Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

I've never been happier to smell like a salad

I've suffered from scalp issues for many many years. I have a very dry scalp that can cause crazy itching and some occasional dandruff. There was a time where I began to break my scalp skin and bleed because I was scratching in my sleep (I know - disturbing, cringey, gross). I tried Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, T/Gel, some kind of psoriasis shampoo, a prescription shampoo from my doctor, olive oil, and tea tree oil. I was stubborn to use the prescription shampoo because I had color treated hair at that time and it was really stripping my color (we pay good money for hair coloring!) and none of the other basic dry scalp/dandruff shampoos or items helped long term. Every week I was asking my partner, "Ey, check my scalp right here," #SoAttractive and it was the same answers every time - "You're dry," "It looks like a scab."

About 2-3 months ago, I began to experience big pieces of dandruff/flakes with these weird isolated, random patches! Looking like I just took a walk in a snowy region. My hairstylist attributed it to the changing weather; she said a lot of her clients were complaining of the same issues. I was self conscious and in a panic because I hadn't experienced flakes or patches like that before. Did I go to the doctor? Nope. I brought out the olive oil and tea tree oil again, but it was only helping for a few days at a time. Did I consult a real doctor then? Nope. I turned to my good friend, Dr. Google.

That's when I came across apple cider vinegar hair rinses. To my surprise, using ACV for hair was actually a thing. Aids in balancing the hair's pH levels, removes scalp build up (dry shampoo lovers raise ya hands!), reduces frizz, all while not stripping hair color - WHAT! - I was in!

I wash my hair every 4th day to try and keep my color as nice and long as possible, and I use dry shampoo in between wash days. I used to wash my hair every 5th day, but it's hard *pouty face*

For dry shampoo, I usually use either the Bed Head Oh Bee Hive aerosol dry shampoo or the Playa Soft Volume Powder.

Every other hair wash day, I do an ACV rinse. It's not recommended to do ACV rinses more than once a week if you have color treated hair.

My steps:

1. Shampoo

2. Mix 4-5 tablespoons of raw/unfiltered ACV with 2 cups of water

3. CLOSE EYES, and slowly pour the mixture onto different sections of scalp and rub in

4. Let it sit for a few mins

5. Rinse

6. Condition (sometimes I skip conditioning)

7. Smell like a salad dressing for a few hours. Don't worry, the smell begins to fade as your hair dries.

8. Apply Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother to damp hair

9. Apply Verb Ghost Oil to damp hair (new product I'm liking so far)

Benefits of ACV hair rinses:

+ Balances pH levels

+ Decreases frizz - I notice major frizz reduction every time

+ Helps prevent bacteria and fungal growth which are the causes of many scalp issues

+ Anti-inflammatory

+ Helps wash away buildup from hair products like dry shampoo and hard water, helps exfoliate dead skin cells

+ Reduces oiliness/greasiness at the roots - I notice my hair doesn't get oily as quick compared to when I don't do an ACV rinse

I am so glad I began doing ACV rinses, my scalp health has changed dramatically! Flakes, dry patches, itching - gone!