Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and conditioner

We put the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review. 

I’ve tried a lot of shampoos in the last year, many of which promise to smooth, shine up, clarify, and even thicken my hair. Some of them do just that, while others leave my hair a clumpy mess, making me ache for the next time I can wash it.

I started washing my hair twice a week, starting two years ago. I was home more, so what was the point of having clean hair? During this time, I quickly learned that not all shampoos are created equal: Some keep my hair looking and feeling good for days, while others make me crave a wash the next day. That’s why I was so excited to try the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo—it’s inexpensive, but the first ingredient is colloidal oatmeal extract, which is certainly interesting. Here’s how it worked for me.

Keep reading to see how this shampoo worked for me.

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo

Best for: Anyone who wants smoother, shinier, fuller hair

Uses: Adds shine and clarifies hair

Potential allergens: None

Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal extract, apple cider vinegar 

Byrdie Clean?: Yes 

Cruelty-free?: No

Price: Retails around $7

About the brand: Aveeno is a hair, body, and face skincare brand that is owned by Johnson & Johnson. When it comes to hair care, Aveeno believes beautiful hair starts at the root—which is why they blend oats with other wholesome ingredients to gently nourish strands.

About My Hair: Frizzy and a little dull

Blame it on age or the damage I’ve done to my hair over the years, but my hair tends to be frizzy and a little dull-looking in its natural state. That’s why I always read a shampoo bottle carefully, making sure it’s packed with good ingredients and promises to smooth out and spruce up my hair. 

The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo promises to do just that, so I felt comfortable—and even excited—about giving it a shot. 

The Feel: Thick, goes on easily, and doesn’t leave a residue behind 

The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo has a standard shampoo feel to it: It comes out a bit thick (which is a good thing, in my opinion—there’s nothing worse than watery shampoo!) and can be lathered into hair easily. It washes out easily, too, and doesn’t leave even a hint of a residue behind

The Packaging: Short and stout

The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo comes in a short, stout bottle that feels very solid. The only issue is that it pushes in easily and doesn’t pop back out quite as easily, giving it a bit of a deformed, lopsided look.

The Scent: Not my favorite, but not too strong

Earlier this year, I tried an apple cider vinegar shampoo that smelled awful to me, and it lingered for a while. The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo didn’t smell amazing to me, but it also wasn’t overpowering, and it didn’t linger. So while I would have preferred a different scent—or no scent at all!—this didn’t bother me much because the smell was so mild. 

Ingredients: Full of great ingredients

I love a paraben and sulfate-free shampoo, and the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo is exactly that. Colloidal oatmeal extract is listed as the first ingredient, which is pretty amazing, and it’s made with apple cider vinegar too (obviously) which I love.

The Results: I won’t be giving up this shampoo anytime soon

I can’t remember the last time I loved a shampoo this much.

Most of the time, I don’t see a noticeable difference in my hair when I use a new shampoo—but after using the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo, my hair was shinier, smoother, and even felt a little bit thicker. Plus, it’s so affordable—usually, shampoos with these kinds of results are a lot more expensive.

The Value: More than worth it

At just $7 for 12 ounces, there’s no question that this is an affordable shampoo, and that affordability is made better by the high-quality ingredients and great results. In other words, I’m not sure I’ll be spending more than $7 on a bottle of shampoo for the rest of my life. 

Similar Products: There's another standout

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo ($17): The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo isn’t my first foray into the world of apple cider vinegar shampoo. Earlier this year, I tried the WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, and I have to say, Aveeno’s version is far superior. Not only does it smell better (remember the awful-smelling apple cider vinegar shampoo I referenced earlier? This was it) but Aveeno’s version is less expensive and leaves hair feeling softer and shinier. 

Final Verdict

If you want softer, smoother hair brought to you by a very affordable bottle of shampoo made with high-quality ingredients, the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo is it. Enjoy! 

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