Dandruff is one of the most common hair problems, affecting over 60% of the world’s population. And winter season means aggravated dandruff. Now, there are tons of anti-dandruff hair products available at the store but most of these contain harmful chemicals. Artificial agents and chemicals can damage your hair.

But, worry not. A study has shown that ACV, popularly known as apple cider vinegar reduces dandruff, dry scalp, and solves other issues related to your hair. Yes, you heard that right. Using apple cider vinegar for dandruff might just be the cure that you were looking for. Read on to explore how to apply apple cider vinegar for hair issues and dandruff!

Why Do People Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff? 

Apple cider vinegar is known to treat the dandruff issue by balancing the pH of your scalp, stimulating the shedding of dead skin cells, and reducing fungal growth in your hair. Apple Cider Vinegar has some amazing properties like: 

• Acidic: Apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic and has a pH balance of 2 to 3. Thus, it helps in restoring the pH balance of your scalp and hair.
• Disinfectant: ACV is a popular disinfectant that kills fungi and bacteria on your scalp.
• Antifungal: The components in apple cider vinegar can prevent certain types of fungi from growing on your scalp.
• Rich in acids, minerals, and live cultures: ACV is prepared by the method of fermenting apples and enriching them with acids, minerals, and live cultures.

In short, Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff is a miracle product, and using apple cider vinegar for dandruff can work like magic in your hair! 

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

1. Studies show that apple cider vinegar helps reduce many hair issues like dandruff, head lice, scalp acne, alopecia areata, baldness, and hair loss, and it can also rejuvenate hair endings.
2. Product build-up is a major factor that causes dandruff. Apple cider vinegar helps in removing product build-up and cleanses your scalp and hair clean. Thus, apple cider vinegar works as a hair cleanser.
3. According to another study, when the pH of your hair turns alkaline, it may lead to cuticle damage that leads to hair breakage. ACV contains acetic acid that helps in lowering the pH level of hair.
4. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This helps to maintain the health of your scalp and reduce dandruff.
5. Apple cider vinegar aids healthy hair growth.

How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair? 

Now, there are a couple of ways to use apple cider vinegar for dandruff and hair problems. We’ve touched upon some of these:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

This one is the most simple method of using apple cider vinegar for hair. Just prepare a mixture of ACV was by adding a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a mug of freshwater. Now, keep it aside and hop into the shower. After you’re done shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour the ACV wash mixture over your hair evenly. Now, let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse it out.

Note: If the smell of apple cider vinegar is too acidic for you, you can try adding a few drops of essential oils to it to counter the smell. Try incorporating this ACV wash into your hair care regimen a couple of times a week and your hair will be dandruff free in two weeks!

2. Apple Cider vinegar massage

Massaging apple cider vinegar for dandruff into your hair follicles is a great way of deep cleansing the scalp. Apple cider vinegar penetrates deep into your scalp, reaches the hair follicles, removes buildup, and restores the pH balance. This is one of the most efficient ways of getting rid of dandruff. 

3. Chamomile tea and apple cider vinegar rinse

This is another effective way of using apple cider vinegar for hair and dandruff issues. While apple cider vinegar restores the ph of the scalp, controls oil production, and removes impurities buildup, chamomile tea works to give your hair a beautiful golden glow. Chamomile tea can also make your hair look healthy. Moreover, it can soothe your scalp countering the itchiness of dandruff. 

Just brew a cup of chamomile tea and add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to it. Now set the solution aside in a mug and proceed to wash and condition your hair. Once you have rinsed out the conditioner, pour the chamomile-vinegar solution through your hair as a final rinse. Now, remember to not rinse your hair any further and let it air-dry. If you want to get rid of dandruff, you must do this once every two weeks. 

4. Lemon and apple cider vinegar

It is a known fact that lemon’s citrusy flavor and anti-fungal properties are amazing for treating dandruff. The vitamin C content in lemon also helps to fight dandruff. And, when you combine it with apple cider vinegar, it becomes a magic potion for your hair. 

Make a mixture of lemon and apple cider vinegar for dandruff and dilute it with fresh tap water. Now, pour the magic mixture into a spray bottle and shake it. Section your hair and spritz the mixture on your scalp making sure you cover the entire hair. Now, wrap a clean towel around your head and let it sit for 30 minutes. After that, you can rinse it out with shampoo and use other hair products in the shower like you normally do.

5. Apple cider vinegar and honey

Honey works as a humectant that helps in locking moisture in your hair while keeping them hydrated. It also helps in restoring pH balance and has the same antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties as apple cider vinegar. Prepare a mixture of honey, apple cider vinegar, and spray it in your hair. Wait for sometime before rinsing it out. 

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Yes, ACV is a miracle product but it also has some side effects:

1. If you use ACV in excess, apple cider vinegar can strip away your scalp’s natural oils.
2. If you do not oil your hair regularly while using ACV it might become brittle and be prone to breakage. One way of avoiding this would be to use ACV in a conditioning hair pack.

This was all you needed to know about the miracle product: apple cider vinegar for dandruff! 

Also Read: Health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar