CAN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HELP IN REMOVING DANDRUFF?
Apple Cider Vinegar is a strong acid that some people even use as a disinfectant. So you’re not wrong in being a bit unsure about using it on your head. Apple Cider Vinegar is made by fermenting apples and using bacteria to generate acetic acid. Don’t get caught up on the word acid, as it is just a signifier on the pH scale.
You would generally find Apple Cider Vinegar in your kitchen closet, as it used quite extensively for salad dressings or marinades. But quite often, we’ve seen versions of this being used as a traditional cure for your hair related ailments. And there are reasons for and against the use of Apple Cider Vinegar for home remedy for dandruff and for hair trouble.
Why should you consider it?
Apple Cider Vinegar has various properties that make it a good claim in helping your ailment:
- It is said to be anti-fungal
- Can potentially kill bacteria
- Is acidic in nature with a pH of 2 to 3
- Rich in acids, minerals and live cultures
- Anti-inflammatory
- Contains Vitamin C and B
- Anti-oxidant by nature
How does it help?
When you look at the properties listed above, it does feel like using Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff and hair problems could work. Dull hair is said to be alkaline in nature, so an acidic product can help restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair. The pH of your head is affected by excess oil, sweat, pollution, exposure to sun and even the use of different products. Just to help you understand, water is neutral at pH 7. So the Apple Cider Vinegar can curb the alkalinity of your scalp and hair. In addition, the Vitamins C and B are said to help in strengthening your hair.
Mainly, the anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties could possibly help in getting rid of Dandruff. This ailment is caused by a fungus, Malassezia Globosa, that breaks down the excess oil on your scalp into a product that is reactive to the body. Using Apple Cider Vinegar for hair dandruff could be a viable option, as some studies claim that it can reduce fungal growth while removing the excess oil and grime that is present on your scalp. Using this white vinegar for dandruff might just be the solution you need.
Another effective solution is using Apple Cider Vinegar for scalp itch. It can soothe the itching while adding shine to your hair. There are claims of it smoothening and reducing hair breakage as well. Employing the acidic nature of Apple Cider Vinegar for dry scalp, has shown to encourage shedding of dead skin cells which can be beneficial to your scalp.
How do you use Apple Cider Vinegar for hair dandruff?
It’s actually quite simple. After using a shampoo, apply a diluted version of Apple Cider Vinegar to your hair. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly, leaving nothing behind. Don’t use it too often, just once a week.
It is important to dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar, as you don’t want to apply it straight to your scalp and hair. The smell can be a bit pungent, so some people add essential oils to the mixture. But now you’re playing with more elements and it could react with your skin. You should always do a patch test on the back of your hand to see if your skin reacts, before you use vinegar for dandruff.
Any concerns?
There are quite a few concerns when it comes to applying Apple Cider Vinegar for hair dandruff. You should be aware of the effects before you try. As suggested above, it is vital that you do a patch test before applying it to your hair as a dandruff solution.
- It is acidic in nature and we assume that it balances the pH levels of alkaline hair. But excess use can also make the pH levels acidic, which is not good for your scalp either.
- If you don’t dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar with the right amount of water, it can burn and irritate your skin.
- If it gets into your eye, you need to wash with cold water immediately. This can be a big concern and is not to be taken lightly.
- It is said to get rid of excess oil, but it can also severely dry out your scalp and hair. This can lead to breakage and hair loss.
Everyone reacts differently to the application of Apple Cider Vinegar, and so you must tread carefully. It is shown to reduce itchiness, strengthen your hair and relieve dandruff symptoms, but it might not get rid of the core reasons for dandruff. Thus, you shouldn’t consider it as a final answer to your dandruff problem, it’s more of an experiment which could work for you.
If you are rushed for time or feel you need a clearer way on how to remove dandruff, you should try a Head and Shoulders shampoo. Use the combined effect of shampoo and conditioner with the Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Active protect, or the Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Cool Menthol. You can also try Head and Shoulders Supreme Scalp Soothing with Argan oil and Aloe Vera to calm down your dandruff condition. Using Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff might work, but always know that other solutions exist to help you banish this ailment from your life.
