…To Help You Decide if Smelling Like Beach French Fries is Worth It.
Sometimes I like to try some of the crazy DIY health schemes that I stumble across on the internet (yes, I did gargle with coconut oil in my mouth for many minutes!). And because my hair seems to get thinner and thinner since having kids, I found many articles that said apple cider vinegar promotes hair growth. Since I keep apple cider vinegar in my pantry, I figured it would be worth a few minutes to test out the claims.
Keep reading for my apple cider vinegar hair treatment and the results.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe (And Instructions)
Gosh, my spray bottles come in handy for SO.MANY.THINGS. I used one to mix a 1:1 portion of apple cider vinegar (I like Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar) with water. (I believe I only mixed 2 oz. of each, since I had read somewhere it is best to use a fresh rinse.) I shook it up, and placed the bottle up high on a shower shelf. (Apple cider vinegar in your eyes BURNS. I store my spray bottle out of reach from my two sons to avoid unnecessary tears.)
Once in the shower, I shampooed and then sprayed the ACV mixture onto my scalp AVOIDING MY EYES. (The first time I used this, some dripped down my forehead and hit my eyes. Like I said, it burns. A lot for a little bit of time.) I left it in my hair while I shaved, sang songs, and reminisced about Ocean City Maryland’s Boardwalk Fries, since I smelled just like them. And then I rinsed it out. (I didn’t need conditioner, and you won’t either.)
Out of the shower, my wet hair still smelled like beach french fries. The internet world told me my hair wouldn’t smell like that once it was dry, but I am not convinced. I think there was a slight lingering scent, but it was not as strong as the shower smell. (Some online recs mention adding a few drops of essential oils. I haven’t done this since the Boardwalk Fries smell makes me feel all nostalgic for my childhood. Or maybe because I’m in too much of a hurry. Silly.)
I used the spray once a week for several weeks, and am still using it (after taking a brief break because I couldn’t remember to make more). 4 ounces of liquid lasts me about a month.
The ACV Rinse Results
The first time I used the apple cider vinegar rinse on my hair, I was shocked at how soft my hair felt for the next day or so. Super soft. I didn’t notice any additional sheen, but, man it was soft. I had a hard time not touching it constantly.
As I continued to use this, my hair always felt soft afterwards, but I didn’t notice it quite as much as the first time. Maybe my hair has become softer overall, so the difference isn’t so drastic? I have no way to know.
My hair is not any thicker, but there is a slight chance that less strands fall out when I shower or brush these days. (TMI, but becoming a mom is decidedly not glamorous.)
I don’t observe my scalp much, but with all the dryness in Colorado, I do sometimes wonder if I am anywhere near Ally Sheedy’s character in the Breakfast Club. From everything I’ve read, apple cider vinegar helps prevent dandruff. Upon observing my scalp today, it looks good to me.
So, although I cannot say that apple cider vinegar has drastically changes my hair, I do plan to keep using it. The DIY ACV rinse is not expensive, and I like the idea of soft hair, possibly less hair loss, and not having dandruff.
