How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff, Side Effects, Benefits

Can apple cider vinegar help with dandruff? Let’s find out!

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff: Dandruff is a common hair problem that affects many people. Apple cider vinegar has been found to be helpful in reducing dandruff and other hair issues. This article provides nine methods using apple cider vinegar to help you get rid of dandruff. Keep reading!

Benefits Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting crushed apples and extracting the juice. It offers several benefits, such as:

• A study conducted in Palestine found that apple cider vinegar can help alleviate various hair problems, including dandruff, head lice, scalp acne, alopecia areata, baldness, and hair loss. It also rejuvenates hair endings.
• Product build-up can contribute to dandruff, and apple cider vinegar is effective in removing this build-up and cleansing the scalp and hair. The mentioned study also demonstrated that apple cider vinegar can serve as a hair cleanser, potentially reducing dandruff.
• In a study, it was found that when the pH level of hair becomes alkaline, it can cause damage to the hair cuticles and breakage. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help lower the pH level of hair.
• Apple cider vinegar possesses antimicrobial properties, including antifungal and antibacterial properties. These properties can help keep the scalp healthy and potentially reduce dandruff.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar promotes hair growth and helps reduce hair issues. However, there is limited scientific evidence to fully support these claims.

In the following section, we explore various methods to include apple cider vinegar in your hair care routine.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Massage

Massaging apple cider vinegar into your scalp helps it penetrate the hair follicles, eliminating build-up and balancing pH and oil production. This method is highly effective in promoting scalp health and ensuring a thoroughly clean scalp. (How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff)

You Will Need

3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

10 minutes

Process

1. Gently massage apple cider vinegar onto your scalp.
2. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse your hair with a mild shampoo.
3. Finally, use conditioner to complete the routine.

How Often?

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 be beneficial for treating dandruff. Combining apple cider vinegar with tea tree oil creates a powerful combination to reduce flakes and enhance scalp health.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 3 drops of tea tree oil.
• Apply the mixture to your scalp, massaging it gently.
• Leave it on for a few minutes.
• Rinse off with water and follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Preparation Time: 2 minutes Processing Time: 10 minutes Frequency: Once a week or once every two weeks

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and three drops of tea tree oil.
2. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp.
3. Leave it on for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
5. Follow with conditioner.
6. Repeat this treatment once a week or once every two weeks.

Tea tree oil offers various health benefits and has some potential side effects. Here are 31 health benefits of tea tree oil and its associated side effects:

1. Antibacterial properties
2. Antifungal properties
3. Antiviral properties
4. Anti-inflammatory effects
5. Acne treatment
6. Dandruff control
7. Athlete’s foot remedy
8. Nail fungus treatment
9. Natural deodorant
10. Wound healing properties
11. Eczema relief
12. Psoriasis management
13. Cold sore treatment
14. Head lice treatment
15. Sinus congestion relief
16. Insect repellent
17. Oral health improvement
18. Scalp irritation relief
19. Sunburn soothing
20. Antiseptic properties
21. Anti-itching effects
22. Ear infection relief
23. Boosts immunity
24. Muscle pain relief
25. Allergies alleviation
26. Antimicrobial effects
27. Cleansing properties
28. Natural household cleaner
29. Vaporizer for respiratory issues
30. Skin tag removal
31. Aromatherapy benefits

Possible side effects of tea tree oil include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and hormonal effects in certain cases. It’s essential to dilute tea tree oil properly and do a patch test before using it on larger areas of the skin.

Note: The mentioned benefits and side effects are general information and may not apply to everyone. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using tea tree oil for specific health concerns or conditions.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

This rinse eliminates build-up, enhances shine, and balances the pH of your scalp. It promotes healthy hair by addressing problems like clogged follicles due to product build-up and serves as a thorough hair cleanser.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water

Preparation Time: 2 minutes Processing Time: 5 minutes

Instructions How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff:

1. Dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water in a jug.
2. After washing and conditioning your hair, pour the diluted ACV mixture through your hair as a final rinse.
3. Do not rinse your hair any further.

Note: The above process helps remove build-up, adds shine, and maintains the pH balance of your scalp. It acts as a deep cleanser for your hair, resolving issues such as follicle-clogging from product build-up.

Frequency: Once every two weeks.

Related: Apple cider vinegar hair rinse offers four benefits and instructions on how to use it.

4. Chamomile Tea And Vinegar Rinse

Chamomile tea adds a healthy golden shine to hair, conditions it, soothes the scalp, relieves itching, and can help combat dandruff.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup freshly brewed chamomile tea

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Processing Time: 5 minutes Frequency: Once every two weeks

Instructions:

1. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to it.
2. Set the solution aside in a jug.
3. Wash and condition your hair as usual.
4. After rinsing out the conditioner, pour the chamomile-vinegar solution through your hair as a final rinse.
5. Do not rinse your hair any further and allow it to air-dry. (How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff)

Note: This process helps add a healthy golden glow to your hair, conditions it, soothes the scalp, relieves itching, and can help fight dandruff. Repeat this treatment once every two weeks.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Aspirin Rinse

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos. Using aspirin can provide immediate relief from dandruff.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 crushed aspirin tablets

Instructions How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff :

1. Take 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
2. Crush 3 aspirin tablets into a fine powder.
3. Mix the crushed aspirin powder into the apple cider vinegar.
4. Stir well until the aspirin dissolves.
5. Apply the mixture to your scalp, focusing on areas with dandruff.
6. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
7. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
8. Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Note: This remedy combines the benefits of apple cider vinegar and aspirin to provide relief from dandruff.

Preparation Time: 2 minutes Processing Time: 5 minutes Frequency: Once every two weeks

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with three crushed aspirin tablets.
2. Set the mixture aside and proceed to shampoo your hair.
3. After rinsing the shampoo out, pour the vinegar-aspirin solution through your hair, massaging your scalp as you pour.
4. Leave the solution on for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
6. Follow with a conditioner and allow your hair to air-dry.

Note: This method combines apple cider vinegar and aspirin to provide relief from dandruff. Repeat this treatment once every two weeks.

6. Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff

Apple cider vinegar is a great cleansing agent. Using it as a scrub helps exfoliate dandruff flakes and dead skin. It balances the scalp’s pH without being too harsh and stripping away natural oils.

Ingredients How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff :

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Preparation Time: 2 minutes Processing Time: 5 minutes Frequency: 2 times a week

Instructions:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and apple cider vinegar until you achieve a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to your scalp and gently massage it to scrub away dead skin and build-up.
3. Massage for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair with cool water.
5. Repeat this process 2 times a week.

Note: This method utilizes a combination of baking soda and apple cider vinegar to create a scrub that helps exfoliate flakes and dead skin caused by dandruff. It is recommended to do this treatment twice a week.

7. Lemon And Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff

Lemon has antifungal properties and is rich in vitamin C, which can be beneficial in treating dandruff. It also acts as a cleansing agent, soothing itching and reducing irritation.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1 cup water
• Spray bottle

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Processing Time: 30 minutes

Instructions How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Dandruff:

1. Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well to combine.
2. Section your hair and spritz the solution onto your scalp and hair.
3. Once your scalp is saturated with the solution, wrap your hair with a towel and wait for 30 minutes.
4. Finish by shampooing your hair.

Note: This method involves combining apple cider vinegar, olive oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto your scalp and hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then shampoo your hair. Lemon’s antifungal properties and vitamin C content, along with the cleansing properties of the other ingredients, can help treat dandruff, soothe itching, and reduce irritation.

Frequency: 2 times a week

Note: Repeat this treatment two times a week for best results. For more information on using lemon to get rid of dandruff, refer to the related article “How To Use Lemon To Get Rid Of Dandruff?”

8. Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff

Aloe vera heals the scalp and promotes healthy cell growth, reducing flaking. It moisturizes and removes dead skin cells, bacteria, and other deposits that can clog hair follicles. This treatment not only helps control dandruff but also improves hydration and adds shine to your hair.

You will need:

• 5 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 6 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Processing Time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix 5 tablespoons of coconut milk, 6 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
2. Add 1 cup of water to the mixture and stir well.
3. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, making sure to cover all areas.
4. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
6. Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Note: This treatment combines coconut milk, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, and water to create a nourishing and moisturizing mixture for your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process as needed.

Process:

1. In a bowl, combine coconut milk and aloe vera gel to create a smooth mixture.
2. Dampen your hair and begin massaging the mixture into your scalp.
3. Ensure that your entire scalp is covered, then work the mixture through the rest of your hair.
4. Leave the mixture on for 5 minutes.
5. Rinse it out thoroughly with water.
6. Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and use this as a final rinse.
7. Avoid further rinsing of your hair.

Note: Combine coconut milk and aloe vera gel to create a smooth mixture. Massage it into your scalp and hair, leave it on for 5 minutes, and rinse with water. Use a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar as a final rinse. Do not rinse your hair any further after the vinegar rinse.

Frequency: 2 times a week

Note: You can repeat this treatment twice a week for best results.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey For Dandruff

Honey is a humectant that moisturizes and hydrates the hair shaft and scalp cells. It balances pH levels and promotes healing with its antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

You will need:

• 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of raw honey
• Spray bottle
• Shower cap

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Processing Time: 15 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, combine 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of raw honey.
2. Shake the bottle well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Dampen your hair with water.
4. Spray the apple cider vinegar and honey mixture onto your scalp and throughout your hair, making sure to cover all areas.
5. Massage the mixture into your scalp for a few minutes.
6. Put on a shower cap to trap heat and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
7. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes.
8. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
9. Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Note: This treatment involves combining apple cider vinegar and raw honey in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to damp hair, massage it in, and leave it on for 15 minutes under a shower cap. Rinse your hair and proceed with your regular hair care routine.

Process:

1. Combine the ingredients (1/3 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons raw honey) in a spray bottle.
2. Shake the bottle well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Section your hair to make it easier to apply the solution.
4. Spritz the solution onto your hair and scalp, making sure to saturate them completely.
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap to trap heat and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
6. Leave the solution on for about 15 minutes.
7. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
8. Follow up with your regular shampoo to remove any residue.
9. Proceed with your usual hair care routine.

Note: Combine the apple cider vinegar and raw honey in a spray bottle, then apply the solution to your hair and scalp. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing and shampooing as usual.

How Often? Use this hair mask once a week for best results. You can also enhance the mask by adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender oil or tea tree oil to soothe the scalp and leave your hair smelling fresh.

Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar

If you use apple cider vinegar excessively, it can remove the natural oils from your scalp, leading to dryness. To avoid this, it is recommended to space out your ACV treatments. Additionally, if you do not regularly oil your hair while using ACV treatments, your hair may become brittle and prone to breakage. It is important to use ACV in small quantities as excessive acetic acid can cause dryness and breakage. One way to mitigate this is by using ACV in a conditioning hair pack.

Infographic: 5 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Dandruff

Dandruff can result from inadequate hair hygiene, underlying medical conditions, or hormonal changes. If you’re seeking natural methods to manage it, apple cider vinegar could be the solution you need. We’ve compiled the top 5 ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your beauty routine and effectively treat dandruff. Refer to the infographic below for more details!

Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for dandruff, thanks to its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. By using apple cider vinegar as a rinse with other common ingredients, you can improve scalp health and reduce flakiness. Following the recipes and methods mentioned in the article will help maintain scalp health, cleanse it, and minimize dandruff. If these remedies don’t yield results, it’s advisable to consult a doctor.