Using vinegar to treat dandruff goes beyond its most popular use in kitchens worldwide, where it’s often used as a salad dressing. However, it’s worth noting that vinegar has certain properties that may be beneficial for hair.
This sour-tasting liquid, a product of the acetic fermentation of alcohol, has been prescribed throughout history to treat various ailments and symptoms. Today, we’ll tell you more about its benefits and how it can help eliminate dandruff. Find out more!
Apple cider vinegar, an effective remedy for dandruff?
Have you ever noticed tiny white specks on your dark clothes? Dandruff, also known as pityriasis, is a common problem that affects the scalp and causes it to flake. While not a serious condition, it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat.
According to a Mayo Clinic publication, the signs and symptoms can be intensified by stress. They tend to be more common during the dry, cold seasons. The following causes are mentioned:
- Irritated, oily, or dry skin.
- Not washing your hair enough.
- The presence of a fungus known as Malassezia. This fungus feeds on the oils present on the scalp of most adults.
- Contact dermatitis: appears due to the use of certain hair care products.
- Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Apparently, this condition can be managed with a home remedy using apple cider vinegar, which we’ll show you below. Anecdotal evidence suggests that its use may reduce flaking and alleviate the symptoms associated with this problem.
While there is no scientific evidence to support its effects in treating dandruff, an article in Natural Product Research points out that this product has antimicrobial potential, so it would limit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
How to use this home remedy with vinegar for dandruff?
Although, as we mentioned, there are no studies that prove the effectiveness of vinegar for controlling dandruff, you can see the results for yourself, as its use is considered safe. To enjoy the benefits of this home remedy, you should keep the following steps in mind:
- To begin, dilute half a cup of apple cider vinegar in one and a half cups of warm water.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse as usual.
- Apply the vinegar to your entire scalp using a cotton ball and massage gently for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Let it dry naturally.
If you feel it’s necessary, use conditioner. - You can repeat this process every day until you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Other alternative remedies for dandruff
The itching and flaking characteristic of dandruff can be controlled in most cases. Several anti-dandruff shampoos on the market help reduce oil and the buildup of skin cells. You will likely need to try more than one to find the right one for you.
But there are other measures that could lessen the symptoms of this condition. So if you suffer from this skin problem, you can also try the following:
- Managing stress: As much as possible, it’s important to learn to manage negative emotions, as they can affect overall health. Although it may sound strange, they could also worsen dandruff symptoms.
- Eating a balanced diet—including enough zinc, B vitamins, and certain types of fats in your diet—could help prevent dandruff.
- Wash your hair frequently with shampoo: If you suffer from an oily scalp, washing it daily with shampoo helps loosen the flakes. To do this, gently massage the area and rinse carefully.
- Limit hair care products: this is because styling products can build up on the hair and scalp, making it oilier.
On the other hand, the use of tea tree oil also has positive effects in controlling this problem. This is thanks to its antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. However, this alternative can irritate people with sensitive skin.
Possible adverse effects
Don’t forget that it’s important to monitor the results of using apple cider vinegar or any other dandruff remedy. Some products can actually worsen your symptoms.
As for vinegar, since it is a highly acidic substance, it can cause burns when applied to the skin. In this case, it is best to discontinue its use and consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that dandruff often requires a multi-pronged approach. Therefore, it should be clear that vinegar is not a magic bullet, but rather one option among many.