I’ve mentioned ACV in a few blog posts before but haven’t made a specific post detailing how I go about using it in my hair routine. My love for ACV came about during the times when my scalp just doesn’t stop itching. Usually, this happens every few months and seems although I deep condition every week and shampoo every two weeks, there are times when there’s still too much build up and my scalp becomes irritated. I reach for ACV and then these problems cease.
The benefits of ACV seemed too good to be true. When I first heard of using the vinegar for hair I was wondering what could be so great about apple cider vinegar and why was everyone raving about it. Well, for starters ACV has pH balancing properties. Before I thought pH balance was only something internal but I had no idea your scalp had a pH balance and this prevents the growth of bacteria and dryness. Basically pH balance is an important part of scalp health and ultimately hair growth. It acts as a natural cleanser and removes product buildup and dirt from gels, leave-ins and other daily products. These properties explain why my hair and scalp feel so relieved after using the rinse.
When using ACV it is important to use the right portions to reap all of the benefits. You don’t want to make the mistake of using too much of the ACV. I had the tendency of pouring too much ACV into my bottle of water just because I wanted to make sure it REALLY worked. However, when I used the portions of half water and half ACV, my hair felt harder and drier and my prior deep conditioning treatment seemed pointless. ACV is an acidic ingredient so dilutting with water is crucial. The measurements I use for my 4c and prone to dryness hair is 1 parts ACV and 3 parts water.
- 1/4 cup of ACV and 3/4 cup of water
Easiest Way to Use ACV
I’ve tried using ACV before and after I condition, as well as using only ACV as a rinse and following with a leave-in conditioner. I typically use the rinse method when I have a protective style that has a lot of hair ie: crochet braids, twists, etc. When I have more time on my hands I use ACV as my shampoo and then follow with a conditioner to reapply the moisture.
To apply the ACV it is easiest to use with a spray bottle. You can spray the mixture directly onto the scalp or open the bottle top and rinse it throughout your hair. This process usually takes about 5-10 minutes. I then let the mixture sit on my hair for at least 5 minutes and then I rinse thoroughly with cool water.
I use ACV monthly or when an itchy scalp scenario arises. It’s not a weekly type of treatment due to its acidic nature. It’s been about a year since I first started using ACV and I gladly hold it in my arsenal of top DIY products for natural hair.
Learn more about the benefits of ACV in detail here.
ACV is really cool and one of the best home remedies. I need to start incorporating it in my hair and skin care.