How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Gorgeous Hair and Skin

What can apple cider vinegar (ACV) really do for your hair and skin? Well, nothing short of wonders. Now you can finally get that gorgeous mane you’ve pined for along with a healthy scalp and radiant facial skin.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those household staples that can be used for just about anything, from health remedies to cleaning hacks and various other odd jobs like trapping flies. Apple cider vinegar can also be part of your beauty regimen for improving the health of your hair and skin.

Being alkaline, many conventional beauty products (including most soaps, cleansers and various serums) disrupt the natural acid mantle of the skin and scalp, making them struggle to regain that delicate balance. The acid mantle is a thin film on the skin’s surface that protects against bacteria and other contaminants.

The chemical makeup of apple cider vinegar makes it very beneficial for the skin and scalp, and we all know that a healthy scalp means healthy hair. Apple cider vinegar meshes well with the skin’s natural pH level, and thus benefits the skin without creating any imbalance.

It’s time to push those expensive hair and skin products aside and replace them with inexpensive apple cider vinegar.

Here are five ways to use apple cider vinegar for beautiful hair and gorgeous skin.

#Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Water for Hair Conditioning

An apple cider vinegar rinse/water is one of the easiest ways to introduce your locks to the goodness of apple cider vinegar and transform your hair completely. This simple method can easily be incorporated into your regular hair care regime.

This rinse greatly conditions the hair and makes it soft. When used regularly, it will improve the overall health of your locks and prevent loss of moisture.

Things you’ll need:

• Water – 2 cups
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) (conditions the hair) – 4 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine apple cider vinegar and water

• Add 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water and mix thoroughly.
• If you have long and voluminous hair, you can increase the quantity.
• If your scalp has too much natural oil, you may increase the amount of apple cider vinegar in the rinse.
• Those with dry hair should use less apple cider vinegar in the rinse.

Step 2. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar water

• Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.
• Pour the apple cider vinegar water over your hair, saturating your scalp along with the entire length of your hair.
• Massage apple cider vinegar water into your scalp with your fingers and let it sit for about 2 minutes. This will benefit your hair by improving the blood circulation in the scalp.
• Rinse the apple cider vinegar water out of your hair with plenty of water.

Use this apple cider vinegar rinse weekly for the best results.

Method 2: Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

If you’re experiencing a severely dry scalp and consistent dandruff, apple cider vinegar might just be the thing you need. Most dandruff-related problems are due to an imbalance of the pH level on your scalp.

Most shampoos and hair products disturb the natural acid mantle of the scalp and make it alkaline, creating a favorable environment for the yeast that causes dandruff. Adding apple cider vinegar to your shampoo can solve the problem at its core.

Apple cider vinegar helps cleanse the scalp, completely getting rid of dandruff flakes. It also helps keep the scalp healthy to prevent the dandruff from recurring.

Things you’ll need:

• Your choice of shampoo
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) (helps cleanse the scalp)

Step 1. Combine shampoo and apple cider vinegar

• Put the required amount of shampoo in a bowl.
• Add an equal amount of apple cider vinegar to it and mix thoroughly.

Step 2. Store the blend and use it to wash your hair

• Use the shampoo and apple cider vinegar blend to wash your hair as you would normally do.
• As you’re using apple cider vinegar in your shampoo, you may also skip the conditioner.
• This blend can also be stored in an airtight jar for a couple of weeks.

Use this apple cider vinegar and shampoo blend twice a week to take care of a severe dandruff problem. Then, use it at least once a week to keep dandruff at bay and prevent it from coming back.

Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Mixture for Dry Hair

When the pH level of your hair becomes alkaline, it increases the porosity in the hair. High porosity can lead to rapid gain and loss of moisture, which opens up and raises the hair cuticles, giving rise to dry, brittle and frizzy hair that is prone to damage.

Apple cider vinegar maintains the acidic mantle of the scalp and reduces porosity in the hair, which helps lock in the moisture and smooth down the cuticles. This results in hydrated and healthy hair that has a natural bounce.

Honey, a natural humectant, makes for a perfect companion for apple cider vinegar when it comes to restoring moisture in the hair. Honey also helps mask the apple cider vinegar smell.

Things you’ll need:

• Honey (helps restore moisture) – 2 tablespoons
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) water – 1 cup

Step 1. Combine honey and apple cider vinegar water

• Pour 1 cup of the apple cider vinegar water into a jar. Prepare the apple cider vinegar water as described in Method 1.
• Add 2 tablespoons of honey to it and mix thoroughly.

Step 2. Use the blend to rinse your hair

• Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.
• Pour the apple cider vinegar and honey blend over your hair, saturating your scalp as you go.
• Massage it into your scalp with your fingertips and leave it for about 2 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with plenty of water to get the apple cider vinegar out of your hair.

Repeat this method weekly to keep your hair hydrated and well-conditioned.

Method 4: Apple Cider Vinegar and Egg White to Add Shine in Your Hair

Even if you have healthy and beautiful locks, sometimes you may still feel the need for that extra shine in your hair to stand out at a party or an event.

Adding egg white to the regular apple cider vinegar rinse can help you do just that. Not only does the egg white add shine to your hair, it also balances the oils in the scalp and promotes hair growth. This adds volume and bounce to your hair as well.

Almond oil helps nourish, moisturize and condition your hair, while the lemongrass essential oil can help mask the strong smell of the apple cider vinegar.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) water – 1 cup
• Egg (adds shine to your hair) – 1
• Almond oil (helps nourish your hair) – 1 teaspoon
• Lemongrass essential oil (help mask the strong smell of ACV) – 3 to 5 drops

Step 1. Extract the egg white

• Crack an egg.
• Holding the yolk back in the shell, let the egg white flow into a bowl.
• If you have trouble separating the white from the yolk, you can use a funnel, a slotted spoon or even a fork to do the job.

Step 2. Combine the ingredients in a jar

• Pour the egg white into a jar.
• Add 1 cup of the apple cider vinegar water to it. (Here's how to make apple cider vinegar water.)
• Add 1 teaspoon of almond oil as well.
• Finally, put 3 to 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil into the jar.
• Stir the contents of the jar to mix them together.

Step 3. Store it and use the blend to rinse your hair

• Screw on the lid of the jar and shake it well for further blending of the ingredients.
• You can store this blend for 1 week or so. Just remember to shake it well before using it.
• After shampooing and rinsing your hair as usual, pour the apple cider vinegar and egg white blend down the length of your hair.
• Massage it into your scalp with your fingertips and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with plain water and pat dry with a towel.

This remedy can be repeated weekly. Start using this remedy a couple of weeks before the awaited event to have gorgeous hair.

# Use Apple Cider Vinegar as Facial Toner

Apple cider vinegar works brilliantly as a natural facial toner due to its astringent properties. Unlike conventional toners, apple cider vinegar doesn’t disturb the skin’s natural acid mantle as its pH level is closer to that of the skin.

The alpha hydroxy acid and acetic acid present in the vinegar helps improve the circulation in the skin. Apple cider vinegar also helps prevent acne on your face, even out your complexion and minimize your pores.

Using distilled water to dilute the apple cider vinegar stretches its shelf life for up to 2 to 3 months. Refrigeration may help prolong the shelf life further. For immediate use, however, you may use tap water.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – 2 tablespoons
• Distilled water in a small spray bottle – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Mix water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle

• Pour 2 tablespoons of distilled water into a small spray bottle.
• Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to it.
• You may use a funnel to avoid spills.
• Put the spray nozzle back on the bottle and give a good shake to thoroughly mix the water and apple cider vinegar.

Step 2. Shake it well and use the mixture as facial toner

• Spray the apple cider vinegar facial toner evenly over your face.
• Let it dry on its own. You don’t need to rinse it off.
• If you don’t have a small spray bottle, store the toner in any clean bottle and use a clean cotton ball to apply it on your face.

Use this apple cider vinegar facial toner as often as you would use your normal toner.

Tips

• Using pure, undiluted vinegar on your hair or skin is not advisable.
• When applying an apple cider vinegar facial toner with a spray bottle, close your eyes when spraying it near them. Apple cider vinegar will sting if it comes in contact with the eyes.
• Don’t ring out your wet hair or rub it with a towel to dry it. Wet hair is more prone to damage. Pat your hair dry with a soft towel instead.
• Avoid brushing wet hair. Detangle your hair with your fingers and, if needed, use a wide-tooth comb.
• Let your hair air-dry, if possible. Blow-dryers can cause hair to rapidly lose moisture and become susceptible to damage.

Summary of How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Gorgeous Hair and Skin

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