via TheBeautyBrains
HySpin says…I have started incorporated Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinses in my hair care practices with great results. My hair is very, very kinky and I find if I do the apple cider vinegar rinse as the final cleaning step of washing my hair I find my hair feels smoother, reflects light more (shinier) and it is easier to detangle. But what is the apple cider vinegar really doing to my hair?
The Right Brain responds:
In actual lab testing we’ve haven’t been able to demonstrate much of an effect from vinegar. But since vinegar is an acid, in theory, there are three things that the low pH could be doing for your hair.
Three Ways That Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Hair
1. Tightening the cuticle.
If your hair is damaged and the cuticles are upraised, an acid rinse could be helping them to lay flatter and therefore improving shine and detangle-ability.
2. Boosting conditioner efficacy
Conditioners based on quaternary ammonium compounds work better at a lower pH because the stick to hair better. Maybe the vinegar is helping to “lock” your conditioner onto the hair.
3. Removing shampoo residue
If shampoo isn’t rinsed completely it can leave a dulling residue on hair. Vinegar may be helping to remove buildup and letting the natural hair shine through.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Again, these are only theories. We have no proof that ACV is really good for your hair. The general scientific consensus is that conditioner will do a much better job than any kind of vinegar rinse.
Have you seen real benefits from regular ACV rinses?
CN Says:
I’ve only done one or two in my entire life, so I can’t speak to the benefits of regular use. I can say that the times I used it, my hair seemed shinier. *shrugs*
I LOVEEE ACV ! I use braggs organic raw apple cider vinegar/or the whole foods store brand . I put 3 parts acv to 1 part water in a spray bottle and spray directly to my scalp in sections. When scalp is totally covered I let dry for 20 minutes and then start my washing process.
Before I went natural I developed a scalp dermatitis from relaxers. I was actually given a doctor medicated 2% selenium sulfide dermatitis shampoo. It didn't work so I was given a step up that was 2.5% selenium sulfide. Long story short , did big chop december 20th and just started using acv as a scalp treatment before washes every week and my scalp has not a flare up yet in the past 4 weeks !
I started using ACV after a shampoo, but I didn't realize you were supposed to dilute it! OOPS! But after doing more research, I got a great mix going and I'm finding it works great. It's also fairly inexpensive. And since you'll be diluting it, you can buy a small bottle for a couple dollars and it'll go a long way.
I've been doing ACV rinses since 2008. Two words: LOVE THEM! I do them about 2x a month, or whenever I think about it, and I always get consistent results. My hair is left much cleaner, smoother, shinier and super easy to detangle. I've heard that they are good for porosity issues and I haven't experienced anything that would prove otherwise.
They feel great on my scalp. My scalp tends to get that dry, itchy feeling and the ACV rinse knocks that right out. It also allows me to go longer between shampoos and cowash more..
I love ACV rinses. My scalp does not itch any more and my curls are more defined after washing. I introduced the ACV rinse to a friend who had dandruff problems and it has been 2 weeks with no itchy scalp. The best thing ever!! Now to convince her to join the natural hair world 🙂
ACV poo's are what I do! I find that it's so much easier to wash/rinse my hair than using shampoos (even when I dilute the shampoo). I don't have to thoroughly use conditioner BEFORE washing my hair with a shampoo (to maintain that "slip" in your hair)—I can just go straight to the ACV, wash my hair, rinse, and condition. Works like a charm EVERYTIME. =o)
*Crystal*
On time article, this is! Just tried an ACV rinse on Saturday, after having last done one in September and I too noticed a smoother texture and shinier appearance. I will definitely incorporate on a weekly basis.
Anonymous @4:25PM: I meant to say "I only *received* good results the first time…
Personally, I only receive good results the first time I tried an ACV rinse. The next time I tried it, my hair look unspectacular! I was underwhelmed. After that, I decided I will not bother with it! It was a one trick pony for me!
I've used it twice with infused herbs and I love the results. My hair has always been hard crunchy and dry but after rinses it literally feels soft and manageable.
I've noticed that a diluted acv rinse smoothes my hair after a wash. I can actually feel the difference as I run my hand over my hair after a condition it has a slightly rough feel but after the acv rinse it feels smoother to the touch, less tangles.
I shampoo my hair still and the acv rinse helps to keep my hair feeling dry afterwards, sometimes I use it before I co-wash to remove product buildup. My hair is softer, my scalp is not as itchy.
I love ACV rinses. I use them mostly because it keeps my itchy scalp issues at bay. But it also helps to get my hair and scalp a little cleaner since I only use Salon One (Wen knock off) for cleansing purposes.
I do notice that my hair is a bit softer, and my hair has more of a sheen to it, but I always figured it was because of the Condish.