Using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioning and shine is an effective, natural, inexpensive, and non-toxic alternative to mainstream conditioning products.
I can’t remember when exactly I began using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioner, but I know I haven’t bought a bottle of hair conditioner for at least three years! Choosing personal care products that are non-toxic is a big priority to me. And, I love how apple cider vinegar makes my hair shiny and soft.
Toxins in Cosmetics
Many mainstream beauty products unfortunately contain chemicals that are toxic to our bodies. Those toxins can actually be carcinogenic, interfere with reproductive and endocrine health, and cause allergic reactions and skin problems. Check out my post to read more about the research behind toxins in cosmetics and how to get rid of them.
Thankfully, there are many up and coming beauty brands that are offering toxin-free products that work just as well as mainstream products! I’ve dedicated a post to sharing the affordable and natural cosmetics products that I personally use and love daily. For example, I highly recommend this volume shampoo by Acure which is entirely toxin-free and works amazingly!
A DIY Solution: Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Conditioner
Since store-bought natural products can be a bit pricey, many people make their own DIY natural cosmetics at home. Making and using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioner is an excellent way to both save money, and reduce the toxins you are exposing your body to.
From Personal Experience…
Like I said, I have been using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioner for at least three years. Putting vinegar in your hair sounds pretty out there to a lot of people, I completely understand!
First of all, I’d like to reassure you that your hair will not smell like vinegar whatsoever! The vinegar scent completely washes out and I have never smelled it after showering.
My hair is quite fine. When using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioner I almost never have any issues with tangles or combing through my hair. (I recommend using a wide-toothed comb to comb through wet hair to reduce potential breakage.)
The best part of using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioner is it makes my hair soft and shiny! I love that it doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it greasy like other conditioners can.
Why apple cider vinegar?
1. Its acidity.
Putting acidic vinegar on our heads doesn’t exactly sound like it would be helpful. But actually, our skin has, on average, a pH of 5, which is acidic. Many mainstream hair products have an alkaline pH (opposite of acidic). That means they can actually cause hair to swell (or frizz), look dull, and become brittle.
By diluting acidic apple cider vinegar with water and using it on hair, it can be a really effective way to restore and help hair maintain a healthy pH level.
2. Its nutrients.
Apple cider vinegar is naturally packed with nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients make apple cider vinegar even more beneficial for your hair’s strength and health! Apple cider vinegar also contains natural alpha-hydroxy acid. This acid can be effective for combatting dandruff and removing buildup left by chemical hair products.
3. It’s inexpensive.
A 32-ounce bottle of organic and raw apple cider vinegar can cost $6 or less. Since you only need one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup for this conditioning spray, that bottle can last you a long time!
What kind of apple cider vinegar should I use?
For maximum benefits, use organic and raw apple cider vinegar. Raw ensures that the beneficial nutrients haven’t been filtered out or lost during pasteurization. Organic means that it doesn’t contain any chemical residue that could be toxic.
I recommend Bragg’s Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar:
I personally use and love this amber glass spray bottle from Amazon for my DIY apple cider vinegar hair conditioner:
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Conditioner Recipe and Instructions:
Using apple cider vinegar for hair conditioning and shine is an effective, inexpensive, and non-toxic alternative to mainstream conditioning products.
- 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to.
After shampooing and rinsing your hair, squeeze excess water out then spray down your hair with the apple cider vinegar solution.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse your hair. Enjoy your silky, shiny hair!
