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Whether you need something to make the most of your relaxed mane or you're after super-hydrating products for your natural curls, you may be able to find exactly what you're looking for in your pantry. The more you learn about Black hair and what's good for it, the more you may be surprised to learn that your kitchen can hold a wealth of goodies. In many cases, you'll save money and time by looking on your pantry shelf for your next natural haircare miracle.
Apple cider vinegar rinses aren't for everyone, but if you want to give this inexpensive treatment a try, you'll enjoy the following benefits. Remember, don't use undiluted vinegar on your hair; this is a rinse, mixed with plenty of water. The trick is finding the perfect ratio of ACV to water; some women swear by a 1:4 of ACV: water, while others use much more water. Since this is an acid we're talking about, it's better to err on the side of more water. Keep scrolling to find out some of the hair and scalp benefits of using apple cider vinegar on natural hair.
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Closes Cuticles, Leading to Smoothness
If you view a strand of hair under a microscope, you'll see that it's not a smooth tube. It's covered with scale-like cuticles. When your hair's cuticles lie flat, your tresses may appear shinier (or at least have some sheen) and your hair feels smoother. Hair cuticles may be damaged through poor treatment and chemical processes. Raised cuticles may not reflect light as well and feel rougher.
Similar to pH balancing shampoos, using ACV rinses after cleansing may help to close the cuticle shaft and prevent cuticle swelling, making your hair smoother, shinier, and easier to comb through, as well as holding moisture in more effectively.
Balances Hair's pH Levels
Brief science lesson: On the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, human hair falls on the lower and mildly acidic end, somewhere between 4.5 and 5.5. Unfortunately, many of the hair products we use disrupt our hair's natural pH since a lot of them are alkaline and on the higher end of the scale.
Undiluted apple cider vinegar usually has a pH of around 2.5, but you shouldn't use it undiluted on your hair! Diluted, it's usually closer to a pH of about 5; still acidic and potentially better than a pH of 7, often found in commercial products. A vinegar rinse might help to restore your hair's natural pH balance, keeping it healthy.
Byrdie Tip
To avoid damage or rough hair, begin with a large ratio of water to vinegar (4:1 / water:vinegar is a good starting point), but you can always increase or decrease your amounts as needed.
Removes Product Buildup
One of the reasons people go on a no-poo regimen like ACV rinses is because it is meant to remove buildup that can make your hair appear dull. If you don't use shampoo, you still need to get old products and dirt out of your hair. ACV rinses, usually combined with a baking soda cleansing routine, are great for cutting through oily buildup. Once all those old products are rinsed away thanks to the vinegar, your hair may feel softer and appear more vibrant.
Relieves Itchy Scalp
If you suffer from an itchy scalp or dandruff, vinegar rinses might provide relief from the irritation because vinegar contains antibacterial qualities. The itchiness doesn't need to be an effect of product buildup, but in some cases, it is. ACV may effectively cut through buildup on the hair and scalp, giving your scalp the fresh, clean start it needs.
Affordability
Not everyone has unlimited funds when it comes to buying hair products. Whenever you can find something that works for you while saving you a lot of money, it's time to celebrate. Not only is regular apple cider vinegar incredibly inexpensive, but it's also easy to find. Just pop into your grocery store, chain, or discount retailer and chances are, you'll find a bottle of ACV cheap.
Of course, if you choose the organic or raw ACV, you'll spend more, but many tout the benefits of the non-organic version just as well.
Do What Works for You
Remember: If you try ACV rinses and find that your hair isn't feeling or looking better, there's no reason to continue doing them. As with other natural and commercial products, some things will work better for you than others. The good thing about ACV is that you won't go broke trying it out!
UP NEXT: How to Determine Your Hair Porosity (and Care for It Accordingly)
