Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff: Does It Really Work?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rumored to help with everything from sunburn and sore throats to headaches and heartburn.

But what about apple cider vinegar for dandruff? Is it internet lore or a legitimate treatment?

There isn’t strong scientific research supporting the use of apple cider vinegar for dandruff. It may eventually stop the fungus that causes dandruff from growing, but other treatments are probably more effective.

Read on to learn how to use apple cider vinegar for dandruff, potential side effects of doing so, and other dandruff treatments you won’t find in your kitchen cupboard.

ACV’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties may have some health benefits, but there’s not much research on apple cider vinegar for dandruff or other hair problems.

So, while there are anecdotal reports online claiming that apple cider vinegar can treat dandruff, there’s no substantial science behind it.

Here’s what we do know.

Apple Cider Vinegar May Stop Dandruff-Causing Fungus

In theory, apple cider vinegar could treat dandruff by inhibiting the growth of fungus that can cause it, which is called Malassezia.

A small 2019 study found apple cider vinegar could stop the growth of Malassezia furfur, one type of Malassezia.

The researchers estimated that around 3 milliliters to 4 milliliters of apple cider vinegar diluted with water in a roughly 10-milliliter solution could be enough to inhibit fungal growth.

The catch? The study was done in petri dishes, those measurements are estimates, and we assume apple cider vinegar would work the same way on the fungus on your scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Balance Your Scalp’s pH Levels

Another (shaky) theory is that apple cider vinegar can lower the pH of your scalp because it’s mildly acidic.

High scalp pH may be linked to dandruff, but a 2019 study on skin shows ACV’s pH-lowering effects are only temporary, so it may not do much for your dandruff this way.

There’s not enough data to recommend apple cider vinegar as a treatment option for dandruff, especially when there are other treatment options that have proven efficacy.

And if you’re concerned about hair loss, it turns out the benefits of apple cider vinegar probably don’t extend to hair growth either. We dive deeper on that here.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Dandruff

There aren’t scientifically-backed rules for using apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment, but if you want to add ACV to your hair care routine, here’s what you can do:

• Dilute 3 to 4 milliliters (a little less than a teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar with water to make a 10-milliliter solution (about two teaspoons).

• Pour the ACV rinse over your scalp or apply it with a spray bottle, taking care to keep it out of your eyes.

• Wait a couple of minutes.

• Rinse the solution out of your hair.

Consider doing a patch test on a small section of your scalp to check for irritation before applying the apple cider vinegar rinse to your entire scalp. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar does not agree with everyone.

It’s generally considered safe, but apple cider vinegar comes with a few potential side effects.

When applied to your skin or as a hair mask, it can cause:

• Irritation

• Redness

• Chemical burns

Another side effect to note: the smell of apple cider vinegar is quite strong compared to your average anti-dandruff shampoo that smells of mint, apples, or alluring essential oils. 

Keep this in mind when using an apple cider vinegar hair treatment before a hot date or important interview.

Apple cider vinegar might not be a proven dandruff cure, but it might have other health benefits. Here’s what the research says:

• May help manage blood sugar control. Small studies suggest vinegar may reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, especially in people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

• Could support digestive health. ACV might help regulate the gut microbiome, the community of microbes in the digestive tract that influences your overall health.

• Contains antioxidants. Made from apples, ACV contains polyphenols, natural antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage. But, polyphenol content varies between vinegars. 

• Might benefit skin health. Its natural acidity and antimicrobial properties make diluted ACV a popular DIY option for acne or minor skin irritation. Just be careful, undiluted vinegar can burn.

• Potential natural deodorant. Some folks swear by a mix of ACV and water to fight body odor.

These potential benefits sound promising, but most still need stronger scientific backing. ACV shouldn’t replace medical treatments or a doctor’s advice, but it could be a small, helpful addition to your wellness routine.

There’s not much research behind apple cider vinegar for dandruff, but there are other dandruff treatments.

If you’re battling an itchy scalp and white flakes, here are some hair care products you can try:

• Ketoconazole shampoo. Ketoconazole shampoo, like Nizoral^®, has antifungal properties and can help treat an itchy, flaky scalp. 

• Pyrithione zinc shampoo. Research shows that a zinc pyrithione shampoo (like Head & Shoulders) can help improve symptoms of dandruff. Our Dandruff Detox Shampoo contains pyrithione zinc and other scalp-soothing ingredients to target an itchy, dry scalp and wash away dead skin buildup.

• Salicylic acid shampoo. The main ingredient in salicylic acid shampoo (which is also the main active ingredient in Aspirin) can be effective against dandruff, especially in shampoos that contain a combination of salicylic acid and sulfur.

And here are some other home remedies that may help with dandruff:

• Tea tree oil. One study found that 5% tea tree oil shampoo can help mild to moderate dandruff.

• Baking soda. Another common pantry ingredient, baking soda may have antifungal properties, though its effects on dandruff aren’t directly known. 

Check out our guide on how to get rid of dandruff for more details and other potential solutions, including dietary and lifestyle changes.

So, you’ve spotted those tell-tale white flakes on your shoulders. Should you raid the kitchen cabinets or rush to your nearest health food store in search of apple cider vinegar? Probably not.

Here’s the TL;DR on the ACV dandruff debate:

• Apple cider vinegar may inhibit fungal growth. The science is murky because the research suggesting that ACV can stop fungal growth was done in a lab, not on human scalps.

• Apple cider vinegar could help balance your scalp’s pH levels. ACV does have a low pH, but studies show its pH-lowering effects don’t last long.

• Apple cider vinegar can cause irritation. The acetic acid can even burn skin if left on too long. If you’re using ACV, make sure you’re diluting it before applying it to your scalp and stop using it if it causes any stinging, redness, or irritation.

• There are science-backed dandruff treatments out there. If you’re looking to soothe itchiness, control flakes, and improve your scalp health, ACV probably isn’t your best bet. Try anti-dandruff shampoos instead.

If you find your dandruff is causing hair loss, connect with a dermatologist or one of our healthcare providers to find out if you have another scalp condition and discover the best treatments for you.