Apple cider vinegar is very acidic in nature. It is often used diluted as a balancing hair rinse after shampooing with a basic shampoo. So what is apple cider vinegar specifically?
Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known simply as cider vinegar, is made from cider or apple must, and is often sold unfiltered, with a brownish-yellow color; it often contains mother of vinegar. It is very popular, partly due to its beneficial health and beauty properties. Due to its acidity, apple cider vinegar can be very harsh, even burning the throat. If taken straight (as opposed to usage in cooking), it should be diluted (e.g. with fruit juice) before drinking.[3] Others dilute it with warm water and add some honey.[4] There have been reports of acid chemical burns of the throat in using the pill form.[5]
Apple cider vinegar smooths the hair and can be used in conjunction with various herbs or honey. So how do you do a well-diluted ACV rinse?
1. Shampoo your hair with the shampoo of your choice.
2. Apply conditioner of your choice for 2 minutes then rinse out.
3. Diluted 1/4 cup of ACV in 500mL of water. Or, you can infuse the diluted ACV with herbs or honey which is explained in the recipes below.
4. Rinse with the ACV then rinse with water. Your hair should feel really smooth because acv lays the hair cuticles flat whereas shampooing temporarily lifts them!
From chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com
Ingredients
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Directions:
1) Boil the water in a small saucepan.
2) Add the herbs and vinegar. Cover and allow the “tea” to steep for at least 15 minutes. If you want a stronger herbal infusion, add more herbs, cover and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes.
3) Allow your infusion to cool. It should be used that day or refrigerated for later use. You may also double or triple the recipe. Just be sure to refrigerate the unused portion.
4) When you have finished rinsing the shampoo out of your hair, pour the rinse on your hair and massage your scalp. If you have very long hair, as I do, you can dip your hair into the jug before pouring its contents over your head. Avoid getting the rinse in your eyes, particularly if you have used essential oils. Also make sure the temperature of your rinse is just right for you.
5) Rinse it out with fresh water or, for extra conditioning benefits, just leave it in and towel dry hair. The vinegar scent will disappear as your hair dries.
6) Make sure you rinse out the shower afterwards, as some herbs can leave it looking slightly tea stained; similarly, watch out for your towels. The staining is only temporary and washes out very easily; it is more likely to occur with extra strong infusions.
Herb & Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe #2: This recipe makes a larger batch and takes longer to prepare
Ingredients
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Directions: 1. Place approximately 1 cup of chopped herbs in a glass jar. 2. Cover with 2 cups of vinegar. 3. “Steep” this mixture in a tightly closed jar or bottle in the refrigerator or in a dark, cool place for two weeks. 4. Strain steeped vinegar from herbs through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a fresh, clean bottle. 5. Refrigerate up to 6 months. (I always leave about a weeks worth in my shower!) Tip: If you don’t want to wait two weeks, speed up infusion by heating the vinegar before pouring over herbs. “Steep” for a few days! When ready to use: dilute 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of the herbal vinegar in 1 cup of water. Rinse through wet hair after shampooing. Rinse it out with fresh water or, for extra conditioning benefits, just leave it in and towel dry hair. The vinegar scent will disappear as your hair dries. |
Heat the rose flowers with the vinegar and water. Bring to a boil and steep for 30 minutes. After cooling , place mixture in a jar with a tight fitting lid and let sit for 2 weeks. Strain the rose flowers from the vinegar and use the liquid for your hair rinse. Beauty Secret Vinegar Facial Soak: Heat the rose vinegar slowly until it is a comfortable temperature to apply to the skin. Soak a clean warm wash cloth in vinegar and lay over the face for five minutes. Repeat this procedure four times, each time re-dipping the washcloth to reapply. For best results, keep the washcloth on the skin for a total of 20 minutes. This facial soak is an excellent exfoliant and skin stimulant. |