Does Vinegar Set Hair Dye?

If you’ve ever colored your hair, you know how frustrating it can be when that vibrant shade starts fading after just a few washes. You want your new hair color to stay fresh and vivid for as long as possible.

A popular home remedy that gets passed around is using vinegar rinses on colored hair. But does vinegar actually help set and preserve hair dye?

The short answer is yes, vinegar can help lock in hair color when used properly. But not all vinegars are created equal when it comes to hair care.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How vinegar sets hair dye
• What type of vinegar to use
• How to do an ACV rinse
• Benefits for color-treated hair
• Risks and precautions
• Alternative options

How Does Vinegar Set Hair Dye?

To understand how vinegar helps set color, we first need to understand the structure of hair and how dye works.

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that contains layers:

• Cuticle – Outermost protective layer
• Cortex – Contains melanin which gives hair its color
• Medulla – Innermost soft core

When you dye your hair, the color molecules penetrate through the cuticle layer and into the cortex where they alter the natural melanin pigments.

Vinegar contains acetic acid which helps close and smooth the cuticle layer. When the cuticle is sealed tight, it prevents the new dye molecules from escaping the cortex. This helps lock in color and prevent fading.

What Type of Vinegar Should You Use?

Not all vinegars are created equal when it comes to hair! The two main types are:

• White vinegar – Made from acetic acid and water. Very acidic with a pH around 2-3.
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – Made from apple juice and fermented. Slightly less acidic with a pH of 3-4.

Experts recommend apple cider vinegar for treating hair. It is gentler, contains beneficial properties from the apples, and won’t overly dry the hair. The acetic acid still provides enough acidity to help seal the cuticle.

On the other hand, white vinegar is too harsh and can irritate the scalp. It may also overly dry and damage the hair. Only ACV is gentle enough for colored hair.

How to Do an ACV Rinse on Dyed Hair

Here are simple steps for doing an ACV rinse on colored hair:

1. Wash hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

2. Mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water in a bottle or bowl. It’s important to dilute the ACV or else it will be too acidic.

3. Apply the diluted ACV mix generously onto damp hair from roots to tips. Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute.

4. Let the ACV sit for 2-5 minutes before rinsing out with cool water.

5. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner, recommended for color-treated hair.

6. Style as usual.

To prolong color vibrancy, do this rinse 1-2 times per week in place of regular shampooing.

Benefits of ACV Rinses for Dyed Hair

Along with locking in hair dye, regular ACV rinses provide these benefits for color-treated hair:

• Seals cuticle – Prevents color molecules from escaping
• Increases shine – Smooths down cuticle for light reflection
• Detangles – Allows comb to easily glide through hair
• pH balancing – Counteracts alkalinity from hair dye
• Gentle cleanser – Removes buildup without stripping oils
• Dandruff treatment – Contains enzymes that act as antifungals
• Hair growth – Stimulates circulation to follicles

Using ACV is a safe and natural way to preserve your new hair color for longer.

Risks and Precautions for Using Vinegar

While ACV has many benefits, there are also some precautions to keep in mind:

• Always dilute ACV before applying to hair
• Use with caution if you have an allergy to vinegar
• Patch test on a small area first to check for irritation
• Stop use if stinging or redness occurs
• Rinse hair thoroughly – vinegar scent will dissipate
• Avoid getting ACV in eyes as it will sting
• Not recommended if you have very fine or damaged hair

To stay on the safe side, do an ACV rinse no more than 1-2 times per week. Only use diluted ACV for brief amounts of time before rinsing out.

Alternative Options for Setting Hair Dye

If vinegar is not for you, there are a couple alternative options:

• Cold water – Rinsing hair with the coldest temperature water possible also helps seal the cuticle closed.

• Coconut oil – Has fatty acids that can help coat and smooth down the cuticle layer to lock in color. Apply a small amount from mid-shaft to ends after washing.

While ACV is beneficial for sealing in hair dye, it’s always best to double check with your colorist before trying new products. They can provide personalized guidance based on your hair type and color treatment.

The Bottom Line

Vinegar rinses can be helpful for keeping vivid hair color locked in for longer. But not just any vinegar will do.

Apple cider vinegar is the safest and most effective type of vinegar for color-treated hair. With its signature tangy scent and smoothing acids, ACV helps seal the hair cuticle so dye molecules don’t escape.

Just be sure to always dilute ACV first and follow directions to experience the benefits while avoiding risks. If vinegar isn’t for you, cold water and coconut oil can also help seal the cuticle after dyeing.

With the right maintenance regimen, you can keep your fabulous hair color looking salon-fresh for weeks longer!