APPLE CIDER VINEGAR!
Sweetassgal here! I have mentioned before that my hair went through a complete follicle metamorphosis about three years ago. Living for 32 years with stick straight hair I awoke one day to find my fine straight hair was slowly becoming coarse and curly. I was completely unaware of how to deal with this type of hair and set about to turn my frizzy mass of kinky tendrils into luscious Botticelli curls! After about three years of curl-intensive research and countless failures I've managed to learn a thing or two. First off, cocktails are good...I'm talking the kinds served with a little pink umbrella as well as the hair cocktails you create by mixing several products together. And they both have one thing in common, know when to say when! Don't overload your hair with too many products or you'll create a heavy mess that leaves you looking like you've been working the fry cook shift with Brandon "Greasy Bear" Davis. I shudder. Secondly, no one is going to get Meg Ryan in "The Women" curls from product alone so don't set yourself up for the failure...damn impossible "I look perfect even while gardening and finding out my husbands cheating with an even more impossible looking twenty something" Hollywood standards!
But here's what I do know and what really works. Really great looking hair is all about the smoothness of the follicle. Be it straight, wavy, curly or kinky...it doesn't matter the final shape, it only matters how well the follicle lays. Lots of things can interfere with this simple fact, including overloading your noggin' with build up inducing product. There is no shortage of products out there meant to clarify but only one is affordable for everyone, all natural and probably sitting in your cupboard as we speak. Yes people, its our old friend Apple Cider Vinegar! The ever so useful bottle of smelly stuff that is a cure-all for many internal ailments also works wonders on clarifying your hair. How can this be? Allow me to elucidate.
The cuticle is the outermost layer of your hair and works much like a protection shield covering the inner shaft by layering itself one over the other. When your cuticles are in good condition they lie flat, allowing light to reflect, thereby increasing shine and reducing tangles. If the cuticles are open the light is absorbed and the hair appears coarse and dull. Heat from the shower opens your cuticles when you shampoo and when combined with build up adds to the "bad hair days" we've all experienced. Apple Cider Vinegar works naturally and organically (Bragg is my favorite organic brand) to clarify your hair, rinse away the build up and also increase blood circulation to the capillaries in your scalp. This promotes a healthy hair root, helps reduce hair loss, and stimulates re-growth...all from a quick twice a week rinse!
Simply recycle an old shampoo bottle, the kind with a pull top that you can control the flow from, and fill it with 1/2 a tablespoon of Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and one cup of cold water. Shake well and pour through your hair after shampooing. For best results, also rinse with cold water (which also closes the cuticle). This can be done a few days in a row in the beginning to help remove all residue, then just once or twice a week for maintenance. Personally I was worried about smelling like my bottle of Bragg all day but the scent dissipates and then disappears once your hair is dry. My hair is left shiny, bouncy, and full of soft and frizz free curls. I follow this up with a special cocktail of 4 pumps of DHC After Bath Oil Hair treatment mixed with one pump of Curls Rock Curl Enhancer and I'm ready to go with perfectly conditioned and controlled curls without the "crunchy" feeling left by most products. It's been a lifesaver!
Any devotees of Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar out there? Let us know if this works for you or if you have a better natural and organic solution to hair build up. GLAM ON!!!
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Sweetassgal;I've used regular white vinegar for years in this capacity and am always getting stopped and complimentedon my hair! This is an "old wive's" trick that my mother and her mother and probably my great-grand-motherfrom the old country did. Just a little mixed in with water after the wash and creme rinse and then a thorough rinsing (less you smell like a pickle!).... Also helps take the sting out of sunburn too! I think the apple cider vinegar works the same as the white only with the added 'apple cider' components.
This is why I love this site so much - I learn all of the basic beauty things that my mother never taught me and you don't find plastered on store shelves or in magazines. Thank you so much for writing this sweetassgal! I can't wait to try the rinse and jeanasina your results give me great hope!
After reading Sweetassgal’s most excellent review of Apple Cider Vinegar my first question was...”What if you have intensely colored hair? Will it strip your color?” So I looked on line and one of my favorite super informative websites is earthclinic.com. If you ever want to read a ton of informational blogs about anything...this site is fantastic! So I looked up Apple Cider Vinegar and hair and you might want to take a peek at what the experiences were: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/hair_conditioners.html#ACV Each person votes Yea or Nay - lots of yea’s on this one! I think I will try it tonight - somewhat scared of color fading aspects but sounds like I’m going to prosper by trying it and the hair growth possibility one woman my age testifies too...well I’m in! I’d like to leave work right now and go home and give it a try!
Jeanasina!
excuse me while I run to the store and get me some ACV right now! Excellent review. I love stuff that is natural, inexpensive, and effective.
Carole
I am SO HAPPY and thrilled that you checked back in Jeanasina! Its almost crazyhow well this stuff works and I'm just tickled it worked for you too. Its always good to know when something you recommend really helps people. ACV isamazing and I wish I could feel your hair too! I'm telling you...when theeconomy gets a little better we need to plan a Megs trip to LA so we can all see and feel each others beauty successes! Wouldn't that be SMASHING FUN!!!!
Love, hugs and shoes...Angie
Hey Jeanasina...I have not tried this yet (as I'm currently dyed brunette whichthe ACV does not affect) but I was told that mixing some chammolile tea into thesolution will help keep blonde and light colors fresh and shimmery. Might bea good thing to try with your ACV rinse. Let us know if it works! For everyoneelse...I've really only had GOOD results with the liquid. I tried taking pillform once and for me it just did not give the same results. ACV is great fordigestion, for your skin, and for your hair. I got used to having it with sometea and a smidge of honey to cut the taste. It really helps. Stylemama is rightmother earth knows what she's doing! Thanks everyone for your input!!!!
Love, hugs and shoes...Angie
Here is the link to the other Braggs review. http://www.megsmakeup.com/index.php?p=179
Beste Hilsin
A while back, use Meg's search, you will find more interesting things about Braggs. I love using vinegar. As mentioned on my review of Joining of Herbs toner which has vinegar, I am seeing the great results. Do search for Braggs on this site and try some of the great ideas that were listed there.
Beste Hilsin
Next day follow-up ahead! So last night after reading all the posts about ACV here yesterday, I went home and put on my brave “I-dare-to-try-this!” terrycloth bathrobe and proceeded to wash my intensely colored hair with my normal shampoo and conditioner and then....ladies and gentlemen here with me today...I closed my eyes and bared down on my bottom lip and proceeded to pour one cup of very cool water laced with one tablespoon of ACV in it upon my head! I chose this gentle ratio for my first experiment. I kept looking up into the mirror to see if any obvious signs of hair strippage was taking place only to see that apparently things were going to be alright! So...I finished my hair washing regimen with a freezing cold rinse (I always do this because of shiny hair results I read about and my mother always told me it closed up your pores). Then I went through the process of running a comb through my hair and it was relatively easy but the true test came when I checked out my hair AFTER blow drying it straight and people...I gotta say...the texture was/IS now more like the soft smooth texture my hair used to be about 40 years ago! So...I’d have to concur that using ACV in your hair does something really nice! I actually had, several months ago, also come across the previous ACV reviews on this site and at that time I decided to attempt to drink the ACV to reap all the benefits discussed. However...I can’t do the drinking of this especially not straight! My stomach thought I dumped a can of battery acid in it and the gastric disturbances it riddled my body with were colossally horrible! Crowds of people were running away from any area where I happened to be on the days I tried this! And cramp city was where I resided while I took this stuff. I even tried the honey/ACV shots suggested but alas my body rebelled. So I’m sticking to the outside of my body when using ACV going forward. Now can somebody please reach through the computer screen and have a feel of my sleek new hair?
Jeanasina!
Sounds convincing. I'm gonna give it a try.
love vinegar on my hair! just the idea of getting rid of the buildup (regardless of the good quality products) is wonderful. i use very expensive hair products that work well but after time those products do build up on the hair shaft....my hair gets rather ragged and rough on the ends. One rinse of vinegar and it's back to smooth and clean. Since I want to be able to afford other great products for my wrinkles :( I have to go on the cheap.....i have found another wonderful product that i picked up in an Himalayan Indian Grocery Store that costs $2.99 a bottle (yes, that's what i said...i'm looking at the sticker) and is just as good as Freddric Fekkai Glossing Cream and many others i've used. It's called Vatika. Olive enriched hair oil with almond, cactus and lemon. And, it smells great ALL DAY. Mostly i use it at night and wash it out but on those "Bad Hair Days", i take a small portion and run it through my ends... let me tell you...the best secrets are in ethnic markets...asian, indian, ....just because they dont advertise doesnt mean they havent found the fountain of youth!! just look at their hair and skin (this is coming from a totally envious "papermache white girl" according to my stylist!!)
Sweetassgal! It WOULD BE over the top FUN!
Jeanasina!
Ooooohhhhh....."BRAGG'S!!!" Great review of a product I simply cannot run my life without!Besides helping to clear your hair and scalp of all that debris that build up,it's amazing when used as a skin toner,particularily if you have a bump coming on...You can also clean your mirrors streak-free and organically and honestly,it's all I use on my salads because it tastes so good! One of THE best and most versatile products out there for less than 10 bucks! The smell isn't even a consideration,trust me...it is THAT good and anything you use it for!
Yes! I use ACV ALL the time for my curly hair. A couple of years ago, I heard about a system for curly hair called the Curly Girl Method, which is based on a book by Lorraine Massey. One of the suggestions she makes is to use ACV to seal your hair cuticle, which I do on a regular basis. *shameless plug* Go to http://www.wikihow.com/Follow-the-Curly-Girl-Method-for-Curly-Hair for more info!
I was excited to try this. I have thick heavy hair and use a clarifying shampoo once a week. I always have to use an intense conditioner after the clarifying shampoo because it leaves my hair brittle and dry. When I read the ACV review I tried it right away. I had Braggs in my kitchen cabinet thank to a totaly organic phase I went through about a year ago to loose weight (which also works by the way). The AVC worked like a dream. I noticed the differance right away. My hair was fuller and so soft. I am obsessed about my hair smelling good so I was a little worried about that. There realy was no smell at all. So to sum up I am litteraly tossing the clarifying shampoo and adding AVC to my regamin. Thanks for the grat advise. Keep it comming
Great review of a simple product that has many uses. Another product that is great for removing build up on hair is BAKING SODA. I use it about once a week or after a night out when I had used tons of hairspray. Mix about a tablespoon with your shampoo, apply to hair, massage as usual, then rinse. Follow up with your conditioner. When I do this, I like to use my deep conditioner afterwards since I know that all the old product residue is removed and my deep conditioner will penetrate the hair shaft more thoroughly. No need to spend money on a "clarifying" shampoo ever again using this simple kitchen item. It's a great way to scrub your scalp also, removing impurities and sebum (oil) which can clog your follicles and thin hair.
Is it just me or is Mother Nature trying to tell us something? We here ya Ma. I am going to purchase this miracle elixir TODAY. As for the health benefits, does anyone know if taking ACV capsules are as effective as consuming it in liquid form? Thanks Sweetass for the great information on follicles, cuticles and hair shafts. I had no idea that I had no idea! ;)
Woo-hoo! I love ACV! On New Year's I decided to try "no poo"-ing. Basically you use a baking soda and water mixture to wash your hair, rinse, and then use an ACV and water mixture to condition your hair, and then rinse again. Well, I haven't been able to go past a couple of days without using real shampoo because the baking soda makes my hair look greasy. But I the ACV mix works great! I used an old conditioner bottle and but 2 TBSP of ACV, a few drops of Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil, and fill the rest of the bottle with water. I use it almost everyday, saving real conditioner for deep treatments. My hair is a lot shinier, fuller, and healthier.
Wow, I knew about all the health benefits of drinking organic ACV, but I did not know I could put it on my hair...going to try this today!! Thanks...
I'm desperate-- my hair is a frizzy mess lately and I don't know why. I'm guessing it's the changing weather. So I'm going to swipe some of my roommates ACV from the fridge... she won't notice that a TBSP is gone, right? I'm a little concerned about the effect it will have on dyed hair, but I'm trusting previous comments saying it's ok. I'll report back soon.
Well, the ACV did fine on my dyed hair. But I'm not noticing a huge difference. Can I do it again tomorrow? Or should I wait a while in between applications? I also smell like salad dressing, even after applying product to my hair and blow drying it...
Hum...I've never had a lingering scent after rinsing it out well with cold water but I know a few ladies have recommended adding a drop of tea tree oil to the ACV. If you like that scent (or maybe try lavendar like Megs reviews) maybe that would help. I do mine about once a week. I'd wait a day or two and try again. I hope it helps you strawberry though not everything works for everyone. If that doesn't help we'll have to find you something that does!!!
Love, hugs and shoes...Angie
Great review! I drink that stuff almost every morning but I didn't know I could put it in my hair. I'm going to try this tonight. Can't wait to feel the result. ;-) Jeanasina - I'm the same I hate the taste and the smell. I drink it with a little water and agave nectar, mix it and drink it like a shot. I found it taste much better than with the honey. And I usualy chase it with my green smoothie. You might want a try the agave instead?
I'm back to report! I tried it this morning and overall it was great. I added 1 cup of Chamomille tea (for my blonde highlights), 2 tablespoon of ACV and 2 cups of cold water. My hair feels really squeaky clean, very soft and shinny. But I think it's a little too soft because it doesn't feel has bouncy/full as usual but will absolutely try it again next week or in a couple days. I still think it's good to strip the bad stuff out. ;-) Thanks Sweetassgal!
I followed the advice in the review. The first time I didn't see much for results and my hair felt very dry. The second time it really started to do something. In fact, I think it may be the solution to my year long quest to get Wen to work for me like it did at first. My hair laid smooth and flat with gentle waves. Instead of frizzy and dull. I think I have very hard water and the AVC is removing the mineral buildup. This review might just have given me the results I have been seeking for over a year. I can't thank you enough! Also my Mom and I started taking it internally. Thank you so much, Sweetassgal. I'm so glad you reviewed this product! Exactly how long are you supposed to leave it in your hair before you rinse? Does anyone know the best ratio of AVC to water for removing hard water minerals?
Indi
Report #2: I waited a few days, and tried ACV again this morning. Still no amazing results. This time I don't smell like salad dressing though, so that's a plus!! I'll try again next week--- I'm thinking maybe I need to add the tea tree oil or something to moisturize. Thanks for your support, sweetassgal! This post has been one of my all-time favorites, with all the ladies reporting results and tricks-- Thanks, ladies!
I use Bragg's as a toner to prevent breakouts! Now I want to try this on my hair too!
I have always loved Cider Vinegar as an occasional rinse, really a pre rinse I wet my hair and then pour a cup of CV and massage through, then rinse, shampoo and condition) to remove product build up. Especially good if using things with any silicone in them. A bit of baking soda in shampoo works too, but, I like the CV better.
lol at the cocktails comment - that is def truei ahve curly hair from birth and have tried nearly every product under the roof. i have had friends use apple cider vinegar and though i have seen its positive effects, i can't get over the fact that i just cant stand the smell
-Miss Yaya
http://myownjudge.blogspot.com/
my grandma used to do it to me when i was little. not sure if it worked but it was stinging my eyes :)
i tried this a while back after my step mom sweetassgal told me about it, but i thought that it reeked... it stung my eyes and i really had a hard time enjoying it... but i never used it on my skin. i only tried it on my hair. i may just have to try it now
<3 Samantha
I really must try this, I'm so intrigued!!
This is an awesome tip. I have always heard something about people using beer in their hair. I forget what they say it does. I have never tried it because I don't want to smell like beer of all things. However, this I could do. Thank You!!
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
-Coco Chanel
for real?? wow you can use acv for anything!! that is so cool, ive used it to get rid of a stubborn wart, and as a toner mixed with distilled water and for the good of my health by drinking.. but on the hair is new to me. Cant wait to try it.
makeup makeup makeup!!!!!!!
I'm prety sure ACV is a miracle cure for about a bajillion things.I can't go without some AVC in my cupboard for any type of beauty emergency.
I am learning somthing new everyday on the website this is just awsome !
you are doing a great JOB MEG =)
Chloe http://thehollywoodheels.blogspot.com
I use ACV as a toner during the summer when the humidity here makes me oily. It works well to help control oil, prevent breakouts, and treat zits that have already popped up. It smells a little funny but I dilute to about half consistency and use it only at night and nobody has told me I smell funny..lol...so it must be fine!
My hari is also very straight! it gets annoying sometimes, i wish i can come out of the shower with wavy hair!!!
I have heard about using ACV on hair, but how do you know if you need it? My hair is always very soft so I don't know if there is anything ACV would help with. Maybe I am also just scared of screwing up something that doesn't really need fixing?I did try ACV as a facial toner and thought it was too harsh, but adding it to my green clay mask made a huge difference! When I was making it with water not much happened, but after reading about using ACV instead I gave it a go and the results were so much better! I would recommend using ACV in a mask to any oily/acne prone ladies out there.
I've used ACV since I was 12 (curly girl here) and while I agree that everything you said is so so important, I have to disrespectfully disagree in your comment about the final shape of your hair not mattering. Why do I disagree? Well...25 years and about a zillion different hair cuts some of which made me look like a triangle. The shape and cut of ones hair (especially when it comes to curls) is significant in how your hair will lie on your head, if it will curl more or less, have movement, etc.
http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/
you learn me all the time something different very interesting review ... Thanks !!! :)
I've heard about rinsing with vinegar before but was worried I'd end up with smelly hair, so it's great to know that it doesn't leave your hair smelly. I'm going to give it a go now, thanks!
http://www.beautifullyglossy.blogspot.com
I love ACV. I drink it (want to drink it every day but often forget), use as a toner and hair rinse.
I didn't know that! It's good to take!
Vinegar has a ph level of 2.4, which is very acidic. You're hair's ph level is 4.5-5.5. You're shampoo's and conditioners are more alkaline (other side of the ph scale). Using vinegar on your hair could be damaging. I'd stick with malibu's monthy if your concerned about product build up. If you use all salon products you don't need to worry as much about build up because all salon products are water soluble.
Krysta<3
will try that out someday, everyone's raving about it!
I want to try this, though there's no way I'll be able to handle rinsing with cold water afterwards XD I tried it a couple of times and couldn't stand the cold in the shower
Wow! I've never tried Apple Cider Vineger before..sounds cool! ;)
I'm going to have to try this! Thanks for the tips!
Very nice :) good article