Dandruff can range from a few dry flakes to clumps of skin with a red (inflamed) and itchy scalp. Dandruff with increased frequency or quantity of flaking can be particularly uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, people shopping for dandruff products may be bewildered by their long lists of ingredients and surprised by their harsh effects. Vinegar, straight from the kitchen, can be a simple and effective alternative.
Dandruff and Skin Ph
Healthy skin has a pH of 4 to 6.5 (slightly acidic), notes the National Skin Care Institute. This acidic environment enables the skin to retain moisture and flexibility. However, when the skin becomes too alkaline, the naturally occurring yeast malassezia proliferates, gobbles up the skin's natural oils (as opposed to keeping them in check) and irritates the skin's surface. The troubled skin speeds its cell regeneration (pushing the healthiest and strongest skin cells to the top layer), leading to overabundant and flaking skin cells. The dandruff can vary from white to yellow in hue, depending on the amount of oil.
The Effect of Vinegar on Skin pH
Vinegar can be made from a range of foods, including potatoes, fruits and wine. Due to variations in ingredients and manufacturing, vinegars have a range of pH levels. However, all vinegars are acidic and when applied topically, they can help maintain the skin's acidic level. Vinegar can also reduce the presence of (alkaline) hair products that have built up over time and have become irritating the scalp. However, vinegar can't counter ongoing hair-care treatments such as coloring and relaxing, which contain very alkaline ingredients. That said, apple cider vinegar is a particularly popular folk remedy for dandruff because it's less strong than white vinegar (which is found in many household cleaning products).
Using Vinegar as a Hair Rinse
Though major dandruff can inspire more fervent action, be wary of skin sensitivity. Before applying vinegar directly to the scalp, place a few drops of vinegar on a cotton ball, then dab a forearm. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes to note any sense of discomfort or visible skin changes. Assuming there are no side effects, the website apple-cider-benefits.com recommends a mixture of 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar to 1 cup (250ml) warm water. Apply this cautiously, avoiding the eye area, then let it dry naturally if possible (hair dryers can further dry the scalp). The initial "pickle" smell fades once hair is dry.
Using Vinegar Before Shampooing
Those with extremely sensitive skin or who want to proceed with caution may use vinegar before washing the hair. Consider skin sensitivities and try a patch test accordingly, as described above. Then lightly massage 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar into the scalp and leave it on for at least 15 minutes and up to three hours before washing, suggests health911.com. If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs, use common sense and wash the solution out immediately.
Dandruff Red Flags
Abrupt onset dandruff with weight change, dandruff resulting from immune-compromised states, or heavy dandruff with heavy, oily skin or skin scaling may be the sign of larger health care issues. These should be referred to medical care. As always, consider lifestyle habits or changes (including environment, diet, medication and exercise) as potential factors for dandruff conditions.
