Using Apple Cider Vinegar To Rid Hair Of Product Buildup

Clean hair!

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a permanent staple in my house.  If you’ve read my earlier post about my Five Healthy Living Essentials then you already know this.  ACV has so many different uses for the hair and body, and one of my favorite ways to use it is to remove product buildup in my hair.  You know, that gross stuff that accumulates from all the products we put in our hair.  Think of it this way, when you lay your head on your pillowcase every night, you’re basically bathing your face in whatever products you put in your hair.  Pleasant right?

Why use Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH of hair, which is important for cleansing, but ACV does not strip hair’s natural oils like many store-bought shampoos do.  It is also a great detangler and closes the hair cuticle so that your hair is extra shiny. When buying apple cider vinegar, make sure you get one that is organic and has the “mother” in it.  Those are the stringy things floating at the bottom.  I know, usually we want to avoid buying a product that has stuff floating in it, but they say that’s where a lot of the good stuff comes from.  I like Bragg’s ACV. It is organic, unpasteurized, and I can buy it at my local grocery store.

You’re probably thinking, why not just use a clarifying shampoo?  Well, you could, and I have, but there are so many less than desirable ingredients in many of those shampoos. (More about that very soon!)   Plus, a 16 oz. bottle of apple cider vinegar is less than $4 and lasts a long time!

How to use Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove Product Buildup:

1. Mix 1 part water with 1 part ACV.  I keep mine in the shower in this travel size plastic bottle from Target.
2. Shampoo hair as usual and rinse.  (I’m currently using L’Oreal’s sulfate free shampoo, but my hair is a temperamental beast so I might switch when I run out).
3. Spray hair with ACV/water mixture, starting at the roots and massaging it in gently.  When I’m not feeling lazy, I’ll even run a comb through it.
4. Leave it in for a few minutes if you have time.  If not, don’t worry, you’ll still see the benefits.
5. Rinse and follow with your usual conditioner.

*How often you do an ACV rinse really depends on your hair type.  I have super thick, dry hair so I only need to wash it once a week. Since I only wash it once a week I do the ACV rinse every time I wash it.  If your scalp feels itchy or your hair is lacking shine, that’s probably product buildup and a good time for the ACV rinse.

Will My Hair Smell Like Vinegar For The Rest Of The Day?

Nope, you won’t even smell it after its rinsed and you’ve conditioned your hair, I promise!

What’s your favorite use for apple cider vinegar? 

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