Here Are 7 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff Treatment

Nisha Shah

24 Dec ‘21
Apple Cider Vinegar Dandruff Treatment Natural Remedies Hair Care
Apple Cider Vinegar Dandruff Treatment Natural Remedies Hair Care

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Out of all the hair problems out there, if there is one that’s the most stubborn and bewildering, then I think that we would all unanimously agree that it is dandruff. One of the most common hair problems, dandruff can be a menace. Causing itching and flaking, dandruff can become a significant problem. Sometimes, it can also become the reason you fear wearing dark coloured clothes. While there are literally hundreds of anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market, if you are still discontented with the results, then it is time to turn to that bottle of apple cider vinegar for dandruff lying in your kitchen cupboard. Yes, we’re talking about apple cider vinegar that you use for weight loss. It is one of the most underrated hair care products sitting in your house.

Using apple cider vinegar for dandruff and itchy scalp has been a well-known home remedy for years. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, apple cider vinegar is helpful for hair in several ways. In this article, let’s examine how to use apple cider vinegar for dandruff control, how it helps, and any side effects of using it.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Dandruff

Made by fermenting the liquid obtained by crushing apples, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic ingredient for hair. It has a host of benefits such as smoothening the hair cuticles, improving the lustre of your tresses, moisturising the hair and reducing its frizziness. Additionally, it is a powerful anti-dandruff cure and is highly recommended. Here’s how apple cider vinegar treats dandruff:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties:

The properties of apple cider vinegar help to reduce irritation and redness caused by dandruff.

2. Antimicrobial properties:

Due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and fungi that may cause dandruff. It also controls yeast infections that cause dandruff.

3. Balancing pH levels:

When you use hair products with a higher pH level, it can irritate the scalp, causing itching and flaking. Apple cider vinegar can lower pH levels of the scalp, thereby reducing symptoms of dandruff.

4. Removing product build-up:

One of the causes of dandruff is product build-up on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar keeps the scalp squeaky clean, thereby preventing dandruff.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

Knowing about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff control, you may be tempted to go find that bottle from the kitchen and run straight to the bathroom. However, hold your horses! As apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar, using it directly on the hair can cause more damage to your hair than it can benefit it. The fundamental thing to remember while using apple cider vinegar for hair is to dilute it with water, keeping the ratio of one part apple cider vinegar to five parts of water.

However, since apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, do a patch test before using it on your hair. Apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the back of your hand and notice if there are any signs of inflammation, redness or irritation. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, then you may use it on your hair.

Here are some ways you can use this ingredient to get rid of dandruff:

This is one of the most common ways of using apple cider vinegar for dandruff. Apart from keeping dandruff at bay, this rinse will remove build-up from the scalp and add sheen to your dull tresses. Additionally, it cleanses the hair and scalp deeply, giving your hair the much-needed nourishment it needs.

What you will need:

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

How to prepare:

  • Dilute the apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and keep it aside.
  • Wash your hair and condition as usual.
  • After rinsing off the conditioner, pour the diluted apple cider vinegar on your scalp evenly, massaging it on your hair strands.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes and wash it off thoroughly with cold water. Use this rinse once every two weeks.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another ingredient that works wonders for treating dandruff at home. Its antifungal properties treat the yeast overgrowth in your scalp, which causes dandruff. Additionally, being a natural conditioner, tea tree oil prevents flaking and soothes the scalp. If you’re looking for how to treat dandruff with apple cider vinegar, massaging tea tree oil with apple cider vinegar for dandruff is the perfect combination for controlling dandruff.

What you will need:

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 drops of tea tree oil

How to prepare:

  • Combine the two ingredients in a bowl and massage evenly on the scalp.
  • Leave it on the scalp for 10 minutes and rinse your hair off with shampoo as you usually do.
  • Give yourself this massage once a week for noticeable results.

chamomile tea

This herbal tea is full of antioxidants, which makes it excellent for hair care. A natural exfoliator, chamomile tea helps get rid of build-up and dead skin cells on the scalp. This helps to reduce dandruff and its symptoms, such as itchiness. Apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff is even more effective when combined with chamomile tea.

What you will need:

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of chamomile tea

How to prepare:

  • Prepare a cup of chamomile tea and add apple cider vinegar to it.
  • After washing and conditioning your hair, pour it on your hair and let it dry.
  • Do not rinse it. Try this once every two weeks.

Aloe vera

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if I said that aloe vera is nature’s best gift to mankind! Along with its healing properties and a bunch of benefits, it gets rid of dead skin cells, thus helping curb dandruff. It also moisturises the hair and scalp, keeping it clean. This hair mask is an excellent way of using apple cider vinegar for dandruff.

What you will need:

  • 5 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of water

How to prepare:

  • Combine all the ingredients well.
  • Apply evenly on the scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off with cold water and use this hair mask once every week for best results.

 Baking soda

When considering how to use apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff? Baking soda is a great choice as it is an excellent cleansing agent that helps exfoliate the scalp and gets rid of dead skin cells. When combined with apple cider vinegar, it becomes an effective remedy for eliminating dandruff and keeping the scalp clean and healthy.

What you will need:

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda

How to prepare:

  • Combine the two ingredients to form a paste.
  • Apply the paste on your scalp and massage gently.
  • After 5 minutes, rinse your hair with cool water.

Anti-inflammatory properties

If you are wary of using apple cider vinegar on your scalp directly, then there’s another way to use it – as a hair spray! Here’s a DIY apple cider vinegar hair spray for dandruff.

What you will need:

  • ¼ cup hot water
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 6 drops of tea tree oil
  • 5 crushed aspirin tablets

How to prepare:

  • Mix all the ingredients well and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
  • Once every week, before your hair wash, spray it all over the scalp and keep it on for 20 minutes.
  • Wash and condition your hair as usual.
  • No matter what method you choose to use apple cider vinegar, make sure it does not burn or irritate your skin. If that happens, stop using it on your hair immediately, lest it gets worse.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff Precautions When Using Apple Cider Vinegar DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff Precautions When Using Apple Cider Vinegar DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Nisha Shah

Writer, avid reader and a lover of all things creative is the best way to describe Nisha Shah! Equipped with a degree in Journalism and a certification in Digital Marketing, she brings a distinct perspective to her writing. With experience in content covering a range of topics from health to travel and beauty to food, she manages to bring something interesting and yet easy-to-read for her readers. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a book and coffee, bingeing on movies and TV shows, experimenting with photography and lots more!