Does Vinegar Lock in Hair Color? Getting the Facts on this DIY Trick

If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you know the disappointment of seeing your expensive, salon-perfect hair color fade or turn brassy far before you’re ready for a touch up. This premature fading is enough to make anyone search for tips to prolong the vibrancy of their hair color at home.

One DIY trick that often pops up is using vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar (ACV), as a post-dye rinse to supposedly “lock in” hair color. But does vinegar truly help seal in hair dye? Or is this just another unfounded internet hack?

In this article, we’ll dig into the facts, risks, and best practices for using vinegar on color-treated hair. Read on to learn the science behind this frugal trick and whether it could work for you.

How Does Vinegar Work on Dyed Hair?

To understand vinegar’s effect on colored hair, you first need to understand some hair science basics.

Hair color requires an alkaline environment to penetrate into the hair shaft. That’s why most box dyes contain an alkalizing agent like ammonia to open up the cuticle layer before depositing color.

Once that cuticle layer is open, vinegar comes into play. vinegar has an acidic pH, while hair’s natural state is slightly acidic as well.

Rinsing with an acidic apple cider vinegar solution after coloring brings the pH of your hair back down, allowing the cuticle to close and seal in the hair dye.

• Alkaline hair dye opens the cuticle
• Vinegar’s acidity brings pH back down
• The cuticle closes, locking in color molecules

Simply put, vinegar’s acidic properties allow it to act like a sealant for the opened cuticle after coloring.

Does Scientific Evidence Support Vinegar for Hair Dye?

The science points to vinegar as an effective post-color sealant. But is there solid evidence confirming vinegar’s ability to lock in hair dye?

A few key studies support the theory:

• A 2016 study found vinegar’s acetic acid content interacts with keratin amino acids in hair to form a coating. This coating was found to reduce color fade.

• Multiple studies note vinegar’s acidic pH allows it to seal the cuticle layer after it’s been opened by alkaline conditions.

• Stylists report decreased color fade among clients using diluted vinegar rinses between dye jobs.

However, most scientific data is based on in vitro hair samples, not real-life trials. Anecdotal evidence from stylists and consumers provides the best support so far.

So while vinegar shows promise for prolonging hair color, more research on real subjects is still needed. But science indicates it should help keep cuticles sealed and colored molecules trapped inside.

Risks of Using Vinegar on Dyed Hair

While evidence suggests vinegar can preserve hair color, there are some risks associated with using it improperly or excessively:

• Can dry hair: Vinegar is drying, so it can lead to brittle, dry hair if over-used.

• Can lighten color: High concentrations or frequent use can cause vinegar to strip dye rather than seal it.

• Scalp irritation: Vinegar may provoke irritation or burning if left on the scalp too long, especially for those with sensitive skin.

• Messy application: Pouring vinegar straight onto your head invites drips and spills which can stain clothing and surfaces.

• Lingering odor: Rinsing thoroughly is crucial to prevent the signature vinegar scent clinging to your hair.

The takeaway? Vinegar rinses require care to maximize benefits and avoid drawbacks. Using the right dilution and technique is key.

Does Vinegar Work on Semi-Permanent Dye?

Will vinegar help lock in semi-permanent hair colors from salons or drugstore box kits? The short answer is yes, it can absolutely help prolong semi-permanent dye.

However, vinegar won’t make semi-permanent color permanent. These dyes lack bleaching agents to fully penetrate the hair shaft. Vinegar may make the color last longer, but it will still gradually wash out over 4-8 weeks.

For best results, incorporate occasional vinegar rinses into your usual color care regimen. Doing a rinse every 2-3 washes can help semi-permanent dye retain vibrancy and postpone fading.

Does It Work on Permanent Hair Dye?

For permanent hair dyes, vinegar is extremely useful for keeping the color fresh between salon visits. As discussed, vinegar seals the cuticle after coloring to prevent color molecules from escaping.

Permanent hair color has peroxide and/or ammonia that permanently alter the inner hair structure. So while vinegar can’t make the color 100% permanent, it does maximize retention by sealing the cuticle after each dye job.

Aim for a vinegar rinse every 2-4 washes to make permanent color stay truer, longer. It helps counteract the fading effects of regular shampooing, sun, chlorine, and other elements that deplete hair dye over time.

What’s the Best Type of Vinegar to Use?

It’s crucial to use the right type of vinegar for best results and hair health. The recommended choice is:

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

• Slightly less acidic than white vinegar
• Contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
• Adds shine and body when diluted

Avoid using plain white vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, etc. The acetic acid content is either too high or too unknown to use safely.

Stick with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Bragg is a popular choice, available at most grocery stores. Just check it’s unpasteurized to get the full benefits.

What’s the Optimal Vinegar Dilution Ratio?

Never apply pure vinegar directly to hair—it’s far too harsh and acidic. You must dilute it properly for safety and effectiveness.

The ideal ACV dilution is:

• 1 part vinegar
• 3 parts water

Example: 1/4 cup ACV mixed with 3/4 cup water.

Adjust the exact amounts based on your hair length. For shorter hair, you may only need 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with double the water. More vinegar is needed for thicker or longer hair.

Always err on the side of more water to avoid an overly acidic solution. Use room temperature filtered or distilled water for best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to a DIY Vinegar Rinse

Once you have your diluted ACV solution, follow these steps to apply it:

Prep

• Shampoo and condition hair as normal

• Have ACV rinse mixture ready in a plastic squeeze bottle or applicator

• Wear an old shirt to avoid stains

• Work over a sink or tub

Application

• Tilt head backwards

• Apply vinegar solution evenly from roots to ends

• Let sit 1-2 minutes

• Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Finish

• Apply conditioner or mask for moisture

• Style as desired

• Repeat 1-2 times per week for maintained results

Focus the vinegar solution on your roots initially since this is where dye tends to fade fastest. But be sure to coat mid-lengths and ends too for full protection.

Rinse until the vinegar smell disappears. Then condition generously, since vinegar can be drying.

How Soon/Often Should You Do a Vinegar Rinse?

There are two good times to use a vinegar rinse:

1. Right after coloring: Rinse with vinegar immediately after dyeing hair to seal in the fresh color.

2. Between color touch-ups: Using vinegar every few washes helps retain vibrancy and prolong salon visits.

Most experts recommend incorporating a vinegar rinse into your routine 1-2 times per week. But take care not to overdo it.

“Less is more when it comes to vinegar rinses between coloring,” says stylist Chris Dylan. “Overusing it too often can cause dryness and stripping.”

Pay attention to how your hair feels and adjust as needed. But for most, 1-2 quick weekly rinses is ideal.

Are There Alternatives to Vinegar Rinses?

While vinegar has benefits for sealing hair color, some people may prefer more conditioning alternatives. Two options include:

• Tea rinses: Black tea is naturally acidic and provides a gentle tannin sealant. Brew black tea, let cool, and use as a rinse.

• Coconut oil: Has nourishing fatty acids to seal the cuticle. Melt a small amount of coconut oil and apply evenly from roots to ends before rinsing.

Both tea and coconut oil provide a gentler experience than vinegar. But they may be less effective at closing the cuticle and locking in dye.

The Takeaway: Does Vinegar Keep Hair Color Vibrant?

Science indicates that vinegar does help seal in hair dye when used properly. The key is diluting apple cider vinegar with water and rinsing with it