Dandruff is probably one of the most common hair problems, affecting nearly 50% of the world’s population (1). There are numerous anti-dandruff products available online and over the counter. However, some products may contain harmful chemicals that damage your tresses. A study showed that apple cider vinegar could reduce dandruff, among other hair issues (2). This article has put together a list of the 9 apple cider vinegar methods to help you get rid of dandruff. Keep scrolling.
Benefits Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting the liquid obtained by crushing apples and squeezing out the juice. Here are some of its benefits:
A Palestinian study showed that apple vinegar helped reduce many hair issues like dandruff, head lice, scalp acne, alopecia areata, baldness, and hair loss and rejuvenated hair endings (2). Product build-up is another factor that leads to dandruff. Apple cider vinegar helps remove product build-up and cleanses your scalp and hair. The above study showed that apple cider vinegar also worked as a hair cleanser, which might help reduce dandruff (2). According to a study, when the pH of hair turns alkaline, it may lead to cuticle damage and hair breakage (3). ACV contains acetic acid that could help lower the pH level of hair. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties (4). It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties (5). These may help maintain the health of your scalp and reduce dandruff. Anecdotal evidence suggests that ACV aids hair growth and reduces hair issues, though there is not much scientific backing to support this.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Massage
Massaging ACV into your scalp will help it penetrate your follicles, removing any build-up, and also balance pH and oil production. This is one of the most efficient ways to maintain scalp health and ensure that it is squeaky clean. 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 2 minutes 10 minutes You can do this 1-2 times a week.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Tea Tree Oil Massage
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can help in dealing with dandruff (6). Apple cider vinegar mixed with tea tree oil is the perfect combination to help curb flakes.
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3 drops tea tree oil
2 minutes 10 minutes Once a week or once every two weeks.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
This rinse helps remove build-up, add shine, and maintain the pH balance of your scalp. It helps resolve issues like follicle-clogging from product build-up and also acts as a deep cleanser for your hair.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 cup water
2 minutes 5 minutes Once every two weeks.
4. Chamomile Tea And Vinegar Rinse
Chamomile tea helps add a healthy golden glow to your hair while conditioning it (2). It also helps soothe your scalp, relieving itching. It can also help fight dandruff.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 cup freshly brewed chamomile tea
10 minutes 5 minutes Once every two weeks.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Aspirin Rinse
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is an active ingredient used in most anti-dandruff shampoos (7). This can give you immediate relief from the problem.
1 cup apple cider vinegar 3 crushed tablets of aspirin
2 minutes 5 minutes Once every two weeks.
6. Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
Baking soda is an excellent cleansing agent. Using it as a scrub will help exfoliate the flakes and dead skin that are a result of dandruff. It helps balance the pH of the scalp without being extremely harsh and stripping away the natural oils (2).
2 tablespoons baking soda 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 minutes 5 minutes Do this 2 times a week.
7. Lemon And Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
Lemon’s antifungal properties and rich content of vitamin C can prove to be helpful in treating dandruff (2). It is also an excellent cleansing agent that soothes itching and reduces irritation.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 5 drops tea tree oil Juice from half a lemon 1 cup water Spray bottle
5 minutes 30 minutes Do this 2 times a week.
8. Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
Aloe vera helps heal your scalp and boosts healthy cell growth, preventing flaking (8). It also helps moisturize and get rid of any dead skin cells, bacteria, and any other deposits that are clogging your follicles. Not only does this treatment help curb dandruff, but it also moisturizes your hair, making it manageable and adding shine.
5 tablespoons coconut milk 6 tablespoons aloe vera gel 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 cup water
5 minutes 10 minutes You can do this 2 times a week.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey For Dandruff
Honey is a humectant that helps lock moisture into the hair shaft and the cells in your scalp, keeping them hydrated. It also helps balance pH and speeds up healing with its antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties (9).
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons raw honey Spray bottle Shower cap
5 minutes 15 minutes Once a week.
Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
If you use it in excess, apple cider vinegar can strip away your scalp’s natural oils. If you feel your scalp getting too dry, it would be a good idea to space out your ACV treatments.
If you do not oil your hair regularly while using ACV treatments, it might become brittle and prone to breakage. Use ACV in small quantities as too much acetic acid can cause hair breakage and dryness. One way of avoiding this would be to use ACV in a conditioning hair pack.
Can I leave apple cider vinegar on my scalp overnight? No, you should not leave apple cider vinegar on your scalp overnight because it can strip your hair of its natural oils. Do you put apple cider vinegar on wet or dry hair? You can apply apple cider vinegar to dry and wet hair. If you are applying it on wet hair, ensure that you apply it after shampooing and conditioning. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.
