There is something so satisfying about washing your locs and feeling that clean, refreshed feeling afterward. But sometimes, even after a good wash, your scalp can still feel a little itchy, your locs can feel rough or dry, or your hair just does not have the same softness and shine it used to.

That is where an apple cider vinegar rinse can make a nice addition to your routine.

An ACV rinse is a simple mixture of diluted apple cider vinegar and water that you can use after washing. It gives your scalp and locs an extra rinse while helping bring the scalp and hair back toward their natural pH.

But there is one thing to keep in mind, especially if your locs are still developing: ACV can make the hair softer and more slippery, which may loosen developing locs slightly. That does not mean you need to avoid ACV altogether. It just means that you shouldn’t use it as often.

In this article, I will discuss the benefits of an ACV rinse, my go-to recipe, how to use it, and how often it is recommended. 

What is an ACV Rinse?

An ACV rinse is simply apple cider vinegar diluted with water and applied to the scalp and locs.

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which gives it its naturally acidic pH. Hair and the scalp also have a naturally acidic environment, so using a properly diluted ACV rinse can help bring the hair and scalp back toward that acidic range after cleansing.

Shampooing removes sweat, oils, dirt, and other substances from the scalp and hair, but the washing process can also strip your hair and scalp of its oils and disrupt the pH balance. 

An acidic rinse can help restore that balance and leave the hair feeling smoother.

And because locs are made up of tightly tangled hair, an occasional rinse can be especially beneficial as a deep cleanser to remove some product buildup,

What are the Benefits of an ACV Rinse for Locs?

There are many benefits to an ACV rinse, including: 

1. It helps restore the scalp’s natural pH

An ACV rinse provides a mildly acidic rinse that can help bring the scalp and hair back toward their natural pH.

Maintaining a healthy scalp is important because your scalp is where the foundation of your locs grow. 

2. It can help reduce scalp itchiness

An itchy scalp can be incredibly annoying, especially when you know your scalp is clean.

For some people, an ACV rinse can help calm the post-wash itchiness as a result of scalp dryness.

On the other hand, if you experience persistent or severe itching, a pH imbalance might not be the cause. Dandruff, dermatitis, allergies, dryness, and other scalp issues can also cause itching, and an ACV rinse is not a treatment for all underlying scalp conditions.

3. It gives your hair an extra level of cleansing

An ACV rinse is not a replacement for shampoo, but it can give your hair an extra rinse after washing. The diluted vinegar can help loosen some residue and leave the hair feeling cleaner and lighter.

4. It can restore some of your locs’ natural shine

Clean, healthy hair naturally reflects light.

When the outer surface of the hair is rough or coated with residue, the hair may look dull. An acidic rinse can clean and help smooth the hair’s outer surface, which will make your locs appear shinier afterward.

5. It can make locs feel softer

The acidic rinse can help smooth the outer surface of the hair, which may make your locs feel softer and less velcro-like. It also may reduce the appearance of frizz. 

However, that softness is exactly why you do not want to overdo ACV on newer locs that have not matured yet.

How Often Should You Do an ACV Rinse on Locs?

How often you use an ACV rinse depends largely on whether your locs are mature or not.

Mature locs: every other week

For mature locs, you can generally use an ACV rinse about every other week, or as needed.

Some people may prefer to use it less often, such as once a month. There is no requirement to use ACV every two weeks if your locs already feel clean, soft, and healthy.

Starter locs/ teen locs: once a month

If your locs are still developing, I recommend keeping ACV rinses to about once a month, or once every six weeks.

This gives you the benefits of the rinse without repeatedly softening the hair while your locs are still forming.

If your locs are extremely new or are having trouble staying together, you may even decide to wait until they have matured more before doing an ACV rinse.

How to Make an ACV Rinse for Locs

You only need a bottle and two ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water

For the best results, use a good-quality apple cider vinegar. Raw, unfiltered ACV with the cloudy sediment often referred to as “the mother” is the ideal choice.

The most important part of this recipe is that you dilute the vinegar.

Do not pour straight apple cider vinegar onto your scalp or locs. ACV is acidic, and using it undiluted can irritate it.

If you have a particularly sensitive scalp, you can start with an even weaker mixture and see how your skin responds.

How to Do an ACV Rinse on Your Locs

An ACV rinse is simple to add to your normal wash day.

Step 1: Wash your locs

Start by washing your locs thoroughly with a loc-friendly shampoo. Click here for my top shampoo recommendations!

Focus on cleansing the scalp and making sure the shampoo reaches the length of your locs. Rinse extremely well.

Step 2: Mix your ACV rinse

In an applicator bottle (I use an empty shampoo bottle), combine 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.

Step 3: Apply it to your scalp and locs

Slowly apply the mixture throughout your scalp and over your locs. Focus on the scalp primarily, and allow it to pour over into your locs. 

Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp.

Step 4: Let it sit for a few minutes

Allow the diluted ACV to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

If your scalp begins to burn, sting, or feel irritated, rinse it out immediately.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly

After a few minutes, rinse your locs thoroughly with clean water.

A thorough rinse also helps remove some of the vinegar smell, although some traces of it may be left. The smell of vinegar will disappear once your locs have dried thoroughly, but keep in mind that if your scalp sweats (during a workout for instance) or gets wet (in the rain, or however), the vinegar smell might come back.

Step 6: Dry your locs completely

Squeeze out as much excess water as possible and allow your locs to dry completely. Click here to learn how to dry your locs quickly.

Make sure to give your locs enough time to dry all the way through so they don’t develop mold.

ACV Rinse vs. Clarifying Shampoo

It is easy to lump these treatments together because both can make your hair feel cleaner, but they are not the same thing.

A clarifying shampoo is specifically designed to remove oils, styling products, dirt, and other forms of buildup.

An ACV rinse is a diluted acidic rinse that can help refresh the scalp, support the hair’s natural acidic environment, loosen some residue, and leave the hair feeling softer and smoother.

If your locs have significant product buildup, wash them properly rather than relying on ACV alone.

If you simply want an occasional natural rinse to refresh your locs and scalp after washing, do an ACV rinse after shampooing.

When to be Cautious with ACV Rinses

Because ACV is acidic, you should be cautious if you have a sensitive or irritated scalp. Do not apply it to open cuts, scratches, or broken skin.

You should also pay attention to how your locs respond. If your locs become noticeably softer or looser after an ACV rinse, simply space your treatments farther apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you use ACV before or after shampooing?

An ACV rinse should be done after shampooing

Does an ACV rinse help locs grow?

An ACV rinse does not make your hair grow faster. Its benefits are more about maintaining a healthy-feeling scalp and hair, including reducing some types of residue, supporting the scalp’s natural pH, and leaving the locs softer and smoother.

Can ACV stop an itchy scalp?

Yes, ACV can reduce itchiness in the scalp, particularly when residue or scalp imbalance is contributing to the discomfort. However, persistent itching can have many causes, so an ACV rinse should not be used as a substitute for addressing an underlying scalp condition.

Can I use an ACV rinse on starter locs?

Yes, but use it sparingly. Because ACV can soften the hair and potentially loosen developing knots, once a month is a better starting point for locs that have not fully matured.

How long should I leave an ACV rinse on my locs?

It’s best to leave ACV on your locs for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Does ACV make locs softer?

It can. An acidic rinse may smooth the hair’s outer surface, which can make locs feel softer and less rough. This can be a nice benefit for mature locs, but it is also why you should avoid overusing ACV while your locs are still developing.

Can an ACV rinse loosen locs?

Yes, it can loosen developing locs slightly. This does not mean ACV will unravel your locs or ruin your progress. A properly diluted rinse used occasionally is unlikely to cause a major problem. The concern is more about repeated treatments that continually soften developing locs. If your locs are mature and firmly established, this is much less of a concern.

Can ACV make locs shiny?

It can help restore a healthier-looking shine by smoothing the surface of the hair and removing some residue that may be dulling it. The effect will vary from person to person.

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