How to Remove Dandruff Using Vinegar

Last Updated: February 20, 2022 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.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying a Vinegar Rinse to Treat Mild Dandruff

1
Wash your hair. 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.
2
Apply a 1 to 1 mixture of vinegar and water to your wet hair. 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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3
Leave the water and vinegar mixture on your scalp for a few minutes. 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.
4
Rinse your hair thoroughly. 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.
5
Repeat the vinegar wash daily until the dandruff disappears. 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

1
Go into your bath or shower. 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.
2
Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with a few tablespoons of water in a small spray bottle or bowl. While you can use undiluted apple cider vinegar, it can be hard on a sensitive scalp and can dry out your hair.^{[2]
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Research source} Instead opt for a slightly diluted mixture, which will give you all the benefits of the vinegar but will be a little less harsh.
3
Apply the vinegar mixture directly onto your scalp.^{[3]
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Research source} 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!
4
Massage the vinegar through the hair and deep into the scalp. 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.
5
Let the vinegar sit for around 20 minutes.^{[4]
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Research source} 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.
6
Rinse your hair thoroughly. 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.
7
Repeat this vinegar treatment a few times a week. 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.