How to Remove Dandruff Using Vinegar

Co-authored by Yan Kandkhorov

Last Updated: November 2, 2024 Approved

Dandruff is a common problem with symptoms that include excessive scalp flaking and itching on your scalp. Because dandruff can be caused by excess yeast or bacteria on the scalp, and yeast and bacteria need a specific pH to thrive, changing the pH of your scalp can help eliminate the problem. One way to easily change the pH of your scalp is to apply vinegar to it. Vinegar even has the added benefit of alleviating some of the itching associated with dandruff. Applying vinegar to your scalp on a regular basis can really help to remove your dandruff problem.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying a Vinegar Rinse to Treat Mild Dandruff

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Don't use a heavy shampoo and conditioner; Try to use a citrus-based or tea-tree oil-based product that doesn't strip your scalp of essential oils.
Pouring it slowly over your head, make sure to avoid your eyes. You may want to take a few breaks to work the mixture into your scalp with your hands.

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Give the wash some time to get into your scalp. There will be a strong smell of vinegar when you apply the wash but ignore that, as it will wash out.
You can shampoo and condition again or you could simply rinse your hair with warm water. However, if you just rinse your hair with water, you may not get rid of all of the vinegar smell.
It may take a few days for the dandruff to noticeably decrease but keep up the routine and it should. You may get sick of the smell of vinegar but the improved health of your scalp should be worth it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Concentrated Vinegar to Treat Severe Dandruff

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While you don't necessarily want to wash your hair before this vinegar treatment, you do need to be somewhere that can have a bit of vinegar dripping on it. You may also want to remove your clothes, so that they don't get covered in vinegar.
While you can use undiluted apple cider vinegar, it can be hard on a sensitive scalp and can dry out your hair. Instead opt for a slightly diluted mixture, which will give you all the benefits of the vinegar but will be a little less harsh.
Either spray it directly on your scalp or use cotton balls to apply. Remember to keep your eyes closed, so the vinegar doesn't get in them!
You don't want the vinegar to just get on your hair and not your scalp. Take the time to make sure it thoroughly coats your scalp.
Wrap a warm towel around your head to lessen the smell and keep the vinegar in place. The warmth of the towel will also open your pores, letting the vinegar really get into the pores.
Because of the strength of the vinegar, you will probably need to shampoo and condition to get the smell out. Be sure to use products that are easy, or even helpful, to your scalp, such as shampoo and conditioner that contains tea tree oil.
Because the concentrated vinegar can be hard on your hair and your scalp, you don't want to do it every day. However, doing this treatment regularly will help to keep the bacteria that causes dandruff away.

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Tips

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the vinegar. It is a natural antiseptic that can also be added to a small amount of shampoo before washing your hair. Much like vinegar, it helps to eliminate bacteria and fungus from the scalp.

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