Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a popular method for cleansing and treating hair in recent years. Some people choose to apply ACV to their hair as a rinse before shampooing, while others use it as a leave-in treatment. This has led to the question – should you wash your hair after using ACV or leave it in?
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions around washing hair after ACV:
- It is generally recommended to wash your hair after an ACV rinse. The acidic pH of ACV can disrupt your hair’s natural pH balance if left on too long.
- After an ACV rinse, shampooing and conditioning as normal is advised. This helps restore moisture and pH levels.
- When using ACV as a leave-in treatment, there is no need to wash immediately afterwards. However, regular shampooing is still recommended for hair health.
- If your hair feels overly dry or brittle after an ACV rinse, try washing with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
- Always dilute ACV before applying to hair. Using it undiluted can damage hair cuticles if left on too long.
The Pros and Cons of Washing Hair After Apple Cider Vinegar
Let’s look closer at the potential pros and cons of washing (or not washing) your hair after using ACV:
Pros of Washing Hair After ACV
- Removes residue and restores pH: ACV is acidic with a pH around 2-3. This can disrupt your hair’s natural pH balance which is around 4.5-5.5. Shampooing after an ACV rinse removes residue and brings pH back to normal.
- Prevents dryness and damage: Left on too long, ACV can dry out your hair by lifting cuticles. Washing after use helps remove ACV and prevents this damage.
- Maintains moisture levels: The acidic pH of ACV can reduce the negative electrical charge of your hair strands. This charge helps hair retain moisture. Washing afterwards helps restore moisture levels.
- Removes odor: Some people dislike the strong, vinegary scent of ACV. Shampooing after use helps remove odor.
Cons of Washing Hair After ACV
- May wash away benefits: If you don’t leave the ACV on long enough before washing, you may not gain the full benefits like shine, detangling, or clarifying.
- Can dry hair with over-washing: Frequent shampooing, especially with harsh formulas, can dry your hair over time by stripping oils.
- More time-consuming: Having to shampoo and condition each time you use ACV takes more time versus leaving it in.
- Environmental impact of extra washing: More frequent hair washing uses more water and shampoo, which has sustainability implications.
Should You Wash After a Leave-In ACV Treatment?
When using ACV as a leave-in conditioning treatment, there is no need to immediately wash it out. Leaving the ACV on for 20-30 minutes allows time for the benefits to take effect before your next shampoo.
The pros of leaving in an ACV treatment include added shine, extra hydration, improved texture and strength. Just be sure to dilute the ACV adequately before applying. It’s also a good idea to follow up with a moisturizing hair mask to restore pH and moisture.
How Long to Leave In Apple Cider Vinegar Before Washing Out
If using ACV as a pre-wash rinse, most sources recommend leaving it on for 5-10 minutes before shampooing as normal. This allows time for the vinegar to help gently cleanse and clarify hair without excessive drying.
When using ACV as a leave-in treatment, it can be left on damp hair for 20-30 minutes before washing as usual. This gives the ACV time to help close cuticles, add shine, exfoliate, and balance pH levels.
As a guideline:
- ACV rinse: 5-10 minutes
- ACV leave-in treatment: 20-30 minutes
However, you may need to experiment to see what duration works best for your individual hair type and needs.
Tips for Washing Hair After Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Here are some tips to optimize results when washing your hair after an ACV rinse or treatment:
1. Dilute the ACV
Always mix the ACV with water before applying. A 1:1 ratio is ideal for most hair types. This prevents the ACV from being too harsh on your hair.
2. Use a clarifying shampoo
A clarifying shampoo helps remove any ACV residue while also gently cleansing the scalp. Avoid heavy conditioners that could weigh hair down.
3. Rinse thoroughly
Take time to rinse all of the ACV and shampoo out of your hair. Remaining residue can lead to an unbalanced pH and dryness.
4. Follow with a hair mask
Use a hydrating mask or conditioner after shampooing to help normalize pH and moisture levels.
5. Adjust frequency as needed
If hair feels dry or brittle between washes, scale back on how often you use ACV treatments.
How Apple Cider Vinegar Affects Hair pH Levels
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline/basic a substance is. It ranges from 0-14, with 0-6 being acidic, 7 neutral, and 8-14 alkaline.
Your hair’s natural pH balance is slightly acidic, averaging 4.5-5.5. This pH helps the outer cuticle layer lay flat and tight, enabling the hair to retain moisture.
Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH around 2-3. When applied to hair, this acidity causes the cuticle to open up. While this can allow deeper cleansing, it also makes hair more porous and prone to damage if left unchecked.
That’s why it’s important to wash off an ACV rinse within 5-10 minutes – before it can disrupt your hair’s natural pH for too long. After washing, hair pH bounces back to its optimal healthy range.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Permanently Alter Hair pH?
Using ACV does not cause any permanent or long-term changes to your hair’s pH levels. Any pH changes from ACV are temporary.
Human hair is made up of a tough, keratin protein that does not undergo chemical alterations from acidic solutions like ACV. The vinegar may temporarily open or “lift” the cuticle depending on exposure time, but it does not permanently change the chemical structure of the keratin or hair pH.
Washing out the ACV returns hair pH to its normal levels. Over time, regular ACV use can help improve hair pH by removing residue that may make hair less acidic.
So while ACV makes hair more acidic for a short period, it does not cause lasting pH changes. The hair’s pH rebalances on its own once the vinegar is removed.
Is It Bad To Leave Apple Cider Vinegar In Hair Overnight?
Most sources advise against leaving apple cider vinegar in your hair overnight.
The risks of leaving ACV in hair for extended periods include:
- Overly dry, brittle hair
- Damage to hair proteins
- Lifted cuticles, allowing moisture loss
- Scalp irritation and dryness
- Hair breakage
- Unpleasant vinegar odor
ACV is a powerful acid. While beneficial in small doses, too much time in contact with hair can cause irritation. The cuticle-lifting effects also make hair more prone to breakage when left on for 8+ hours.
If you want to use ACV overnight, the safest method is to mix it into a hair mask or oil treatment and wash out in the morning. Adding ingredients like oils, honey or aloe helps counteract the drying effects.
You can also mix a very diluted ACV solution of 1 part vinegar to at least 8 parts water. But again, limit leaving pure ACV on overnight to avoid excessive dryness and damage over time.
The Best Way to Wash Out Apple Cider Vinegar From Hair
Here are some tips for the best way to wash ACV out of your hair:
1. Use a clarifying shampoo
A clarifying shampoo will thoroughly cleanse away ACV residue without stripping your hair. Avoid heavy conditioners or masks pre-wash, as they can make it harder to remove the ACV.
2. Rinse hair thoroughly
Take time to rinse all of the vinegar out – this step is key. Concentrate water flow on your roots and scalp area where residue collects.
3. Switch between warm and cool water
Finish rinsing with a blast of cool water to help close cuticles. The temperature change flattens cuticles down for extra smoothness.
4. Repeat shampoo if needed
If your hair still smells strongly of vinegar after the first wash, do a second round of shampooing and rinsing to remove the remaining ACV.
5. Use an apple cider vinegar hair mask
Nourish and rebalance your hair with an ACV hair mask after shampooing. Try mixing ACV with honey, oils, or banana for extra moisture.
6. Limit use to 1-2 times per week
Washing with ACV too frequently can dry your hair over time. Stick to 1-2 times per week maximum for best results.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, whether or not you should wash your hair after using apple cider vinegar depends on a few factors:
- After an ACV rinse, shampooing is recommended to remove residue and restore pH balance.
- When using ACV as a leave-in treatment, you can leave it on 20-30 minutes before regular washing.
- Take care not to leave pure ACV on hair overnight, as overexposure can cause damage over time.
- Be sure to dilute ACV adequately and rinse thoroughly when washing out.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or mask after using ACV to maintain healthy moisture and pH levels.
While apple cider vinegar offers many benefits for hair health, it’s all about moderation. Adjust your routine based on your hair’s needs and wash out ACV before it has a chance to overly dry and disrupt your hair’s natural pH balance.
