Dandruff is a condition where the skin on the scalp turns flaky and itchy. People with oily or dry skin are more susceptible to dandruff. While dandruff alone does not lead to hair loss, itchiness and resulting scratching can damage hair follicles.
In most cases, a doctor’s intervention is not needed to treat dandruff. Using anti-dandruff shampoos gets rid of the condition in most people. If you seek effective home remedies with everyday products, then Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a safe and handy solution.
Table of Contents:
- Can you put apple cider vinegar in your hair for dandruff?
- Scalp Irritation
- Product Build-Up
- Dry Scalp
- How long do you leave apple cider vinegar in your hair for dandruff?
- DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse for dandruff
- Lemon and apple cider vinegar for dandruff
- Aspirin and apple cider vinegar for dandruff
Can you put apple cider vinegar in your hair for dandruff?
Yes, apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff is effective. ACV is a popular home remedy used by many people to get rid of dandruff naturally. Apple cider vinegar has impressive antifungal and antibacterial properties, which come in handy for the scalp.
Regular application of ACV destroys yeast responsible for dandruff. It is normal for the yeast Malassezia to be found on the skin of humans. But in some people, the yeast grows abnormally, leading to dandruff.

Apple cider vinegar is not only effective for dandruff but also gentler on the skin. Unlike chemical-laden shampoos, ACV does not strip the hair of natural oils and moisture.
Apple cider vinegar can help build a hair environment that is more resistant to dandruff. It helps address issues that can make your hair more susceptible to dandruff, such as:
Scalp Irritation
Apple cider vinegar is equally good for itchiness and irritation accompanying dandruff. The vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the scalp while disallowing yeast to overgrow.
Product Build-Up
Product build-up can result from haircare products that use ingredients such as mineral oil and silicones. As these ingredients are not soluble in water, they are not washed off when you shampoo your hair.

The presence of such build-up leads to oiliness. This is because build-up forms a block, preventing hair from receiving natural oils. As a result, hair becomes dry, which counter-signals body glands to produce more oil to balance the dryness. This makes hair oilier than usual and more at risk for dandruff.
ACV works as a clarifier, removing product build-up and impurities from the hair. The vinegar contains malic acid, which serves as an exfoliator. The added benefit of ACV de-toxification is that it clarifies with gentleness. No stripping off of natural oils, nutrients, or the cuticle (the protective the outer layer of hair).
Dry Scalp
Dry skin can lead to dandruff. Scalp tends to become dry when it does not receive nutrients or lacks moisture.ACV is rich in vitamins B and C, which are the go-to vitamins for healthy hair. These vitamins promote the growth of stronger strands by enriching the scalp with essential nutrients.

Apple cider vinegar can also improve scalp hydration by preserving moisture. The acidic nature of ACV helps balance an alkaline scalp environment. An acidic scalp leads to open hair cuticles and dullness. With ACV, these cuticles are closed naturally, protecting the strand and locking in moisture. As a result, the scalp and hair stay hydrated.
The acidic nature of ACV flattens cuticles, which softens and smoothens strands. Also, the light reflects better on smoother strands, which means shinier hair. Apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff is holistic. The vinegar removes dandruff directly and eliminates hair issues that can lead to dandruff.
How long do you leave apple cider vinegar in your hair for dandruff?
Do you want to use apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff, but are you wondering if it would suit your hair?
The best thing about ACV is that it is suitable for all hair types. However, if you have sensitive skin, then use ACV with caution. The highly acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can turn rough for a sensitive scalp. Consider consulting a dermatologist before using ACV.

ACV is highly beneficial for curly and coarse hair. These strands need all the moisture they can get to stay healthy, and ACV nourishes them with adequate hydration.
No matter the hair type, ACV delivers benefits only when used correctly. A wrong formulation can leave burns on your hair.
DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse for dandruff
For the best results, create an ACV rinse in the following way:
- Shampoo your hair and condition it. This way, your scalp will be clean and moisturized for ACV dandruff treatment.
- Take 3 to 4 tablespoons of ACV and mix it with 3-4 cups of water. Transfer the contents to a spray bottle.
- Spray the mix over your hair. Start spraying from the tip of the root to the scalp.
- Saturate your hair with the mix. Massage the mix over your hair and scalp for even spreading.
- Let the mix sit for 2 to 5 minutes. Then wash it off from the hair and scalp with a shampoo and moisturizer. While shampoo cleanses any remnants of ACV, the moisturizer enriches hair and scalp with moisture after the intense cleanse.
Lemon and apple cider vinegar for dandruff
You can improve the efficacy of apple cider vinegar for dandruff by adding lemon to the mix. As a citric fruit, lemon is full of citric acid, which contributes to the fruit’s benefits for the hair. From removing dandruff to repelling bacteria and fungus, lemon packs in a punch.
Make this DIY ACV + Lemon mix in the following way:
- Take four tablespoons of vinegar and mix it with lemon juice taken in a measure of 2 tablespoons.
- Use a cotton ball for scalp application. Dip the ball in the mix. Partition your hair into thin segments and apply the mix.
- Wash the mix off after 20 minutes.
Use this lemon + ACV mix two times a week to remove dandruff completely.
Aspirin and apple cider vinegar for dandruff
Aspirin is known for its painkilling and cardiovascular protection properties. But it has cosmetic benefits too. The topical application of aspirin on the hair works as a deep cleanser. Aspirin also removes dandruff-causing fungi.
Combining apple cider vinegar and aspirin is an excellent way to get rid of dandruff. To prepare this DIY mix:
- Take a mild shampoo in a cup (a shampoo with natural ingredients is always better).
- Take three aspirin tablets and grind them into a powder. Add it to the shampoo.
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to this mix.
- Mix the ingredients well for a super-blend.
- Move this mix to a spray bottle.
- Apply a coin-sized quantity of the mix on your scalp and rub for even spreading.
- Leave it for 5 minutes on the scalp.
- Wash off with cold water.
- Apply a conditioner to your hair. Air-dry your hair.
Use this ACV + Aspirin anti-dandruff mix once a week.

Dandruff can be irritating and embarrassing. Ignoring the condition can lead to hair breakage and hair loss. Apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff is an affordable solution you can try at home.
The rinse is easy to make and apply. The mix is intense yet gentle, giving you the best of both worlds.
While using a shampoo with or after an ACV rinse, use shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients. They provide the best moisturization and nourishment needed after intense detoxification.
Explore the range of natural, 100% chemical-free shampoos and conditioners by WOW Skin Science.
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