People often associate apple cider vinegar (ACV) with various health benefits, including dandruff removal. Many individuals choose natural remedies like apple cider vinegar instead of over-the-counter medications to treat numerous health problems, including dandruff. Apple cider vinegar is a popular component in a variety of natural remedies due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. But is it truly effective? This article examines the evidence for using apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff, how to use it, and any potential risks and side effects.
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. It contains acetic acid, which contributes to its potential health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help relieve dandruff symptoms by rebalancing the scalp’s natural pH levels. Proponents also believe it prevents the growth of fungi that contribute to dry, itchy skin. Support for using apple cider vinegar for the skin mostly comes from personal anecdotes.
While high-quality research studies supporting these claims are lacking, a few studies provide evidence that apple cider vinegar may offer the following benefits that could help reduce dandruff symptoms:
The ideal pH of the scalp is approximately 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Many commercial shampoos, including those that manufacturers describe as anti-dandruff products, have pH levels higher than 5.5. Alkaline shampoos and soaps can irritate the skin and scalp, causing redness, itching, and flaking. Other factors that can affect the scalp’s pH include excess sebum, sweat, air pollution, antibacterial products, excess sun exposure, and laundry detergent.
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Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. As a weak acidic solution, apple cider vinegar may help lower the pH level of the scalp, which could reduce dandruff symptoms. A small 2019 study appearing in Pediatric Dermatology investigated the effects of apple cider vinegar on skin pH and skin water loss in people with atopic dermatitis and a control group. For 2 weeks, the 11 participants in each group soaked one forearm in diluted apple cider vinegar, containing 0.5% acetic acid, and the other in water for 10 minutes. The researchers recorded the skin pH and skin water loss at 0, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after the soak. The results indicated that the apple cider vinegar soak increased skin water loss in both groups and decreased skin pH. Skin pH remained lowered for 15 minutes in those with atopic dermatitis and 60 minutes among controls.
The study concluded that although apple cider vinegar can decrease skin pH levels immediately after treatment, the effects are only temporary. Also, most of those with atopic dermatitis experienced mild to moderate skin irritation on the arm they exposed to the apple cider vinegar.
A lot of scientific research focuses on the human microbiome, which is the collective genetic material of microbes that inhabit the human body. In a 2018 study, researchers compared the scalp microbiome of 140 adults with and without dandruff. The individuals with dandruff had significantly higher quantities of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterium and uncultured Malassezia fungal species compared with those without dandruff.
A 2019 study suggested that undiluted apple cider vinegar has potent antimicrobial activity. However, the researchers found that apple cider vinegar has less antifungal activity at lower concentrations. The findings suggest that while apple cider vinegar can limit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, diluted solutions may be less effective for the scalp. A small 2019 study found apple cider vinegar could stop the growth of Malassezia furfur, one type of Malassezia. The researchers estimated that around 3 milliliters to 4 milliliters of apple cider vinegar diluted with water in a roughly 10-milliliter solution could be enough to inhibit fungal growth. The catch? The study was done in petri dishes, those measurements are estimates, and we assume apple cider vinegar would work the same way on the fungus on your scalp.
Washing the scalp with a solution of diluted apple cider vinegar may help reduce dandruff. Here’s how:
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Apple cider vinegar has a pungent scent that some people may find off-putting. Mixing a few drops of essential oil into the scalp treatment may help mask the smell.
It’s generally considered safe, but apple cider vinegar comes with a few potential side effects. The National Eczema Association warns that consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar might damage the soft tissues lining the mouth, teeth, throat, and stomach due to its high acidity. The acetic acid in undiluted apple cider vinegar may cause irritation and chemical burns if left on the skin too long.
When applied to your skin or as a hair mask, it can cause:
In a 2012 case study, doctors treated an 8-year-old child with a history of Crohn’s disease who developed chemical burns after their mother applied cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar to multiple lesions on a leg. The cotton balls were soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar and left on the skin for about 8 hours. The next day, the largest lesion turned dark violet and developed white, pus-filled bumps. In another study, doctors treated a 14-year-old for chemical burns that developed after the teen used undiluted apple cider vinegar to remove unwanted moles from their nose.
Another side effect to note: the smell of apple cider vinegar is quite strong compared to your average anti-dandruff shampoo that smells of mint, apples, or alluring essential oils. Keep this in mind when using an apple cider vinegar hair treatment before a hot date or important interview.
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People should perform a patch test if they have never applied apple cider vinegar to their skin. To perform a patch test:
People who experience no signs of irritation after a patch test can try applying the apple cider vinegar wash to their scalp. Start with a low concentration of apple cider vinegar. This might be 1-2 tbsp per 8 fluid ounces (0.24 liters) of water once or twice a week. People can gradually increase the amount up to 5 tbsp of apple cider vinegar. Anyone who experiences signs of scalp irritation or worsening dandruff should discontinue use.
Apple cider vinegar might not be a proven dandruff cure, but it might have other health benefits. Here’s what the research says:
These potential benefits sound promising, but most still need stronger scientific backing. ACV shouldn’t replace medical treatments or a doctor’s advice, but it could be a small, helpful addition to your wellness routine.
There’s not much research behind apple cider vinegar for dandruff, but there are other dandruff treatments. If you’re battling an itchy scalp and white flakes, here are some hair care products you can try:
And here are some other home remedies that may help with dandruff:
Not all dandruff shampoos are alike. They have different ingredients that work in different ways.
You may need to switch between types of shampoos if one type controls the dandruff at first but later loses its effectiveness. And if you decide to try a shampoo that has coal tar in it, you’ll need to use care. Coal tar treats dandruff by making the skin cells on your scalp die and flake off more slowly, but there are things you should know: Some people have an allergic reaction to it. It can change the color of lighter-colored hair, fingernails, skin, and clothes. You’ll need to keep it away from any cuts, broken skin, or infections, as well as your eyes. It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should stay out of the sun for 24 to 72 hours after using it. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use it.
When shampooing:
Different hair types require different approaches to using dandruff shampoo. If your hair is naturally straight or fine, or if you have an oily scalp, you may need to wash your hair every day, using dandruff shampoo twice a week. If your hair is naturally curly, has coils, or is coarse, wash your hair when it needs it and use your dandruff shampoo only once a week. You may want to apply the dandruff shampoo only to your scalp and use regular products on the rest of your hair. If your hair has curls or coils, the ingredients in dandruff shampoo could dry it out. Once your dandruff is under control, you may be able to use dandruff shampoo less often.
Your itching and flakes should clear up after a few weeks of using dandruff shampoo regularly. If they don't, you may want to talk to your regular doctor or a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.
If over-the-counter remedies don't improve your dandruff, you may need prescription medicine. These can include: Fluocinolone (Capex). This is a corticosteroid used to reduce itching and flaking. Calcineurin inhibitors. Drugs like pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) help suppress your body's immune response. You also might need phototherapy, which exposes your skin to ultraviolet light under controlled conditions.
Aside from dandruff shampoos, a few other things may help. You might try some of these natural treatments. They’re either moisturizing or they might be helpful against bacteria or fungi:
Stress doesn't actually cause dandruff, but it can make it worse. Managing your stress may have a positive impact on your dandruff. Here are some techniques to try:
You can take steps at home to reduce the risk of dandruff. They include:
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