Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can be used in so many ways
around your home. It is an excellent non-toxic housecleaning agent, fighting
fleas on your pets, a healthy immune and metabolic boost when consumed, can be
used to dress salads, works as a skin clearing/healing product and last but
certainly not least it does magic for our hair. If it isn’t already part of
your hair care routine hopefully after this article it will be!
What
is it?
ACV is a form of vinegar produced from pulverized
apples to produce apple juice that is fermented to apple cider and then
re-fermented to ACV. It contains a number of natural nutrients such as
vitamins, acetic, lactic, citric and malic acids as well as pectin, mineral
salts and amino acids.
In order for ACV to be effective and beneficial for the
hair it should always be diluted (with water) before application due to the
fact that it is acidic. If used undiluted it can dry out the hair and scalp
therefore the general rule of thumb is to use 1 part ACV to 3-4 parts water
e.g., ¼ cup of ACV to ¾ cup of water.
What
are the benefits for your hair?
· Re-balances the natural pH level of our hair
and scalp
·
Closes the hair’s cuticle
·
Provides the hair with shine
·
Makes the hair smooth and soft
·
Cleanses the hair and scalp of product
build up
·
Helps to fight against dandruff and lice
·
Helps fight scalp irritations which can
·
Help promote hair growth which Reduce hair
loss
How
can I use ACV?
Cleansing
Hair Rinse
- Pour 1 part ACV to 3 parts water in an old
clean conditioner bottle - Before heading out the shower pour the mix
over your head focusing on your scalp and then your ends. - Let it sit on your head for 1 minute and
then do a final rinse with cool water.
Tea Infused ACV Rinse
- Pour 1 cup of ACV into a glass jar, add 1
teabag of Green Tea and seal with an airtight lid. - Store the jar in your fridge for 1 week
(longer if you can be patient) and shake the bottle once a day. - Once the teabag has infused take out the
teabag (strain the tea if you used loose leafs). - Use 1 part Infused Apple Cider Vinegar to 3
parts water and apply in the shower similar to above.
Deep Conditioner ACV
- ½ cup of conditioner (more/less depending
on your hair length) - 1 Egg Yolk
- 1 tablespoon ACV (either plain or Tea
infused) - 1 tablespoon carrier oil (e.g. grapeseed,
olive oil, jojoba, coconut, almond) - 1 tablespoon molasses or honey
(Do not worry
the smell of ACV will not linger when you rinse your hair and it dries.)
[by Maicurls via Global Couture]
