The acid rinse is a fundamental step in our beauty routine , to have shiny, healthy and soft hair.
In fact, during shampooing, the temperature of the water and the pH of the products we use for cleansing can cause the hair scales to open, leaving the hair frizzy and dull.
What is acid rinse and what is it for?
The acid rinse is a simple process that consists of performing the final rinse with cold water made slightly acidic by adding lemon or vinegar.
It helps restore the hair's natural pH and dissolve limescale residues, for healthy, shiny hair.
The external structure of hair can be compared to that of a tiled roof: the surface is in fact covered with small scales that, if they remain closed and compact, protect the hair from atmospheric agents and make it shiny and soft.
During shampooing, the scales tend to open , due to the heat of the water and the pH of the detergents, giving the hair a damaged and dull appearance. In addition, the limestone, naturally present in tap water, is deposited on the hair, making it hard and frizzy.
How do you do an acid rinse?
Preparing the acid rinse is very simple and requires common ingredients that we find in the kitchen. There are several methods to acidify the water needed for the final rinse.
Acid rinse with vinegar
You can use wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, the ones you normally find at the supermarket and use in the kitchen.
- 1 litre of cold water.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
In addition to acetic acid, vinegar contains mineral salts, vitamins and sugars, which will hydrate the hair.
Don't worry about the smell: once your hair is dry it won't be noticeable anymore!
In any case, if you don't like a strong smell, I recommend using apple cider vinegar , which has a more delicate smell and a pH more similar to that of the hair, thus being more delicate!
Acid rinse with lemon juice
If you have lemon at home or if you just can't stand the smell of vinegar, you can use the acid rinse with lemon juice.
- 1 litre of cold water.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Do not overdo the dosage, to avoid obtaining the opposite effect!
Acid Rinse with Citric Acid
The acid rinse with citric acid is my favorite solution because it is eco-friendly and completely odorless.
Citric acid is extracted from lemons and comes in the form of a white powder. Being extremely concentrated, very little is needed to acidify water.
- 1 teaspoon pinch
- 1 liter of cold water
However, I find it more convenient to prepare a citric acid solution first: just put 100 g of citric acid in a half-liter bottle of distilled water , shaking well to dissolve all the powder.
When washing, I dilute
- 1 tablespoon of this solution
- 1 litre of cold water
And voilà my acid rinse is ready!
Citric acid is the most eco-friendly solution, because it is a light ingredient to manufacture and transport!
When should acid rinse be used?
The acid rinse should always be used, after every shampoo and conditioner.
Once you have thoroughly rinsed out your shampoo and conditioner, do one final rinse with your acidified solution.
You can pour the water directly onto your hair, starting from the scalp and letting it drip down the lengths, or you can immerse your hair for a few seconds in a bowl with your acid rinse.
The acid rinse does not need to be rinsed off , it is the last step of our washing routine.
If you wash your hair very often, I recommend alternating the acid rinse with a natural hydrolate , to avoid drying your hair too much.
You can use a Rosemary Hydrolate , with a toning and polishing action, which helps you to gently close the hair scales and has a strengthening and illuminating action.
Perfect for all hair types, it is particularly suitable for weak and falling hair, for oily and impure scalps, and in cases of dandruff .
If you have a dry and irritated scalp, if your hair is fragile and thin and tends to fall out, try Hamamelis Hydrolate , refreshing, soothing and toning.
If you want to revive the golden highlights of your hair, don't miss the refreshing and scented Chamomile Hydrolate , also suitable for irritated scalps, eczema and psoriasis.
Are you wondering how to eliminate frizz from your hair? The unpleasant cloud effect is a bane for many people! Here is our guide to keep frizzy hair at bay naturally !
Don't miss all our tips for natural hair care in our section dedicated to hair guides and tutorials !
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