Washing locs with apple cider vinegar has become a popular method for cleansing and caring for locked hair. Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial and clarifying properties, making it an ideal ingredient for locs. Using ACV can help remove buildup from the hair and scalp while retaining moisture. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly wash locs using apple cider vinegar.
What You’ll Need
Before getting started, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:
- Apple cider vinegar – Use raw, unfiltered ACV with the “mother” for best results
- Water – Warm water helps open up the hair cuticle for effective cleansing
- Spray bottle or applicator bottle – For applying the ACV mixture to your hair
- Wide-tooth comb or locs brush – To gently detangle and distribute the ACV
- Shower cap or plastic bag – To retain moisture while the ACV is on your hair
- Towels – To soak up excess moisture
- Shampoo and conditioner – For washing out the ACV afterwards
Mix the Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ll need to dilute the ACV before applying it to your hair. This helps control the acidity so it doesn’t damage your locks. The standard ACV to water ratio is 1 part vinegar to 2-4 parts water. Some people gradually work up to a 1:1 ratio as their hair adjusts. Here are some simple steps for mixing:
- Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into a spray or applicator bottle.
- Add 2-4 cups of warm filtered water and shake well to combine.
- Consider adding in a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender for additional cleansing and fragrance.
Wet Your Hair
Start by thoroughly wetting your locs with warm-hot water in the shower. The heat will cause your hair cuticles to open up, allowing the ACV mixture to penetrate better. Make sure every lock is fully saturated. Feel free to section off your hair with clips if needed.
Apply the ACV Mixture
Once your locs are wet, you can begin applying the diluted ACV. Spray or pour the mixture directly onto your roots and lengths, taking care to coat each section of hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the ACV and massage it into your scalp. This will help stimulate blood flow and remove any dirt or buildup.
Let it Sit
After applying the ACV, put on a shower cap or plastic bag over your locs. This helps trap in moisture and allows the vinegar to work its magic. Let the ACV sit for at least 15-30 minutes before rinsing out. You can leave it on for up to a few hours if desired.
Rinse Thoroughly
When you’re ready to rinse, take off the shower cap and place your head under running water. Rinse each loc completely until the water runs clear. This removes all traces of vinegar and buildup. You may need to gently scrub with your fingertips to get rid of any residue.
Shampoo and Condition
Follow up the ACV rinse with a mild, residue-free shampoo and conditioner. Lather up your locs, let the conditioner penetrate for a few minutes, then rinse again. The shampoo gets rid of any remaining gunk while the conditioner helps seal in moisture.
Dry and Style
Gently squeeze out excess water from your locks, then allow them to air dry naturally. You can also carefully blot with a microfiber towel. Once dry, style your locs as desired using your favorite twisting gel or locking gel to help hold them in place.
How Often to Use ACV
When first starting out, limit ACV washes to once every 2-4 weeks. Monitor how your hair responds and adjust as needed. Those with thicker, more established locs may wash with ACV 1-2 times per month. If your hair feels dry or brittle, cut back on frequency.
ACV Rinse Benefits
Using apple cider vinegar on locs offers many benefits including:
- Removes buildup from dirt, oils and hair products
- Deep cleanses hair and scalp without stripping natural oils
- Balances pH level of hair
- Naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
- Seals cuticles for added moisture retention
- Softens and conditions hair
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Helps prevent dandruff and itchy scalp
What About Dryness?
Some people find that frequent ACV washes cause dryness or brittleness in their locs. This may happen if the vinegar is too harsh for your hair type or if it’s not sufficiently diluted. Be sure to start with a weaker mix and adjust as needed. Also deep condition after each wash to replenish moisture levels.
Tips for Preventing Dryness
- Always dilute ACV with water at a minimum 2:1 ratio
- Rinse locs thoroughly after washing
- Follow up with a hydrating conditioner
- Limit washes to 1-2 times a month
- Avoid other harsh cleansers like baking soda
- Apply a hair oil or moisturizer after washing
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Recipe
This simple ACV hair rinse only requires two ingredients yet is powerfully effective at cleansing locs:
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups purified water
Instructions
- Combine apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle or applicator bottle.
- Shake vigorously before each use to mix.
- Spray or apply the rinse to wet, freshly washed hair.
- Massage into scalp and hair.
- Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse hair thoroughly then condition as usual.
Additional Tips
Follow these tips to get the most out of your apple cider vinegar hair washes:
- Try different ACV to water ratios to find your ideal strength.
- Always use raw, unpasteurized ACV with the “mother” sediment.
- Dilute ACV in glass, plastic, or ceramic containers as vinegar can react with metals.
- Consider doing an ACV rinse after swimming to remove chlorine buildup.
- Boost cleansing by adding lemon juice, tea tree oil, rosemary oil or baking soda.
- Use cool or lukewarm water to rinse if you have color-treated locs.
- Deep condition after each wash to prevent dryness.
- Store diluted ACV mix in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The Takeaway
Washing locs with an apple cider vinegar rinse is a chemical-free way to deeply cleanse and detoxify your hair. It helps remove residue, balances pH, and leaves hair soft and moisturized. Start by diluting raw ACV with water at a 2:1 ratio. Apply to wet hair, let sit, then rinse thoroughly. Limit initial use to every 2-4 weeks as needed. Follow up with a good conditioner. Monitor your hair’s condition and adjust the frequency and strength of your ACV rinses accordingly. With this simple, all-natural technique, you can keep your locs clean, healthy and happy.