Dandruff

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

5 star (25)		74%
4 star (3)		9%
1 star (5)		15%
(1)		3%

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Lisa (CO) on 12/27/2022:
5 out of 5 stars

My son had dandruff until he took some ACV with him in the shower. He scrubbed his whole scalp with it, rinsed then shampooed. He had to do this again a couple of days later. It really helped!

Rm (Sedona, Az) on 06/14/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV treatment for dandruff:

ACV mixed 50/50 with water, sprayed on to scalp, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, wash off. Make sure you try going gluten, dairy and carb free for a couple weeks to make sure it isn't skin autoimmunity dermatitis. If you have rosacea or dry skin in places other than scalp, this could be a tell.

Felicity (Ny) on 04/10/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

My Dr. swears by apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment, as the acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week.

Rhonda (Orange County, NJ) on 11/05/2014:
1 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar has worsened my condition.... I went from having a few thick flakes to having the full top of my head to flake consistently.... I'm going to try coconut oil next :/

Anonymous (Ridgefield , Ct) on 04/01/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been diagnosed with all sorts of sensitive skin and dermatitis problems over the past 6 years. I cannot believe after only one use of the apple cider vinegar/ water mixture sprayed on my scalp for 20 minutes, my flaky scalp and the itchiness is almost gone. I even used regualr shampoo and conditioner for the first time in 6 years after using the vinegar treatment. I will absolutely keep using it. I have been suffering for so long emotionally and physically, I am so thankful for your suggestions and reader comments. I cannot believe after years of buying endless hair treatments and medications, a natural non toxic $0.99 bottle of apple cider vinegar worked!! Thank you, thank you!!

William (San Luis Obispo, California, Usa) on 12/31/2012:
4 out of 5 stars

Mild case of dry scalp and dandruff.

Following the advice posted I tried a 1:1 ACV and tap water mix. 1 cup in total, no pre wash. I wet my hair then slightly dried then poured half the solution over the back of my scalp while rubbing it in. It stung a little where I had been scratching perviously but it was a good "this is working" sting. I let the solution soak in for - 10 min. Then poured the other half on my head just before I stepped into the shower. I rinsed my hair well but did not wash with shampoo.

It has been a few hours since this treatment and I already feel a huge difference. My scalp is not itchy and the dandruff I had this morning is now non existent. And on a side note my hair feels conditioned and soft after the treatment a double win .

It is currently winter here in California and that seems to be the time I am most prone to a mild case of dry scalp with a slight itch and small but noticible amounts of dandruff. Lucky for me this solution worked wonders and will be my go to from now on.

Many thanks to the Earth Clinic community.

Southernarc (Durham, Nc, Usa) on 02/18/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Looking for a natural cure for dandruff is what led me to this site. I've had dandruff all my life, but not the bad flaky kind. I've had sores/scabs in portions of my scalp, and the last few years I've had problems even with my eyebrows. I've tried dandruff shampoos but have only been able to control things, and even then the control has not been that good.

I've found that a 1:1 mixture of ACV and plain tap water works! I mixed 1 ounce of ACV with 1 ounce of water, and for good measure added in 20 drops of teatree oil. Thoroughy moisten hair in the shower with the concoction and massage in for a few minutes. I noticed results after the first application. I used it twice more a few more days apart and by the third application it appears the scabs are all gone. Even my eyebrows are cured (I made sure to apply the concoction).

Using tea tree oil also helps with the smell. It counteracts the smell of the ACV quite a bit, and I'm thinking of increasing the amount to 25 drops per 2 ounces.

The only other change I made was to switch to a baby shampoo instead of my regular "dry hair" shampoo. But I'm convinced it's the ACV. I've used teatree oil before and I think it helped a bit, but it didn't cure. I know it's not hurting, and since I had some on hand I included it. And I've also gone against conventional wisdom I've read on this site and used regular filtered ACV that I picked up from the supermarket for $.99 If it didn't work I was going to try the organic kind, but since I'm now cured of this ailment I won't have to buy any more ACV.

I know that the baby shampoo must be helping, since I've always had a dry scalp and dry hair and now it's much better. Yet the first time I used the ACV concoction I decided to try my regular shampoo, and even then I could swear that my hair was less dry and more manageable when I was done. So the concoction alone is good. But I'm sticking with the baby shampoo just to be sure, plus I really like the results.

Tara (Baton Rouge, La) on 12/24/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

I'm 24 years old, and I've had dandruff for several years. Often I would get build-ups of cells and scabs on the back of my itchy scalp. I started mixing one part raw, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar with one part filtered water in a spray bottle and spraying it all over my scalp, massaging briefly, and rinsing before I shampoo. My dandruff was completely gone within the first two treatments and has been gone for months now. I do it a few times a week. Although the smell was hard to handle at first, I'm now in love with apple cider vinegar. It's still not exactly pleasant, but the benefits are so worth the smell and taste, which don't last very long anyway. I use it for many other things, which I'll report later! :)

Courtney (Lewisville, Tx) on 08/11/2011:
1 out of 5 stars

Ok so I have been keeping up with my treatment of the ACV and water for my scalp, and although the mixture feels really good on my scalp.... My flakes and dandruff have increased a lot! Before the flakes would be somewhat visible but mostly just to me.... Now when I brush my hair my shirt/shoulders are covered! I think this is great for people that it works for, but I just don't think that I am one of those people. I do like how soft my hair is, but the flakes getting worse I just can't handle. I did a spin class at the gym today and when I began to sweat I smelled like vinegar :( Oh well, I guess I am on to another product.

Natalie (Brooklyn, Ny, Usa) on 06/16/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you so much for this REALLY simple remedy that REALLY works! My head was itching a lot, but I use hairgel and hairspray every day, so I thought it might be that. But to rule out dandruff, I tried this method. I put equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in an empty hairspray bottle. I then shampooed my hair as usual and rinsed it. Then I sprayed (and poured) the mixture on my head and rubbed it in for about 4 minutes (careful not to get it in your eyes! ). Then I rinsed it out. Then I put in some Tea Tree oil conditioner I found at a nearby healthfood store, and rubbed that into my scalp. I let it sit for another 4 mins or so, then rinsed it out. I did this twice, about 2 days apart, and my head doesn't itch AT ALL anymore! and I still use my same hairgel and hairspray. What a wonderful cure! Thank you Earth Clinic for sharing it!

Wendy (Ontario) on 04/27/2011:
4 out of 5 stars

Perhaps the ACV works as a preventative, but Ted's other remedies perhaps have to be applied first to get rid of the dandruff? I use and have for years used ACV (raw with mother in, not pasteurized at the grocery store) full strength in a spritzer I keep in the shower. I only use shampoo about once a month but I do use a hypoallergenic scent free conditioner from the health food store as my hair is very long and curly. I spritz with the apple cider vinegar and always leave it in and on my scalp. Perhaps diluting it would be better? I do notice if I put too much in, then it gets 'heavy' and yes, almost greasy like or filmy and weighs down my curls ;-(

I am going to try the Apple Cider Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Will post back! I have done tea tree oil neat (straight) on my scalp a bunch of times in the past and felt 'freaked' out, can't sleep, wicked headache etc. In my 'brain' area- too strong and too much absorbing into the brain? I haven't the nerve to do it quite like that again, so I will try diluting it. I have added it to our shampoos and stuff when I remember. My dandruff is not 'that bad' visually unless I put my head over a black cloth and scratch really good! LOL Mind you my scalp has been really itchy and burning lately- which could be food allergies but or mites/fungus etc. As spring as arrived... Right on cue! Thanks Ted for all your advice ;=)

NC (Noveleta, Cavite) on 11/24/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

Yes, I do agree with the dandruff treatment here. I am suffering from moderate dandruff as well. I've tried Nizoral and Selsun Blue but got little success with those. I tried mixing Nizoral with hot cream oil and I was dandruff free for a month. But then Nizoral is quite expensive for my budget so I looked for a substitute.

So I tried mixing hot cream oil and apple cider vinegar and my ordinary shampoo. Apply the mixture onto my scalp for 30 minutes and rinse it thoroughly. Tried this 3 times a week and it works for me.

Ascha4 (Springfield, Il) on 10/22/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I didn't suffer from severe dandruff or have any scalp conditions but just had bad, very visible dandruff in my brunette hair. I used one application of half acv and half water, and was cured. I also switched to shampoo without any sulfates in it, that helps too for maintenance.

Noele (Charleston, South Carolina) on 08/20/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I tried the apple cider vinegar for severe dandruff, and was shocked that it worked so well.

I've had terrible dandruff my entire life--I cannot think of a time when I didn't have severe itching and a dry, flaky scalp. I also had little plaques of flakes all over my scalp, and if I scratched them they bled. It was really irritating.

I had tried every single dandruff shampoo and treatment available, and nothing helped AT ALL. I was at my wits end. When I saw the ACV cure here on Earth Clinic, I figured I would try it. Couldn't hurt!

I went to a beauty supply store and bought an 8 ounce hair dye applicator bottle. I filled it with 4 ounces of ACV and 4 ounces of water and shook it to mix the two. Then, in the shower, I washed my hair with an olive oil soap [I had cut out using shampoo, figuring the sulfates were drying out my hair], rinsed, combed out the tangles, and then applied about 2 ounces of the ACV mixture to my hair and scalp. I left it on for a minute or so and then rinsed.

It worked! When I dried my hair, ALL the dandruff was gone. My head didn't itch at all, and my hair was also very soft and shiny. I have continued to use this method for the past month, and the dandruff has never returned.

This stuff is a godsend. I can't believe how well it worked, and it's so inexpensive. Thanks very much, Earth Clinic!

Bernadette (Hong Kong) on 08/14/2009:
4 out of 5 stars

I was surprised at the benefits of using apple cider vinegar for the control of dandruff. It is brilliant. My dandruff issue, while not fully cured, is much, much better.

Rachel (Toronto, Ontario) on 05/11/2009:
1 out of 5 stars

Please help! I am sure that apple cider vinegar actually made my scalp much worse and gave me horrible dandruff. I recently stopped using shampoo and instead tried cleaning with baking soda and rinsing with apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Dandruff worsened.

So I added tea tree oil and lavendar and still my scalp got worse. Also, I noticed my thick head of hair getting thinner because of hair loss.

I have stopped using baking soda and ACV - and now have to deal with a dry, itchy scalp. At least my hair has stopped falling out.

Eric (Henderson, Nevada) on 04/02/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

So I read that using apple cider vinegar is good for dandruff and your hair so i started using it and after my hair felt really clean and soft but the next day i went to take a shower and a lot of hair came out a lot more than usual and it was like that for about a month maybe longer is there any reason this might have happened ? i used about 1/8 a cup and the rest was just water

Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 10/30/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello Daryl, A final rinse of 50/50 ACV and warm water has been working for years for me and my used to be dandruff. I think it works by cutting the shampoo out of your hair & off your scalp. Please note that I said final rinse. You smell strongly of ACV until your hair dries, but not after it dries.

View Entire Thread

Victor (San Diego, Ca) on 10/28/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

First of all, sugar cane "white" (clear) vinegar is better for topical use, as it does not make you stink after the shower. Use it full strength, do not mix it with anything. Just be careful not to get it into your eyes or on your teeth. I had dandruff and exema type problems on my scalp and face for decades, until I started using vinegar. I spray it and massage it 5 minutes before the shower, three times a week. It may take some time, but I am pretty sure you will succeed if you're persistant. For the first few days, you may do it every day, then every other day. I still have nightmares when I think about the times before I discovered vinegar: all the corticosteroids doctors had me use for years - they always gave me more side effects than relief...

Daryl (Eugene, OR) on 10/27/2008:
1 out of 5 stars

I tried, and failed, to alleviate my dandruff using apple cider vinegar. I mixed a solution of 1/2 ACV with 1/2 water in a squirt bottle. I then applied this directly to my scalp while in the shower and let it sit for about 5 minutes. I did this about 3 times a week for 3 weeks. My dandruff has not improved and the skin on my forehead and back has begun to itch severely after I get out of the shower. Needless to stay, I have ceased using this treatment.

Baskar (Singapore, Singapore) on 10/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi, Apple cider vinegar has a good effect. I tried ACV and tea tree oil as advised. I tried this treatment for 3 days. I put a little amount (20ml) to a container and dip the cotton balls and massage to scalp, i applied all over scalp, massage gently up to 10min, and leave it for about an hour and rinse with mild baby shampoo,then i applied tea tree oil generously through out the scalp and left it over night..After 3 days of application,i checked my scalp, to my surprise the dandruff is 75% gone, but then on the 3rd day of application i found lots of dandruff flakes/white patches peeling off from the scalp... 4th day morning i found the dandruff is 75% gone... Is the peeling of white patches considered normal or dangerous? I still have 25% dandruff, Can i continue ACV and tea tree oil process till the dandruff disappears 100%? please reply...

View Entire Thread

Jessica (Tempe, AZ) on 07/09/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I've had mild-moderate dandruff all my life and nothing ever really worked. I've been applying ACV before shampooing about 3xs/week and it's pretty much all cleared up. Still a little itchy sometimes but no more flakes! :) Thanks for sharing all the great remedies!

Jessica (TC, US) on 05/25/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

hey!! i tried this and it really works tanks alot!!! and if you have any q's or comments you can email me!!! I tried the appple cider vinegar

View Entire Thread

Victor (San Diego/Tijuana, US/MEX) on 03/18/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I struggled with dandruff and related skin problems all my life. They were present on my scalp, face, ears, nostrils, chest, and pubic area. I was constantly using different medications. Doctors were prescribing me corticosteroids, even in injections. During the nineties I started realizing that all my skin problems were fungus related. Nizoral shampoo was helping to some extend, but not all the way, and I was becoming more and more allergic to it. Other dandruff shampoos never worked at all. I tried many herbal remedies, with very mixed effects. Finally, a couple of years ago, I found information about using vinegar to treat dandruff. It took a couple of weeks, and some adjusting, but finally my skin started clearing up. I finally use it 3 times a week 5 min before shower (you can spray it, use an eye dropper, and your hand to massage it in). Careful with eyes, teeth, and lungs! Ever since I've been dandruff/exema free. Vinegar is my best friend! At the beginning I was using Apple Cider Vinegar, but my partner couldn't stand the smell of it. He advised me to switch to white sugar cane vinegar, popular in Mexico, where we live - it works as well as ACV for me. Take care everyone!

Suze (Gold Coast, Australia) on 08/07/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar cured severe dandruff. I have had a case of dandruff that just kept getting worse over the last few years - I figured it must have been caused by an alergic reaction to hair dye over time. Even though I stopped dying my hair 2 years back, the dandruff never stopped. I tried all dandruff shampoos (which made the condition worse and gave me huge red lesions all along my hairline and forehead) then switched to natural shampoos only - which stopped it from getting worse, but not any better. I then finally tried the ACV on my scalp, left it on for about 15 minutes, then washed my hair with a frangrance free natural shampoo ( I added a few drops of tea tree into it) and rinsed with a 50/50 solution of ACV and water. I have been doing this for 2 weeks and everything has just about cleared up, apart from some tiny flakes here and there - no itching at all! Every wash it keeps getting better - and my hair is shinier! Yay!

SK (Fairfax, Virginia) on 03/23/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

For most my life I have suffered from severe dandruff and scalp scaling. Especially in the winter my scalp gets itchy, irritated with large scales. I have tried every dandruff shampoo and cream in the market and nothing worked. I would use a dandruff shampoo and as soon as my scalp dried, you could see the scales again. I finally found apple cider vinegar as a remedy only. I used regular ACV from the grocery store. I put it in a dropper, part my hair in sections and put several drops in the partings. It takes a while, especially to do the back of my head. I let it soak 1 to 2 hours and then wash my hair like normal. It works like MAGIC ! I am now 90% free of dandruff ! I usually do 3 applications (1 every other day). This lasts me 4 - 6 months with almost no dandruff.

MN (Bombay, India) on 01/25/2007:
1 out of 5 stars

I've tried ACV for over a month now & I can now surely confirm that it does not prevent nor cure Dandruff. We need to find another alternative. By the way, I've tried other natural cures as well: such as lime juice, neem oil, aloe vera etc...nothing seems to work.

Jane (Macksville, NSW) on 12/07/2006:
5 out of 5 stars

I couldn't believe that something so simple & inexpensive could cure a dandruff problem I have had for over a decade. From the moment the cidar vinegar was applied I had instant relief from an itchy scalp & all the dandruff I had just lifted off. Unless I had tried this remedy, I honestly would of never believed all the feedback I have read on using cidar vinegar. Thank you very much, Jane.

Ging de Jesus (Singapore) on 09/04/2006:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi to all. I just want to share with you my experience. My husband is having severe dandruff for quite sometime (about 4 years or longer) and we have tried different types of costly dandruff shampoo's but did not work, its so embarrasing specially when you are wearing black colour of shirt, my husband doesnt care at all because he cant do anything as he tried so many types of shampoos, and medicated shampoos and even tried coconut oil. but alas.... still the same, itchy, flaky scalp and hair looks very dry, I'm very much worried about it, as I feel that it reflect to me as a wife and it embarras me as well. I'm quite bothered by what people's might say, as i am very particular when it comes to personal hygiene. I said, I must do something about it, I decided to browse "how to cure dandruff" then your website came out, and I read about ACV, i said to myself, no harm trying. I bought Organic Raw ACV, its sting.....I put a little amount (20ml) to a container and dip the cotton balls and massage to my hubby's scalp, applied all over scalp, massage gently up to 10min, and leave it for about an hour and rinse with your normal shampoo, after I used it for about 4 times (every other day) i noticed the shines in his hair and i checked his scalp, to my surprise the dandruff is 90% gone, and i can see the shines in his scalp as well, now his hair looks healthy it is not dry anymore, i still continue using it as a maintenance (2x a week). My Hubby & I also drinks it 10ml dilute it into 8oz of water upon arising (do not brush your teeth yet, straight away take ACV - i noticed that it eliminates your Bad Breath and improve your bowel movement) mid morning and mid afternoon, I will share again the result after, specially for my husband's who has diabetes if there's an improvement. thanks so much for your sharing and i hope my sharing can help more people too who's suffering the same. more power to this website.

Karen (West Point Village) on 04/16/2006:
5 out of 5 stars

After having my 3rd child, I developed severe greasy disgusting dandruff and what I deemed to be athletes foot. After EVERYthing short of hari kari.. I tried ACV. It burned-that oh my it hurts/it feels good kind of burn. True I did smell a bit like a salad if I perspired.. but within a week... POOF... it was gone. Ditto with the foot problem. Tonite- we try to cure the DH's strep throat...

Go Back

Mobile Menu

Pets

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff