You can use apple cider vinegar to treat a wide variety of health problems or to add it to your ingredients for beauty treatments, but in this case, you will know how beneficial it can be to get rid of dandruff naturally.
The dander is a common skin condition that nearly all people regardless of age or ethnicity experience at some point in their lives. Although dandruff is rarely serious and not contagious, it can be embarrassing and cause social or self-esteem problems.
Table of Contents
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp. As skin cells die, it is normal for a small amount of flaking to form, however some people experience an unusually large amount of flaking either chronically or as a result of certain triggers.
This can also be accompanied by redness; irritation and many times causes itching. Dandruff severity can fluctuate with the season and is often worse in winter.
Common causes of dandruff include:
- Oily skin– This is one of the most common causes of dandruff. There are people who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and this causes it to become red and oily and covered with white or yellow scales. Other people do not wash their hair regularly which causes the oils and cells of their scalp to build up causing skin dandruff.
- Dry skin– This is another common cause of dandruff where the scales are generally smaller and less oily and probably cause other dry skin symptoms on different parts of your body.
- Other skin conditions– Such as eczema or psoriasis, as well as a fungus-like yeast called Malassezia.
- Sensitivity to hair care products– Some ingredients in some hair care products or hair dyes can irritate the scalp, causing it to look red, itchy and flaky. Shampooing too often or using too many styling products can also irritate the scalp, causing dandruff. (Since commercial shampoos contain strong chemicals, you can make a nourishing shampoo at home as an alternative)
If you are one of those people who suffer from dandruff, consider using this helpful and simple natural dandruff treatment.
Apple cider vinegar for dandruff
The vinegar cider has been used for centuries to treat many conditions due to its anti – inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and therefore can be very suitable to remove dandruff.
The acidity of the vinegar can help maintain your scalp’s pH balance and remove build-up at the same time without stripping your hair of its natural oils. By restoring the natural pH level of the scalp, the scalp will no longer be an ideal environment for fungi, bacteria or yeast that cause dandruff.
How to choose a good apple cider vinegar
Choosing the right type of apple cider vinegar is very important if you want to get the best results. This type of vinegar is made by fermenting and pressing the apple juice until the natural sugar turns into vinegar.
Always choose an apple cider vinegar that is organic as it is unfiltered, unpasteurized, unprocessed, unrefined, and purer. You will find it in most health food stores and even in many supermarkets as well.
If you really want a good quality apple cider vinegar, you need to have the “mother” of vinegar, which is the cloudy stuff that often floats or sinks at the bottom of the bottle. This substance contains beneficial enzymes, bacteria, and trace minerals that make vinegar so beneficial for you.
Don’t forget to shake the bottle each time before using the VSM to distribute the good elements.
How to use apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff?
- After shampooing your hair normally, mix equal parts: water and apple cider vinegar and apply the mixture to your scalp with your fingers or a cotton ball and gently massage your scalp (you can also use a spray bottle and spray directly on the scalp).
- Wrap your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave the mixture for about 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Don’t use shampoo after applying the vinegar.
- Repeat the treatment daily for a week until the dandruff disappears.
- If your skin is very sensitive, test a small area of your scalp first before continuing with the above treatment to see if you develop any skin irritations.