Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help to Treat Dandruff
Out of all those available natural ingredients to get rid of dandruff issue, apple cider vinegar works best. But, here, one question comes to our mind and that is – what makes apple cider vinegar so useful to treat dandruff? Let’s find out!
- Antibacterial: Apple cider vinegar is loaded with natural probiotics, which makes it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. So its use kills the bacteria and fungus that cause dandruff. It also prevents the reoccurrence of dandruff issues.
- Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar soothe the irritated scalp that is caused due to dandruff. It also reduces the inflammation of the scalp.
- Restores the Moisture Level: The acidic content of the apple cider vinegar restores the moisture content of the scalp, which in turn controls the growth of fungus on the scalp. Its acidic content also maintains the pH balance of the skin, thus its use removes the build up from the scalp without removing the natural oil.
- No Chemicals: Apple cider vinegar is free of chemicals. So, its regular use will not cause any damage to the scalp and at the same time will cure the dandruff issue effectively.
- Opens Clogged Hair Follicles: Apart from all these above mentioned dandruff-fighting properties, apple cider vinegar also contains various enzymes that open the clogged hair follicles. One of the causes of dandruff is product build-up on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar keeps the scalp squeaky clean, thereby preventing dandruff.
What are the Best Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff
There are many home remedies that are prepared by using this super effective ACV to treat the dandruff issue. Let’s explore them!
1. ACV Application on the Scalp
This is one of the easiest ways to use apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff.
Ingredients:
- ACV – as per the requirement
- Cotton Ball – 1
- A Warm Towel
Process:
- Take apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. The quantity depends upon the thickness of your hair.
- Soak the cotton ball in the ACV.
- Now make small partitions of your hair and apply the ACV covering the entire scalp.
- Gently massage your scalp for few minutes.
- Wrap your hair and head with a warm towel to open up the pores on the scalp.
- Leave it for 1 hour and then rinse your hair with warm water.
- Follow this method, at least two times a week for 1 month to get rid of dandruff.
Note: Do not use shampoo after applying apple cider vinegar to your scalp.
2. ACV and Peppermint Leaves
This remedy is more effective to treat dandruff as it also contains the dandruff curing properties of peppermint. The antiseptic and the anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint leaf reduce the itchiness of the scalp that is caused due to dandruff. Its use keeps dandruff at bay.
Ingredients
- ACV – 1 cup
- Peppermint Leaves – 5 to 7
- Water – 1 cup
Process:
- Take 1 cup of water in a saucepan and boil it for few minutes in low flame.
- Off the flame and add the peppermint leaves and the ACV to it.
Leave it for at least two hours to steep properly. - Strain it and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray this mix on your hair and gently massage for 5 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with warm water.
- Use this remedy every day to get rid of dandruff completely.
3. ACV and Essential Oil Mix
This remedy has the goodness of lemon grass, rosemary and lavender. Rich in anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, lemon grass oil helps to treat dandruff effectively. It also kills the fungus that causes dandruff on the scalp. Rosemary which belongs to the mint family also helps to treat dandruff because it loaded with anti-fungal properties. Like lemon grass and rosemary, lavender is also a rich source of antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to treat the dandruff issue properly.
Ingredients:
- ACV – ½ cup
- Water – ½ cup
- Rosemary Essential Oil – a few drops
- Lavender Essential Oil – a few drops
- Lemon Grass Essential Oil – a few drops
Process:
- In a medium-sized bowl take the water and mix ACV in it.
- Add all the essential oils to it and stir thoroughly.
- Shampoo your hair and then with the help of a cotton ball apply the mixture to your scalp by making small partitions of your hair.
- Massage your scalp for few minutes and then leave until the mixture dries completely.
- Rinse your hair with water.
- Repeat this process once in a week to treat the dandruff issue successfully.
4. ACV and Yogurt
Yogurt contains a good amount of proteins and vitamin B5, which is very beneficial for the scalp and hair health. Also, its antibacterial agents treat the dandruff issue and at the same time reduce the irritation of the dandruff-affected scalp.
Ingredients:
- ACV – 1 tsp
- Plain Yogurt – ½ cup
Process:
- Take the yogurt in a small bowl and add the ACV to it and mix properly.
- Shampoo your hair and apply the yogurt and ACV mix to your scalp.
- Massage your scalp thoroughly.
- Leave for 15 minutes and rinse your scalp and hair with cool water
5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey For Dandruff
Honey is a humectant that helps lock moisture into the hair shaft and the cells in your scalp, keeping them hydrated. It also helps balance pH and speeds up healing with its antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties (9).
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- Spray bottle
- Shower cap
Process
- Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well to combine.
- Section and spritz your hair and scalp until they are completely saturated in the solution.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the solution on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the solution out with cool water and shampoo.
Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
If you use it in excess, apple cider vinegar can strip away your scalp’s natural oils. If you feel your scalp getting too dry, it would be a good idea to space out your ACV treatments.
If you do not oil your hair regularly while using ACV treatments, it might become brittle and prone to breakage. Use ACV in small quantities as too much acetic acid can cause hair breakage and dryness. One way of avoiding this would be to use ACV in a conditioning hair pack.
Source:the-wau.com, stylecraze.com
