Natural Hair Conditioners

| Modified on Dec 24, 2023
Natural Hair Conditioners

Hair Care without Chemicals

Our hair is important to us; a part of our persomal ensemble and a form of self-expression. Commercial products may contain chemicals that can be absorbed into our bodies or even damage our hair for short-term effects. The good news is there are many great alternatives to putting those products into your hair.

Natural Hair Conditioner Options

Below you will find dozens of ways to treat and restore your hair naturally. Among our more popular home remedy options for natural hair treatment are apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, and we even have heard about positive results using egg yolks, borax, and honey!

Other Pages of Interest:
Natural Shampoos
Natural Hair Coloring Recipes




Apple Cider Vinegar

18 User Reviews
5 star (17) 
  94%
4 star (1) 
  6%

Posted by Magneto (Eastern NC) on 12/23/2023
★★★★★

I've tried ACV and it seemed ok. Recently I tried approximately 50/50 of water and white vinegar and my hair is soooooo soft! I don't even need conditioner anymore! I've switched to using kids shampoo which is so much gentler. I'm hoping to try borax shampoo solution soon.

Replied by Hollyhock
(America)
12/23/2023

Do you leave the white vinegar mixture in your hair or rinse it out? Thanks.

Elena
(Dallas)
12/24/2023

You rinse your hair with it. Tiny bit of vinegar in water. It will give your hair a shine.

Replied by Elena
(Dallas)
12/24/2023

50/50 is too strong. Use a tbsp of white vinegar.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kay (Hibbetts, Ohio) on 05/17/2018
★★★★★

For what it is worth... I rinse my hair with organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother, and sold in glass bottles); a 50/50 mixture with water. But I do not rinse it out. The vinegar odor quickly dissipates and my hair is very shiny when dry. In my experience, organic apple cider vinegar sold in plastic bottles does not produce the same results and does not smell organic.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Crabby Apple Pi (Minnesota) on 07/24/2017
★★★★★

I use ACV for everything but never, ever considered pouring it over my dry hair. After reading the posts from people who use ACV in their hair I went to the kitchen sink, more to prove that it wouldn't work for my problem. I shampooed, then poured diluted ACV over my hair and let it sit for about a minute. At this point I'm thinking it won't work because my hair felt dry when I poured the ACV solution into my hair BUT as I was rinsing I could feel my hair soften and turn silky...with nothing but water and vinegar?! I dried my hair as usual and my hair is soft and healthy with not the slightest trace of the dryness that has plagued me for 2 years. Shut up!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lloyd (Charlotte, Nc) on 09/29/2013
★★★★★

On the use of Apple Cider Vinegar as a hair rinse and left to dry overnight... Well I've done that when hair was just lifeless and dry. Even when using conditioners. Just now did it again. Let it soak on hair to the point it was nearly dripping... Very wet but not dripping. In the past when I did it, next day hair had a sheen was very managable.

Can't recall if I read it from Dr Jarvis' book on ACV "New England Folk Medicine" which I read about 20 years ago. That book is what got me started on the amazing world of ACV.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barbara (Union City, Tn) on 05/16/2011
★★★★★

I totally agree. I have been rinsing my hair with ACV for years and years and I have never noted any bad side effects. The ACV helps control my dandruff and it brings out the red highlights in my hair.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tasha (East Coast, Usa) on 08/27/2010
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar is WONDERFUL for hair especially frizzy/curly hair. I mix 1/3 ACV or White Vinegar and 2/3 water in a bowl. First thing I do is dump this over my head. I let it sit while I wash up, rinse at the end and follow with a tad of conditioner. I have fine curly hair and its usually a hit or miss as far as how my hair day goes. I havent had a bad hair days since I started doing this. Hair is smooth, shiny, FULL and just plain gorgeous.

Replied by Tricia
(Ireland)
08/28/2010
84 posts

I do this too for scalp as much as hair. I use a spray bottle to get it into the scalp and then comb it through my hair. Less waste. I find it amazing that although I can normally only use a comb on my curls when I have conditioner in it, I can comb the ACV mix through without any bother at all.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
08/28/2010

The spray bottle is a great idea as I always waste a lot because I don't know where I am throwing it. But do you do that as a rinse after washing your hair or with it dry?

Replied by Tricia
(Ireland)
09/02/2010
84 posts

Hi Francisca, I enjoy your posts and reviews. I had awful problems with my hair after giving birth which I blamed on hormones. It took me two years and many hairdresser visits(I usually only go once every 2-3 years) to realize it was SLS. Curl fell out. Colour wouldn't stay and it felt like I had a wire brush rubbing on my scalp. So now I rarely shampoo my hair unless I'm going to get a colour put in. I use a protocol devised by Lorraine Massey called "no poo". I 'wash' my hair each day but only use a non-silicone conditioner - no shampoo. Google her. It's a great system. Once or twice a week, before breakfast I spray my dry hair and scalp with ACV/water - have brekkie and clean up - then shower and condition. Normally I only leave it on half an hour or so but a couple of times I realize at the school gates that I forgot to wash it out. Doesn't look good but it has never done any damage. The spray bottler is non waste and I'll use it for cleaning too. I spray it on my brass bathroom taps just for a min and then scrub with an old toothbrush to get rid of the green stuff that accumulates on them. And it gets rid of the soap residue my family are determined to leave in the sink. It's great stuff to have in the bathroom.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
09/03/2010

Hi Tricia, many thanks for your kind words. Actually I have stopped posting the book reviews because I didn't think that there was much interest.... As far as the ACV goes I have just remembered that like you I also have a spry bottle with ACV and water which I use to clean mirrors and so, that will be handy for my hair too! I will surely Google Lorraine Massey. Normally speaking I don't need to wash my hair more than once a week and I have just read in a book of mine that you should only wash the scalp, not the rest. Nowadays we only use natural shampoos and I am starting to rinse it with beer and then water. It gives volume and the hair becomes very soft. I also brush it with my head upside down and then straight up at least twice a day, like someone suggested here a while ago and that has made my hair look fuller and thicker while keeping it a lot cleaner. I have must finished reading a little book with a lot of beauty tips, if there is interest I will post a review on this site (the problem is that I don't think you can find the reviews again)! Funny you say you keep the ACV in the bathroom, I keep the spray bottle with the diluted one but also a bottle with the normal stuff as I use it in my bath, to wash my fact, against yeast infections, everything and anything!

Replied by Tasha
(East Coast, Usa)
09/10/2010

I did try the spray bottle also. The problem is that unless its directed close to the scalp, it goes everywhere. It looks like fine mist, but unless you spray in the shower- your bathroom will smell of vinegar. I also want to note that ACV is great but I actually much prefer white vinegar. The results seem even better. The vinegar doesnt seem to dry my hair out even though I use it on my strands as well as my scalp. I rinse in vinegar nearly every day. It doesnt seem to cause much fading of my red hair color either, but maybe thats because of the PH.

Replied by Ctbrowneyes
(Ct)
01/29/2015
★★★★★

I love ACV on my hair. It has been now 5 months I ditched shampoo. I used thr Dr. Hulda Clark recipe of 1 Tablespoon with 1 cup water of baking soda to wash my hair and then rinse with water. For conditioner and extra rinse, I use 1-2 TBs of ACV in about cup of water and rinse my hair, hair comes out great and don't need to wash for 3-4 days. Less frizz and healthy scape and shinny hair. Takes a while for hair to get used to it and it took me a while to get used to not having suds. Love it. I ended up buying on Amazon a 50 lb container of baking soda because I use it for cleaning my home and more.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Laurie (Sudbury, Ontario) on 12/20/2008

Can anyone tell me if adding ACV to your final rinse is ok if u just had ur hair colored and highlighted, or if one should wait for a bit. Has anyone had experience with this, please let me know asap if possible as I just had my hair done. Thank you

Replied by Rosy
(Orlando, Fl)
12/20/2008

It should be ok to use right after coloring darker hair, but it might be too soon for light hair. You could try a chamomile tea rinse for your light hair.

Replied by Laurie
(Sudbury, Ontario)
12/24/2008

Thank you for your response, I have dark hair naturally but have red and blonde highlights in it. First time I try this its sexy actually....anyways what do u think should I wait on the AVC rinse cause of the lighter highlites. I have tried ACv rinse very little already and seemed to be ok. Just asking opinions. Thanks again.

Replied by Pauline
(Sebring, Florida)
08/23/2009
★★★★★

to Laurie from SudburyOntario- My hair was very fine and wouldn't even hold a hair clip it would drop out. This is what I did, massage the scap real good with olive oil then massage the olive oil into the hair all the way to the ends. you can leave it on for 30 minutes or a little longer the longer the better. Then shampoo and condition, then mix half Apple Cider Vinger and half water pour this through the hair and leave it in do not rinse, just wrap a towel around your head leave it on about 5 minutes then take the towel off and let your hair air dry. When the hair dries you won't smell the vinegar. The olive oil will make your hair grow and make it thick and the A/C/V will clean out any chemicals like hairspray, spray gel, hair mousse.

Now for the nails, I use olive oil but you have a choice to use olive oil, castor oil or petroleum jelly, all three are good for the nails. If you use olive oil or castor oil use a cotton ball and wet it good with the oil and rub it into the nails and cuticles real good. for the petroleum jelly use a small amount on nails and cuticles. Make sure you do this before going to bed. Use rubber gloves for cleaning bathrooms,dishes and gardening, water is not good for the nails. Remember nothing works overnight! It will take a few weeks for this to work. You will see a difference as the weeks go by. It sure did work good for me, I know it will work for you too. Good Luck!

Pauline


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Houston, TX) on 06/20/2007
★★★★★

I just tried the Apple Cider Vinegar Rince on my hair for the first time . My hair feels much lighter and cleaner , But it burnt my forehead, so when you use it becareful not to get it on your forehead.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lana (Hamilton, OH) on 09/16/2006
★★★★★

I started using to rinse my hair after washing and cream rinse. I have long hair from my crown about 31 inches. I use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar ever time I wash my hair, which is 3 times a week. The smell only stays for about 30 min, but my hair is so much healthier and has also grown. If I miss the vinegar rinse my hair feels flat and unclean. It also helps with the split ends. White vinegar is not to be used on your hair as it will strip the naturel oils


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amanda (Ontario, Canada) on 02/12/2006
★★★★★

I rinsed with the apple cider vinegar for 4 nights in a row. My hair didn't have any build-up in sight! thanks! :)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barbara (Phoenix, Arizona)
★★★★★

I have been using vinegar once a week for years and years as a hair rinse. It gives my hair the perfect pH balance. As a result, at the ripe old age of 63, I have very thick, healthy, shiny hair. When I tell people about it, they think I am crazy, but it works!! I remember when I was very young, my mom would wash my hair in rain water and then rinse it with vinegar.

I use approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup vinegar diluted with about 1/2 cup water. I shampoo and rinse first then pour on the vinegar - let it sit about a minute and then rinse out the vinegar and then shampoo again and rinse very well so there is no odor of vinegar. This was even recommended to me by a beautician once, and I hadn't even told her that I was already doing it!! The vinegar also removes all the old shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, etc. build-up in the hair.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Los Angeles, CA)
★★★★☆

The Apple Cider Vinegar as a conditioner was great! However, my hair smelled quite obviously of vinegar until the next time I washed it even though I rinsed it well with shampoo! I will try it again, but perhaps with less vinegar.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Aspen, CO)
★★★★★

The vinegar cuts the minerals in your water--that's why it works. Hard minerals stick to your hair. Just try rinsing with distilled water for silky hair.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dora (Ottawa, Ontario)
★★★★★

The apple cider vinegar worked very well. The only things to be watchful for: is not getting it in your eyes (becomes irritated for a couple of seconds) and being mindful in the shower where it becomes slippery on the floor. The best way I believe to use the ACV is over a sink to wash your hair, not the shower.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Kingston Area,Ontario)
★★★★★

After being guided to use apple cider vinegar to rid Candida.. I decided to cleanse my scalp of any yeast buildup. Wow...my hair is so curly,shinny and very healthy. I will use every second week as a cleanser. Try diluting 1/2 cup of ACV with 1/2 cup warm water-pour onto scalp, then shampoo & conditioner. I have even tried it on a cotton ball to exfolliate my skin--results were "glowing skin". Buy the "unpasturized"apple cider vinegar-it is live and therefore ACTIVE.Try it - IT does work.

Replied by Ed2010
(Oakville, Canada)
07/20/2012

Sinusitis symptoms are:

1. Severe Cold
2. Nasal Congestion
3. Headache

4. Pain around eyebrows, eyes, nose areas
5. Sore Throat
6. Inflamed Throat

Nausea or mind fog are not sinus symptoms. Chances are you are having vertigo. Maybe you should consult a chiropractor.

What is your work type, continuous sitting or continuous standing. Prolonged same posture working habits can cause stress in the spinal chord that can manifest in your said symptoms.

If you are very sure about sinusitis, consult a good Homeopath to cure it. Homeopathy cures sinusitis at any stage.

For your congnizance and physical health. You should do SUN WORSHIP or SUN SALUTATION - which is a yoga exercise (SOORYA NAMASAKARAM) that will take only 10 mins in the morning in front of sun. You will see nice difference in one week in your cognizance.

SUN SALUTATION will cure most of the diseases balance your energy, balance your internal system, physical agility.

just google about SUN SALUTATION OR SOORYA NAMASKAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXTpTRuPiPQ

However, you have to check for toxins in your food and water. Toxins cause the mind fog that keeps you preoccupied.

Hope this helps.



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