DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Give your hair and scalp some TLC with this DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse! With just 3 ingredients, it can reduce dandruff, promote shine, and give you healthy, beautiful hair.

This post was originally published in November 2020.

Apple cider vinegar is found in many hair care products to promote shine, cleanse the hair, exfoliate the scalp, and so much more!

So it should come as no surprise that this DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse can be used for greasy and oily hair. I even use apple cider vinegar in my homemade dandruff shampoo!

And while apple cider vinegar (ACV) is definitely not an alternative to shampoo, it can be used in place of a conditioner.

Why You’ll Love This Hair Rinse

• Its many nutrients will leave your hair feeling refreshed and invigorated.
• Hair rinse is extremely helpful in preventing unwanted dandruff.
• You get high-quality results without the heightened costs of commercial products.
• This recipe is so easy and quick to make! Just combine the 3 simple ingredients, and you’re ready to use it.

Ingredients

• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is fantastic for hair health for so many reasons. Its acidity helps balance the pH of your hair, which helps with dryness. It also has antifungal properties and reduces scalp dryness, which suggests that it may help with dandruff and flaky scalp.
• Rosemary essential oil: This is an optional ingredient, but it does help cover the smell of the vinegar and add some additional benefits for the scalp and hair. Keep reading for alternative oil recommendations!
• Water: It’s important to dilute your apple cider vinegar as it can be quite harsh on the scalp.

How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Step 1. Add the ingredients to a small container and shake well to combine.

Step 2. Pour the hair rinse over clean, damp hair, and massage or comb into the strands.

Step 3. Let it sit for 1-3 minutes before rinsing out with warm water.

Step 4. If desired, follow up with a conditioner (like my homemade natural conditioner).

And while rosemary is optional, you may want to consider using some sort of essential oil to cover the smell of the vinegar.

Below, I list a few of my favorite scents that not only smell great but also provide a number of benefits to the hair.

Essential Oil Recommendations

• ROSEMARY– Adding rosemary essential oil to your hair can stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair.
• LAVENDER– This essential oil has a beautiful floral scent that is relaxing and can promote hair growth.
• CEDARWOOD– Adding cedarwood to your daily hair care routine can promote hair growth and help reduce dandruff.
• TEA TREE– Tea tree or melaleuca essential oil can help with a dry, itchy scalp. And if that’s not enough, tea tree is also an excellent hair cleanser.
• FRANKINCENSE– Frankincense essential oil has many benefits for the hair and scalp. It can reduce itchiness, provide hydration, and promote healthy hair.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Using apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse is the simplest way to receive its benefits for the hair.

First, wash your hair with a natural shampoo such as my homemade rosemary shampoo.

Then, pour the rinse over the hair and work it into the strands and the scalp with your fingertips.

Allow it to sit for several minutes before rinsing out with warm water.

Depending on hair type, you may be able to use this rinse to replace your regular conditioner.

If you notice your hair feeling dry or brittle after several uses, then follow up with a natural conditioner such as these homemade conditioner bars.

In addition, consider adding a deep conditioner treatment to your hair for additional hydration. 

Recipe Tips

• It’s helpful to make this recipe in a spray bottle for easier application.
• It is important to remember to dilute the ACV before applying it to the hair or scalp to reduce any burning or sensitivities. Should you experience any type of pain or burning, stop using it right away or dilute it further.
• Avoid getting the hair rinse in your eyes.
• This recipe is intended for one-time use, so use or discard any extra rinse.
• If you have especially long or short hair, you can adjust the recipe accordingly.

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Hair

ACV has so many benefits to the hair and scalp, which is why I use it in this hair rinse and so many of my other hair care recipes! Here are some of the benefits it may provide:

• It can help naturally balance pH levels.
• Reveals shiny, smooth, and soft hair.
• It helps tame unruly hair and reduces tangles.
• Manages oily or greasy hair.
• It can be used as a DIY clarifying shampoo.
• Exfoliates dead skin cells and removes buildup.
• It can help strengthen hair.

Side Effects of Washing Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe, but it is acidic, and care should be taken, especially for first-time users.

Never apply ACV undiluted to the skin or hair, as skin irritation or minor burning sensations may occur.

And always remember, moderation is key. For example, use it no more than twice a week, and less frequently if you have overly dry hair.

ACV Hair Rinse for Greasy Hair

Apple cider vinegar hair rinses help to make the transition from conventional hair products to natural hair products.

The biggest culprit in overly greasy or dry, dull hair is due to overwashing and harsh shampoos.

The more you wash, the more oils your hair produces!

That’s why your hair looks like a greasy mop when you go from once-a-day washing to a twice-a-week routine.

Don’t worry; over time, your scalp will begin to produce fewer oils, but until then, this hair rinse will help keep your locks light and fresh. A homemade dry shampoo can also help you survive the greasiness before your next wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you sold on washing your hair with apple cider vinegar? It helped me so incredibly much when I first started washing my hair twice a week.

Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it worked out for you! I love to hear from you.

And for more great reading material, here are a few similar posts.

Related Recipes

• DIY protein hair treatment – for damaged hair
• DIY scalp scrub – for dandruff
• How to lighten hair naturally – top tips
• How to make rosemary water – for hair growth
• Homemade shampoo for hard water buildup

If you tried this Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!