A Complete Guide To Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse For Beginners

One thing that will inevitably start popping up after researching the curly girl method is doing an apple cider (ACV) vinegar rinse.

But first, I would love for you to head over to my Instagram and say hello @curly_colleen!

I offer daily curly hair care tips and LOVE connecting with other curlies around the world! <3

Also, because the curly girl method can be incredibly overwhelming, I created a getting started cheat sheet just for you!

Download your free copy here! #Igotyougirlfriend

In this guide, I compiled tons of research that took me days to dig up to help get you get started on the right foot. 

You can see my results after my first ACV rinse here.

First, let’s talk a little bit about the benefits of doing an ACV rinse. 

Benefits of apple cider vinegar for curlies:

• Balances hair and scalp PH level
• Helps to prevent fungal and bacterial growth
• Keeps hair and scalp healthy
• Contains nutrients (vitamins B, C, and potassium), which are beneficial for your hair.
• Clarifies and exfoliates your scalp
• Can also help with volume and curl definition, since it doesn’t weigh down strands like silicone-based conditioners
• stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation to hair follicles
• is cost-effective and does not contain any preservatives
• Detangles curly hair
• Prevents split ends
• Reduces frizz
• Adds shine to curly hair

Next, let’s talk about what ACV is not….

• It’s not too acidic: This is only true if you don’t dilute it.
• It will damage your hair: Also only true if you don’t dilute it.
• It will make your hair smell like vinegar: As long as you rinse the treatment, it will not leave any scent to your hair.

Is An ACV Rinse For Everyone?

Not necessarily. Because not all curls are created equal, remember? 

Every curl is unique and has a mind of its own. You will need to experiment several times and find out what works best for your locks. 

A lot of it depends on the porosity of your hair.

Since ACV is acidic it works to close the hair cuticle which is great for high porosity hair.

While low porosity curlies should add more water to your ACV rinse and will typically only need to do it once or twice per month.

How To Do Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment The Right Way

1. Choose an organic, raw, unfiltered brand of ACV. The liquid should be slightly cloudy which is good. That’s all where all the nutrients live. 
2. You can do the ACV rinse after you shampoo or of on unwashed hair. Just dampen your hair before you begin
3. Mix raw ACV with water, using a 1-3 ratio (ex: 1 tbsp ACV and 3 tbsps).
4. You can apply using a spray bottle or a bowl and to pour it over your head. Apply throughout damp hair roots to end and massage into your hair and scalp
5. Let the mixture sit in your hair for about 5 minutes then rinse out thoroughly 
6. It’s important to pay close attention and document how your hair reacts. Everyone’s curls are different and what works for me might now work for you. 

Here is the before & after of my curls after doing an ACV rinse.

Did you give the ACV since a try? Tag me in your results on IG @curly_colleen

Xoxox

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