According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of dandruff are dry skin, oily skin with overactive sebaceous glands, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis often caused by allergic reaction to a certain shampoo or hair product, irregular shampooing and a yeast-like fungus on the scalp known as malassezia. Symptoms of dandruff include an itchy scalp, which can become flaky and dry. While dandruff can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, using vinegar can help keep dandruff under control. However, these remedies have not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness.
White Vinegar Rinse
According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939," white vinegar can be used in conjunction with distilled water to make a scalp rinse that can help to get rid of dandruff. To make the white vinegar rinse, mix 3 tablespoons white vinegar in 16 ounces of cool distilled water in a clean shampoo bottle. In the shower, pour the vinegar rinse over the hair and scalp, and gently massage the vinegar into the scalp for approximately 5 minutes. Rinse the hair with cool water and let it dry naturally. Do not shampoo or condition you hair after using the vinegar rinse. This vinegar rinse can be used three to four times per week as long as no irritation occurs.
Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
According to Paul C. Bragg, author of "The Miracles of Apple Cider Vinegar Health System," drinking apple cider vinegar with at least 5 percent acidity can help to reduce dandruff as well as acne and other skin irritations. To use apple cider vinegar for dandruff, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and drink four times per day. Apple cider vinegar can also be diluted in apple juice. Use apple cider vinegar that is pure and not diluted beyond 5 percent acidity, according to Bragg, to enjoy the health benefits offered through apple cider vinegar consumption. Do not drink apple cider vinegar in stronger proportions, because it may cause damage to your esophagus after prolonged use.
Apple Cider Vinegar in Shampoo
A small amount of apple cider vinegar can be added to most natural shampoos in order to help keep dandruff at bay. Bragg recommends adding 4 tablespoons per 12 ounces of shampoo. The shampoo should be used as normal, though you will need to shake the bottle to re-mix the vinegar and shampoo before each use. Bragg recommends using the apple cider vinegar in conjunction with drinking apple cider vinegar in water or apple juice.
References
- "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939"; Jethro Kloss; 2004
- "The Miracles of Apple Cider Vinegar Health System"; Paul C. Bragg; 1995
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff: Causes
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff: Definition
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