Why use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) during transition from detergent shampoos to our 100% natural shampoo bars and for hair care in general?
If your hair has residue from previous shampoos or you regularly use conditioners, gels etc., our chemical free, 100% natural shampoo bars may be too gentle and may not remove hard residue from your hair like detergent shampoos.
ACV will naturally remove buildup while infusing hair with hydration and sealing down the outer layer of the hair. This treatment won’t weigh down your hair fibers like other conditioning masks
It is important to use organic, raw ACV. The difference between raw apple cider vinegar and a commercial clear vinegar is that the commercial vinegar is heated, distilled and clarified. This processing removes much of the naturally occurring bacteria, nutrients, and living enzymes, thus stripping away its natural benefits.
Natural raw non-pasteurized vinegar is packed with nutrients. It appears cloudy with sediment on the bottom which contains the natural bacteria and enzymes that make this product so wonderful.
We advise to use vinegar rinse every other day for the first few weeks after switching to natural shampoo bars, until hair adjusts to the new shampoo. Then use it only once or twice a month to keep hair healthy and shiny. Many customers have found that this regimen works for them, but as each hair is unique, do some experimenting!
So, what are the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for your hair? Check this:
Apple cider vinegar, beyond having some well-researched health properties, is an acidic substance. It contains good amounts of acetic acid, so hair that looks dull, brittle or frizzy tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale. An acid substance, like ACV, helps lower pH and brings hair health back into balance.
Apple cider vinegar is great at getting build-up off of your hair. Grease, grime, and any product that's clumped up in your hair over time will gradually be washed out, while your hair is kept intact. So, be patient!
ACV has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
ACV is also anti bacterial and anti microbial. It may help control the bacteria or fungi that can lead to scalp and hair problems, such as minor infections or itchiness.
Apple cider vinegar is praised for being rich in vitamins and minerals good for hair, like vitamin C and B. Some also claim it contains alpha-hydroxy acid which helps exfoliate scalp skin, and that it’s anti-inflammatory, which can help with dandruff.
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, which will stimulate hair growth.
ACV rinses lower scalp Ph and softens the hair thus helping with tangles.
How Often Can I Use Vinegar Hair Rinse?
Since everyone's hair is different, you should try and decide on your own. You will need to experiment to find a dilution that works best for your hair type.
Remember- dry hair likes less vinegar and oily hair likes more.
So, you should experiment, changing the proportion between vinegar and water according to your type of hair, the season, assiduity of use, etc.
Here's a good recipe of an ACV rinse to prepare at home!
You can prepare your apple cider vinegar rinse at home.
But remember: Never use the pure vinegar on your hair or scalp. You should always dilute it!
ACV Hair Rinse Recipe:
- Infuse 1 cup of boiled water with hair loving herbs, such as Rosemary, Green Tea, Chamomile, Nettle, Horsetail or Lavender. Or all of them together. Leave it to infuse at least 2 hours.
- Mix the infusion with 20% organic raw ACV in a squeegee plastic container. You can use less if you have very dry hair, or more if your hair is oily. Try and then add or take, according to your needs.
- After shampooing your hair, pour this rinse onto your hair and scalp. Massage softly and then rinse with water, preferably cold.
- Use twice or three times a week at first, and then space use according to your needs and preference.
Enjoy and then please share with us your experience! Also, we’ll be happy if you let us know your favorite vinegar rinse recipe!
