Clarify Hair Naturally (Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse)

One of my favorite ways to treat my hair is by giving it an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. Most people use an ACV rinse to remove product buildup in place of a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos strip hair of its natural oils and that can cause excessive drying and who wants that?  I initially used an ACV rinse only to help remove buildup.  I fell in love with it after seeing that it also made my curls more defined, bouncy, shiny and fluffy!  YAY ACV!  After that I had to find out what other benefits ACV rinses have besides removing buildup.


BENEFITS OF AN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE

• Closes the hair cuticle to protect the inside of the hair shaft from damage
• Removes buildup (cheaper and with less damage than clarifying shampoos)
• Can restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair
• Give hair a healthy sheen
• Promote blood circulation of the scalp
• and I am sure more that I don't know about

Please keep in mind that ACV is an acid and overuse can cause degradation to your hair shaft.  I have not seen any adverse side effects and will continue to use it 2-3 times a month.  I use it AFTER washing and conditioning since it is hard for conditioner to get through closed hair cuticles after using the rinse.

HERE IS HOW I MAKE MY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE:

Some people use plain water.  I had to be a little extra of course :)  I boil water and then let dried rosemary, black (English breakfast) tea and peppermint tea seep for a while.

I don't have a particular brand of apple cider vinegar I use, but for this batch I used Target's brand:

I use a 64 ounce container and filled it with 48 ounces of the rosemary/tea water and 16 ounces of ACV.  For me this is enough for 3 rinses and I keep it in the refrigerator.  I like to use it cold.  I don't know why, but it works for me.  When I first started using ACV, I used less and suggest anyone doing it for the first time to use less also to see how your hair reacts to it.

Once it is cool I add a1/2 tablespoon of an essential oil.  I usually use tea tree oil, but I used peppermint oil this time.