14 Different Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Dandruff – Dandruff is one of the worst hair problems to deal with. Some of us suffer from seasonal dandruff problems, i.e only during winter, whereas many suffer from chronic dandruff problem all around the year. This article will tell you how to use Apple Cider Vinegar to cure dandruff. No doubt that dandruff is annoying and equally embarrassing, but fortunately for us, there are quite a few natural remedies available that can cure dandruff from the root itself. And apple cider vinegar is one among them. Apple Cider Vinegar has created a buzz in the health and beauty industry. Many brands are coming up with shampoos and other hair care products with apple cider vinegar being the main ingredient.
Check – 12 Magical Home Remedies for Split Ends without Cutting Hair
What is Dandruff
Dandruff is a chronic but harmless scalp condition. It occurs when the scalp becomes overly dry or greasy and produces dead skin cells that appear in the form of white flakes. These white flakes become visible on the scalp, hair and sometimes even on the shoulders. Dandruff isn’t contagious, but it becomes really tough to get rid of chronic dandruff. It starts between the ages of 10 and 20 and normally affects up to 40% people over the age of 30.
We know that the skin on our body continuously shed the dead skin cells and renew itself. The same process happens on the scalp as well. But if you have dandruff, this shedding can happen at a faster rate. The natural oil or sebum on the scalp leads to the clumping of these dead skin cells together and they appear as white flakes. These white, oily flakes along with itchy, dry scalp is the most common symptoms of dandruff.
Check – 12 Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Oily Skin
Causes of Dandruff
- Dry Scalp – This is the basic reason for getting dandruff. When our scalp gets excessively dry, it produces dead skin cells which appear in the form of white flakes and known as dandruff.
- Irritated Oily Skin – Irritated and oily skin on the scalp can be the result of seborrheic dermatitis. It is marked by red and greasy skin covered in flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the major causes for dandruff. It can affect our scalp as well as other body parts where more oil glands are present.
- Yeast – Malassezia is actually a yeast like fungus that lives on the scalps of most adults. But, for some, this fungus irritates the scalp and can cause skin cells to grow at a faster rate and leads more dead skin cells accumulation. These dead skin cells appear as white flakes or dandruff.
- Lack of Proper Cleansing – Dandruff can happen if you do not shampoo your hair as often as you need to. Lack of cleansing can lead to oil and dead skin cells build up on the scalp and hair. This can lead to dandruff. However, frequent shampooing can also cause dandruff by drying out the scalp.
- Stress – When an individual is going through a prolonged period of stress it can have a negative effect on the immune system and that can lead to dandruff.
- Poor Diet – A balanced diet is very important for healthy skin and healthy hair. If the diet lacks foods which are rich in zinc, vitamin B and good fats, it can lead to dandruff.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is prepared by following a two step process.
Firstly, the apples are crushed and they are exposed to yeast which turn the sugars present in the apple juice into alcohol. Then during the second step, bacteria are added to the alcohol which further ferment the alcohol and turn it into acetic acid. This acetic acid is the main component of apple cider vinegar. It appears pale amber in color.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Dandruff
- Apple cider vinegar has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. It helps to kill the fungus and bacteria that can cause dandruff and other scalp infections.
- The anti inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar reduce the irritation of the scalp associated with dandruff.
- The natural acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can balance the pH level of the scalp. This in turn keeps the scalp healthy by preventing fungus growth and removing the impurities from the scalp.
- Apple cider vinegar contains natural enzymes that help in opening the clogged pores of the scalp. It deeply cleanses the scalp as well as hair.
- Also, apple cider vinegar helps to get rid of the itchiness and dryness of the scalp. It works as a mild natural conditioner and adds shine and volume to the hair.
- Sometimes, excessive oily scalp becomes the main reason behind getting dandruff. Apple cider vinegar can balance the oil production of the scalp and help in preventing the issue.
Different Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Dandruff
Lets check out how we can use apple cider vinegar in different home remedies for getting rid of dandruff problem.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Yogurt
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Chamomile Tea
5. Fenugreek Seeds and Apple Cider Vinegar
6. Aspirin and Apple Cider Vinegar
7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosemary Essential Oil
8. Apple Cider Vinegar and Aloe Vera
9. Ginger and Apple Cider Vinegar
10. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon
11. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
12. Apple Cider Vinegar and Peppermint
13. Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil
14. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender Essential Oil
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
How to use diluted apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
Lets begin our list of different ways to use apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff with this one. Using diluted apple cider vinegar is a very effective remedy to remove dandruff. Wet your hair and take half cup each of apple cider vinegar and water and mix them together. Pour it onto wet hair and scalp and massage gently. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off with water. Repeat this ACV treatment twice or thrice a week to get relief from dandruff. You can also add few drops of tea tree oil in this mixture to increase its efficacy. This treatment is also very effective in removing scalp buildup caused by hair styling products, such as hair gels, sprays, serums etc.
Check – 14 Easy and Effective Home Remedies for Dry Scalp
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Yogurt
How to use yogurt and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
Take half cup of plain yogurt and add a tsp Apple Cider Vinegar to it. Mix together. Shampoo your hair and then apply this mixture on to the wet scalp. Massage the scalp and wait for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Follow this treatment with apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff at least once a week to get effective result.
Yogurt is another great remedy for dandruff. The vital proteins and vitamin B5 in yogurt promote healthy scalp. The anti bacterial properties of yogurt also come handy to treat dandruff. However make sure you only use plain unflavored yogurt.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
How to use apple cider vinegar and baking soda to treat dandruff
Mix together enough amounts of baking soda and apple cider vinegar and make a paste. Apply it on the scalp and massage gently. Let it sit for minutes and then rinse off with plain cool water. Repeat twice in a week.
Baking soda is a great natural exfoliator. When applied on the scalp, it helps in removing the impurities and the dead skin cells accumulated on the scalp. Just like ACV, baking soda is also effective in maintaining the pH level of the scalp and thus, make it difficult for fungus and bacteria to grow there.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Chamomile Tea
How to use chamomile tea and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
First, brew a cup of chamomile tea. Let it reach room temperature and transfer it to a big container. Add a tbsp apple cider vinegar to it and set it aside. Next, wash your hair with a shampoo and apply conditioner as well. Once you have washed off the conditioner, pour this chamomile tea and vinegar solution on the scalp and hair. No need to rinse it off. Repeat once in every two weeks.
Check – Does Vinegar Help to Reduce Dandruff
Chamomile tea has amazing soothing properties. It helps to give relief from the itchy scalp. Chamomile tea is also known for its dandruff fighting abilities due to its anti bacterial, anti septic and anti fungal properties. Also it minimizes the chances of split ends and promotes hair growth. Furthermore, chamomile tea also adds a beautiful shine to otherwise dull looking locks.
5. Fenugreek Seeds and Apple Cider Vinegar
How to use apple cider vinegar and fenugreek seeds to fight dandruff
Take a handful of fenugreek seeds and soak it in water for at least six hours. Strain the water and make a paste out of the fenugreek seeds. To this paste, add few drops of apple cider vinegar and mix together. Apply it on the scalp by massaging gently. Let it sit for at least an hour. Use a mild shampoo to rinse it off. Repeat regularly.
Fenugreek seeds contain various vitamins and minerals which work together to give relief from dandruff. Moreover, the anti fungal properties of fenugreek seeds is effective to kill the fungus that cause dandruff. The emulsifying properties of fenugreek seeds help to soothe irritated scalp and control dandruff to a great extent.
6. Aspirin and Apple Cider Vinegar
How to use apple cider vinegar and aspirin to eliminate dandruff
Next comes this one on our list of different ways to use apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff. Crush three aspirin tablets and mix them with a cup of apple cider vinegar. Keep the solution aside. First shampoo your hair and once you are done, pour this solution on to the scalp. Massage your scalp while you are pouring it. Let it sit for another five minutes and rinse off with plain water. Follow up with a conditioner. Repeat once in every two weeks.
Aspirin is a great remedy for dandruff. It contains salicylates. It is the active ingredient in medicated anti dandruff shampoos. Aspirin helps to keep flaking in check, which in turn reduces the dandruff.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosemary Essential Oil
How to use apple cider vinegar and rosemary essential oil to treat dandruff
Take a cup of apple cider vinegar and add a tbsp rosemary essential oil to it. Also add few drops of witch hazel. Mix together. First rinse the scalp with luke warm water and then pour this solution on wet hair and scalp. Massage the scalp for couple of minutes and then let it sit for another 25-30 minutes. Rinse off with plain cold water. Repeat once in a week.
Rosemary essential oil has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. It is very effective in fighting dandruff and restoring balance to the scalp. It also increases blood circulations in the scalp. Witch hazel can also boost blood circulation. Sometimes overly oily scalp causes dandruff. Witch hazel prevents this by controlling oil secretion on the scalp, thanks to its astringent properties. It also gives relief from the itchiness due to dandruff and soothe the scalp. However people with dry hair and dry scalp should avoid witch hazel.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar and Aloe Vera
How to use aloe vera and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
Take a cup of aloe vera gel and add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to it. Also add a tbsp honey and mix everything together. Apply this mixture on the scalp and then massage for couple of minutes. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes and then wash off everything with a shampoo and plain water. Repeat once in every week.
Aloe vera has powerful anti bacterial and anti fungal properties which makes it difficult for the fungus and bacteria to grow on the scalp and cause dandruff. Aloe vera also contains proteolytic enzyme which removes dead skin cell build up, thanks to its ability to break down protein. Thus, aloe vera works as a great natural exfoliant for scalp and prevents dandruff formation. Honey is another amazing solution for dandruff. It also gives relief from itchy scalp. The anti bacterial and anti fungal properties of honey has made it one of the best natural remedies for chronic dandruff. Furthermore, honey helps in locking moisture in to the hair shaft and scalp and thus, prevents the dryness of the scalp. It also speeds up the healing process of the scalp and maintain its natural pH balance.
9. Ginger and Apple Cider Vinegar
How to use ginger and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
Combine apple cider vinegar and ginger powder in 3:1 ratio. Transfer it in a dark blue or black glass bottle and close the lid. Keep it in a cool and dark place and don’t forget to shake the bottle once everyday. After one week, dilute this ginger infused apple cider vinegar in equal amount of water. Apply it directly on the scalp and massage and wait for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with shampoo and plain water. Repeat regularly until you get desired result.
Ginger is a natural anti septic which is why it treats dandruff very effectively. Ginger contains the nutrients which nourish the scalp and prevent dryness. It also can prevent the growth of yeast, which in turn stops flakiness and itchiness of the scalp. The anti inflammatory properties of ginger soothe scalp irritation caused by dandruff.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon
How to use apple cider vinegar and lemon to eliminate dandruff
Next comes this remedy on our list of different ways to use apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff. All you need to do is to combine 2 tbsp each of aloe vera gel and fresh lemon juice together. Apply this on the scalp and massage gently. Rinse off with a mild shampoo after 10-15 minutes. Repeat this treatment at least twice a week to eradicate dandruff.
Lemon is a great remedy to drive dandruff away. Lemon has powerful anti fungal properties that fight off the dandruff causing fungus. The Vitamin C and citric acid in lemon helps to treat dandruff effectively. Lemon can also maintain the pH balance of the scalp, thanks to its acidic property. The anti oxidant and vitamins present in lemon are essential for healthy scalp and hair. Also lemon has amazing deep cleansing properties It helps in removing the accumulated dead skin cells on the scalp. Also, it helps in eliminating the dirt and excess oil from the scalp. Applying lemon juice on the scalp also helps in soothing irritations caused by dandruff.
Also read
How to Use Lemon to Remove Dandruff – 12 Natural Remedies
How to Use Neem to Cure Dandruff
14 Easy and Effective Home Remedies for Dry Scalp
11. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
How to use honey and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
Take a clean spray bottle and pour 1/3rd cup of apple cider vinegar in it. Add two tbsp raw honey and shake the bottle so that all the ingredients get mixed nicely. Section your hair and spray this solution on each section. Make sure your entire scalp is saturated in it. Next wear a shower cap and allow the vinegar honey solution to sit on the scalp for 15-20 minutes. Use shampoo and plain cold water to rinse off and repeat once in a week.
Honey is an amazing solution for dandruff. It gives relief from itchy scalp. The anti bacterial and anti fungal properties of honey has made it one of the best natural remedies for chronic dandruff. Furthermore, the anti inflammatory properties of honey gives relief from the scalp irritation caused by dandruff. Honey is a natural humectant. It helps in locking moisture in to the hair shaft and scalp and thus, prevents the dryness of the scalp. It also speeds up the healing process of the scalp and maintain its natural pH balance.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar and Peppermint
How to use peppermint and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
Dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Add 4-5 fresh peppermint leaves to it and keep it aside for couple of hours. After 2 hours, strain the peppermint infused solution and pour it in a clean spray bottle. Part your hair into small sections and spray this solution all over the scalp. Repeat this process daily until you see dandruff is not coming back anymore.
Peppermint has anti septic properties which make it one of the best natural remedies for dandruff. Furthermore, the anti inflammatory properties of peppermint also come handy while driving the dandruff away. It can soothe the irritated, itchy and dry scalp. Peppermint also helps to soak up excess oil from the scalp, which can otherwise lead to dandruff.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil
How to use olive oil and apple cider vinegar to fight dandruff
Here comes another great way to use apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff. First dilute a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar to a cup of distilled water. Then, add 5 drops of tea tree oil, half of a tsp of olive oil and juice of one fresh lemon. Combine all the ingredients nicely and pour the solution to a spray bottle. Section your hair and spray it on each section until your scalp gets saturated with this. Wear a shower cap and then wait for an hour before rinsing off with shampoo. Repeat twice in a week for best results.
Check – 15 Amazing benefits of olive oil for skin, hair and health
Tea tree oil has powerful anti fungal and anti bacterial properties that help in dealing with dandruff effectively. Olive oil helps in moisturizing the dry parts of our scalp that flake off continuously. Olive oil can soak in to the thick and scaly areas on the scalp which cause persistent dandruff, and help them to loosen and also release as a larger piece instead of small flakes. Lemon has powerful anti fungal properties that fight off the dandruff causing fungus. The Vitamin C and citric acid in lemon also helps to treat dandruff effectively.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender Essential Oil
How to use lavender essential oil and apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff
We are going to conclude this list of different remedies using apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff with this one. Dilute half cup of ACV in quarter cup of water and add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil to it. Stir well and massage your hair and scalp with this solution thoroughly. Wear a shower cap and wait for an hour before rinsing off with shampoo. Repeat twice in a week.
The anti inflammatory and anti fungal properties of lavender essential oil help to drive the dandruff away. Also it helps soothe the irritated scalp by giving relief from constant itchiness which is a major symptom of dandruff.
So, there you have 14 different ways to use apple cider vinegar to cure dandruff. Hope you liked the post and found it useful. Do share your feedback with us 🙂