Vinegar As A Home Remedy For Dandruff

Vinegar has a large number of uses at home and perhaps we know it mainly because of its use as a salad dressing. However, a number of people claim that it has certain properties that can make it a good home remedy for dandruff.

This sour-tasting liquid, which is the result of the acetic acid fermentation of alcohol, has been prescribed throughout history to treat various conditions and symptoms. In this article, we’ll tell you more about its benefits and how it can help eliminate dandruff. Keep reading to learn more!

Apple cider vinegar: an effective remedy for dandruff?

Have you ever noticed little white flakes on your dark clothes? Dandruff, also known as pityriasis, is a common problem that affects the scalp and causes it to flake off. While not a serious condition, it can be embarrassing, itchy and difficult to treat.

According to a Mayo Clinic publication (Spanish link), stress can amplify the signs and symptoms of dandruff. It is also more common during dry, cold seasons. As for the causes, the publication states the following:

• Irritated, oily or dry skin.
• Not washing your hair enough.
• The presence of a fungus known as Malassezia. It feeds on the oils present in the scalp of most adults.
• Contact dermatitis: Appears from the use of certain hair care products.
• Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.

Fortunately, it seems that the apple cider vinegar home remedy below can help control this condition. Anecdotal evidence suggests that its use can reduce flaking and alleviate the symptoms of this problem.

While there is no scientific evidence to support its effects as a home remedy for dandruff, a Natural Product Research article points out that this product has antimicrobial potential. It can therefore limit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.

How to use this vinegar home remedy for dandruff

As we mentioned, there are no studies proving the effectiveness of vinegar for fighting dandruff. However, you can check the results for yourself, as experts consider its use to be safe. To enjoy the benefits of this home remedy, you need to take the following steps:

• To start, dilute half a cup of apple cider vinegar in one and a half cups of warm water.
• Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse as usual.
• Apply the vinegar all over the scalp using a cotton ball and massage gently for about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Let it dry gently and naturally.
• If necessary, use a conditioner.
• You can repeat this process every day until you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Other Alternative Remedies for Dandruff

The characteristic itching and scaling of dandruff are manageable in most cases. Fortunately, there are several anti-dandruff shampoos on the market that help reduce the build-up of oil and skin cells. However, you may have to try more than one option to find the right one for you.

Other measures can also reduce the symptoms of this condition. So if you suffer from this skin problem, you can also try the following:

• Dealing with stress: It is important to learn how to manage negative emotions as much as possible, as they can affect your overall health. While it may sound strange, it can also make dandruff symptoms worse (Spanish link).
• Eating a balanced diet: By including enough zinc (Spanish link), B vitamins and certain types of fats in your diet, you can help prevent dandruff.
• Wash your hair regularly with shampoo. If you have an oily scalp, you can shampoo it every day to loosen the flakes. To achieve this, gently massage the area and rinse gently.

• Limit hair care products. This is because styling products can build up on the hair and scalp, making it oilier.

On the other hand , using tea tree oil can also be an effective home remedy for dandruff. This is due to its antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal properties. However, this alternative irritates people with sensitive skin.

Potential Adverse Effects

Remember, it’s important to pay close attention to the results of using apple cider vinegar or any other dandruff remedy. A number of products can make symptoms worse.

Vinegar, being a highly acidic substance, can cause burns when applied to the skin. In this case, it is best to stop using it and consult your doctor to find the right treatment for your case.

Finally, it is worth noting that dandruff often requires an approach on several fronts. It should therefore be clear that vinegar is not the magic solution to the problem, but one of many options.