Ready for the hair of your dreams?

When it comes to hair, we all dream of swishy, soft, full, beautiful hair, right? Whether our preferred style is long and wavy, or short and sleek, we want our hair, like our skin, to glow with health and vibrancy. And for this reason, the beauty industry has made sure we are bombarded with choice when it comes to products. From shampoos to conditioners, hair serums, leave-in sprays, masks, treatments and more, the hair care market will literally have a solution to every thinkable hair issue. However, did you know that the solution could be something a lot less expensive – and a lot more natural? Apple cider vinegar has been having a moment when it comes to health and wellness over the past couple of years, but did you know this pungent wonder potion could also perform miracles when it comes to your hair? In fact, according to social media (and, as it happens, many hair experts too) apple cider vinegar is one of the most undervalued and ignored haircare products there is. Yup, it's true. For as little as €3.99 (I picked up a bottle in my local SuperValu recently), you too can have stupidly shiny, pretty hair in no time. And for next to nothing too. “Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it pretty effective in killing and preventing dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp,” explains Mona Gohara, a dermatologist at the Yale School of Medicine, to Cosmopolitan.com. "And it won’t strip your hair (or curls) like most dandruff-fighting formulas will. Apple cider vinegar also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it also calms while it prevents yeast overgrowth, which means your scalp won’t be left with as much irritation or itchiness in the long run.”

Good scalp health means good hair health

When it comes to having healthy hair – and hair that grows quicker, taking care of our scalp is important – and yet something so many of us pay little to no attention to. Apple cider vinegar is great for scalp health as it is choc-a-block with AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), which acts as a gentle, natural exfoliator on your scalp. "The pH of your scalp is naturally a little acidic, but it’s also easily disrupted by all the hair products we load on every day,” Gohara explains. "And that messed-up pH can lead to rough, open hair cuticles that tangle, look dull, and break." And this is where ACV come in. "Apple cider vinegar, with its acidic base, can help balance the pH of your scalp’s acid mantle and close those cuticles. And flatter cuticles not only means smoother, softer hair but also way shinier hair, since light reflects off of smooth, seamless surfaces."

How to use an apple cider vinegar rinse

Here is the thing – and an important one – do not use apple cider vinegar directly on your hair and scalp – this stuff is strong. You'll need to dilute it first, and according to Mind Body Green, here is one very simple formula to use:

Always use raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar—and always with the mother, as that will have the most nutrients. With your apple cider vinegar of choice, mix in ½ tablespoon of ACV for every 1 cup of cold water to dilute the vinegar.

Now, use an old, clean spray bottle – or any bottle with a nozzle that makes it easy to distribute over your hair and scalp. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute, then rinse off well.

How often should your rinse with ACV?

If you have really oily hair with lots of build-up, you might consider using the apple cider vinegar rise after every shampoo – until the problem feels better. Remember, this is a fresh product, so do make your ACV rinse fresh before every use. Other than that, consider using this rinse once a week, as a special treat for your scalp and hair. This will help cleanse the hair, remove any buildup from product that your regular shampoo can't get, and add shine as it's laying the cuticle down flat. Keep in mind that no one's hair is exactly the same—plus individual hair and scalp changes with the environment, weather, and lifestyle. So treat your hair like you do your face, and understand you'll likely need to try a few ways out to find something that works for you.