Vinegar for Dandruff

In case you notice white flakes of skin on your scalp and shoulder, most probably you have a dandruff problem. And don't feel bad, because you are not alone and, there are a plethora of options for dandruff cure. Dandruff, pityriasis capitis in medical terms, is due to the natural phenomenon of skin renewal, while shedding the old one. In an individual with dandruff, the process occurs on a much faster rate, making flakes of skin evident on the scalp. In some, irregular shampooing is the leading cause for dandruff.

Other skin conditions like very dry skin, eczema, itchy scalp, malassezia (yeast infection) and psoriasis can also cause a scaly scalp and dandruff symptoms. Very often, dandruff and hair loss are related to each other. This is because an individual with a dandruff problem tends to scratch the scalp frequently, which at times, leads to uprooting of the hair from the follicles. With correct hair care and natural remedies, scaling of the scalp or dandruff can be treated. One such effective remedy is using vinegar for dandruff, which helps restore the acid-base balance in the scalp.

Dandruff and Vinegar

Dandruff is a chronic condition, which should be treated promptly. And more importantly, you need to be consistent in following any kind of treatment method. Otherwise, positive results for controlling dandruff are doubtful. You can find several brands of shampoos in beauty stores, which are formulated with antifungal derivatives for curing dandruff. These shampoos are relatively strong and may cause scalp irritation. Also, the results may vary for different people.

A more effectual dandruff home remedy is using apple cider vinegar. Are you wondering whether vinegar cures dandruff or not? Being an acidic solution, vinegar helps in treating scalp infections (if any), which might be a leading cause of the dead skin and scales on the scalp. For those with malassezia, vinegar kills the yeast and helps in curing dandruff symptoms. Many people are also of the opinion that vinegar adds shine and luster to the hair, making them look more vibrant and healthy.

How to Apply Vinegar for Dandruff

Applying vinegar is as simple as oiling the scalp. But, it is to be kept in mind that using vinegar alone is not the solution for controlling dandruff. You need to make healthy lifestyle changes and shampoo your hair regularly for getting rid of dandruff. Refer to the following tips for treating dandruff with vinegar:

• Use a mild shampoo to regularly wash your hair and keep the scalp clean.
• Make a dilute vinegar solution by mixing one part of apple cider vinegar with two parts of warm water.
• Before using it on the scalp, conduct a skin allergy test by rubbing the vinegar solution in the hand.
• If nothing happens, pour the diluted vinegar solution in a spray bottle and apply it gently to the scalp.
• As the vinegar is in a diluted form, you can retain the solution till your next head bath.
• Repeat using dilute vinegar once or twice every week for controlling dandruff.
• For very stubborn dandruff, you can mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and warm water and then apply it on the scalp.
• Leave the vinegar solution only for 15 minutes and rinse scalp thoroughly with cold water. Follow this step once to twice a week for treating dandruff.

If vinegar for dandruff treatment does not show any improvement signs, take advice from a dermatologist for other options. Based on the probable cause of dandruff symptoms, he may prescribe an anti-dandruff shampoo with instructions for curing dandruff.