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No Matter the (Hair) Problem, Apple Cider Vinegar is the Answer

By: Sarah Federico, Beauty and Wellness Writer

Rub-a-dub-dub, we’re all about those suds.

We want to share our shameful – yet completely unapologetic – secret: we really, really like clean hair. Left behind sweat and residual hair product? No thank you, we’ll pass. But this preoccupation with cleanliness, which borders on obsession, is not doing our hairs any favors. Because, while we don’t indulge in daily sudsing, our sudsing sessions are VIGOROUS, and often adhere to the principals of the double wash (more on that in another post … stay tuned).

That’s why we’re turning to nature’s cure-all, apple cider vinegar. Because, used correctly, ACV is meant to cleanse your scalp and strands, without stripping them of their natural and much-needed oils. This gentle process can help to restore the pH balance of your hair and scalp, rendering both healthy – and strands shiny.

However, we know that the how, why and what of an ACV ritual are not necessarily intuitive. And while an internet deep-dive is certainly our jam, we know that it may not necessarily be yours.

So, here, we’ve rounded up the details, which will make your next apple cider vinegar rinse a snap.

First, The Why

When applied properly, apple cider vinegar can help to balance hair and scalp pH, effectively flattening and closing the cuticle level of your hair. This can tout a bevy of benefits, including: more glossy-looking strands, less frizz, less breakage and higher levels of moisture. Additionally, a diluted ACV solution can help to remove residual product build-up, as well as excess dirt and sebum.

And if you’ve got dandruff? Antibacterial apple cider vinegar may help to prevent and cure that, too.

Next, How

We’re all about that DIY.

That being said, we do not advise dumping apple cider vinegar straight onto your scalp. Undiluted, ACV is very powerful and can strip strands plus burn the scalp.

1. In a fine, pointed squeeze tip bottle, mix: three parts water, one part aloe vera and one part apple cider vinegar. Shake well to combine.

2. Using the pointed tip, apply the product directly onto your scalp. Working in sections, start at the center part and move from the forehead to the nape of the neck.

3. Using your fingertips, massage the solution into your scalp. Next, squirt the serum on your mid-lengths and ends and work it in.

4. Allow to rest for up-to five minutes.

5. Rinse your scalp and hair, making sure to remove all of the ACV solution.

6. Follow with a hydrating conditioner. Rinse thoroughly.

Not a Fan of DIY? Try These, Instead

R+Co Acid Wash ACV Cleansing Rinse

Restore your hair to natural, clean and shiny state – minus the at-home science project – with this all-in-one nourishing product. Formulated with apple fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice and tamanu seed oil, this tonic provides natural scalp exfoliation, adds strength and luster, plus promotes an optimal scalp environment.

A go-to for hair that’s dull, dehydrated – and in need of enhanced vitality.

The 3-step system by dpHUE

Step 1: Exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, rebalance your pH and sooth a sensitive scalp with ACV scalp scrub by dpHUE.

Step 2: Side-step over-shampooing (don’t judge us) and remove impurities with ACV Hair Rinse by dpHUE.

Step 3: Repair plus deeply condition with protein enhanced ACV Hair Masque by dpHUE, which targets damage, without weighing the hair down.

Lastly, a word on frequency.

In general, you’ll want to aim for a once weekly treatment.

That being said, the condition of your hair can work to increase or decrease this number. For example, if your hair is extremely dehydrated, consider decreasing frequency to every other week. Conversely, if your hair is on the oily side, consider treating it twice weekly.

The key, as they say, is in the balance.