How To Clean Hair With Apple Cider Vinegar

So apple cider vinegar got a little caught up in some drama over the past couple of years, with *certain people* advocating for its use in some pretty extreme diet situations. But did you know that apple cider vinegar for skin – applied topically, as opposed to you drinking it – can be seriously beneficial?

Back to the weight loss thing, for a sec. While some studies (such as a 2014 number, reporting research undertaken on obese subjects in Japan) indicate that the liquid can be beneficial for shedding pounds when diluted with water and drunk in moderation, thanks to the acetic acid that it contains potentially boosting your metabolism, it's certainly not a quick fix.

Apple cider vinegar for skin - Women's Health UK

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And too much can have adverse affects – think enamel decay from the acid and even fragile bones, as was the case in one woman who consumed 230mls of the stuff a day.

But let's not throw the vinegar out with the bathwater. ACV (to use her nickname) is a kitchen – and beauty – stalwart. Tangy salad dressings, cheap DIY cleaning sprays and, indeed, your skincare all benefit from its sharp funk.

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Here's how to use your apple cider vinegar in your beauty regime.

Apple cider vinegar uses for skin and hair: 6 ways to try it

Apple cider vinegar benefits for skin and hair

As a foot soak

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, ACV makes a great addition to your foot bath. Its anti-fungal powers mean that it can dissolve any lingering bacteria that are giving you smelly feet, as well as dousing your toe nails in a germ-killing solution. If you spend more time in trainers than in bed, this is undoubtedly a good idea.

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Chuck half a glass of the liquid into your warm (but not boiling – you don't want to kill all of that lovely bacteria) foot bath and soak for half an hour, or so.

As a facial toner for oily skin

Again, ACV's antibacterial, antifungal properies can be useful if your skin tends towards the oily. (It may dry out already dry skin, so best to steer clear, if that's you.) In a glass jar, mix two parts filtered water with one part vinegar and shake to combine.

Take your flannel, apply the solution to it and dab a very light covering over your cleansed and dried face. Follow up with your moisturiser. The ultimate apple cider vinegar for skin trick?

To clean your make-up brushes

Considering that your make-up brushes spend their fair share of time on your face, it's understandable as to why you wouldn't want to wash them in a harsh soap or detergent – especially if you have sensitive skin.

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Grab a glass of warm water (again, not too hot) and add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Dunk your brushes, rinse and then rinse out under the tap until there's no gunk coming off them.

To get shiny hair

If your locks are looking lacklustre, try diluting a third of a cup of ACV with four cups of water and working into your clean, wet hair. Let it work its magic for 15 minutes, then rinse and follow up with your conditioner.

Note: if you have dyed hair, then you might want to shy away from this, as the acidity could draw out brassier tones in your colour.

To reduce the appearance of your bruises

Banged your thigh against the office kitchen counter in your haste to get to the last of the free muffins? We feel you. If you want to reduce the purple vibe, soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar and strap to the affected area like you would a bandage.

The liquid can encourage the pooled blood, which is sitting underneath the skin creating the bruise, to dissipate.

As a scalp treatment

Itchy scalp? While using specific shampoo, conditioner, masks and serums can do wonders for the health of your hair follicle, they may be playing with your scalp's pH, which leans towards the acidic.

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Try mixing a couple of table spoons of apple cider vinegar with the same amount of water and extra virgin olive oil, before rubbing into the top of your head. Leave for 10-20 minutes and then rinse out, following up with your conditioner.

Claudia Canavan As digital Beauty and Health Editor, with an MA in Magazine Journalism, Claudia is a devotee of natural, organic and cruelty-free skincare and of nurturing a banging mind-body connection.

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