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For centuries, people have discovered that vinegar can enhance hair shine. A simple mixture of vinegar and water can smooth the hair cuticles and cleanse the strands effectively. Using white vinegar or apple cider vinegar after shampooing is an excellent way to revitalize your hair.
Steps
Using a Standard Vinegar Solution
Mix vinegar and water. Pure vinegar is often too strong for hair, so diluting it before use is essential. A mixture of 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup water is sufficient for one wash.
- If your hair is oily, you can add an extra tablespoon of vinegar. For dry or dandruff-prone hair, add an extra tablespoon of water.
- For curly, dyed, or permed hair, dilute the mixture further, using 2 to 4 parts water for 1 part vinegar.
- Both distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar work well. Many prefer apple cider vinegar for its milder scent.
Wash your hair as usual. Use your regular shampoo to cleanse your hair. If possible, opt for warm or cold water, as hot water can leave your hair frizzy and lifeless. Cold water helps flatten the hair shaft, adding extra shine and smoothness.
Skip the conditioner. Since you’ll be using vinegar as a rinse, there’s no need for a traditional conditioner after shampooing. The vinegar mixture will naturally leave your hair glossy and smooth.
Pour the vinegar mixture over your hair. Slowly apply the mixture to your scalp, ensuring even coverage on the top of your head. Use your fingers to massage it into your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
Wait for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the mixture to penetrate deeply into your hair. You can use this time to continue with your shower routine.
Rinse your hair with cold water. A quick rinse is enough to remove the vinegar from your hair. There’s no need to over-rinse, as the vinegar smell will fade once your hair dries.
Dry your hair as usual. You can either air-dry or blow-dry your hair. Once done, your hair will feel smooth and shiny, and the vinegar smell will completely disappear.
Repeat once or twice a week. You might love the results of vinegar rinsing and want to use it every time you wash your hair. However, overuse of vinegar can dry out your hair. Limit it to once or twice a week to cleanse your hair and maintain its natural shine.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Licensed Cosmetologist
Did you know? Vinegar solutions are effective for maintaining curly hair and reducing tangles because the acid balances your hair’s pH. Doing this once a week ensures your scalp maintains an optimal pH level and keeps your hair smooth and manageable.
Mix vinegar solution with other ingredients
Try adding a tablespoon of honey. Honey is known for its cleansing and moisturizing properties, making it a great addition to the vinegar solution. This is particularly helpful if your hair tends to be dry. Honey also has a pleasant scent that can mask the vinegar smell. To incorporate honey, follow these steps:
- Mix the vinegar solution with warm water to dissolve the honey. Then, pour the mixture into a lidded container.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Close the container and shake well before use.
Use egg whites for extra shine. Similar to vinegar, egg whites can cleanse and add shine to your hair. Since you’re already using vinegar, why not try adding an egg? Egg whites can also replace vinegar if you need to go out after washing. Here’s how to use egg whites:
- Prepare the vinegar solution as usual and pour it into a lidded container.
- Crack an egg, letting the egg white flow into the vinegar mixture. For dry hair, you can apply the yolk to the ends for added moisture.
- Close the container and shake well before use.
Add oil to moisturize your hair. If your hair is dry, massage a small amount of oil into the ends before rinsing with vinegar. You can try:
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of melted coconut oil
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond oil
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Infuse vinegar with herbs for a pleasant scent. If the smell of vinegar bothers you, herbs can add a soothing fragrance to the rinse. Herbs create a mild aroma that overpowers the vinegar smell and makes the experience more enjoyable. Here’s how:
- Prepare the vinegar solution as usual and pour it into a small pot.
- Add a tablespoon of dried herbs like lavender, rose, sage, mint, or rosemary.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the herbs and let the solution cool before use.
Add essential oils. Essential oils are the simplest way to mask the vinegar smell and create a pleasant aroma. Some oils also benefit your hair. Just prepare the vinegar solution as usual and stir in 5 to 10 drops of one of the following:
- Lavender: Known for its calming properties, it’s commonly used in skin and hair products.
- Tea tree oil: Helps combat dandruff and has a strong herbal scent.
- Lemongrass: Offers a refreshing aroma that overpowers the vinegar smell.
Tips
- Keep a spray bottle filled with one of the mixtures in your bathroom. Use it to cleanse your hair and remove soap scum from shower walls.
Warnings
- Avoid letting the vinegar mixture get into your eyes, as it may cause a burning sensation.
- Always dilute vinegar with water before use.
What You'll Need
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Optional ingredients such as honey, egg whites, oils, herbs, and essential oils
