How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Dandruff
Dandruff is a common skin condition which nearly all people regardless of age or ethnicity experience at some point in their lives. Although dandruff is rarely serious and isn’t contagious, it can still be embarrassing and causes social or self-esteem problems.
I have already written about natural ways to get rid of dandruff and this time I am going to describe how to use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for dandruff treatment.
What is Dandruff
Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As skin cells die, a small amount of flaking is normal, however some people experience an unusually large amount of flaking either chronically or as a result of certain triggers.
This can also be accompanied by redness, irritation and often causes itching. The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season and it often worsens in winter.
Common Causes of Dandruff Include:
Oily skin – This is one of the most common causes of dandruff. There are people who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis where the scalp is red and oily and covered with white or yellow flaky scales. Other people don’t regularly wash their hair which causes oils and skin cells from their scalp to build up and cause dandruff.
Dry skin – This is another common cause of dandruff where the flakes are generally smaller and less oily and you probably have other symptoms of dry skin on other parts of your body.
Other skin conditions – Such as eczema or psoriasis, as well as a yeast-like fungus called malassezia.
Sensitivity to hair care products – Some ingredients in certain hair care products or hair dyes can irritate the scalp, causing it to be red, itchy and scaly. Shampooing too often or using too many styling products may also irritate your scalp, causing dandruff. (commercial shampoos contain harsh chemicals – you can make a nourishing shampoo at home)
If you are one of these people who suffer from dandruff, I’m sure you will find this simple natural treatment for dandruff helpful.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for Dandruff
ACV has been used for centuries to treat many ailments due to its anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
The acidity of the ACV means that it can help maintain the pH balance of your scalp and remove buildup at the same time without stripping the hair of its natural oils. By restoring the natural pH level of your scalp, your scalp will no longer be an ideal environment for fungus, bacteria or yeast that cause dandruff.
The Best Type of ACV for Dandruff
Choosing the right type of ACV is very important if you want to get the best results. Real ACV is made by fermenting pressed apple juice until the natural sugar turns into vinegar.
- Always choose organic ACV which is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and unprocessed and not the clear and refined stuff you find in most stores.
- If you really want to use a good quality ACV, it needs to have the “mother” of vinegar, which is the cloudy matter that floats or often sinks to the bottom of the bottle. This substance contains beneficial enzymes, bacteria and trace minerals that make ACV so beneficial for you.
- Don’t forget to shake the bottle each time before using the ACV to distribute the good elements. You can also easily make your own natural ACV – find the recipe here.
How to Use ACV for dandruff
- After washing your hair normally with shampoo, mix equal parts of ACV and water and apply the mixture onto your scalp with your fingers or a cotton ball and gently message your scalp (you can also use a spray bottle and spray directly onto your scalp).
- Wrap your hair with a shower cap or a towel and leave the mixture for about 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water. Don’t use shampoo after applying the ACV.
- Repeat the treatment daily for about a week until your dandruff disappears.
- If your skin is very sensitive, test a small area of your scalp first before continuing with the above treatment to see if you develop any skin irritation.
Using ACV is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.
Other Natural Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a great all-around essential oils to keep your scalp healthy and is a good home remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil can effectively kill off fungus infections that cause dandruff.
Various studies into the effects of tea tree oil in treating the root causes of dandruff conditions have shown it to be an effective natural remedy that destroys various infections. For example, the Skin Pharmacology Society published a study in their journal showing that tea tree oil is effective in treating dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis and killing off other fungal infections on the scalp. Other studies have shown that 5% tea tree oil shampoo destroys the fungal infections responsible for dandruff.
To treat dandruff using a homemade tea tree oil shampoo, add 8-10 drops tea tree oil to every 8 oz. of your favorite natural shampoo. Then wash your hair as needed with the tea tree shampoo and use it regularly to get rid of dandruff.
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil has many antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help clear up dandruff and treat an itchy and dry scalp. For this anti-dandruff home remedy, you just need to apply coconut oil to your scalp.
Wash your hair as usual with your favorite natural shampoo, and then massage 1-3 tbsp. virgin coconut oil into your scalp (you can warm the coconut oil first, but the oil melts with body temperature as well). Cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel. Leave for 1-2 hours and then rinse the oil from your hair and shampoo again to remove any excess oil.
Use this treatment once or twice times a week to keep your scalp moisturized and free of dandruff.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent home remedy to help treat dandruff and relieve dry and flaky scalp.
To help get rid of dandruff, apply pure aloe vera gel directly to your scalp and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat the aloe vera application 2-3 times a week to help keep your scalp moisturized and to prevent dandruff.
Yogurt
The live culture in yogurt has antibacterial properties that help fight dandruff-causing bacteria, so many people use plain yogurt application for their hair as an anti-dandruff treatment.
To get rid of dandruff using yogurt, wash your hair with water and apply a generous amount of yogurt to the scalp. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Baking Soda
If your dandruff is the result of an oily scalp and you don’t have a dry scalp, you can try baking soda. Many people have found that baking soda can be an effective natural remedy to help remove excess oil from an oily scalp and treat the infections that can cause dandruff.
To use baking soda for treating dandruff rinse your hair with warm water. Then take a handful of baking soda and make a paste in your palm with a few drops of water. Rub the baking soda paste into your scalp and leave for one minute. Wash thoroughly and don’t use shampoo afterwards.
Many people who use baking soda as a home remedy for dandruff find that it dries their scalp. So, if you suffer from a dry scalp, you should use one of the other dandruff remedies in this article.
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