Natural Vinegar Hair Rinse

Vinegar is an acid. Hair, which is actually a modified form of skin, works best when it is slightly acidic. The outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, covers the hair shaft and protects it like the bark on a tree. The cuticle is made of overlapping layers of long scales that lie along the surface of the hair like shingles on a roof. It is the condition of the cuticle scales that determines whether you are going to have a bad hair day. When the cuticle is in good shape, is unbroken, and lies flat, your hair has a smooth appearance. When the layers of the cuticle are tightly knit together, the light is able to reflect off the cuticle. This is what makes hair shine! The cuticle opens when we shampoo our hair. When the cuticle layers are open and not knit together, the hair will feel rough, coarse and brittle. The hair will absorb the light rather than reflect it, which gives the appearance of dull and lifeless hair.

Vinegar helps to restore the natural acidity or pH, removes scaly build-up and residue from hair shafts, and closes the cuticles. By restoring the pH, your scalp will be healthier. Since residue coats the hair causing it to look dull, removing residue gives your hair more shine. By closing the cuticles, the hair slides more easily and there will be fewer tangles. Vinegar has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin.

If the cuticle stays open it can start a tear in the hair shaft that ultimately leads to breakage of the hair shaft.
 

Vinegar Rinse

What Kind of Vinegar Should I Use?
Although plain white vinegar will work just fine, Apple Cider Vinegar seems to be the favorite hair care vinegar.

Simple Recipe
A good amount to make for long hair is 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water.

How Do I Use The Vinegar Hair Rinse?
After shampooing apply the vinegar rinse.

At this point you may rinse it all out if you want, or leave the rinse on your hair. Leaving the vinegar rinse on your hair helps prevent tangles in long hair. Since the vinegar restores natural pH it also helps prevent an itchy scalp. As your hair is drying you will smell vinegar, but once your hair dries, no smell. Trust me!

How Often Can I Use The Vinegar Hair Rinse?
Since everyone's hair is different you should use your own judgment. Some say that vinegar rinses may be drying if used every day and it is best to restrict use to two times per week. Try a vinegar rinse every other day for the first few weeks--until your hair adjusts to the new shampoo--then once or twice a week after that to keep your hair healthy and shiny. Many customers have found this regimen to work, but do some experimenting!

Some Helpful Hints
Pouring cold vinegar rinse on your hair in the shower may be a more invigorating experience than you would like. (Although if you're feeling brave, the cold water will give your hair added shine.) Keep a small plastic container of vinegar in your shower. Next, recycle a small clear plastic bottle with a squirt top. Choose the amount of rinse you will need to make for your hair. Mark the vinegar line and water line on your bottle. Now you can pour in the vinegar and add warm water from your shower and squirt the rinse on your hair! I also recommend not getting it into your eyes, it may sting a bit. If you do get it into your eyes,  just rinse with plenty of water.

*Any of our Handmade Natural Liquid Soaps can be used as a shampoo. Our all natural liquid Soaps contain no artificial fragrance, color, preservatives, detergents, alcohol, urea, formaldehyde, sodium laurel sulfate, DEA, propylene glycol - or any of the other synthetic hair care additives. They are perfect for those with chemical sensitivities, sensitivities to fragrances or natural botanicals.

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