The beginner’s guide to apple cider vinegar for curly hair

We are all familiar with apple cider vinegar. We often use it as s dip for our favourite food or as a dressing for our favourite salad. We are all familiar with the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It is a healthier option for people who are trying to lose weight and lower their cholesterol. But apple cider vinegar for curly hair? This is the first time I heard this and clearly, I needed to make some research. And surprisingly, here’s what I found out about the benefits and wonders of apple cider vinegar for curly hair.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Before we go into the wonderful benefits of apple cider vinegar for curly hair, let me introduce to you this humble yet powerful condiment in our pantry. Apple cider vinegar also known as ACV is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It is usually used for cooking as salad dressing, dip and marinating. The health benefits of apple cider vinegar include burning fats for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, decreasing blood sugar levels and increasing insulin sensitivity. You can now add promoting healthier and bouncier curls to the long list of benefits that we can get from apple cider vinegar. Here is a breakdown of the many benefits that our curly hair can get from this humble item in our pantry.

1. Balances the PH level of our hair and scalp
2. Exfoliates the scalp
3. Promotes hair growth by increasing blood circulation on the scalp
4. Prevents bacteria and fungus in the hair
5. Prevents split ends
6. Prevent frizz and adds shine to the hair

What is apple cider vinegar rinse?

Apple cider vinegar rinse is the most common way to include this ingredient in your curly hair care routine. You can create this hair rinse using the most basic ingredients in your pantry and the process is super simple. No rocket science is needed.

What type of hair can use apple cider vinegar?

Those with high porosity hair can greatly benefit from this DIY hair rinse. It works by closing down and sealing the hair cuticle. Use this hair rinse once a week. But if you have low porosity hair, you might need to step on the breaks. Apple cider vinegar might be too strong for your hair so you may need to dilute it with more water. Also, use it once every two weeks or twice a month. What you need: 

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Regular shampoo
• Essential oil (optional)

How to use

1. Combine ⅓ apple cider vinegar and 1 quart of water in a clean bottle. Mix them thoroughly. 

Tip: You can add your favorite essential oil like rosemary oil or lavender oil to your mixture for added benefit.

1. Cleanse your hair with your favorite shampoo and rinse well. 
2. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar and let it stay for 30 seconds to a minute. 
3. Rinse with cold water.

Tips: Use cold water when rinsing off the apple cider vinegar from your hair. Cold water will help in sealing the hair shaft to make it look shinier. Things to remember:

1. When using apple cider vinegar rinse, avoid contact with the eyes. Vinegar might sting your eyes and may cause irritation.
2. Apple cider vinegar might not be the best for color-treated hair. The acid in the apple cider vinegar may strip off your hair color.
3. Too much vinegar may damage your hair. Make sure you get the proportions right.
4. Rinse your hair properly to lessen the smell. But don’t get bothered by the smell. It will go away and will not leave a strong smell in your hair.

  Recommended products:

Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Zesty and full of natural goodness! This organic, vegan and gluten-free product contains live “Mother” of vinegar that speeds ups fermentation. It helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, controlling appetite for weight gain management and managing blood cholesterol. Buy On Amazon

  My pantry will not be complete without this product. Not only for my hair but for my salad, my marinates and even for my drinks. And the best part is it comes very cheap but the quality is so good!  

dpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse A healthy alternative to regular shampoo that locks in your hair color. It cleanses the hair and removes impurities without stripping your hair’s natural oil. Rebalances your hair’s PH and seals in hair cuticle to make it shiny and frizz-free. Infused with lavender and aloe for added softness and shine. Buy On Amazon

  When I am in the mood for no-poo, I use this to clean my hair. It is super easy to use with its nozzle that makes sure that the product is directly applied to the hair. Zero waste so you get 100% value for your money!  

WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner Set  A nourishing detox treatment set for your hair and scalp. This hydrating shampoo and conditioner open up clogged scalp and hair follicles to remove gunk and product build-up leaving hair clean and refreshed. It is safe for colour-treated curly hair and works best to revive dry and damaged hair. Buy On Amazon

  I wanted to try apple cider vinegar, but I just coloured my curls, so I was hesitant about it. Good thing I found this shampoo and conditioner set and now I can soak my curls with all the goodness of apple cider vinegar. All I can say is WOW! This product can really make my curls clean and healthy.

FAQ

Is an ACV rinse for everyone?

• ACV rinse is best for high porosity hair. ACV rinse may not be best for low porosity hair.

When should you use an ACV for curly hair?

• If you feel like there is a ton of gunk and product build-up on your hair, use ACV rinse as a substitute for your regular shampoo.

How often should I use AVC rinse?

• You can use ACV rinse once or twice a week. For low porosity hair, you can use this once or twice a month.

Can you use ACV rinse to clarify your hair?

• Yes, ACV rinse can clarify your hair. It also helps in exfoliating the scalp to prevent flaking and dandruff.

What’s the difference between AVC rinse and a clarifying shampoo?

• ACV rinse is a good substitute for clarifying shampoo if you want to go no poo. A clarifying shampoo is still the best way to cleanse your hair from gunk and product build-up. So even if you use ACV rinse for cleansing your hair, you still need to do a reset wash using a clarifying shampoo.

Can we directly apply apple cider vinegar to the hair?

• It is not advisable to apply pure apple cider vinegar to your hair. Dilute ACV with water to create a rinse. Use ACV rinse to cleanse your hair instead of pure ACV.

Can too much ACV ruin my curly hair?

• Yes, excessive ACV can harm your curls. ACV contains acid that might damage your hair if applied in excess to your hair.

 

What are there side effects of using ACV rinse on the hair?

•  Excessive use of ACV rinse can damage your damage. Also, AVC rinses if gets in contact with your eyes can cause irritation.

 

Will my hair smell weird if I use ACV rinse?

• ACV rinse can leave a smell on your hair but only for a short while. The smell will go away in no time.

Takeaway

Apple cider vinegar is a superstar when it comes to health benefits. And now we can add healthier hair and scalp to that list. But ACV is not for everyone. ACV contains acid that may cause irritation to the skin. Before using ACV as part of your hair care routine, do a spot test to know if this product is compatible with your skin and hair type. Why don’t you try it out and see for yourself if ACV is for you and your curls?