My Hair Routine: Apple Cider Vinegar and Herbal Essences

I have reading so much on CurlyNikki.com about different hair products for women with natural curly hair.  I found out that a lot of the products out there contain very harsh chemicals that break down the hair shaft and can lead to pretty serious damage. I have been using a Pantene shampoo and conditioner and discovered that it contains some of these harmful agents. No wonder my hair has been so unmanageable and rough.

I have heard of women rinsing their hair with apple cider vinegar but never thought it would be something I would try. However, upon reading lots of reviews and watching youtube videos about it, I found that it actually rejuvenates the hair by removing all the gunk on the hair and scalp, closing the hair shaft to lock in moister, easily detangling the hair, and creating a nice sheen.  The only side effect I have read so far is that if you use too much (and too often depending on your hair), your hair will become very dry.

So I thought I give it a go.

But FIRST, I wanted to find a good conditioner to use after I rinse my hair with the apple cider vinegar (ACV).  Once again, through research, I saw that a lot of women with naturally curly hair use Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Conditioner. I mean A LOT of them use this. Therefore, it must be good for something especially since it is specially formulated for curly hair textures. So I went to CVS today to pick up a bottle of Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Conditioner (HE TT), Herbal Essence Hydralicious Conditioner (HE H), and Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner for $2.88 each (sale price). I wanted to test out several products to see which one will work better (and since they were on sale...regular price is around $5).

So, I mixed up one tablespoon of ACV with a cup (8 ounces) of filtered water in a bottle. Before I got into the shower, I was sporting a flat twist out that was about two days old (I believe...lol.). I didn't detangle my hair or anything before I got into the shower. Once I got in, I wet my hair and applied the ACV rinse to my scalp (while letting any extra drip toward the ends of my hair).

O.M.G.

My hair transformed IMMEDIATELY!!!

Instantly, my hair texture started to feel smoother as a result of the ACV chalking away that gunk of shea butter, olive oil, and gel from my hair. My hair began to feel softer as I began combing my hair with a wide tooth comb.  And tangles?  What tangles?  That comb ran so easily through my hair better than any conditioner I have used (I started combing at my ends, of course, and worked my way to the top). The smell was hardly an issue. I let the vinegar sit in my hair for a few more minutes and then rinsed it out under warm water. I then proceeded to put a wallop of the HE Totally Twisted Conditioner in my hair, focusing on the ends. I finger combed the conditioner throughout my hair and then rinsed the conditioner out of my hair after a few minutes (while I washed up) as the shower water was starting to get cold.

After I was done, I shook my hair lightly and noticed some curl definition in my hair. Next time I will take a picture of the process. I was rushing so my daughter can get into the bathroom for her routine bath. Anyway, I felt my hair and it was OH SO SOFT! It was crazy! I asked my boyfriend to feel my hair and he said it felt stronger. I was like "ok" as if he has enough experience with my hair to know when it feels weak or strong. But then, maybe he just knows. I don't know. But it is amazing how something so simple and natural as ACV can do wonders to the hair.

I am HOOKED.

I am going to add this ACV rinse to my hair routine unless I found something bad about it otherwise. The HE TT is a keeper also. I liked how it wasn't too thick or too thin and it has a nice smell to it.  I am not sure how often I will do the rinse. It depends on how long I decide to go between styles. I flat twisted my hair into nine sections and curled the ends with flexirods. On each section, I added my shea butter/olive oil mix to seal the ends mainly and some lock and twist gel. I need to invest in a spray bottle so I can keep my hair moist while I am working on a section of hair at a time. I tied down my hair with a scarf before I worked out and hopefully it will be dried in the morning.

I am getting so much better with my flat twist. I am glad because I need to get the technique down before my daughter grows a head full of hair.

I will post a picture of the hair results. Hopefully it will turn out ok.