Apple cider vinegar hair rinse recipe & benefits

Longing for a gentle way to boost the health of your hair? An apple cider vinegar hair rinse might be just what your locks need.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) isn't just for salads anymore. It’s become a go-to ingredient for promoting scalp and hair vitality. With its simplicity and reported benefits, many are turning to ACV as a natural solution for dull, lifeless hair.

What is a hair rinse?

A hair rinse is exactly what it sounds like—pouring a simple solution over your hair to boost its condition. What you rinse with depends on your hair’s needs: moisture, nourishment, or a much-needed cleanse to strip away lingering product buildup.

Just like your skin offers visual clues about its health, your hair tells a story too—dryness, oiliness, or limpness can signal an imbalance that a well-formulated hair rinse may help restore.

Can you use any vinegar as a hair rinse?

Reaching for that bottle of white or brown vinegar in your cupboard? You might want to rethink it. Not all vinegars are suited to your scalp.

While distilled white vinegar can be used, its high pH means it needs heavy dilution. Apple cider vinegar is usually preferred because of its lower pH and known antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which may help soothe itchy scalps and reduce dandruff. Just remember—always dilute it before applying.

What does apple cider vinegar do to your hair?

It might sound odd, but fermented apples can do wonders for your hair. Apple cider vinegar, especially when combined with water (and optionally a few drops of tea tree oil), can leave hair looking glossy, bouncy, and refreshed. Once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to go back.

9 benefits of using apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse

  • Shine saviour: ACV smooths and seals hair cuticles, making hair look shinier. The natural enzymes in fermented apples give this glossy effect while protecting essential moisture and nutrients.
  • Colour booster: By restoring shine and condition, ACV can help reduce premature fading of hair dye by supporting the hair’s natural vibrancy.
  • Va-va-voom volume: Grease often weighs hair down. ACV cuts through oil buildup, breathing life and bounce back into limp strands.
  • Itchiness and flakes: Especially helpful in winter, ACV can calm dry, irritated scalps and slough away product residue and dead skin, helping minimise dandruff symptoms.
  • Growth support: While not a magic potion, ACV is acidic enough to help unblock follicles and balance scalp pH—which may encourage healthier growth over time.
  • Deep clean: ACV excels at removing excess oil, product residue, and dirt—all without stripping your hair’s natural moisture.
  • Balancing act: Your scalp has a pH that needs care. When disrupted, it can trigger frizz and breakage. ACV promotes a healthier acid mantle, combating the effects of unbalanced products.
  • Less washing: Once heavy buildup is cleared, many find they can go longer between washes, thanks to ACV’s clarifying power.
  • Easy to use: This rinse doesn’t require special ingredients or a lengthy process. It’s quick, simple, and budget-friendly.

Summary

  • Apple cider vinegar offers a range of hair and scalp benefits
  • It may help boost volume, reduce flakes, and leave hair shinier
  • Its pH-balancing properties support scalp health and cleanliness

How do you rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar?

Ready to try it for yourself? Here’s how to make and use your own ACV hair rinse:

  • Mix one part apple cider vinegar with five parts water—roughly 100ml vinegar to 500ml water—in a spray bottle.
  • Spritz the mixture onto your scalp, making sure it’s evenly coated.
  • Massage gently with your fingers to work it into your scalp and roots.
  • Let it sit for three to five minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
  • Use a light conditioner afterwards—nothing too rich that might weigh your hair down again.
  • Finish with a good rinse to ensure all vinegar and product residue is gone.

How often should I use apple cider vinegar on my hair?

While it’s easy to get hooked on the fresh feel ACV brings, using it too often isn’t ideal for everyone.

For dry or colour-treated hair, limit use to once a week or less—overuse could impact colour or increase dryness. If your scalp is oilier, once or twice weekly may work better, but always monitor how your hair responds and adjust accordingly.

Summary

  • ACV rinses are simple: just combine vinegar with water
  • Use sparingly—overuse may dry hair or affect dye
  • Oily hair may tolerate it more frequently, but keep an eye on changes

Takeaway

Unless your hair is especially dry, there’s little harm in giving an apple cider vinegar rinse a try. It’s easy to prepare, quick to use, and can provide noticeable improvements in how your hair and scalp feel.

If you’ve got a bottle of ACV lying around, all you really need is a spray bottle—and a few minutes—to start showing your hair some extra love.

Disclaimer

This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.

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