Many people think they get dandruff because they don't drink enough water or they shampoo their hair a little too often. This isn't true though. It is not easy to get rid of dandruff, but you can find some natural remedies that help to improve the condition extensively. Using apple cider vinegar for dandruffis one such remedy that helps eliminate dandruff and makes things manageable. Keep reading to learn why apple cider vinegar (ACV) works against dandruff and how you should use it.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff: How Does It Work?

Dandruff can make your hair look dull. People get dandruff due to an overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast-like fungus, called pityrosporumovale. Stress, allergies, and many other factors can lead to the overgrowth of this fungus that accompanies with itchiness and scaling. The dandruff is not, as commonly believed, caused by too much washing or lifestyle issues; instead, it is due to the over productive scalp yeast, and the dead cells get together on the scalp resulting in bacteria accumulation. With time passing by, the dead cells turn into white flakes and you will feel itchy on your scalp.

ACV contains powerful enzymes that make it an effective dandruff remedy, for the enzymes can kill the fungus and bacteria. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties as well. It eliminates the fungus that causes dandruff and brings back life in your hair.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

If you are trying to use apple cider vinegar to cure your dandruff, below are some good options for you to refer to, including the simplest way and some other suggestions for better effects.

1. General Guide for Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

To enjoy the most benefits of apple cider vinegar, it is equally important to follow the right method to use apple cider vinegar for dandruff. Here are the steps:

• Take enough ACV according to the thickness of your hair.
• Then use a cotton ball to apply vinegar onto your scalp. Be sure to part your hair first to ensure that you apply vinegar on your scalp and not just on your hair shaft.
• After application, spend some time massaging your scalp.
• Now, wrap your hair in a bun with a warm towel including the ends of your hair. This will ensure that your pores open up and soak vinegar.
• Leave for an hour and then wash your hair with warm water. Don't shampoo your hair.
• Repeat the same steps twice each week for at least a month to eliminate dandruff.

2. Essential Oils Mixed with Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

• Make a mixture by combining one part of warm water and two parts of apple cider vinegar.
• Add a few drops of lemon grass, lavender, rosemary or another scalp-friendly essential oil to the solution. Mix it well.
• Use a shampoo with mild pH to wash your hair first and then apply the mixture on your hair.
• Leave it until the mixture dries off completely. Massage your scalp for better results.
• Rinse it off with water and repeat at least once a week.

3. Peppermint Leaves and Apple Cider Vinegar

• Boil a cup of water for a few minutes.
• Remove it from the heat and add five peppermint leaves and a cup of apple cider vinegar to this solution.
• Let it steep for a couple of hours and then pour into a spray bottle. 
• Spritz it on your scalp daily to get rid of dandruff.

4. Herbs Combined with Apple Cider Vinegar

• Take 1/4 cup of dried herbs – you can opt for lavender, chamomile, calendula flowers, sage, thyme, etc.
• Take a couple of cups of ACV and bring it to boil.
• Now, add your dried herbs to the boiled ACV and let it steep for another couple of hours.
• Strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. Add some water to dilute the mixture – a cup of water is enough for 1/8 cup of vinegar solution.
• Apply this mixture on your scalp before you shampoo your hair.
• Apple it again after you condition your hair – no need to rinse it again.

5. Tea Tree Oil and Olive Oil with Apple Cider Vinegar

• Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar for dandruff, a cup of distilled water, half teaspoon of olive oil, and 5 drops of tea tree oil together. Add juice from half lemon to the mixture and mix well.
• Pour it into a spray bottle, shake properly, and spray onto your hair. Part your hair and spray it on your scalp as well.
• Wear a shower cap or wrap your hair in a towel for half an hour. Shampoo your hair to eliminate dandruff.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Fenugreek

• Add a few fenugreek seeds in a grinder and make a fine paste.
• Add a few drips of apple cider vinegar to this paste and mix thoroughly.
• Apply the paste on your scalp and rinse it off after a few minutes with water.
• Repeat a few times a week for better results.

Tips and Cautions on Using Apple Cinder for Dandruff

ACV is a useful remedy, but you need to keep a few things in mind when using it on your hair. Here are some tips for you to refer to:

• Don't apply it directly on your scalp without testing it on a small area of your scalp first. It is even more important for someone with sensitive skin.
• You should avoid using it if you develop rashes after application.
• Be sure to apply it in a well-ventilated room to ensure its fumes don't sting your eyes.
• Use undiluted and organic ACV, but if it feels strong, you can use water to dilute it.