This herbal ACV rinse recipe can help restore the pH balance of your hair – which brings back your hair’s natural shine, smooths away frizz, and soothes your scalp. It also rinses away buildup from oil, dirt, and hair products that weigh down your hair!
Apple cider vinegar is a staple for natural living recipes, and this hair rinse is one of my favorite ways to use it.
(PS: you might also like my recipe for Apple Cider Vinegar Face Toner).
How to Dilute Your Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has amazing benefits for your hair, but it’s also acidic – a little too acidic to use it on your hair and scalp without diluting it first.
Using undiluted vinegar on your hair frequently can ruin your hair!
Take it from my hair stylist in 2010 who was horrified at all my split ends after I rinsed with pure vinegar for a month (oops!) – you do not want to overdo this.
Here is a good rule of thumb for diluting your ACV for healthy hair:
- Use 1/4 cup ACV per cup of water for oily hair.
- Use 1/8 cup (two tablespoons) of ACV for dry/damaged hair.
How Often to Use Your ACV Hair Rinse
I like to use my ACV rinse about once per week to remove all buildup from my hair. It really keeps my hair shiny and manageable!
You can use your hair rinse up to twice per week, but any more than that can dry your hair and scalp too much. Better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your hair.
ACV Hair Rinse Benefits
Apple cider vinegar provides a few specific benefits for your hair:
pH Balance
Most hair products aren’t the right pH for your scalp and hair – they are usually too far on the base side of the pH scale.
This ACV rinse is slightly acidic, which helps restore your hair’s natural pH balance. This prevents damage and naturally closes the hair shaft to reveal shiny, healthy hair.
Clarifying
If you use a lot of styling products, you may get limp hair from product buildup. Even natural shampoos and conditioners can leave heavy buildup on your hair over time.
Apple cider vinegar helps remove that buildup, leaving your hair shiny and more voluminous (plus way easier to style!).
Scalp Cleansing
ACV naturally purifies your scalp and rinses away dead skin cells. If you have dandruff, eczema, itchiness, or just an overall sensitive scalp, this rinse can really help!
Adding Herbs to Your ACV Rinse
Infuse your apple cider vinegar with one or more of the herbs below for even more hair benefits:
- Lavender buds – Naturally purifying, lavender naturally soothes and cleanses the scalp.
- Rosemary leaf – Rosemary helps stimulate hair growth and strengthens hair.
- Calendula flowers – Helps soothe scalp issues. Also enhances blonde hair.
- Horsetail – Use to strengthen hair and promote hair growth.
- Hibiscus flowers – Conditions with vitamins. Can enhance red tones in your hair.
- Chamomile flowers – Good for soothing your scalp and enhancing blonde hair.
- Marshmallow root – This herb conditions the hair and is a natural detangler.
- Peppermint leaf – Adds a coolness to the hair rinse and soothes the scalp.
- Licorice root – This herb adds moisture and keeps hair smooth.
- Oatstraw – High in vitamins A, C, and E and magnesium.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
This herbal ACV rinse recipe can help restore the pH balance of your hair and brings back its natural health!
- Glass jar with lid
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dried herbs ((see post for options))
- 1 cup water
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Place your desired herbs in a glass container. Stir in your apple cider vinegar.
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Cover the jar with an airtight lid. Shake gently to mix the herbs and vinegar.
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Store the mixture in a cool, dry place for two weeks. Gently shake the container every day.
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After two weeks, strain out the herbs and discard them.
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Add water to the apple cider vinegar to create your hair rinse.
How to Use Your ACV Rinse
- After using shampoo and conditioner as usual, pour this herbal ACV rinse over your hair or spray it on with a spray bottle.
- Let the ACV sit on your hair for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse and dry your hair as usual.
- Use 1-2 times per week.
Note: refrigerate this rinse in between uses, as it does not contain preservatives.
Note: the herbs in this recipe are not required, but they do have added benefits. To keep things simple, you can just use ACV and water.
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Cynthia says
Any tips for hair immersed almost daily in chlorine from swimming pool? I had been spraying ACV after wash before conditioner but will stop after reading not to use but 1-2 times per week. I’ve also used rosemary essential oil in my shampoo occasionally plus peppermint EO but would appreciate hearing your wisdom.
Elizabeth Walling says
If you dilute the ACV more, it’s safer to use daily. ACV is definitely a great way to neutralize the chlorine in your hair!
Sarah says
How long will the mix last in the fridge if I don’t add water? I will dilute individual portions as I use them, hoping to preserve it for longer this way.
Elizabeth Walling says
The herbal infused ACV can last for weeks or even months if you don’t add water to the mix, especially if refrigerated.
Jodi says
Silly question but do you pour the entire mixture over your hair or only bits a time? And if it is bits at a time is that why a spray bottle is used? Thank you for your help.
Elizabeth Walling says
The goal is to get the rinse to cover your entire scalp and hair – and without wasting too much of it if possible. 🙂 Some people find it’s easier to pour it over the scalp and work it through the ends of the hair, others find it easier to spray it on all over. Either way can work, it just depends on what works best for you.