One of the most frustrating hair problems faced by many men and women is Dandruff. Caused by a fungal infection, Dandruff is often accompanied by severe itching and white, flaky skin. When you leave it untreated, dandruff can also lead to hair loss and even balding. Fortunately for us, there are many easy ways to remove dandruff without using chemicals. Using Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff removal is by far, one of the most effective ways to treat the problem at home.
In this article, we shall look into some of the best Apple Cider Vinegar dandruff home remedies for faster results.
What Causes Dandruff?
Here are some of the major causes of Dandruff:
- Dry scalp.
- Growth of fungus and bacteria on the scalp.
- Poor scalp hygiene
- Product build-up.
- Eczema.
- Excess production of Sebum.
- Hormonal Changes.
- Certain Medications.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Dandruff?
Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is a powerful anti-dandruff agent and is highly recommended by beauty experts. Let us look into its properties to understand the many benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar treatment for dandruff:
- Anti-Microbial Properties: Vinegar has acetic acid that kills and prevents the growth of fungus, yeast or bacteria on the scalp. It removes any product build-up on the scalp and make it squeaky clean, hence treats dandruff well.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: ACV can reduce scalp inflammation, along with irritation and redness
- Controls Excess Sebum: ACV can also control the production of excess oil, which encourages the fungal growth on your scalp.
- Balances Scalp pH: Being acidic in nature, ACV balances the pH of your scalp and renews its health.
See More: How To Use Lemon For Dandruff
Benefits Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
The following are the key benefits of using ACV for dandruff:
- ACV has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties which can control yeast infections.
- It has antiseptic properties that keep infections at bay.
- ACV is effective against removing the excess product build-up that can cause dandruff.
- It cleanses scalp well and removes excess sebum and maintains the health of the scalp.
- ACV also maintains the pH level balance of the scalp.
This is redundant and is not necessary. Can be removed.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for Dandruff Treatment?
Check out these Apple Cider Vinegar Dandruff home remedies:
1. The Vinegar Massage:
This is one of the most effective Vinegars dandruff home remedies and uses only two ingredients. As ACV is quite strong, diluting it with water can reduce the potency to make it suitable for your scalp.
Ingredients:
- ACV- ¼ cup
- Water – ¼ cup
Method:
- Take 1/4th cup of apple cider vinegar and mix in 1/4th cup of water in it. Massage this mixture on the scalp and leave it in for anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours.
- After that, wash off with a mild shampoo. Try using a shampoo made for treating dandruff, or even baby shampoo works fine.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
How Often Should I do This: Weekly twice
Why This Works?
Massaging diluted ACV on the scalp and treat dandruff by curbing infections of the scalp. It also controls excess oil and cleanses scalp skin. It can also remove accumulated product build-ups, dirt and grime on your scalp and clears the pores.
(See More: Home Remedies to Cure Dandruff)
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil Massage:
If you are looking for instant relief from dandruff, try mixing ACV with tea tree oil. This is a super potent formula that can control dandruff.
Ingredients:
- ACV- 3 tbsp
- Water – 3 drops
Method:
- Mix ACV and tea tree oil together.
- Massage it on dandruff affected scalp properly.
- Leave for 10 minutes before washing off with water.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes.
How Often Should I do this: Once a week.
Why This Works?
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties, which, when combined with ACV, can fight dandruff much faster. Both the ingredients can remove the itching, and white flakes problem is just a few applications.
See More: How to Prevent Dandruff
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse for Dandruff:
This is one of the effective treatments for dandruff, which can also give you shiny, nourished hair. ACV is known for making your hair glossy, along with treating hair problems.
Ingredients:
- ACV- 2 tbsp
- Water – 1 cup
Method:
- Mix ACV and water.
- Rinse hair with this solution after shampooing.
Preparation Time:2 minutes.
How Often Should I do This: Twice a week.
Why This Works?
If you are suffering from product build-up in your hair, this is the perfect solution. It maintains the pH balance of your hair and also controls excess oil. It can also make your hair look healthy and shiny naturally.
4. Chamomile Tea and Vinegar Rinse:
Chamomile is a natural relaxant. Especially for scalps, which are itchy and irritated, Chamomile provides the perfect soothing relief. Here’s how to try this Apple Cider Vinegar dandruff treatment:
Ingredients:
- ACV- 1 cup
- Chamomile Tea Decoction – 1 cup
Method:
- Combine ACV with Chamomile tea.
- Rinse hair with this solution after shampooing.
Preparation Time:10 minutes.
How Often Should I do This: Once a week.
Why This Works?
This solution works by soothing your itchy scalp and controlling pesky dandruff. The mixture can also give you shiny hair, along with making your scalp healthy. You will notice instant results with this remedy.
5. Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Dandruff:
This is another effective treatment for dandruff, which makes use of Baking soda. Baking Soda is a natural disinfectant which can cure most hair problems, including dandruff.
Ingredients:
- ACV- 2 tbsp
- Baking Soda- 2 tbsp
Method:
- Make a paste out of ACV and Baking Soda.
- Apply this on the scalp and gently massage.
- The scrubbing action removes flakes.
Preparation Time:5 minutes
How Often Should I do This: Twice a week.
Why This Works?
Baking soda can effectively cleanse your scalp and exfoliate the skin. It also maintains the pH of the scalp and controls oil production. Mixing ACV to baking soda can give you faster results, along with maintaining the natural shine of your hair. The remedy may, however, not suit very dry and frizzy hair.
6. Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff:
Lemon is the most popular remedies for treating dandruff. When this is combined with ACV, it acts much quicker, without harming the scalp.
Ingredients:
- ACV- ¼ cup
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Cup Water
- Spray Bottle
Method:
- Combine all the ingredients together and pour in a spray bottle.
- Section your hair and spray the solution on the scalp.
- Brush well to spread the mixture evenly.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes.
How Often Should I do This: Twice a week.
Why This Works?
Both lemon and ACV have anti-fungal properties. When they are combined, it makes for an excellent treatment to control dandruff instantly. Both agents can control oil production and make your scalp smell fresh.
7. Aloe vera and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff:
Aloe vera is a natural moisturising agent, which also has healing properties. Check out how to use it with ACV to treat dandruff.
Ingredients:
- ACV 5 tbsp
- Aloe vera Gel – 5 tbsp
- 1Cup water
Method:
- Combine all the ingredients together.
- Cover the entire scalp with the solution.
- Leave for 20 minutes.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes.
How Often Should I do This: Twice a week.
Why This Works?
Aloe vera can keep fungal infections at bay and also stimulate natural hair regrowth. It also moisturises your strands and keeps them healthy. Combining this with ACV can be the best treatments for dandruff, along with combating dryness.
See More: Home Remedies For Dandruff
8. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey for Dandruff:
Honey is one of the excellent remedies for dandruff and giving out shiny hair. Here’s how you can combine it with ACV for better results.
Ingredients:
- ACV – ½ cup
- Honey – 2 tbsp
- Spray Bottle
Method:
- Combine all the ingredients together.
- Pour in a spray bottle.
- Spray on the entire scalp with the solution.
- Leave for 20 minutes.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes.
How Often Should I do This: Twice a week.
Why This Works?
Honey treats an itchy, inflamed scalp and also locks in the moisture of the hair. It also maintains the pH level of the scalp region. By combining it with ACV, the benefits are doubled, and you will notice smooth, dandruff-free hair.
How to Use White Vinegar for Dandruff :
Along with ACV, white vinegar is also an excellent remedy for treating dandruff. Here are the two methods to use this agent:
Method One: Vinegar scalp Massage.
Ingredients:
- White Vinegar – ½ Cup
Procedure:
- For the first method, all you are going to need is some white vinegar.
- Start by gently massaging the vinegar onto your scalp.
- Use your fingertips while massaging and not your nails, as it can make dandruff worse.
- Keep on applying the vinegar on the scalp until it’s covered with vinegar after that leave it on for anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
Tips:
- If you want to leave it on for overnight, you might want to add few spoons of water to the vinegar, after that massage, as usual, cover your head with a towel and leave it overnight.
- Wash off with a mild shampoo after the desired time.
Method Two: Vinegar Hair Rinse:
Ingredients:
- White Vinegar – ½ cup
- Water – ½ Cup
Procedure:
- Shampoo your hair as you normally do.
- After that take one part of white vinegar and three parts of water and mix it well.
- Now pour this mixture into your hair and gently massage your scalp for 3-5 minutes.
- Rinse with plain water and let your hair dry naturally.
Tips:
Use a baby shampoo or any mild shampoo to wash your hair.
- Mix equal portions of apple cider vinegar and water and pour it in your hair.
- Massage for at least 5 minutes and then rinse off with plain water.
- Do not use a blow dryer or any other kind of heat tools to dry your hair.
- Let it dry naturally.
Side Effects Of Using Vinegar for Hair:
Before you plan to use Apple Vinegar for dandruff removal on your hair, check out the below list of precautions and side effects to know:
- Has a very strong smell which is quite unpleasant.
- Concentrated ACV can cause a burning sensation.
- ACV can dry out hair when used too much.
- Leaving Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff overnight can harm your scalp cells and is not recommended.
These are the many methods to use Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff treatment. All these remedies are safe and natural unless you have a very sensitive scalp. It is also recommended to do a patch test and wait for 24 hours, before proceeding to larger areas. Apple Cider Vinegar, along with removing dandruff, can also give you shiny and healthy locks. So, use with caution and get ready for some surprising output!
