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Apple cider vinegar for hair repair and healthy, shiny, frizz free hair. DIY Recipe using ACV and herbs that strengthen and repair hair and scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Repair: DIY ACV Spray Recipe
I’m not sure why it took me so long to try an Apple Cider Vinegar Spray for my hair. I mean, I love ACV. Like, really, really love it.
I use apple cider vinegar for keeping my digestion and body healthy and strong (Here’s the ACV Drink Recipe I LOVE). I use it for one of my very favorite homemade deep pore cleansing facial masks. And my husband and I use ACV for our homemade deodorant spray. Love the stuff, I tell ya.
But it was actually my stylist who recommended that I try apple cider vinegar for my hair.
So I whipped up a little apple vinegar spray that I infused with some of the best herbs for hair and scalp. And holy cow, you guys! I feel like I should sell this stuff. It is absolutely fantastic and I can’t believe how shiny, soft, bouncy, frizz free and healthy it makes my hair and scalp. Why didn’t I try this sooner?!
Apple Cider Vinegar Closes the Hair Cuticle
The reason apple cider vinegar is so wonderful and effective for all hair types is mainly due to its ability to smooth, tighten, strengthen, close and repair the hair cuticle.
That’s essential because the condition of your hair cuticles determine the condition and appearance of your hair.
The cuticle is is the outer layer of your hair. If your cuticles are broken, open, jagged, your hair will be dry, frizzy, dull and likely damaged. On the other hand, smooth, tight and closed cuticles result in shiny, smooth, glossy, strong, healthy looking hair.
I learned that closing the cuticle layer is the best way to control the condition and appearance of your hair.
And apple cider vinegar is a natural healing wonder to cuticles and will effectively close and seal the cuticles!
ACV closes cuticle and rebalances pH
The hair cuticle layer opens and lifts or closes and seals when it comes in contact with different pH levels based on what we use on our hair (even water!). Healthy hair and scalp prefers to be at a pH between 4 to 5.5. When hair and scalp are between these pH levels, the cuticle remains closed and the scalp is protected from bacterial and fungal growth (the cause for many scalp conditions). For healthy hair and scalp, slightly acidic products are recommended.
Apple cider vinegar helps rebalance hair and scalp pH levels. ACV is at a pH level of 3, however, when combined with water like this spray, it falls into the happy hair and scalp pH level range.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Benefits
Not only does ACV repair and close the hair cuticle, but it also:
- Adds shine
- Promotes hair growth
- Deep cleans and removes product build up without stripping natural oils
- Smooths frizzy hair
- Stimulates the scalp
- Unclogs hair follicles
- Prolongs the color in color treated hair
- Decreases dandruff & scalp conditions
- Adds body and bounce
- Detangles
And when you infuse the power of ACV with the healing power of herbs, you’ve got yourself an amazing natural product that will work some serious double duty magic for your hair!
I still can’t get over how much this stuff has helped my hair! It’s also been especially great for our hot and humid Pennsylvania summer. No more crazy frizz for my naturally curly hair!
Here’s a pic in 95 degree, humid, August weather with no product on my curly hair other than this ACV Spray. No Frizz!
Apple Cider Vinegar for Shine
ACV helps smooth, tighten and close the cuticle. When the cuticle is closed, light will reflect off the hair and the hair will appear shiny and smooth. When the cuticle is open and lifted, light will absorb, resulting in dull hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Growth
ACV stimulates the scalp and promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries to encourage hair growth. It also provides the scalp with rich nutrients that strengthen the hair roots.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Loss
If you are dealing with hair loss, ACV stimulates blood flow, which can boost hair growth.
Apple Cider Vinegar to Remove Product Build Up
Apple Cider Vinegar’s acidic nature helps remove product build up without stripping the hair of natural oils. It contains alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the scalp and hair of product build up, dead skin cells and sweat that can clog the hair follicles.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Curly Hair
Even though all hair types can benefit from apple cider vinegar for hair, curly hair notices the most dramatic success. That’s because curly hair tends to have more dry, frizzy, tangled hair and lifted cuticles. Because ACV does such a good job at closing the cuticles, curly hair will especially notice the difference in softer, detangled, smoother, shinier, frizz free hair. ACV also doesn’t weigh curls down and adds bounce and shine to curls.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff and Scalp Conditions
ACV has antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat dandruff and other scalp conditions and hair loss that are associated with fungus and bacteria. The anti-inflammatory properties in ACV decrease scalp itch and calm scalp irritations.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Detangling and Frizz Control
Frizzy hair happens because the hair cuticle (the “cover” of the hair that protect it) is lifted and the scales are open or broken. ACV smoothes, tightens and closes the cuticle to prevent frizz.
Best Herbs for Hair and Scalp
Vinegar is a wonderful way to extract minerals and medicinal benefits from herbs. The herbs listed below are considered the best herbs for healthy hair and scalp. You can pick just one from this list to use for your ACV Spray or you can mix and match to get a completely custom spray tailored especially for your hair type.
I definitely recommend the horsetail – it’s renowned for being the very best herb for strong, healthy hair. And from personal experience, I can say it’s true! You can find Horsetail HERE.
Horsetail for Hair
Horsetail is considered one of the best herbs for strengthening hair. It stimulates blood vessels in the scalp, nourishes scalp and hair and adds shine. It’s a great choice for anyone with damaged hair, hair loss and those looking for extra shine.
Find organic dried horsetail HERE.
Rosemary for Hair
Rosemary is also considered a top herbal hair remedy. It stimulates hair growth, adds shine, strengthens hair, and conditions hair and scalp. Rosemary is best for those with hair loss and want extra growth and volume.
Find organic dried rosemary HERE.
Nettle for Hair
Nettle is important for the hair and scalp because it stimulates the scalp for hair growth. It gives hair body, bounce and shine, conditions and prevents hair breakage. Nettle is a wonderful choice for those with scalp conditions and/or those who are dealing with hair that’s prone to breakage or those who want extra body.
Find organic dried nettle HERE.
Calendula for Hair
Calendula conditions and soothes and adds shine. Protects hair from bacteria and fungus growth. Calendula is great for all hair types or those with scalp conditions.
Find organic dried calendula HERE.
Lavender for Hair
Lavender helps hair loss and scalp conditions and balances oil production. All hair types can benefit from lavender and it adds a nice scent.
Find organic dried lavender HERE.
Basil for Hair
Basil increases scalp circulation and promotes hair growth, strengthens hair, protects from breakage and adds shine to dull hair. Basil is best for thin hair, hair loss, damaged hair or those looking for added volume and shine.
Find organic dried basil HERE.
Green tea for Hair
Green tea is not just to drink! It strengthens & softens hair, prevents split ends. Green tea is an especially nourishing choice for those with damaged hair.
Find organic dried green tea HERE.
Peppermint for Hair
Peppermint increases blood flow to the scalp to promote hair growth. It’s best for those with hair loss or thinning hair.
Find organic dried peppermint HERE.
Yarrow for Hair
Yarrow is wonderful for anyone dealing with a scalp condition. It can help dandruff and other scalp irritations.
Find organic dried yarrow HERE.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair DIY Recipe:
- glass jar of choice (I like using THESE jars)
- dried herbs of choice (see notes below for hair herbs recommendations. I use equal amounts of horsetail, rosemary, calendula and lavender for mine)
- raw apple cider vinegar (find HERE)
- water
- spray bottle (I like to use a 2 ounce spray bottle like THIS)
- Pack a clean glass jar ¾ of the way full with your dried herbs.
- Fill the jar with vinegar and cover with a plastic lid or line a metal lid with parchment or wax paper.
- Let sit for a minimum of 2 weeks up to 6 weeks.
- Strain and compost or discard the herbs and put the herbal vinegar in a clean jar. You just made an herbal acv vinegar concentrate that keeps for 1-2 years! Now we need to dilute it to use it for our spray.
- Combine 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle. You can safely store your diluted vinegar spray for up to 2 weeks. I like to dilute just enough to last 2 weeks at a time. I use about a tablespoon of spray each use.
- After shampooing and conditioning, apply a generous amount of your spray to hair and scalp. Massage your scalp down through your ends. Leave on hair and allow to dry. No vinegar scent will be present after your hair is dry. Enjoy your soft and strong hair!
- Since everyone is different with different types of hair, the amount you should use this spray varies. You'll have to experiment to find what works the best with your hair type. In general, dry hair prefers less ACV and oily hair needs more. Those with oily hair may find they can use it every day. Dry hair generally prefers every few days. I tend to be on the drier side and use it every time I shampoo/condition my hair, which is 2 times a week.
You can choose one herb or mix and match to get a custom blend for your hair type!
Horsetail for Hair:
Horsetail is considered one of the best herbs for strengthening hair. It stimulates blood vessels in the scalp, nourishes scalp and hair and adds shine. It's a great choice for anyone with damaged hair, hair loss and those looking for extra shine.
Find organic dried horsetail HERE.
Rosemary for Hair:
Rosemary is also considered a top herbal hair remedy. It stimulates hair growth, adds shine, strengthens hair, and conditions hair and scalp. Rosemary is best for those with hair loss and want extra growth and volume.
Find organic dried rosemary HERE.
Nettle for Hair:
Nettle is important for the hair and scalp because it stimulates the scalp for hair growth. It gives hair body, bounce and shine, conditions and prevents hair breakage. Nettle is a wonderful choice for those with scalp conditions and/or those who are dealing with hair that's prone to breakage or those who want extra body.
Find organic dried nettle HERE.
Calendula for Hair:
Calendula conditions and soothes and adds shine. Protects hair from bacteria and fungus growth. Calendula is great for all hair types or those with scalp conditions.
Find organic dried calendula HERE.
Lavender for Hair
Lavender helps hair loss and scalp conditions and balances oil production. All hair types can benefit from lavender and it adds a nice scent.
Find organic dried lavender HERE.
Basil for Hair:
Basil increases scalp circulation and promotes hair growth, strengthens hair, protects from breakage and adds shine to dull hair. Basil is best for thin hair, hair loss, damaged hair or those looking for added volume and shine.
Find organic dried basil HERE.
Green tea for Hair:
Green tea is not just to drink! It strengthens & softens hair, prevents split ends. Green tea is an especially nourishing choice for those with damaged hair.
Find organic dried green tea HERE.
Peppermint for Hair
Peppermint increases blood flow to the scalp to promote hair growth. It's best for those with hair loss or thinning hair.
Find organic dried peppermint HERE.
Yarrow for Hair:
Yarrow is wonderful for anyone dealing with a scalp condition. It can help dandruff and other scalp irritations.
Find organic dried yarrow HERE.
If you try this DIY recipe, I’d love to here your results! Hoping you get as much success with it as I do 🙂
Pin Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Spray Recipe HERE:
Love this! I have many of these items growing in my yard right now…could I use fresh herbs, or would it be best to dry them before infusing them in the vinegar?
Oh, that’s so cool you have a lot of these in your garden – how wonderful!! I used my garden calendula and rosemary for mine 🙂 So yes, you can definitely use fresh herbs! Just make sure to wilt them for a few hours to take away some moisture content. Hope you love this!
Would essential oils work in place of the dried herbs?
Yes, you could add essential oils, if preferred! I tend to be more of an herb girl for whole plant, synergistic medicinal benefits, but essential oils are so convenient and can be used as well.
Rosemary essential oil is an especially good one to use for strengthening and hair repair.
Peppermint essential oil is a notoriously excellent one for dry hair and scalp issues.
Lavender essential oil is always a good one to use for scent and calming down scalp irritations – also helps balance oil production.
Ylang ylang essential oil is great for dandruff. And lemongrass is another good one for strengthening. Hope that helps!
Thanks so much. I am eager to try this!
CAN YOU USE THIS SPRAY RIGHT AWAY IF YOU USE ESSENTIAL OIL OR MUST IT TOO SIT FOR A WHILE?
You can use it right away if you use essential oils, Dorothy!
On occasion I’ve spritzed my hair with straight white vinegar for itchiness or static electricity. I’d like to try your recipe. Can I use fresh herbs, or do I have to dry them first?
Thanks, I just found your answer in a comment above. Will start wilting them soon!
Awesome!
How many drops of oils do you need to use
4 ounces of ACV and 35 drops of essential oil is the recommended amount.
Kelly do you use a mousse or a gel after spraying the vinegar rinse?
Hi Brit, I don’t because I dislike the way gels and mousse make my hair feel. Maybe I just haven’t found a good one, but they make my hair feel so heavy! I like to go about 4 days between shampooing and if I have any product in my hair, it just feels kind of gross after a couple days so I go without. But if you use any hair products, you would use it after the vinegar spray 🙂
I’m experiencing hair loss so I’m excited to see this in your email. Can you recommend an organic commercial product like this? After checking prices for all the herbs you recommend it would be very expensive for me to make. Thanks
I understand, Nancy! It can be super expensive at first if you don’t use the herbs for other things. There’s 2 options to make this much more cost effective:
1. Forgo the other herbs and just use rosemary. Rosemary is such a star for hair growth and will still be extremely effective on it’s own with the apple cider vinegar. You can usually find a bundle of fresh rosemary in the fresh herb section at the grocery store very inexpensively that will work perfectly for this recipe.
2. Here is a store bought option with wonderful, organic ingredients that I found on Amazon, including organic ginger that stimulates hair follicles to help hair growth and strength —-> https://amzn.to/2M6wjLP
Hope that helps!
Thank you.
I know this post is a few months old but I have to share my experience with this hair recipe. I have been using it for a few months now and I didn’t really think it was doing much. One morning I got out of the shower and realized my bottle was empty. I didn’t have time to fill it so I went on with my routine. Well the next shower I still hadn’t filled the bottle. I just thought “eh it’s not like I noticed much from it anyway”. So I decided to stop using it. Well after a few weeks I noticed I had a ton of split ends. I had just trimmed my hair so it surprised me. I didn’t make the connection for a few days but it was this hair serum! I filled my spray bottle again and I notice a HUGE difference in the feel of my hair! Wow! It was so so dry when I stopped using it. I’m hooked on this stuff. Definitely worth the time of making it. Thank you for this recipe!
Wow, Norma! Thanks for letting me know! My hair loves this stuff and I’m so glad to know it’s helping yours, too!
Loved reading about this hair serum! I would like to use the essential oils, as you suggested, instead of buying herbs also. What would be the amounts of the EO’s to use? Do I use all of them? I’m excited to try this. You are amazing to do ALL you do, while still being a wife and mother. Thanks for all your recipes! I made your deodorant spray, and loving it!
Hi Barbara, I always love getting your uplifting, kind comments. Thank you!!!
And yes, you can definitely use essential oils! But to be honest, I’ve found that essential oils just don’t compare to herbs in most cases. I love the ease and smell of essential oils better, but I’ve found that herbs actually work SO much better.
For this recipe, 4 ounces of ACV and 35 drops of essential oil would be fantastic.
I’d pick 2 or 3 essential oils based on your hair needs. Here are some of the most popular essential oils for hair that would be excellent:
Rosemary essential oil is so great and strengthening for all hair types and I’d definitely use this one!
Geranium is very nourishing to dry hair and scalp.
Lavender is always a good nourishing choice for hair and helps balance the scalp.
Cedarwood is great for dandruff and hair growth.
Peppermint is great for dry hair and dandruff.
Ylang ylang is nourishing and conditioning and dandruff.
Lemon adds shine.
Lemongrass is great for strengthening.
If it were me (based on my hair needs) I’d do 15 drops rosemary, 10 drops lemon, and 10 drops lavender in 4 ounces of ACV. Shake well before use. Enjoy your beautiful, strong, healthy hair!!! 🙂
Have you noticed any lightening of your hair or more highlights with this spray? I know ACV can lighten hair and my daughter really wants some blonder strands so this might be a good natural way for her to do that!
Oh wow, I didn’t even think of that! I haven’t really thought much about it making my hair lighter, but now that you mention it, I do notice that my bleached blonde highlights have been staying blonder longer, so you’re probably on to something 🙂 Keep me posted if she tried it!
This might be a dumb question, but do you rinse after spraying? I’ve been using it as a rinse after shampooing, and I’ve noticed a difference. But after reading here about the different herbs that help with thinning and hair loss, I’d love to try this spray instead!
No rinsing with this one, Rita.
And the herbs really do make a difference!