Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff: Does It Really Work?

Apple cider vinegar — aka 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 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, the potential side effects of using ACV for dandruff, 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 scientific backing 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. This fungus 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 don’t know if apple cider vinegar would work the same way on the fungus on your scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar Probably Won’t Stop Dandruff-Causing Bacteria

Along with Malassezia, a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus can cause dandruff — and apple cider vinegar doesn’t appear to stop its growth.

A small 2021 study found that a daily 10-minute soak in apple cider vinegar for two weeks didn’t change the amount of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin of participants.

This study looked at the skin on participants’ forearms, so we don’t know what would happen if you soaked your scalp in ACV — but it doesn’t look promising.

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 recent study on skin shows ACV’s pH-lowering effects are only temporary, so it may not do much for your dandruff this way.

To wrap up for anyone still wondering “is apple cider vinegar good for dandruff?”: It might help, but there’s no real scientific research behind it.

Oh, and if you’re concerned about hair loss, it turns out the benefits of apple cider vinegar may not include hair growth either. We dive deeper on that here.

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:

1. 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).

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

3. Wait a couple of minutes.

4. 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

• 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.

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. Your symptoms should improve within two to four weeks.

• Pyrithione zinc shampoo. Research shows that a herbal zinc pyrithione shampoo (like Head & Shoulders) and scalp lotion can help improve symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes scaly patches to develop on your scalp and sometimes other areas of your body. 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) is said to help reduce redness, irritation, and scaling. It’s often referred to as clarifying and exfoliating, helping to dissolve excess oil and clear dead skin cells.

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.

• Aloe vera. This plant-based ingredient has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may protect against dandruff.

• Coconut oil. This natural, multi-purpose ingredient is so moisturizing that it may help decrease dryness and limit dandruff.

• Baking soda. Another common cupboard ingredient, baking soda may help in exfoliating the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and limiting dandruff.

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

You’ve spotted those tell-tale white flakes on your shoulders — should you raid the kitchen cupboard 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, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes like lowering stress.

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.