I plan to create many recipes with our new line of Organic Hydrosols, but the first thing I wanted to create was a vinegar based hair rinse. Apple Cider Vinegar is very effective at removing the excess buildup of residues left by shampoos and conditioners. Hair rinses are often paired with solid shampoo bars, but they can benefit anyone. Using a hair rinse every one to two weeks helps to keep your hair from becoming dull and heavy. While vinegar does have a strong aroma, you may be surprised to find that it fades completely once your hair is dried.
By adding hydrosols and herbal extracts to this rinse, we’ve made it extra special. Burdock Root helps to soothe the scalp, by reducing irritation, dandruff and promoting hair growth. Silica rich Oat Straw increases hair’s softness and shine. Roman Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties make a wonderfully soothing addition to this hair rinse. Dry, itchy scalps will love Chamomile Hydrosol. A classic ingredient for hair formulations is Rosemary. It is said to encourage hair growth, balance oily scalps and add shine and luster to dull hair.
This rinse is easy to make and a cinch to use. Just shampoo your hair as usual, then douse your hair with one to two ounces of the vinegar solution. Massage your hair to make sure that the solution reaches all of your hair, then rinse clean with water. The vinegar scent may linger on your hair until it is completely dry. After that, it will dissipate entirely.
Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse
4 ounces of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
8 ounces of distilled water
2 ounces of Organic Rosemary Hydrosol
2 ounces of Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol
1/4 teaspoon of Oat Straw Extract 10:1
1/2 teaspoon of Burdock Root Extract 4:1
Directions
In a small bowl, mix both powdered extracts with 2 ounces of warm water. Stir well until the powder has dissolved completely. Using a funnel or a very steady hand, pour the water into a clean, sterile, 8 ounce bottle. Next, add 1 ounce of each hydrosol, then 4 ounces of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Close the bottle and shake well.
Packaging and Storage
If this rinse is used every week, one bottle should last about one to two months. It should be kept in a cool, dry, place. Any unused rinse should be discarded after 3 months. If you like, you can add some Grapefruit Seed Extract to aid in its preservation, but that is up to you. To retain maximum freshness, this rinse can also be stored in the refrigerator between uses. I would recommend packaging this rinse in a shower safe bottle, such as PET or HDPE plastic. I also like to use a snap, turret, or dish cap with this rinse. These types of caps are ideal for application.
I have used a shampoo bar once but my hair was so greasy and matted afterward that I never used it again. Is this why hair rinses are usually paired with shampoos bars? I have also read,on many websites, that you should not rinse your hair after using a rinse.
Thank you for your question, Cassandra.
In my opinion, shampoo bars and some other natural soaps, such as Castille, are more effective when paired with a vinegar rinse. For some people, Castille or solid shampoo bars can leave their hair feeling tacky. A vinegar rinse helps to remove any residue that these kinds of soaps can leave behind.
Leaving the rinse in your hair is an option that many people prefer. People with hair that tends to tangle easily may want to leave the rinse in their hair, as the rinse can also act as a de-tangler. This is a personal preference, really. Many people compromise by rinsing their hair only a little. The next time you try a rinse, experiment, and see what works best for you!
I currently use a vinegar rinse on a daily basis- the addition of the hydrosols sounds very nice- is it okay to use this rinse daily?
Hi Debra. I have heard that some people prefer to use a rinse daily. The reason I recommended it for use on a weekly basis, was that some people’s scalps become irritated by using a rinse every day. However, everyone’s skin is different, so if you are getting good results from using your rinse daily, continuing to do so should probably be OK.
Hi, I’m new to your site and just love it! The recipes sound yummy. My only drawback is I wish I had a big old fashion tub to soak in.
Hi Susie. I feel your pain! One of my lifetime goals is to one day own a giant claw foot bath tub. I often find myself daydreaming about that very thing. For now, I try to compensate by filling every normal sized bath that I take with tons of luscious scents and ingredients. If I can’t have a giant bath, I can at least have a great one!
Well, I also make a therapy for hair. I just want to maintain its beauty and I also love experimenting new recipe for my hair. Anyway, I really enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing this recipe I will surely try that.
-krisha-
I’m glad that you liked this recipe. Let us know how it works out for you!
I love using vinegar rinse. It makes my scalp feel nice and not dry at all. My hair & scalp tend to be dry so this is a plus.
I love my vinegar rinse for the same reason. I dont use mine everyday, but every week or so it helps to keep my scalp nice, healthy, and happy!
Thank you for posting this recipe. I have textured hair and use an apple cider vinegar and beer hair rinse in place of my shampoo. I have been looking for something new to try and I love burdock root AND rosemary! Also, I really appreciate the application tip. I have been dumping the rinse of my head from a mason jar or tediously spraying it throughout my afro.
So happy the information was helpful, LadyVeebj!