Oils and Other Natural Hair Conditioner Alternatives to Apple Cider Vinegar

Do you want to go no-poo or already have and aren't happy with using apple cider vinegar as conditioner? Then this post is for YOU!  My no-poo post is the most popular post on my blog, but many have concerns about the smell of the apple cider vinegar, so here are some other natural, non-toxic conditioner options. I did find that ACV works very well for me, but I have changed from using baking soda as shampoo and no longer need apple cider vinegar to condition.

Oils and Other Natural Hair Conditioners (alternatives to Apple Cider Vinegar)

See my No Poo Alternatives to Baking Soda as well, in case you're also tired of baking soda or would like to try something different.

Natural Conditioner Options

Change Up the Old Faithful – Apple Cider Vinegar {Good for Normal to Oily Hair}

ACV still works well for me, but I do like to add a few tablespoons (to my 32 ounce bottle) of either castor or jojoba oils to add some moisture. If you're using the Aloe Vera and Glycerine cleaner (shampoo), you probably won't need this because it is designed to balance the pH of the hair, and the A&G cleaner is already pH balanced. Adding essential oils like lavender, rosemary and carrot seed will help any scalp issues you might have (like dandruff) and will also help the smell. However, if you're using raw ACV that includes the bits of apple (a.k.a, the mother), it will stick to the mother and clump it up something terrible.

My Merry Messy Life: My Favorite Oils for the Hair

Oils – Counts as a Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner and Even Styling Cream!

For all of these options, I squirt them in the palm of my hand and finger them through my hair while still in the shower. Then, I take a wide-toothed comb and gently comb out tangles. Then, I leave it in and don't wash it out (which, it won't really wash out anyway since oil and water don't mix) UPDATE – I find the buildup is less if I do actually run the water over my hair. So, do what works best for you!

  • Jojoba Oil (buy here). Jojoba is easily absorbed into skin and hair because it is very similar to sebum.
  • Castor Oil (buy here) – also recommended for skin and hair.
  • Organic Olive Oil (I buy it from Tropical Traditions) – most economical but has a stronger scent than jojoba or castor oils.
  • Or another carrier oil, but these are the ones I've used and can recommend.
  • Mix in a 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils for scent (where to buy high quality essential oils)

Natural Conditioner Oils and Styling Cream

Tired of another DIY? Here are some good ones to buy – Styling Creams and Oils

  • Dr. Bronner's Lavender & Coconut Conditioner & Styling Cream – this smells wonderful and works great as a leave-in conditioner and styling cream.
  • Organic Hair Oils from Tropical Traditions – buy here. LOVE this mix of awesome oils for the hair – coconut, jojoba, carrot seed, rose hip, lavender and more! It comes in three varieites – lavender, rosemary, and unscented. I've been applying this in the shower after my aloe and glycerine shampoo, as a conditioner. I gently comb it through with a wide-toothed comb and leave it in. Then I barely have to use any styling cream!
  • Use the glycerine/aloe shampoo that I recommend in another post in a bottle and squirt on hair in between washings and as a styling solution.

How to Purchase High Quality Essential Oils through My Merry Messy Life

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