Quick Answers
– White vinegar can be used as a clarifying rinse to remove product buildup from hair. It does not damage hair when used properly.
– Mixing a tablespoon or two of white vinegar with water and rinsing hair with it can help restore shine and bounce.
– White vinegar’s acidic properties help close the hair cuticles and tighten the hair shaft, making hair feel smoother.
– Using too much vinegar or leaving it on too long can overly dry hair. Rinse vinegar out completely after a few minutes.
– Vinegar rinses should not replace regular shampooing and conditioning. Use them sparingly as needed.
What Is White Vinegar?
White vinegar, sometimes referred to as distilled vinegar, comes about through the process of fermenting and oxidizing grain alcohol. This gives white vinegar an acidic pH between 2-3.
The acetic acid is what gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. It is this acidic component that produces effects on the hair and scalp when used topically.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Uses
White vinegar has become a popular household cleaner because the acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits and soap residues while killing some types of bacteria and fungi.
When used for cleaning, vinegar is often mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio. The solution can be used to clean many surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. Full strength vinegar may damage some materials like marble and granite.
Cooking Uses
In cooking, the acidic quality of white vinegar lends a tangy flavor. It often serves as a leavening agent in baked goods that don’t use yeast. White vinegar is also commonly used as part of marinades and salad dressings.
Distilled white vinegar typically contains 5-8% acetic acid. More expensive wine vinegars and balsamic vinegars may contain less acidity but offer more complex flavors.
How Does White Vinegar Affect Hair?
White vinegar’s acetic acid content gives it properties that can benefit hair in a number of ways when used topically as a rinse.
Removes Residue Buildup
The main benefit of an occasional white vinegar rinse is its ability to dissolve leftover product residue along the hair shaft. This clarifying effect helps remove buildup from hair products likes gels, mousses, sprays, and even shampoos and conditioners.
Product buildup can make hair look dull over time. A vinegar rinse helps restore shine and bounce by stripping away styling product accumulation.
Balances Hair pH
Hair has a naturally acidic pH between 4-5. Most shampoos are alkaline with a pH over 7. This alkalinity can swell the hair cuticles. Using an acidic vinegar rinse after shampooing helps bring hair’s pH back to a balanced level.
This makes the hair shaft lie flatter with the cuticles smooth, which creates more shine and less frizz.
Seals Cuticles
The acidic pH of white vinegar causes the hair cuticles to contract and lie flat against the hair shaft. This action seals the cuticle layer down tight rather than leaving it lifted open.
Sealing the cuticle this way makes hair feel smoother and appear shinier. It also helps hair better reflect light for more brilliance.
Removes Hard Water Minerals
Minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water can leave a dull, sticky residue on hair over time. This buildup causes frizz and strips away moisture.
The acid in white vinegar dissolves these minerals so they can be rinsed away clean. This leaves hair softer and helps repair damage caused by hard water.
Kills Some Harmful Microbes
The antimicrobial action of vinegar’s acetic acid can help kill bacteria and fungi that may be present on the scalp and hair. This includes dandruff-causing fungus Malassezia.
Using a vinegar rinse may provide some dandruff relief by getting rid of any harmful microbes and other debris stuck to the scalp. Be aware it is not a cure for dandruff though.
Are There Any Risks or Downsides?
Vinegar rinses do not damage hair when used correctly in moderation. However, there are some important factors to be aware of:
Can Cause Dryness if Overused
Frequent use of vinegar can cause excessive dryness to hair over time. The acidity can strip away the hair’s natural moisture and protective oils. For this reason, vinegar rinses should not replace regular conditioner.
Limit vinegar rinses to once or twice per month max. Condition well after each vinegar application.
May Cause Skin Irritation
The acetic acid in vinegar can irritate the scalp, especially in those with sensitive skin. Diluting vinegar before application helps minimize this risk.
White vinegar’s pH is similar to some chemical straightening and permanent wave solutions. Use caution to avoid contact with the scalp during vinegar rinses.
Leaves a Strong Scent
Some people dislike the powerful smell of vinegar. The scent will mostly fade after drying, but a faint vinegar odor may linger in hair until the next shampoo.
Those very sensitive to smells may wish to avoid vinegar rinses or only use them prior to a rest day where hair will be up.
How to Use a Vinegar Rinse on Hair
Adding white vinegar to a water rinse and applying it to clean hair is simple to do at home. Follow these steps:
Mix the Solution
– In an empty bottle or bowl, mix together:
- 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
– Shake or stir to fully blend the solution.
Apply After Shampooing
– Shampoo hair as usual and rinse out shampoo thoroughly.
– With head tilted back, slowly pour vinegar solution evenly over hair. Avoid scalp contact.
– Use fingers to distribute rinse fully from roots to ends.
Leave On 2-5 Minutes
– Let vinegar solution sit on hair for 2-5 minutes. It does not need to lather or foam.
– For damaged or chemically treated hair, reduce time to 1-2 minutes.
Rinse Out Thoroughly
– Rinse vinegar from hair very thoroughly with cool water. Vinegar smell will linger if not rinsed out well.
– Use a small amount of conditioner on the ends if hair feels dry after rinsing.
Style as Usual
– Pat hair gently with a towel and style as normal. Hair may have more volume.
– Repeat vinegar rinse 1-2 times per month as needed.
Vinegar Rinse vs Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people prefer using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for hair rather than plain distilled white vinegar. Here’s how the two compare:
Apple Cider Vinegar
- – Made from fermented apple juice
- – Light brown color
- – More mellow aroma
- – Contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes
- – Less acidic at 5% concentration
White Vinegar
- – Made from grain alcohol
- – Clear color
- – Stronger vinegar scent
- – Only contains acetic acid and water
- – Higher acidity around 8%
Either type can be used in hair rinses safely. Apple cider vinegar is more popular for scalp treatments and as a daily hair tonic. Its lower acidity makes it gentler for more frequent use.
Other Vinegar Rinse Tips
– Adjust vinegar amount based on hair length and thickness. Less vinegar needed for short or fine hair.
– To help lightly exfoliate and further cleanse scalp, massage in 1 tsp vinegar diluted in 1 cup water before shampooing.
– Spray bottled vinegar rinses onto hair instead of pouring for easier and neater application.
– Rinse hair under shower stream to quickly dilute vinegar rather than cup rinsing.
– To balance pH after swimming in chlorinated pools, rinse hair with a diluted vinegar solution.
– Use less vinegar or water it down more for children’s hair. Avoid scalp contact and rinse thoroughly.
– Infuse vinegar rinses with essential oils like lavender or mint to mask scent and add hair benefits.
– Store diluted vinegar rinses in spray bottles or covered containers and refrigerate to prolong shelf life.
The Takeaway
White vinegar is a multipurpose product that offers real benefits to hair care when used properly in rinses and treatments. Its clarifying and pH balancing effects can improve hair texture and shine.
However, vinegar’s acidity can also dry out hair if overused. Use vinegar in moderation along with regular shampoo and conditioner. Test on a small hair section first to be sure vinegar rinses are well tolerated.