Here at Hair.com we’re always looking to upgrade our hair care routine. We’d try almost anything to keep our strands looking top notch at all times. When it comes to at-home hair rinses, however, we’ve always been a bit skeptical.
In search of the truth, we investigated some of the most talked-about at-home hair rinses. Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, you’re going to want to know the truth about these sought-after rinse options.
At-Home Hair Rinses
Coconut Water Hair Rinse
The Myth:
Whether for skincare, cooking, or hair care, people have been using coconut-derived ingredients like coconut oil for years in the hopes of reaping the supposed health and beauty benefits from the popular fruit. Many people have even taken to rinsing their manes with coconut water in the hopes of hydrating their scalps, preventing dandruff, and getting rid of frizz.
The Facts:
Coconuts are great to eat, but not so useful for hair care. Since there isn’t much research on the benefits of coconut water for hair, we aren’t entirely convinced it’s the Holy Grail many people claim it is.
Oat Milk Hair Rinse
The Myth:
If you’ve been on a dairy-free kick, you might have heard of oat milk before. The lactose-free milk alternative has been a wildly popular option at local coffee shops and, most recently, as a trending DIY hair rinse. According to internet buzz, dousing your hair from root to ends in vitamin B-enriched oat milk is a way to increase hydration and prevent future hair damage from occurring. But is any of that actually true?
The Facts:
Though all the talk about oat milk for hair is intriguing, this is one grocery store item we’re not including in our hair care routine just yet. Unfortunately there hasn’t been much scientific research to back up claims about what the ingredient does. Still, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for any future research.
Beer Hair Rinse
The Myth:
This one took even us by surprise. Who would think your favorite college beverage could be linked to helping you achieve a glossier mane? Rumor has it that rinsing your hair with a flat beer and cold water in the shower does wonders for increasing shine and softness due to the vitamin B and proteins in the drink. Hold our beer—we’re looking into it.
The Facts:
Since there’s no scientific evidence that beer will leave your hair looking and feeling healthier, we recommend leaving it in the fridge and keeping it far away from your shower.
Coffee Hair Rinse
The Myth:
Contrary to what you might think, your morning cup of joe can be useful for more than just a morning pick-me-up. Since coffee is naturally acidic and contains high pH levels, it’s rumored to help rebalance the pH levels of the hair and scalp. Those with dark brown hair or pesky gray strands might also try a coffee rinse as a natural way to deepen their hue.
The Facts:
There are many alleged benefits of coffee for hair, though there aren’t any science-approved methods that are guaranteed to benefit your mane.
As much as we love the idea of an all-natural hair coloring method, there’s no evidence to support coffee is a suitable hair coloring agent. That’s why we recommend leaving all of your hair coloring needs to the pros!
Champagne Hair Rinse
The Myth:
Champagne has long been a go-to celebratory drink, but have you heard that washing your hair in bubbly can supposedly make your hair super shiny? According to claims across the internet, applying freshly popped champagne to damp hair and then rinsing it out can supposed add instant shine and enhance any golden tones you might have in your hair.
The Facts:
There’s currently no research backing champagne as a quality hair treatment—so for now, we recommend saving the champagne for your next party.
Banana Hair Rinse
The Myth:
This myth is bananas—literally. The latest trend surrounding the beloved fruit involves people crafting DIY banana hair masks in hopes of strengthening hair, increasing the look of shiny hair, moisturizing, and mending hair breakage.
The Facts:
The possible benefits of bananas for hair sound promising, but it’s too soon to tell if they’re legitimate. For now, we recommend investing in a few salon-quality leave-in conditioners and treatments to see results.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
The Myth:
According to Ashley Giannetto, Redken brand ambassador, unbalanced pH levels tend to affect the look and feel of your mane—particularly the brightness of your hair color.
When pH levels are balanced, the cuticle is better protected, helping with color maintenance and vibrancy.
That’s where apple cider vinegar comes in. The acidic ingredient counteracts high pH levels in hair and can remove product build up, boost softness and shine, and help your hair color appear more vibrant.
The Facts:
Though apple cider vinegar has tons of hair benefits, be careful! DIY formulas with a high concentration of apple cider vinegar can strip your hair of natural oils and quickly fade your salon color. Instead, we recommend opting for a salon-approved formula. The best part about using a salon formula is your mane won’t be left with a lingering vinegar scent.
If you’re looking for the benefits of a hair rinse without the mess of a DIY treatment, why not try a salon-approved formula? Below, we’ve gathered a few of our favorites from the L'Oréal portfolio of products.
What are our best salon-approved hair rinses?
Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse
Product build-up a can do a number on color-treated strands over time. That’s why a clarifying formula is essential for keeping color-treated hair looking as vibrant and healthy as possible. We love the Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse. It smooths, adds shine, and enhances color vibrancy. The formula with apple cider vinegar and cactus pear flower extract helps hydrate and purify hair, without drying or stripping.
Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse, $29.00 MSRP
Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse
Looking for a hair rinse that will leave your hue as bright and shiny as can be? Look no further than the Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse. The treatment rebalances hair's pH and gently clarifies for enhanced smoothness and shine.
Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse, $24.00 MSRP
Matrix Biolage R.A.W Color Care Acidic Milk Rinse
Boost your in-salon color service by asking your stylist about the Matrix Biolage R.A.W Color Care Acidic Milk Rinse. This rinse is an absolute must after to keep your hair color vibrant.
Matrix Biolage R.A.W Color Care Acidic Milk Rinse, available in salon
Looking for more expert-approved products? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
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