Dandruff is a common scalp disorder that many people suffer from around the globe. It’s an annoying condition that makes you embarrassed, leaving your scalp dry and itchy. A very common fungus called malassezia may play a role causing dandruff, which lives on the scalp of a healthy person. The dandruff can also be caused by unhygienic hair, dry or oily skin, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or head lice, etc.
Did you know?
Almost 50% of the population in Western Europe and North America is suffering dandruff. It is interesting that comparatively Men are more affected than the Women. The dandruff may fluctuate in its severity with season, normally becomes worse in winter and dry season. In most cases dandruff can be treated.
Human skin cells continuously renew themselves. As the newer cells hold their place, older ones are pushed out to the surface and then out of scalp. The production of cells is higher than they die and as a result making dandruff more noticeable.
Fortunately nature has provided a cheap and easily available remedy to combat and mitigate the problem. Apple Cider Vinegar or (ACV) is being used for the treatment of dandruff and hair care since long.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a fermented juice of crushed apples and has a pale to medium amber color. It contains vitamins, minerals and pectin, like iron, fluorine chlorine, sulfur, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. The acid content changes the pH of the scalp, which is not a suitable environment for yeast to grow.
It is a natural anti-fungal, rich in mallic acid and enzymes that help kill fungus and bacteria which causes dandruff and act like a mild conditioner. The acid reduces itchiness and flaking. Other benefit of this liquid is that it gives hair a beautiful shine and volume, very healing for scalp fungus and soothing for itchiness that comes with dandruff.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
There are many ways to use ACV (alone and with combinations) but we are going to learn few of them as under.
Apple Cider Vinegar In Diluted Form
- Make a solution of ACV and water in equal quantity
- Pour it in a spray bottle and mix it well
- Spritz the solution on to your scalp, but protect your eyes and ears
- Wrap your hair with the help of a towel, wait for 30 to 60 minutes
- Un-wrap the towel and rinse your hairs with water to get the dandruff clean
- For the best results apply this method at least twice a week until complete relief
Apple Cider Vinegar With Water
- Take one part of ACV and one part of water
- Make a fine solution to mix it well
- Apply this solution with care into your hair and massage gently, using your finger tips on scalp
- Leave it for 15 – 30 minutes and then rinse it with water
- Use this method daily for one week or more, as needed to get rid of dandruff completely
ACV With Herbs
- Take ¼ cup of dried herbs (such as rosemary leaves, lavender, calendula flowers, sage, chamomile etc)
- Now boil 2 cups of apple cider vinegar for some time.
- Let it cool down for few minutes add herbs (single or a combination).
- Wash it out after 2 hours or even overnight (as you feel comfortable) to achieve good results.
Mixture of Mint and Apple Cider Vinegar
- Make a mixture of 5-6 fresh mint leaves, 1 cup of water and ½ cup of raw ACV
- Mix them all and put the mixture in microwave oven or heat it on a low flame for about 1-2 minutes
- Cool it down, strain the mint leaves and apply your regular shampoo and conditioner
- Finally rinse your hair with this mint vinegar mixture as a natural conditioner
- Repeat this process on daily basis till your dandruff disappears
ACV With Tea Tree and Coconut Oil
- Mix ½ cup of water and vinegar in equal proportion
- Massage your scalp with this mixture with your finger tips
- Wait for 10-15 minutes after applying this solution onto your scalp
- Rinse your hair with coconut oil mixed with shampoo twice to get rid of the ACV solution smell
- Then apply coconut oil onto your scalp and massage once your hair get dry
- To prevent dandruff and dry scalp problem, use this method regularly for 3 – 4 days
Rinse With ACV and Baking Soda
- Make paste of baking soda and water by adding a table spoon of baking soda and fair amount of water then mix it well till it becomes a fine paste
- Massage your scalp with this paste and allow few minutes till it sits in
- Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar before rinsing your hair with warm water
- Start pouring from your forehead to scalp
- Wash your hair carefully with warm water after few minutes and let them dry naturally. (Don’t use hair dryer)
- Use this method on regular basis till u get rid of itching and dry scalp
Useful Tips to Apply ACV on Scalp
Always use raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for better results
Don’t use apple cider vinegar on oily hair since it is a water-based solution and will not penetrate the layer of oil
Test your skin for allergy if you have a sensitive skin before preceding the treatment
For skin test take a cotton ball, dip it in the vinegar and apply on the base of your hairline
Protect your eyes and ears
Apply ACV in a well ventilated area
If its smell is irritating you don’t worry it will dissipate as your hair gets dry