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How to Rinse Hair With Apple Cider Vinegar

Updated on July 30, 2025 | 4 min read

Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer

Apple cider vinegar is a multi-tasking superstar that might just make all your hair care woes disappear. Packed with hair and scalp loving nutrients like folic acid, biotin, Vitamin B and Vitamin C, apple cider vinegar treats dandruff, dullness, frizz, thinning and more. No matter what your hair type, you can benefit from an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Get ready to step up your hair game and add a new favorite ingredient to your hair care routine. Because we’re breaking down all the benefits and telling you how to do an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Read ahead for everything you need to know!

Key Takeaways

Everything You Need to Know About Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in vitamins and nutrients, including biotin, folic acid, and vitamin C, which support healthy hair and scalp.
It helps cleanse the scalp, removing buildup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping moisture.
ACV balances scalp pH, reducing dandruff, itchiness, and bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
It strengthens hair, closes cuticles, and adds softness, shine, and smoothness.
ACV reduces frizz and enhances curl definition, making it ideal for textured or curly hair.
It may reduce hair thinning by clearing follicle-clogging debris and improving scalp health.
Always dilute ACV (5:1 water-to-vinegar ratio) before applying to prevent irritation or dryness.
Avoid overusing ACV — 1–2 times per week (or less for sensitive scalps) is enough.
Choose raw, unfiltered ACV with “the mother” for maximum benefits.
Use nourishing products after your ACV rinses.

Understanding the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made by crushing apples and extracting the pure juice. The sugar in the juice is turned to alcohol through fermentation with the addition of yeast. Then bacteria are added to convert the alcohol into vinegar. When the vinegar matures, it contains a cloudy, bacterial foam called the "mother." The "mother" is what holds the concentrated bacteria and enzymes that make it so great for your hair. You should only ever use an ACV that still contains the ‘mother’ for maximum benefits. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Cleansing

Apple cider vinegar helps to gently cleanse and remove buildup on the scalp from product residue, dirt and debris, without stripping color or damaging your hair.

Tip: For everyday cleansing between clarifying rinses, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove residue and impurities without stripping hair.

Balancing

The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of ACV help to keep the pH level of the scalp balanced to prevent an overgrowth of dandruff-causing yeast and bacteria.

Strengthening

Apple cider vinegar helps to strengthen your hair by coating the hair shaft and closing the cuticles. This reinforces strands, leaving them strong, soft and shiny.

Smoothing

Because it coats the hair shaft, ACV helps to smooth strands and prevent frizz. For this reason, it’s perfect for textured and curly hair.

Reducing Hair Thinning

Apple cider vinegar also helps to reduce hair thinning due to an unbalanced scalp pH by clearing hair follicles of debris.

Tip: For extra shine and manageability post-ACV, apply a bit of oil before styling.

Step-by-Step Guide: Preparing Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

So you’re sold on the benefits of ACV. Ready to add it to your routine? Here’s a step by step guide on how to make apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Remember to use apple cider vinegar that still contains the "mother."

Step 1: Mix five parts of water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray your scalp well, so that it’s evenly coated.
Step 3: Work the vinegar into your hair with your fingers.
Step 4: Let the ACV mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse your hair and scalp with cool water.

Step 6: Finish with a leave-in treatment.

Tip: For extra shine and manageability post-ACV, apply a bit of oil before styling.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Effectively (Before or After Shampoo and Conditioner)

There’s a debate surrounding this hack for shinier, healthier hair and it’s whether you should use apple cider vinegar hair rinse before or after conditioner. Because ACV coats the hair shaft and closes the cuticle, essentially the same thing the conditioner does, you don’t need both. If you’ve got thin hair, rinse in place of your regular conditioner every few weeks. If you’ve got long or thick hair, you can use it twice a week, and if you have a sensitive scalp, rinse with apple cider vinegar a couple times a month.

Between your ACV rinses, maintain your hair’s health with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair nourished and balanced. Look for hydrating formulas that cleanse without stripping, so your strands stay soft and shiny every day.

Conclusion and Tips for Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Treatment

Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse ingredient that when used regularly as part of your routine, will give you shinier, healthier strands. It’s packed with hair and scalp loving nutrients that all have one thing in common—making your hair and scalp look and feel amazing. From improving scalp health, strengthening hair, repairing dull and damaged hair, and enhancing shine, no matter what your hair type, you can benefit from ACV.

Follow our tips for making and using apple cider vinegar hair rinse and use only the highest quality hair products like the ones from Davines. All our formulas are free of harmful toxins, use many natural ingredients, and are made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact. Not sure where to start? Take our hair quiz to see which products work best for your hair!

FAQ

Still have questions about ACV? We put together research backed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about using apple cider vinegar for your hair. Keep reading to learn more.

How Long Should You Leave Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Hair?

You should leave apple cider vinegar in your hair for an average of 5-10 minutes, and no longer than 15 depending on the condition of your strands and scalp. Any longer than that could cause irritation or dryness. Rinse it off immediately if you feel it starts to burn or sting.

Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Place of Other Hair Products?

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for clarifying shampoo on color-treated-hair. While once in a while they’re ok to use, if used too often, clarifying formulas can cause color-treated hair to fade and dry out. Apple cider vinegar is perfectly safe for colored hair, and may even help boost vibrancy.

Will Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Out My Hair?

Overusing apple cider vinegar can dry out your hair and scalp, so be sure to appropriately dilute it before using it, and use it no more than recommended. If you think your strands may be getting dry, follow up your ACV rinse with an oil or hair mask overnight.

What are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair?

There are some potential side effects that come with using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. The first of which is an unpleasant smell. There is also the potential to cause brassiness and damage to your strands if used to frequently.