While I had long heard of the health benefits associated with consuming apple cider vinegar, it was only recently that I learned more about the additional advantages of incorporating this hero ingredient into your health, and now also beauty, routine. As a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, I’m always researching the latest and greatest skin and haircare products so when I came across the brand, WOW Skin Science, and began reading the thousands of reviews for their apple cider vinegar-based haircare, I was more than intrigued.
Like many, I’ve been diligently trying to incorporate more and more “clean” products into my beauty repertoire, swapping out some of my tried and true favorites for more natural alternatives. When it comes to haircare, I adore my Oribe products and the undeniable boost of volume they give my hair, but will typically switch on and off between using my salon-approved shampoos with a more natural shampoo every other wash. The WOW Skin Science hair collection is completely free of sulfates, parabens, etc. and is 100% vegan and cruelty free. The shampoo is comprised of 100% natural and raw Himalayan apple cider vinegar, treating the hair to a gentle clarifying treatment that helps to remove buildups, restore shine, and add smoothness, while the conditioner boasts a blend of organic virgin coconut oil and avocado oil, treating locks to added moisture.
When you think of apple cider vinegar, its pungent smell is one of the first things that comes to mind. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I could stomach the idea of putting ACV in my hair and having it stay with me all day. While the product’s 35,000+ ratings on Amazon.com (no joke…there are that many!) promised a non-repulsive scent, I wasn’t sold until I had the product in hand and could try it myself. Luckily, the aroma of the shampoo is not at all reminiscent of ACV, in fact, it’s pleasant; a mix of floral and sweetness. Once that initial fear was behind me, I was able to fully embrace the idea of an apple cider vinegar shampoo.
The addition of apple cider vinegar in shampoo works to eliminate buildup on the scalp, manage pesky dandruff, and keep hair follicles clear and healthy, which in turn, helps to prevent hair loss by encouraging growth. If you’re like me, and rely on mousse, dry shampoo, hair spray and the like to perfect your coif, the build up of product on your scalp is most definitely happening and it’s imperative to give your hair a detox. WOW’s apple cider vinegar-based formula is strong enough to clarify your locks, but it is also super gentle, so it won’t cause unnecessary irritation. Better yet, it’s safe to use on color-treated hair, which at this point in my life, is a make or break it, as I’m at the salon every 4 to 6 weeks for gray maintenance.
After shampooing, it’s recommended to use WOW’s Coconut Avocado Conditioner, which does not contain ACV. Typically, I’m not a big fan of conditioner, as I feel it weighs my thinner hair down, making me lose that oh-so-covetable volume, however, in the case of this set, I do religiously follow the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo with the conditioner. I feel that is helps to re-nourish the hair after the deep clean. The scent of conditioner is reminiscent of an island retreat; the coconut oil really shines through and makes you want to jump on plane, jetting off to a tropical destination. Honestly, I find myself using the conditioner just because of its smell…it’s THAT yummy! The conditioner’s cocktail of hydrating oils like avocado, almond, argan, and coconut oil paired with botanical extracts leave your hair feeling incredibly soft and supple and I also feel like my locks look genuinely shiner after each use.
The reviews don’t lie and after incorporating these products into my haircare routine, I fully appreciate the cult-like following that WOW Skin Science has amassed for this shampoo and conditioner set. Sometimes, the hype is real!
Thank you to Wow Skin Science for sponsoring this post. While the brand provided compensation for this post, the opinions and review included are my own.
The A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.