Our Acetum Herbarum (Latin for Vinegar Herbal), is an effective antimicrobial hair tonic treatment that removes product build-up, balances scalp pH, and boosts shine by sealing the hair cuticle. It treats dandruff, reduces frizz, and promotes healthier hair growth by soothing itchy, oily scalps. Made by slow-infusing with rosemary, stinging nettle and sage for two months+ in apple cider vinegar (containing "The Mother") and scented with rosemary, cedarwood & lemongrass pure essential oils. Legally registered on the Submit Cosmetic Products Notifications Portal (SCPN), UK cosmetic product number: UKCP-93029867 This hair tonic's amazing hair & scalp benefits!: - Apple cider vinegar (ACV) containing "the mother" is a popular, natural scalp and hair treatment that balances pH, clarifies build-up, and reduces dandruff due to its antimicrobial properties. "The Mother" provides beneficial enzymes and bacteria that promote a healthier scalp microbiome. It leaves hair smoother, shinier, and less prone to breakage. Key Benefits of ACV with the Mother: Balances Scalp pH: It restores the scalp's natural acidity (pH 4.5–5.5), which can be disrupted by harsh shampoos, leading to dry, itchy scalp and greasy hair. Clarifies and Deep Cleans: ACV effectively removes product residue, oils, and hard water build-up from the scalp and hair, acting as a natural detoxifier. Combats Dandruff & Infections: Its acidic properties, along with the enzymes in the mother, fight fungus and bacteria that cause dandruff, itching, and conditions like folliculitis. Smooths Hair Cuticles & Adds Shine: By balancing pH and closing hair cuticles, it makes hair smoother, less frizzy, and boosts shine. Reduces Breakage & Detangles: It seals the hair cuticle, increasing moisture retention and reducing split ends and breakage. - Rosemary oil enhances hair health by promoting growth, reducing hair loss, and treating scalp irritation, often comparable to minoxidil but with fewer side effects. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and improved scalp circulation strengthen hair from root to tip, preventing dandruff and reducing breakage while nourishing hair follicles. Key Benefits of Rosemary for Hair: Hair Growth Stimulation: Promotes faster and thicker hair growth by improving scalp circulation and fighting hair loss, with studies suggesting effectiveness similar to 5% minoxidil. Scalp Health and Dandruff Control: The antibacterial properties, specifically carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, help soothe itchy scalp, prevent dandruff, and reduce inflammation. Strengthening and Reduced Breakage: Helps strengthen hair from root to tip, making hair more resilient and reducing damage. Shine and Protection: Nourishes hair and provides antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Versatility: Suitable for all hair types, including colour-treated hair. - Stinging nettle supports hair health by blocking DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss), strengthening follicles with silica and sulfur, and balancing scalp sebum. It can be used via nettle-infused shampoos, oils, or teas to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. While promising, long-term efficacy is not fully established by clinical research. Key Benefits for Hair: Hair Loss Prevention: Nettle is widely cited for its ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, potentially slowing hair thinning. Strengthening Strands: Rich in silica and sulphur, it helps build and maintain the structural integrity of the hair shaft, reducing breakage. Scalp Health and Dandruff Control: The antibacterial properties, specifically carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, help soothe itchy scalp, prevent dandruff, and reduce inflammation. Strengthening and Reduced Breakage: Helps strengthen hair from root to tip, making hair more resilient and reducing damage. Shine and Protection: Nourishes hair and provides antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Versatility: Suitable for all hair types, including colour-treated hair. - Stinging nettle supports hair health by blocking DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss), strengthening follicles with silica and sulfur, and balancing scalp sebum. It can be used via nettle-infused shampoos, oils, or teas to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. While promising, long-term efficacy is not fully established by clinical research. Key Benefits for Hair: Hair Loss Prevention: Nettle is widely cited for its ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, potentially slowing hair thinning. Strengthening Strands: Rich in silica and sulphur, it helps build and maintain the structural integrity of the hair shaft, reducing breakage. Scalp Health: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help soothe itchy, dry, or inflamed scalps and regulate oil production without over-stripping. Enhanced Circulation: By strengthening blood vessels, it may improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. - Sage (Salvia officinalis) provides significant hair and scalp benefits, including reducing hair loss through improved circulation, strengthening strands with antioxidants, and treating dandruff by balancing scalp oils. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties soothe irritations, while it can also improve shine, soften hair, and potentially help darken premature grey hair. Key Benefits for Scalp and Hair: Promotes Hair Growth: Sage contains nutrients that increase circulation to the scalp and activate follicles, strengthening weakened or brittle hair to prevent further loss. Balances Scalp Oil: It acts as an astringent to regulate sebum production, making it ideal for treating greasy hair and reducing dandruff or flaky build-up. Soothes Irritation: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce itching, redness, and inflammation of the scalp. Improves Hair Texture & Appearance: Sage acts as a natural conditioner, adding shine, reducing frizz, and potentially aiding in darkening grey hair over time. Fights Damage: Rich in antioxidants and compounds like camphor and cineole, it protects hair from environmental damage and strengthens the hair fibres. Aromatherapy essential oils with scalp and hair benefits!: - Rosemary essential oil promotes hair growth, strengthens follicles, and reduces scalp itchiness by improving circulation and fighting inflammation. It is particularly known to help with dandruff control and may help reduce hair breakage and premature greying. Studies suggest its effectiveness in stimulating growth can be comparable to 2% minoxidil over 6 months. Key Benefits for Hair: Stimulates Hair Growth: Increases scalp circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach hair follicles. Reduces Hair Loss: Acts as a natural dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker, reducing the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. Soothes Scalp: Reduces itching and inflammation associated with dandruff and scalp conditions. Strengthens and Conditions: Reduces breakage and increases hair density. Antioxidant Properties: Protects hair from damage and provides essential nutrients like iron and calcium. - Cedarwood essential oil benefits the scalp and hair by stimulating circulation, which can promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and balance oil-producing glands to treat dandruff and dry scalp. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties soothe itchiness and irritation, making it an effective, natural treatment for healthier, stronger hair. Key Benefits for Hair and Scalp: Promotes Hair Growth & Reduces Hair Loss: Cedarwood stimulates the hair follicles and increases blood flow to the scalp, which can help slow down hair loss and promote growth. It is often used in treatments for alopecia areata. Balances Scalp Oils: It helps balance the sebum-producing glands, reducing excessive oiliness while also combating dry, flaky scalp conditions. Treats Dandruff & Irritation: The antifungal and antibacterial properties, including components like cedrol, act against the yeast Malassezia, reducing dandruff, itching, and general scalp irritation. Strengthens and Cleanses: It helps cleanse the scalp of dirt and build-up while strengthening follicles, resulting in healthier-looking, more resilient hair. - Lemongrass essential oil boosts scalp and hair health by reducing dandruff, controlling sebum, and stimulating growth through its antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens hair follicles to reduce hair loss, relieves itchy, irritated scalps, and adds shine to hair while balancing the scalp's pH. Key Benefits for Scalp and Hair: Dandruff Treatment: Its powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help combat dandruff, significantly reducing flaking and scalp irritation. Scalp Health & Stimulation: It cleanses, sanitises, and unclogs pores by regulating sebum production, creating a healthy environment for hair growth. Hair Growth Promotion: Lemongrass oil strengthens hair follicles, potentially reducing hair shedding and promoting hair regrowth. Oil Balancing: It helps balance oily scalps and hair, preventing excessive grease without stripping natural moisture. Soothing Irritation: Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe an itchy, irritated, or inflamed scalp. Shine and Strength: Rich in nutrients, it strengthens hair strands, minimises breakage, and adds a natural, healthy shine. Directions for Use: Mix: Combine 2–4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with approx 500ml of water in a spray or squeeze bottle. Shampoo: Wash hair with your normal shampoo. Apply: Pour or spray the mixture evenly over the scalp and through the hair. Massage: Gently work the mixture into the scalp. Sit: Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the hair and scalp with water. Condition: Optionally, use a light conditioner on the ends if needed. 97% Certified Organic Ingredients: *Acetum (Apple Cider Vinegar), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Stinging Nettle) Leaf Extract, *Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, *Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil *Certified Organic Allergen Warning: Contains Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Eugenol and Citronellol (naturally present in essential oils). Frequency: Use this rinse no more than once or twice a week. Overuse of ACV can lead to brittleness. Avoid Eyes: ACV can sting or irritate your eyes; be careful during application. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. For external use only. Net weight (approx), 150ml Batch number provided on labelling. No palm oil, SLS, animal fats, fragrance oils, or synthetic mica powders are used in our products, and our ingredients are at least 90% certified organic, plant-based, sustainable and cruelty-free. Disclaimer: Medical conditions:- If you have any health concerns, allergies, or existing medical conditions, you should consult a medical professional before using a new skincare product. Testing:- Before using a new skincare product, you should test it on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivity. You can apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and observe for up to 9 hours. If you experience irritation, stop using the product and seek medical advice if necessary. Individual results:- Results may vary depending on your skin type, age, sensitivity, skincare history, and how you apply/use the product. Natural ingredients:- Even products with natural or organic ingredients can cause skin reactions in some people, especially if they contain essential oils. Please find our list of allergens associated with each soap's essential oils in the listing section under "allergen warning." Patch tests:- Some products, even soaps, recommend performing a patch test before using them all over your body. Liability:- The Dark Island Soap Co. LTD may not be responsible for any adverse consequences that result from using our products.