It’s itchy, it’s embarrassing, and has so many different causes that it can be hard to find the right treatment.
Even if you do, most cases of dandruff are prone to returning so many people are always looking for the best treatment possible for dandruff on their hair.
Here, we are going to be answering all of these questions so just check out the information below to find out everything you need to know about apple cider vinegar and dandruff!
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used For Dandruff?
Apple cider vinegar is a common treatment used to help control the symptoms of dandruff.
Although there is no scientific evidence to back this up, it is true that apple cider vinegar contains properties which can be beneficial for those suffering from dandruff.
So, yes, apple cider vinegar can be used on dandruff but it’s not a guaranteed fix to your symptoms.
This is because dandruff can be caused by several different things, such as dry scalp or high levels of fungus.
So – what properties does apple cider vinegar feature which makes it a potential treatment for dandruff?
It’s Antifungal
In 2003, a study found that apple cider vinegar could be used to prevent fungal growth.
This makes it antifungal and could potentially help stop the overgrowth of certain fungi like malassezia, which can be the potential cause of dandruff in some cases.
Because of apple cider vinegar’s antifungal properties, a lot of people use it to try and treat their own dandruff.
Again, because not all dandruff is caused by fungi, it won’t be effective in every case.
It’s Acidic
Like regular vinegar, apple cider vinegar is acidic with a pH between 2 and 3. This means that it can help increase the pH of your scalp and hair, neutralizing it and bringing balance.
Scalps which are too alkaline usually suffer dryness, itchiness and flaky skin – so the acidity of apple cider vinegar can help balance out the scalp so it returns to its normal pH.
This in turn will reduce the symptoms of dandruff.
It’s Food For Your Hair And Scalp
Apple cider vinegar is made when apples undergo fermentation, which allows different kinds of minerals, cultures, and acids to grow and form.
These can also provide additional benefits to your hair and scalp once you use apple cider vinegar (see also: How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Loss)on it but we should also say that the effects are minimal and you can probably find a good shampoo with the same minerals and vitamins.
It’s Disinfectant
Not only is apple cider vinegar antifungal, it’s disinfectant too. The acidity helps it kill both fungi and bacteria which can sometimes be the cause of dandruff.
Plus, it will help kill any other bacteria on your scalp or hair which could be causing other problems too.
It will also help give your hair and scalp a deeper clean, removing tough oils and dirt from your hair.
The end result should be shiny and smooth feeling hair, which can be a massive boost to your confidence (especially if you have been suffering from dandruff for many years and it has knocked your self-esteem).
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar On Dandruff
So, there are lots of reasons why using apple cider vinegar could help treat your dandruff. As a result, a lot of people are eager to try it out – especially when medicated shampoos have been of little use.
So, to try out this alternative style of medicine, what do you need to do?
It’s not a good idea to add apple cider vinegar straight to the infected areas of your scalp.
Pouring pure apple cider vinegar onto your scalp will probably result in a lot of pain and stinging, so how can you use apple cider vinegar on your dandruff safely?
First, you will need half a cup of apple cider vinegar and one and a half cups of cool water. Mix them together and take the solution with you when you are next washing your hair.
Rinse and shampoo your hair as regular, then when the shampoo has been washed out, it’s time to slowly pour the solution onto the infected parts of the scalp.
Step away from the flow of water from your shower head so you don’t wash the solution away before it has time to work its magic.
Then, pour the solution slowly and remember to try and part your hair so the solution directly contacts your dandruff. Do a section at a time if you must.
Do not rinse the solution out of your hair. Instead, leave it and condition your hair as normal.
However, if you suffer from any extreme reactions to the solution, stop using it immediately and rinse it out as much as possible.
Such reactions include serious stinging, redness, or increased itchiness – this may be your scalp telling you that it’s too sensitive to handle such a solution!
The same rule goes if you start to develop similar symptoms over prolonged usage. If your scalp continues to get worse then stop using the apple cider vinegar solution.
Final Thoughts
So, apple cider vinegar is a popular alternative treatment for dandruff thanks to its amazing antifungal and disinfectant properties.
This makes it a potential treatment for fungal-caused dandruff, plus it helps balance the pH of your scalp to help reduce redness and flakes caused by an alkaline scalp.
However, this is not a definite solution. If you find that using apple cider vinegar is not helping your dandruff or making it worse, then here’s some more traditional alternatives you can try.
There are tons of anti-dandruff shampoos out there that use zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, coal tar, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole.
Try and find an anti-dandruff shampoo that utilizes these ingredients and perhaps you will find the ultimate dandruff solution for you!
All aspects of health are incredibly important in keeping us at the top of our game when it matters most. But many people choose to ignore the health that they cannot see - including the gut, cognitive, respiratory, and more.
Hi, my name is Adam Maxwell and I have been a medical professional for over 20 years. My wife is also in the same field, having been a trained clinical psychologist for 15 years.
Between us, we have seen a fair amount of health-related issues!
