pH Balancing Spray for Hair (Apple Cider Vinegar Alternative)
If you’ve ever tried to do an apple cider vinegar hair rinse you will know that they do work!
However they’re a bit annoying to make for every wash and the smell is … well vinegary (yikes!)
This is why I wanted to create a solution that gives the same results but in a more practical and pleasant way: a citric acid spray!
And to top it off, it only takes 5 minutes and a 100ml bottle costs only 30 cents to make.
I've been working on this formula for 6 months and shot this video 5 times so I am so happy to finally share it with you guys! Would love to know your thoughts!
First I was using real ACV but realised that it got disgusting pretty fast, then I couldn't get the supposed water soluble preservatives to dissolve. Who knew such a simple formulation could be such a journey?! haha!
Anyways, I hope you enjoy it :)
PS: I am going to test this formula with different acids like glycolic or lactic. If I notice the same or better results I will update here.
| PHASE | INGREDIENT | PERCENT (%) |
WEIGHT (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase A | Water | 97.80 | 97.80 |
| Citric Acid | 0.50 | 0.50 | |
| Sodium Benzoate | 0.50 | 0.50 | |
| Potassium Sorbate | 0.20 | 0.20 | |
| Hibiscus Glycerite | 1.00 | ||
Method
1. Measure your water or hydrosol.
2. Add in citric acid powder and stir until dissolved.
3. Add in the rest of the ingredients one by one and stir in between.
4. Measure the pH and make sure it is around 4.
Notes
Please see below how to make the hibiscus glycerite. You don’t have to make it though, you could also add in any other ready made water soluble extract. I can imagine rice probiotics or rice protein to work well with this product.
PLEASE DO NOT USE ON THE SCALP - could cause irritation because of low pH or from the preservatives.
Making The Glycerite
| PHASE | INGREDIENT | PERCENT (%) |
WEIGHT (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase A | Dried Hibiscus Petals | 7.00 | 3.50 |
| Warm Water | 23.00 | 11.50 | |
| Glycerin | 70.00 | 35.00 | |
Method
1. Crush the hibiscus petals in a mortar and pestle so that extraction is easier. Place the crushed petals in a sanitised and sealable container.
2. Measure the water and place shortly in the microwave to heat the water a bit. Pour it on top of the crushed hibiscus petals.
3. Top it off with glycerin the shake well.
4. Keep it in a cool and dark place, shaking it every day and ensuring all plant material is covered with glycerin at all times.
5. After a week or two, strain the glycerite using a cheesecloth/muslin cloth/ clean and sanitised stockings. Make sure no plant matter ends up in your strained glycerite.
Notes
This glycerite will hold for at least 6 months. I like to keep mine in the fridge during this time.
Due to the high amount of glycerin this is a self-preserving product.
Please note that although it is self-preserving, adding it into another product means it will lose this self-preserving quality and a preservative will need to be added.
