoid drying out your scalp.
Tip: You can do the ACV rinse as often as once a week or just once every other week. We recommend starting out by doing the treatment every two weeks or so, and adjusting the frequency to what feels best for your hair.
“You can use ACV as a substitute for shampoo.” This is not completely true. While ACV is an effective clarifier and exfoliant, it does not do the full job of cleansing your hair. Alternate ACV rinses with shampoo, or do an ACV rinse directly after shampooing your hair.
"Apple cider vinegar isn't harmful, per se, but it is acidic and can dry out the hair, which can lead to breakage."
Apply the apple cider vinegar solution to clean, wet hair.
Massage the solution into your hair and scalp for a few seconds to help stimulate hair growth. If your solution is in a cup instead of a spray bottle, lean your head back a bit when you pour in order to prevent the solution from going into your eyes.
People with permanent hair color or treatments: Apple cider vinegar may make colored hair (or color-treated hair) feel more dry or brittle. If you do an apple cider vinegar rinse, you should follow it with deep conditioning to replace your hair's natural oils.
Go along with your normal shampoo routine and rinse your hair. Then slowly pour the ACV hair wash onto your head in an attempt to evenly distribute it. Leave it in your hair for about 2-3 minutes to soak in. Finally, thoroughly rinse to remove from your hair and you're done!
People who want to give this potential natural dandruff remedy a try can start by applying a dilute apple cider vinegar wash to their scalp once or twice a week. In some people, however, the wash may lead to skin irritation or worsening dandruff symptoms.
Washing hair with apple cider vinegar: side effects
Improper use of vinegar can cause our scalp to become dry and irritated, altering the skin PH and weakening follicles, which - if we have hair problems - would only make situation worse.
First off, you should never use ACV directly on the skin, hair or scalp without diluting it first. It's also not a recommended remedy for those with extremely dry hair, and shouldn't be used frequently if you are coloring your hair.
Although the effects are gentle, ACV on its own is too harsh to apply directly to hair, so make sure you dilute it before applying onto the scalp. Not diluting it could irritate the scalp or even lead to mild burns, says Philip B.
Adding apple cider vinegar to your hair care routine "will help keep your scalp healthy by warding off bacteria and keeping a balanced pH level," said Dr. Jaliman, adding that "this will stimulate hair growth. ACV gently exfoliates the scalp which in turn will promote hair growth and healthier hair."
“No matter what you do with it, ACV will not cure or treat hair loss. The reason it is often linked with hair care is because it is an ancient remedy for making hair shine and treating dandruff that is said to have been favoured by the Romans.
So, use 1 cup of cool water and 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. After you rinse out the apple cider vinegar, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair just like you normally do.
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Hair Conditioner. It is very simple to make your own cost effective natural hair conditioner! You simply dilute the vinegar to half with water, pop it in a spray bottle and spray through your hair after washing with a solid shampoo. Leave for 1 minute, then rinse.
Unlike shampoo, conditioner can be used everyday, as it re-hydrates hair and replenishes nutrients. You might also want to consider conditioning on the days you don't shampoo (remember, keep that to two or three days a week).
When you stop shampooing your hair, your scalp could adjust how much oil it produces. Over time, you may have healthier, more manageable hair.
Water is effective at washing away dirt, dust, and other water-soluble debris from the hair and scalp without stripping the hair of this sebum. However, Mamelak notes that if there are other oils in the hair (from a haircare or styling product, for example), a good portion of these will be left behind as well.
Use dry shampoo and use it right
On those unwashed hair days, dry shampoo is definitely your best friend since it's one of the main ways to prolong a regular shampoo. Nothing does the trick of making your hair look clean even when it's not washed.
An apple cider vinegar rinse should be used after shampooing and before conditioner.
“Extra caution needs to be taken if you're taking diuretics, insulin, blood pressure medication and laxatives,” says Dr. Mandal. “This is especially concerning for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, since gastroparesis can lead to difficulty controlling blood sugar,” she says. Is there a safe way to consume ACV?