Apple Cider Vinegar to Rinse Your Hair?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is something that I use to add a bit of flavor to my salads and so when I first heard that it can be used as a hair rinse I was very skeptical. Then I thought about some other things that I use in my hair that could also be considered as food like coconut oil and egg (yes egg) - suddenly using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse didn't seem so strange after all. As it turns out ACV has many characteristics that make it a great (and affordable) hair care solution. Let me share with you what I have come to learn about the benefits of using an apple cider vinegar rinse on your natural Afro hair.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
First a quick explanation as to what apple cider vinegar actually is. ACV is vinegar that is made from apple must or cider as it more commonly called. Fresh apples are crushed and left to mature in wooden barrels where they will go through the fermentation process to make organic ACV. Raw, organic ACV is the best type to use in hair rinses.
Benefits for Hair
It Improves The pH Balance Of Your Hair
The delicate pH balance of your hair is often negatively affected by the use of commercial hair rinses but because ACV is slightly acidic it actually helps to restore balance to your hair and make it soft and shiny. If you normally have an itchy scalp the AVC can help to alleviate this condition, as it will help to restore the pH balance of your scalp as well it will be a lot less itchy as a result.
It Helps To Prevent Hair Damage And Treat Hair Loss
People who are suffering from hair loss can use ACV hair rinses to help stimulate regrowth in their hair. AVC is known to have a smoothing effect on hair cuticles and it will actually seal your hair cuticles, helping your hair to retain more moisture, encouraging it to grow and making it smoother. Because of this smoothing effect ACV is very effective at preventing damage to hair like split ends and breakage.
It Can Cleanse And Conditioner Your Hair
This article is mostly about using ACV as hair rinse but when combined with baking soda it also makes an excellent cleansing shampoo. It is a good conditioner as well and it makes it easier to detangles hair because it flattens the surface of hair and allows you to comb through it easily. When used as a rinse it will also remove any product buildup without removing the natural oils from your hair.
* Bonus: Apple cider vinegar rinses are great for removing lint and other buildup on dreadlocks!
Make Your Own ACV Rinse!
If you want to try using an ACV rinse on your natural afro hair you will be happy to know that it is super easy to make. You will only need equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water but ensure that you get a good quality raw ACV from an organic brand so that you can get the most benefits for your hair. Mix the two ingredients together and voila! You now have your very own homemade apple cider vinegar hair rinse.
To use your homemade ACV rinse, simply use a spray bottle to spritz the rinse all over your hair. If you don’t have a spray bottle you can just pour it on but make sure that it is evenly distributed throughout the hair. Leave the ACV rinse in for a few minutes so that it can be absorbed by the hair and work its magic. Next rinse your hair thoroughly so that all of the ACV is removed. You don’t have to use any conditioner when you use an ACV rinse and your hair will come out feeling nice and soft when you are done.
Apple cider vinegar makes a wonderful, natural rinse for your hair and it’s no wonder why so many women who are looking for natural hair care solutions are starting to use it. It has many benefits but the end result is typically hair that is clean, soft and free of product buildup.
Have you used an ACV rinse before? We would love to hear about your experiences. Please feel free to comment below and let us know your thoughts!
Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Zunammie K.