A lot of us have over the years heard of ACV rinses and their benefits but many have been skeptical of it. today we break it down for you in this blog of How and Why! Read on to know more! Your scalp's natural pH level is around 5, making it slightly acidic. This acidity level is critical for keeping your hair's cuticle layer flat and closed. A flat cuticle layer is associated with shiny, smooth, soft hair that has less frizz. It helps each individual hair strand retain moisture, making them smooth and less likely to catch on each other, preventing tangling, breakage, dryness, and hair loss. ACV- commonly known as Apple Cider Vinegar is used both in cooking and for skin/hair care!
However, many shampoos and other hair products have an alkaline pH (above 7), which disrupts the scalp's acidity level. The cuticle responds by opening, making the hair more prone to dryness, breakage, frizz, tangling, and other problems. This can be especially difficult for natural and curly hair. Let’s talk solutions now!
- How to do an ACV rinse:
- Shampoo and condition hair normally.
- Mix three tablespoons of five percent ACV with 1 + 3/4 cups of water. If you have oily hair or struggle with dandruff, you can use four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Massage the mixture into the scalp and leave it in for up to five minutes. It shouldn’t burn if properly diluted, but if it does, rinse it out immediately.
- Rinse it out thoroughly with cool water to help seal your hair’s cuticle.
Make sure to do an ACV rinse regularly for the best results. Using good quality ACV also makes a huge difference. Here are some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair:
- Helps control frizz and adds shine: Dry hair that is severely dehydrated appears frizzy. Apple cider vinegar can help with frizz control because it contains acetic acid, which is known to reduce dryness and keep frizz at bay. If your hair has become dull and lifeless, use apple cider vinegar to easily revitalize it. The main ingredient closes hair cuticles and soothes the hair, giving it a glossy appearance.
- Clarifies and exfoliates the scalp: Since apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it balances out the pH levels on the scalp, reducing the occurrence of dandruff. Dandruff occurs when there is too much yeast in the oily areas of the scalp — apple cider vinegar is effective against yeast, fungus, and bacteria, making it a godsend for those suffering from dandruff.
- Helps with itchiness and irritation: Whether you have a dry scalp, or an inflamed one, ACVs got your back. Apple cider vinegar, as aforementioned, gets rid of the yeast overgrowth, thus managing to reduce irritation and itchiness while calming the scalp and restoring pH balance thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Maintains volume and curl definition: Since AVC is free of sulphates and other parabens it does not weigh your hair down. It nourishes and smoothens hair like a conditioner but only natural.
- Stimulates hair growth: It is widely assumed that ACV can improve blood circulation, thereby promoting hair growth. When your hair is alkaline and has a higher pH level than normal, it is more prone to breakage. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, it balances the pH levels of your hair, reducing breakage and improving hair health.
Curl cure always wants what’s best for you. However, some hair and skin types may not be suitable for ACV at all. ACV contains very strong acetic acid. If you have sensitive or irritated skin, ACV may not be suitable for your daily routine. But be sure to do a patch test before for allergies. Start by doing the rinse once a week and slowly change to twice. If your hair is very dry, try not do it more than once a week. You can instead use a hydrating and nourishing hair mask like ‘The Banana Hair Mask’ or Deep conditioning ‘Hair Milk’.
Banana Hair Mask- https://curlcure.com/collections/hair-care/products/banana-hair-mask-100-natural
Hair Milk- https://curlcure.com/collections/hair-care/products/hair-milk-deep-conditioner-mask-100-natural
Happy Curling!