I need to make a new batch. I used Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) the last two times, and I detest the scent (stench? lol). I put lavendar buds in it, but it doesn't help much. :(

I think this time I will use the regular white vinegar, the scent doesn't linger as long in my hair.

How do you all make it so it isn't as stinky? Oh, and do you crush the dried herbs before you put them in? I never have, but just realized maybe I should. :?:

TIA!

I put plenty of strong-scented herbs and EOs in to try and mask the scent. It's still there :puke: but not quite as strong. I also use white iwne vinegar rather than ACV usually. I only notice it on my hair if I get warm, and then it seems to diffuse more which is a bit embarassing :oops:

As for crushing...I read somewhere that if you are using dried herbs, you don't need to because the process of drying and then rehydrating again will rupture the cell wall allowing all the goodies to get out anyway. But with fresh herbs, the cells are still intact and so you should crush them. The acidity of the vinegar also helps to lyse the cells I believe.

I also use strong scented herbs - rosemary, rosepetals, lavender, etc., and I don't crush them either.... I heat up the vinegar (I use white vinegar as well as KT) to just before boiling so the heat from the vinegar will help it diffuse.

BTW, when I dilute the vinegar in dist. water before using, I also add EO's and I've never noticed the smell after drying.

HTH, ::smooch:: Sheba

Yeah... I was going to say that I dilute it with distilled water, too, and haven't noticed much scent that way.

Rachel

I also use strong scented herbs - rosemary, rosepetals, lavender, etc., and I don't crush them either.... I heat up the vinegar (I use white vinegar as well as KT) to just before boiling so the heat from the vinegar will help it diffuse.

BTW, when I dilute the vinegar in dist. water before using, I also add EO's and I've never noticed the smell after drying.

HTH, ::smooch:: Sheba

Thank you to all three of you......this is exactly how I had been doing it, only difference is I was using ACV (better for brunettes) and I didn't use distlled water to mix it in before using.

So now I have two different things to try.....thanks!!! :)

i use very weak acv rinse and it smells exactly for 5 mins. one capful to a 64oz mug. sometimes i put drops of eo in it too.

If you are using dried herbs, you don't need to crush them. If you are using fresh herbs, then crushing will help to break the cell wall and release all the good things inside.

I used herbs in my vinegar rinses quite awhile, but I have found it is much more easy to use essential oils. Peppermint is one that really effects the scent of your mixture. Be sure to shake well before pouring out any of your vinegar rinse to dilute or you'll get all your EO's at once!

I add the following to my litre bottle of vinegar mix: I use about 10-15 drops each.

Tea Tree
Lavender
Clary Sage
Peppermint
Cedarwood
Rosemary
Peppermint

You will find the scent to be totally different.

Hope this helps!

If you are using dried herbs, you don't need to crush them. If you are using fresh herbs, then crushing will help to break the cell wall and release all the good things inside.

I used herbs in my vinegar rinses quite awhile, but I have found it is much more easy to use essential oils. Peppermint is one that really effects the scent of your mixture. Be sure to shake well before pouring out any of your vinegar rinse to dilute or you'll get all your EO's at once!

I add the following to my litre bottle of vinegar mix: I use about 10-15 drops each.

Tea Tree
Lavender
Clary Sage
Peppermint
Cedarwood
Rosemary
Peppermint

You will find the scent to be totally different.

Hope this helps!

I'll have to try that mix Fox, sounds like it WOULD kill the vinegar smell.

Ammi, you can try using Japanese rice vinegar. It has much less of a smell than apple cider vinegar. I've used it as a rinse for my hair and I regularly use it to cleanse my skin before I work out.

I have a great recipe for a skin cleanser if anyone's interested in that.

[quote="Fox"]If you are using dried herbs, you don't need to crush them. If you are using fresh herbs, then crushing will help to break the cell wall and release all the good things inside.

I used herbs in my vinegar rinses quite awhile, but I have found it is much more easy to use essential oils. Peppermint is one that really effects the scent of your mixture. Be sure to shake well before pouring out any of your vinegar rinse to dilute or you'll get all your EO's at once!

I add the following to my litre bottle of vinegar mix: I use about 10-15 drops each.

Tea Tree
Lavender
Clary Sage
Peppermint
Cedarwood
Rosemary
Peppermint

You will find the scent to be totally different.

Hope this helps![/quotWell the way I make my herbal rinses comes from your post Fox ages ago at the old LHL boards. :)

I never thought to try peppermint, that really would help with the scent and would tingle nicely too. ;) Are there benefits to using peppermint on the scalp? I mean I know alot of products use pepperment, but I thought it was mostly to make you think something was going on up there. Lol! ;)

Anne, rice vinegar sounds good too, maybe if it isn't too expensive, I'll try that.

Thanks everyone. :)

I think that Peppermint helps to stimulate blood flow in the scalp, so that's always a good thing.
I also saved this info from: http://www.kevala.co.uk/aromatherapy/peppermint.cfm

Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use. In 1879 the British Medical Journal reported the reliving influence of menthol upon headaches and neuralgia.

Peppermint Oil is both soothing and energising. The distinctive 'coolness' of the oil stimulates the body and mind.

Peppermint invigorates, revitalizes, refreshes and also brings mental clarity. Blending well with other essential oils peppermint creates excellent blends for massage. Used in a cool bath Peppermint is an ideal energiser, yet a soothing bath of peppermint will help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.


I also had this, but not the webaddress saved: Peppermint has been used in Eastern and Western medicine for a variety of complaints, including indigestion, nausea, sore throat, headaches, toothaches and more. Should not be used during pregnancy.

Hope that helps! Do DILUTE! It will help soooo much! :) By the way, that rice vinegar makes a wonderful Chinese Cabbage Salad! :) It is less potent of a smell and is sweet, so it might also add a moisture to the hair like honey does.