How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to Hair

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Apple cider vinegar is not only a staple health food product – it can also be used as an effective beauty product for your hair. All you need is unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water to make a hair solution that can help with itchy scalp, hair breakage, and might even help your hair grow faster. Applying apple cider vinegar to your hair can also remove product build-up, making your hair look extra shiny and smooth . [1]

Things You Should Know

Cosmetologist Shun Pittman recommends creating a diluted mixture of "three parts water to one part apple cider vinegar" so it doesn't burn when you apply it. Then, shampoo and condition your hair like usual, and pour the mixture evenly over your hair. Wait 2-10 minutes before rinsing it out.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Mixing the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Solution

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  1. When shopping for the apple cider vinegar to apply to your hair, choose an unfiltered apple cider vinegar that is cloudy rather than clear. Clear apple cider vinegars are pasteurized to remove the sediment that makes raw apple cider vinegar cloudy. The sediment contains the nutrients that are beneficial for your hair, so it is best to use a raw, unfiltered vinegar product. [2]
    • Most organic apple cider vinegars are unpasteurized, so it is a good idea to check organic food stores.
  2. To make an apple cider vinegar solution for your hair, use 1 part water to every 1 part apple cider vinegar. For example, if you are making a large batch of the rinse, try mixing 8 ounces (230 g) of apple cider vinegar for every 8 ounces (230 g) of water.
    • If your skin is sensitive, try a more diluted mixture, such as 1 part apple cider vinegar to every 2 or 3 parts water. [3] This will make the rinse less acidic and easier on your skin.
    • Use warm water to make the application of the solution more comfortable.
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  3. Once you have measured the ingredients to your preferred ratio, pour the apple cider vinegar and water into a cup or spray bottle. Shake or stir with a spatula or spoon to mix well. 
    • Using a spray bottle can be helpful because it may help you apply the solution more evenly over your hair. If you use a spray bottle, make sure that it is new and clean, as any residue from other products may be harmful to your hair.
    • If you don’t need to use it all immediately, you can store the leftover hair solution in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  4. For extra nutrients or to mask the vinegar smell, add a few drops (1 to 3) of your favorite essential oil to the apple cider vinegar and water solution. Lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, and tea tree are all essential oils commonly found in hair products, and contain nutrients that may help make your hair healthier. Lavender, tea tree, and rosemary are particularly popular for stimulating healthy hair growth, while lemongrass may help with itchy scalp caused by dandruff. [4]
    • Be careful with hot oils, such as peppermint, though, as these may irritate your skin. If you want to add a hot oil like peppermint to your solution, stick to 1 to 2 drops until you know how the oil impacts your skin.
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Part 2
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Applying the Solution to Your Hair

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  1. Using the shampoo and conditioner of your choice, wash your hair as you normally would. Rinse thoroughly with water before applying the apple cider vinegar solution. [5]
    • Make sure that you have completely rinsed the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair. This will ensure that the apple cider vinegar does not have an adverse reaction to the chemicals in your shampoo or conditioner.
    • If you do not usually use conditioner, you can skip it – the apple cider vinegar solution will make your hair soft and smooth anyway! 
  2. [6] Pour or spray the solution onto your hair, making sure that you use enough to cover your whole head. Massage the solution into your hair and scalp for a few seconds to help stimulate hair growth.
    • If your solution is in a cup instead of a spray bottle, lean your head back a bit when you pour in order to prevent the solution from going into your eyes.
    • If you have split ends, spend a little extra time rubbing the solution into the ends of your hair.
  3. [7] Leave the solution in your hair for 2 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong your solution is and how sensitive your skin is. If this is your first time applying apple cider vinegar to your hair, you might want to rinse after 2 minutes since you don’t know how the solution will affect your skin. [8]
    • If your solution is strong (i.e. if you used a 1:1 ratio), do not leave the solution on for more than 10 minutes, as it can seriously irritate your skin. Even if you do not have sensitive skin, it is best to ere on the side of caution for your first time.
  4. [9] Wash the apple cider vinegar solution out of your hair with clean water. After the solution is rinsed out, you can dry your hair as usual. Avoid using any products until your hair is completely dry, then style as usual. Your hair will be shiny, healthy, and smooth to the touch. [10]
  5. For best results, use your apple cider vinegar solution on your hair 1 to 3 times per week to cleanse product build-up and ensure your hair stays healthy and strong. [11] If your hair tends to be dry, try applying less often, about once per week, to avoid drying out your hair. If your hair is particularly oily, try applying the apple cider vinegar solution up to 3 times per week.
    • Even when diluted with water, apple cider vinegar is acidic and could irritate your skin. If you notice any signs of mild irritation, such as redness or itching, try diluting the solution with more water and/or using your apple cider vinegar solution less frequently. If the irritation is severe and you notice signs of a rash or feel any burning, discontinue use and consult your doctor if it does not get better. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do if it burns?
    Shun Pittman
    Master Cosmetologist
    Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".
    Shun Pittman
    Master Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It shouldn't burn if it's properly diluted, but if it does, I recommend rinsing it out immediately because you could have an open sore and it should be rinsed thoroughly.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid mixing apple cider vinegar directly with shampoo or conditioner. This may cause an adverse reaction that can be very harmful to your hair.
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        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
      • Water
      • Clean cup or new spray bottle
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner (only if you normally use it)

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about hair care, check out our in-depth interview with Shun Pittman .

      References

      1. ↑ v161775_b01. Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-filtered-and-unfiltered-apple-cider-vinegar-229773
      3. ↑ v161775_b01. Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-719/lemongrass
      5. ↑ https://unboundwellness.com/apple-cider-vinegar-hair-wash-routine/
      6. ↑ v161775_b01. Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
      7. ↑ v161775_b01. Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19932717/beauty-uses-for-vinegar/
      9. ↑ v161775_b01. Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
      1. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/this-is-the-best-way-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-hair/
      2. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/this-is-the-best-way-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-hair/
      3. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-816/apple-cider-vinegar

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