Lately I’ve been using more and more herbs in my skin and hair care recipes. Herbs add healing value and nutrients to DIY beauty products. Infusing apple cider vinegar for DIY skin and hair care recipes is a great way to provide those extra healing benefits.
I infuse herbs into apple cider vinegar the same way that I create herbal oil infusions. I fill up 1/4-1/2 of a clean glass jar with the herbs of my choice, then fill the rest of the jar with either apple cider vinegar or a carrier oil and seal.
I let the herbs infuse slowly on the kitchen windowsill for four weeks. I will gently shake the jar daily to help the herbs release more into the infusion. When the four weeks are up, I strain and pour the herbal infusion into a clean container for use. It is extremely helpful to label the jar with the date as well as your herbal content so that you will know exactly how to recreate the infusion and know when it will be ready.
I use apple cider vinegar in both the DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner and the DIY Green Tea Cleansing Hair Rinse which I use mainly as a scalp treatment before washing my hair. You can also do a very simple hair rinse with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water to clarify and condition the hair. This simple hair rinse has replaced conditioner for some as it creates shine while sealing the hair cuticle.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin
Apple cider vinegar promotes blood circulation and is a natural antiseptic. It will also exfoliate dead skin cells as it is a natural alpha hydroxy acid. Apple cider vinegar is known to detox the skin, clear acne and blemishes, and even out and brighten skin.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
Apple cider vinegar’s natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties balances the pH of your scalp while removing dead skin cells on the scalp. It is also a natural remedy for hair thinning, hair loss, and dandruff. Apple cider vinegar rinses away chemicals and excess oils from the hair and scalp without dehydrating the hair leaving it conditioned and tangle free.
Amazing Herbs For Skin
Calendula
Lavendar
Chamomile
Elder Flower
Rosemary
Thyme
Amla
Burdock Root
Amazing Herbs For Hair
Nettle
Rosemary
Marshmallow Root
Comfrey
Birch
Basil
Horsetail
Burdock Root
Amla
Brahmi
I usually like to mix three or four herbs for my infusions, yet use whatever you have. Some herbs work well for both skin and hair like comfrey, rosemary, burdock root, lavender, and amla even though I only listed them once. Read this great article on herbal hair care from Mountain Rose Herbs. In the article it suggests using 3 tablespoons of herbs to 8 oz of apple cider vinegar.
Important Note: Please research new herbs to ensure that their is no conflict with medical conditions or pregnancy.
You can find loose herbs in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs. Also you will receive the best benefits using an organic raw apple cider vinegar.
(Image by Mountain Rose Herbs)
Danielle says
I just discovered your website and I think it is a great resource. I was looking for a website like this for awhile. Thank you for this, its great!!
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks so much and you are so welcome Danielle!
Donya says
Just happened upon site after searching for info on texturizers. I was literally on the verge of going there and giving up on this natural journey and your site appears…wow, such great info. Thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Donya, Henna would be a much better option than texturizers for sure. You may want to read this if you already haven’t. Have a beautiful day!
mangomadness says
I’m currently infusing dried thyme into apple cider vinegar for a toner I’m gonna make.
I got the idea from LolaZabeth [dot] com–a blog by a beauty foodie. It has awesome recipes for DIY natural beauty products (skin, hair, etc).
Dawn Michelle says
I love thyme. Haven’t used it in awhile though. I’m currently really into rosemary 🙂
luka says
Have you tried other types of vinegar like red wine, rice wine, plum,etc? Do they make any difference?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Luka, Raw organic apple cider vinegar is the best for hair. Raw organic acv is nutrient rich and not processed in a way that depletes those nutrients. I’ve also never used any other type of vinegar for any of my DIY beauty recipes. Hope this helps!
milly says
Would organic unfiltered pasteurized vinegar work?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Milly, You can use organic unfiltered vinegar. Organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the one more commonly favored and used and is what I use. Best wishes!
Elizabeth says
Thanks for the great info! I just started a rosemary ACV infusion.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Elizabeth,
I hope you enjoy your rosemary infused apple cider vinegar. I love the smell of rosemary!
Kate says
What herbs are good for itchy scalp and dandruff.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kate,
Chamomile and comfrey are great for scalp irritation. I also like adding marshmallow root to infuse in apple cider vinegar for extra soothing as well. All the best!
Sarah says
Hi!
I want to stop using shampoo, but i don’t know where to start. Do you have any suggestions? My hair is a terrible tangled mess!
Thanks.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sarah,
No matter what your hair type is you will experience a transitioning period (which can last from 1-3 months depending upon where you are starting from) going the no ‘poo hair care route. I share my experience throughout this blog and also in this article. This four part series on 100% natural hair care will give you lots of information, yet be patient and plan for some beautiful updo styles during your transitioning period.
Best wishes!
Sarah says
Hi!
I’ve been reading your site for a few days and you have great ideas. I just started the no-shampoo and im going through the transition period (my hair is very oily and heavy after just three days), I only rinse it with vinegar and water. Do you have any suggestions? Should i use something else to clean it? I would very much appreciate your help.
Regards from México!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sarah,
Here are some other option for all natural hair cleansers that you can make. Be patient with your transition as it will be so much healthier than using chemical cleansers. A wood or natural bristle brush will also help you distribute your scalps natural oil through your hair. The natural oils that our scalp produces is the BEST conditioner for hair.
Best wishes!
Fatou says
What if you used ACV & fresh rosemary leaves in a plastic bottle & forgot about it for 7 weeks? Now the ACV has white stuff floating in it. Can I still use it?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Fatou,
I have never experienced this especially since apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties. I also use dried herbs for infusions though too which I feel are better suited for long term infusions. Whenever you create any infusion you want to have clean sterilized containers and even if using fresh herbs that they are also clean and dry. I wouldn’t use any DIY that has the appearance of mold growing. I hope this is helpful.