I know what you're thinking. Apple cider vinegar? Yes, apple cider vinegar. ACV as some call it, and yes, Pinterest will back me up on that too, is a common household product that you'll find near the back of your pantry. Until recently, I always had ACV because it was always needed in obscure recipes. Now, I seem to be burning through it, because I've recently worked it into my beauty routine 3 different ways.
The First way that I incorporated apple cider vinegar into my routine is with this hair rinse. In a reusable sports bottle, combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of ACV. After you've shampooed your hair, I recommend using the Wella Elements Shampoo, pour the mixture over your scalp and ends. Let it sit on your hair for about 3 minutes, then rinse, and follow with your favorite conditioner. The Wella Elements Conditioner is perfect for adding light moisture back into the hair. This rinse has so many benefits. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of the scalp which can help keep dry skin at bay, and it also adds shine by locking down the cuticle of the hair. This rinse is especially helpful for removing product buildup, and locking in your hair color.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse pairs perfectly with Wella Elements Shampoo and Conditioner
The Second way that you can use ACV in your beauty routine is by diluting it with water to make a toner for your skin. I recommend using the same ratio to water as above, 1:2. Saturate a cotton swab with the mixture and apply it to your entire face, not including the eye area. This toner helps tighten the skin and helps treat and prevent breakouts. Love it! And, yes, it smells funky at first. However, it does go away once your skin dries, so just try to tough it out.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baby!
The Third, and possibly most startling, way to use ACV is as a mouth wash. Once again, dilute with water in a 1:2 ratio. This pre-brushing mouthwash can help fight chronic bad breathe and help whiten teeth, without damaging your enamel. I recommend swishing it around for 10- 15 seconds before you brush your teeth, then you can enjoy your perky smile! The taste is aggressive, strong, heinous even... but you do get used to it. And, if my ratio is just too strong for you to handle, just add water!
In the past year, I've been shifting my beauty products to the more natural, simple, and ethical side of things. I love that I can incorporate something that is already in my pantry, and that is affordable, into my routine. Have you used ACV outside of the kitchen, yet? Maybe around the house.... Let me know how you use this multitasking tonic in your life in the comments below!
~ Shana