Vodka For Hair Care: 5 Ways Of Using Vodka Right

March 5, 2019 by Meenal Rajapet

Vodka has been around since the early Middle Ages, and is one of the world’s most popular alcoholic drinks. However, nowhere in the world is it appreciated as much as it is in Russia. Contrary to popular belief, a day in Russia might not start and end with vodka. However, the drink is often put to good use as a disinfectant, medicine to cure small ailments or as an insect repellent. But did you know that it is also used as a skin and hair care ingredient? And as bizarre as it sounds, it works. Here’s why –

Is Vodka Really Good For Your Hair?

Vodka’s low pH and astringent properties make it an effective ingredient to use for hair care. The use of the spirit in your hair care routine can provide the following benefits:

Strengthens the hair follicles by forcing your scalp to contract
Balances the scalp’s pH levels with its astringent properties
Normalizes sebum production in people with oily hair
Boosts scalp health and thereby curbs hair fall
Seals the cuticles on the hair shaft, preventing frizz and adding shine

Following are eight Russian-inspired ways to use vodka in your hair care routine.

How To Use Vodka For Hair

1. Vodka For Frizz-Free Hair

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

1 tbsp Vodka
2 cups Water

Processing Time
5 mins

Process

Combine the ingredients in a jug and set it aside to be used as a rinse.
Wash and condition your hair as you normally would.
Pour the diluted vodka through your hair as a final rinse.
Let your hair air-dry.

How Often?

Twice a month.

Why This Works

Frizz is caused due to risen hair cuticles that let moisture into the hair shaft, causing them to swell up. Vodka’s astringent properties tackle this by sealing the cuticles and ensuring that your hair shaft remains smooth.

2. Vodka For Shiny Hair

You Will Need

1 Whole Egg
1 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Coconut Oil
2 tbsp Mayonnaise
10 mL Vodka

Processing Time
20 minutes

Process

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth, consistent mixture.
Start applying the mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working it down to the tips.
Leave it in for 20 minutes and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

While vodka seals your hair’s cuticles, the other ingredients in this pack help moisturize and condition your hair. This helps give your hair a healthy and luscious look and feel.

3. Vodka For Dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You will Need

1/2 cup Vodka
2 tsp Crushed Rosemary

Processing Time
1 hour

Process

Empty both the ingredients in one jar and store this is a cool, dry place for three days.
After three days, strain the mixture to collect the rosemary-infused vodka.
Take 1 tablespoon of this mix and massage it into your scalp.
Leave it in for an hour and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This remedy works for oily, dandruff-ridden scalps as the vodka and rosemary work together to disinfect and soothe the scalp. The mix helps unclog the hair follicles and normalize oil production, and thereby reduces dandruff.

4. Vodka For Hair Growth

You Will Need

10 mL Vodka
60 mL Shampoo

Processing Time
5 minutes

Process

Pour the ingredients in a shampoo dispenser and shake well to combine.
Wash your hair as you normally would with this vodka-shampoo mixture.
Let your hair air-dry.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Vodka stimulates hair growth as it cleanses the scalp and boosts the blood circulation.

5. Vodka For Hair Straightening

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

10 mL Vodka
60 mL Conditioner

Processing Time
5 minutes

Process

Add the vodka to a 60mL bottle of your favorite conditioner and shake well.
Wash your hair as you normally would and proceed to condition your hair with the vodka conditioner.
Rinse out and let your hair air-dry.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Vodka’s low pH levels help alter the structure of your hair, straightening it without the use of harsh chemicals or heat.

6. Vodka As A Deep Conditioner

You Will Need

2 tbsp Vodka
2 tbsp Honey
1 Egg Yolk
1/2 a Ripe Avocado

Processing Time
30 minutes

Process

Mash the avocado until it is completely free of lumps.
To the mashed avocado, add the rest of the ingredients and stir until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.
Apply this to your hair, starting from the roots and working it to the tips of your hair.
Leave it in for 30 minutes and then wash it out with cool/ lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

While the vodka cleanses and seals your follicles and cuticles, the other ingredients work to condition and moisturize your hair. This hair mask will leave you with deeply conditioned, luscious hair.

What Kind Of Vodka Is Good For Hair?

You can use any brand of vodka for your hair. Keep in mind that using vodka too often can dry out your hair, and so, it should be used in moderation.

Vodka is an excellent ingredient to boost scalp health and add luster to your hair. Try out these simple vodka hair treatments and tell us about your experience in the comments section below.