Can You Leave Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted) in your hair?

SND411

A True Soldier Never Dies
I was watching someone's Youtube and they mentioned applying an acidic product to their ends to prevent "flared, bushy" ends. Do you think one can do this with diluted apple cider vinegar and NOT wash it out?
 

knt1229

Well-Known Member
Why would you want to leave it in? It works great and gets the job done as a rinse. I don't see the reason for leaving it in.
 

AMAKA127

Well-Known Member
if its diluted to round the pH of your hair (4.5-5.5), it can actually help seal the cuticle layer which helps with moisture retention as well as bushy ends....
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
Absolutely. I've been doing this WITHOUT FAIL since 2004 and I will not consider my wash day complete until I've done it. In fact, I dunk my hair into it and let my hair drip dry when in twists and that's the last thing I have in my hair. If I don't have time to do the dunk, I have a spray bottle with an ACV solution that I use on my hair after towel drying.

Why would you want to leave it in? It works great and gets the job done as a rinse. I don't see the reason for leaving it in.

@knt1229, I'm surprised you are saying this because I thought everyone used ACV rinse as a FINAL rinse. I have been doing this for over 7 years and my hair loves it. As you might've noticed, I don't have any of the problems a lot of people have, and I attribute ACV rinse being the last thing that touches my hair as the reason why.

Why would you leave it in? Because an acidic environment is the best thing for your hair. It is what makes hair cuticles stay closed so there are not tangles. Did I mention detangling isn't a step I ever have to deal with in my haircare journey? Granted, I do take great measures not to let my hair tangle. But if you see how easily my strands slide out of each other when I'm finger combing, and then you discover I have NO product on my hair whatsoever, but I'm working with bare hair that had its very last contact with an ACV solution, then you know that perhaps leaving it in is indeed a very smart thing to do.

There's a recipe of a spritz I have shared before, and the site I found it on actually did clearly say, DO NOT RINSE. :yep: A FINAL rinse is called final because nothing else follows it. And it's how many of us who use it after conditioning do. In a lot of the discussions about ACV newbies have asked if we rinse it off, and many of us have said no. In fact, the next question newbies usually as is does the smell wear off, and the answer is always yes. When I do mine, I add EOs of lavendar and rosemary and that's the smell that stands out. But even if I didn't use EOs, the smell that you sense once my hair dries is the last conditioner I used.

I remember someone once asking if baggied hair smells. I shared that all I smell is the conditioner I used. In fact, I do remember one day smelling something so fruity when I was getting out of bed and wondering what that was. It was Organix Pomegranate conditioner in my hair. :up: The baggy had the smell magnified. (I would like to point out that I don't use any leave-in products on my hair which is why my baggy only has conditioner smells in it. Not even the ACV spritz or rinse smells once my hair dries. Immediately after I spray it, the ACV and EOs are very obvious--usually the EOs if I used them overpower the ACV and folks have said I have a fresh smell. But otherwise once my hair dries, if you sniff my hair, you smell conditioner.
 
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knt1229

Well-Known Member
Absolutely. I've been doing this WITHOUT FAIL since 2004 and I will not consider my wash day complete until I've done it. In fact, I dunk my hair into it and let my hair drip dry when in twists and that's the last thing I have in my hair. If I don't have time to do the dunk, I have a spray bottle with an ACV solution that I use on my hair after towel drying.



@knt1229, I'm surprised you are saying this because I thought everyone used ACV rinse as a FINAL rinse. I have been doing this for over 7 years and my hair loves it. As you might've noticed, I don't have any of the problems a lot of people have, and I attribute ACV rinse being the last thing that touches my hair as the reason why.

Why would you leave it in? Because an acidic environment is the best thing for your hair. It is what makes hair cuticles stay closed so there are not tangles. Did I mention detangling isn't a step I ever have to deal with in my haircare journey? Granted, I do take great measures not to let my hair tangle. But if you see how easily my strands slide out of each other when I'm finger combing, and then you discover I have NO product on my hair whatsoever, but I'm working with bare hair that had its very last contact with an ACV solution, then you know that perhaps leaving it in is indeed a very smart thing to do.

There's a recipe of a spritz I have shared before, and the site I found it on actually did clearly say, DO NOT RINSE. :yep: A FINAL rinse is called final because nothing else follows it. And it's how many of us who use it after conditioning do. In a lot of the discussions about ACV newbies have asked if we rinse it off, and many of us have said no. In fact, the next question newbies usually as is does the smell wear off, and the answer is always yes. When I do mine, I add EOs of lavendar and rosemary and that's the smell that stands out.

I like ACV but I put it in after shampooing, rinse in cool water, then condition. I love it and never thought to leave it in. For me it seems to work beautifully the way I use it. I didn't know some folks were just spraying it in and leaving it. But whatever works. It works for me the way I use it. Never considered using it as a spray leave in.
 

bride91501

Well-Known Member
I also use diluted ACV as a final rinse every DC day (weekly), and have been doing so consistently for nearly 9 months now. It has aided in my moisture retention and I've experienced no issues with it.

My hair was definitely drier the 1 or 2 weeks I neglected this step in my reggie.
 

virtuenow

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't leave it in or use it at all. I used diluted acv for nearly a year straight and believe it contributed to a great setback. It looked like my hair just disintegrated in some parts. Good thing you get to hear both sides. I only heard the success stories but didn't come across horror stories until I did a specific search-- but then it was too late.

Now I use aloe vera juice (avj) in my pre-poo (chicoro's recipe) and also my leave in (conditioner/avj/oils). My hair is doing much better; and aloe vera juice or aloe vera gel also have a low ph but not as low and acidic as acv.
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
@knt1229, some people use ACV before conditioning after shampoo and like it that way. I don't know if all of them rinse it off, but since its purpose is to close cuticles, I personally feel that closing cuticles before conditioning may work against allowing the conditioner to easily penetrate your strands for internal moisturizing. I feel that after shampooing, leaving the cuticle open means conditioner can work inside the strands with ease. Then I rinse the conditioner (per directions)...and conditioners are meant to be rinsed off as they are created in a way that the rinsing doesn't take away from the benefits they give to hair. At this point, I then close my cuticles to further ensure that all the goodness from conditioning stays within the strands. Also as a final rinse, I am able to ensure my scalp is left w/o any conditioner residue that can make it itch.

It just makes sense to me to do it this way. Doesn't mean my way is more right than your way though. Whatever works for one is what one should do.
 
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havilland

Magical Mythical Princess
You can def leave it in with no adverse affect BUT it's important yo pay attention to YOUR hair. I used diluted acv as a leave in. And I have also used it as a pre-final rinse that I followed with a cold water rinse.

When I left acv in my hair (over time) started to feel mushy. Over moisturized and too soft.

As a pre-final rinse, followed by cold water, I never have this problem.

Acv balances my scalp. Removes build up. Cures itchiness. And cleans my hair gently.

Acv also keeps my braids and scalp from being itchy when I wear a weave as a protective style.

Edited for clarification. Thanks, Nonie:)




Sent from my iPhone while out living my best life!
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
virtuenow, whenever I've heard reports like yours most times than not people were using a very strong solution. I cringe when I hear 1 tblsp in a cup, or even in two! I use that amount in 8 cups! Too much acidity can tear down the protein in your hair which is why in every post I've discussed ACV rinsing I have said err on the side of caution by using way less than you think you need. Even a drop does change the pH of a liquid by a minute fraction.
 

virtuenow

Well-Known Member
@virtuenow, whenever I've heard reports like yours most times than not people were using a very strong solution. I cringe when I hear 1 tblsp in a cup, or even in two! I use that amount in 8 cups! Too much acidity can tear down the protein in your hair which is why in every post I've discussed ACV rinsing I have said err on the side of caution by using way less than you think you need. Even a drop does change the pH of a liquid by a minute fraction.

Yeah, all the instructions I came across were 1-2tbsp in 16 oz of water. I've even seen some who do 1/2 cup or more vinegar in same solution. I started out with 2tbsp and then lessened it to 1/2 tbsp eventually b/c i thought the concentration was too much and I noticed my hair was getting very dry. I beleive the 8cups would be an appropriate proportion, but more people should promote that. My hair started to look & feel so funny--more and more dry as time went on until the hair started to disappear!
 
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Nonie

Well-Known Member
Yeah, all the instructions I came across were 1-2tbsp in 16 oz of water. I've even seen some who do 1/2 cup or more vinegar in same solution. I started out with 2tbsp and then lessened it to 1/2 tbsp eventually b/c i thought the concentration was too much and I noticed my hair was getting very dry. I beleive the 8cups would be an appropriate proportion, but more people should promote that. My hair started to look & feel so funny--more and more dry as time went on until the hair started to disappear!

virtuenow, wow! I'm so sorry that happened to you. I knew the theory but had never met anyone who actually witness the actual keratin breakdown. I'm sorry you had to find out that way.
 

kupenda

Well-Known Member
I want to try ACV bad. But I'm worried it will set me back. I have resistant hair I THINK. Idk for sure anymore cuz when I started bleaching, the color began to change extremely quickly. Like, the ends were getting too close to blonde within 2 minutes. My hair stays dry feeling even when it's covered in moisturizer. The only time it's ok is when it's under running water or fresh from under the dryer covered in deep conditioner. Will ACV help or hurt in my case? Cuz idk wth is going on up in this jungle. I'm tempted to cut so I put my scissors away until I get some info. Thoughts ladies? Nonie ?


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SND411

A True Soldier Never Dies
Nonie

So you use one tablespoon of ACV per 8 cups of water?

Naptural85 suggested 1 part ACV and 3 parts water
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
I want to try ACV bad. But I'm worried it will set me back. I have resistant hair I THINK. Idk for sure anymore cuz when I started bleaching, the color began to change extremely quickly. Like, the ends were getting too close to blonde within 2 minutes. My hair stays dry feeling even when it's covered in moisturizer. The only time it's ok is when it's under running water or fresh from under the dryer covered in deep conditioner. Will ACV help or hurt in my case? Cuz idk wth is going on up in this jungle. I'm tempted to cut so I put my scissors away until I get some info. Thoughts ladies? @Nonie ?


Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
@kupenda, I don't know why I didn't get the mention alert.

ACV will definitely help you. My advice is to use a few drops. Really don't even change the color of the water. Like put a drop so if you tasted the water the sourness would be very slight. Even the slightest acidity is better than none.

Alternatively, since your hair sounds porous (that's why it absorbs color fast--cuticle open to soak it in) and that's why it dries fast (cuticle open to release moisture)...you should probably consider Roux Porosity Control. You might find with it you don't need ACV. Another thing to consider is using a filter & softener in your shower or using distilled water for your final rinse. Hardness in water can make it alkaline which would cause your hair cuticle to open more. So after using Roux PC, you don't want then to rinse with a product that could undo its benefits. So distilled water might be a good thing to use.
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
@Nonie

So you use one tablespoon of ACV per 8 cups of water?

Naptural85 suggested 1 part ACV and 3 parts water

SND411 I use the equivalent of one tablespoon to 8 cups of water if I am doing my math right (I use 1/4 cup to 2 gallons of water. There are 16 cups to a gallon. So I use 1/4 cup to 32 cups. There are 16 tablespoons to a cup. So I use 4 tablespoons to 32 cups, which is equivalent to 1 tablespoon to 8 cups). In terms of ratios, 1/4 cup to 2 gallons is 1/4 cup to 32 cups which if I'm working this out right is 1 part ACV to 128 parts water.

As you can see, I go very dilute which is why I have no problem with doing this twice a week every week...and even in between if I feel like spritzing my hair.
 

kupenda

Well-Known Member
I will def look into getting a diff shower head. And I have distilled water around here somewhere...thanks a bunch!


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JC Jane

New Member
About a year ago I had serious problems retaining moisture and it wasn't until I read one of your posts, Nonie, that I started adding drops of ACV in my leave ins until my hair returned to normal :) THANK YOU!
 

silenttullip

Well-Known Member
Well I have scalp issues as I've mentioned many times... I asked nonie and watched a youtuber about acv rinses... I started to leave the acv in but I use 50/50 no bad reactions but I wouldn't advise that amount for most people. My hair just has issues lol
 
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silenttullip

Well-Known Member
YIKES I didn't know it was like that.
I really need to take down the amount I mix...
Thanks Nonie

@virtuenow, whenever I've heard reports like yours most times than not people were using a very strong solution. I cringe when I hear 1 tblsp in a cup, or even in two! I use that amount in 8 cups! Too much acidity can tear down the protein in your hair which is why in every post I've discussed ACV rinsing I have said err on the side of caution by using way less than you think you need. Even a drop does change the pH of a liquid by a minute fraction.
 

knt1229

Well-Known Member
@knt1229, some people use ACV before conditioning after shampoo and like it that way. I don't know if all of them rinse it off, but since its purpose is to close cuticles, I personally feel that closing cuticles before conditioning may work against allowing the conditioner to easily penetrate your strands for internal moisturizing. I feel that after shampooing, leaving the cuticle open means conditioner can work inside the strands with ease. Then I rinse the conditioner (per directions)...and conditioners are meant to be rinsed off as they are created in a way that the rinsing doesn't take away from the benefits they give to hair. At this point, I then close my cuticles to further ensure that all the goodness from conditioning stays within the strands. Also as a final rinse, I am able to ensure my scalp is left w/o any conditioner residue that can make it itch.

It just makes sense to me to do it this way. Doesn't mean my way is more right than your way though. Whatever works for one is what one should do.

I can see why you see it that way. BUT ACV helps to retain moisture so any moisture type products that are applied to the hair after its use will be retained. Rinsing doesn't negate it's effectiveness.

It seems that it doesn't matter the order though. Because I get all the benefits doing it the way that I do it.
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
Keep in mind that most brands are already diluted

If they are, they are not diluted enough not to damage your hair. virtuenow has already shared what her ratio did to her hair. And I don't see why you would want to take the risk of assuming the one you have is diluted so you don't need to worry about it being too strong. Better safe than sorry I say.
 

Nonie

Well-Known Member
I can see why you see it that way. BUT ACV helps to retain moisture so any moisture type products that are applied to the hair after its use will be retained. Rinsing doesn't negate it's effectiveness.

It seems that it doesn't matter the order though. Because I get all the benefits doing it the way that I do it.

Yes, ACV helps retain moisture by closing cuticles. So I guess it all depends on which you consider your moisturizing step and how porous your hair is. Since conditioning is my moisturizing step and I have normal porosity, if I used it before conditioner, then I would seal out moisture entry to my strands and only benefit from the coating of conditioner but not from internal moisture. And so I probably would not have the soft hair I enjoy without the need for leave-ins. And because moisture from conditioning is internal, baggying seems to create a recycling effect in addition to encouraging sebum production. If my hair didn't have internal moisture locked in after conditioning, then sebum would be all the moisture baggying would be providing which I doubt would leave my hair feeling as good as it does. The last time I used a leave-in was a year ago!
 
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