Natural Remedy Against Dandruff: Vinegar
The benefits of vinegar for hair health are well known, but perhaps not everyone knows that it is also a natural remedy for dandruff.
This ingredient, obtained from the acetic fermentation of alcohol, is attributed with healing properties and has always been present in natural medicine.
Apple cider vinegar, a natural remedy for dandruff
Dandruff, noticeable on our darker clothing, is also called pityriasis. It is a scalp problem that causes peeling of the skin, causing embarrassment and sometimes itching.
Symptoms can worsen with stress and typically in the dry and cold seasons. Among the different causes can be:
- Irritated, oily or dry skin.
- Insufficient washing.
- Presence of a fungus called malassezia. It feeds on the sebum present on the scalp.
- Contact dermatitis, caused by the use of some hair care products.
- Other skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
Among the natural remedies against dandruff we can include vinegar. Anecdotal data indicate that it reduces the tendency of the skin to peel and soothes associated discomfort.
Although there are no definitive scientific studies that confirm its effectiveness against dandruff, an article published in the journal Natural Product Research confirms its antimicrobial potential, therefore able to limit the development of bacteria and fungi.
Using vinegar as a natural remedy for dandruff
If you suffer from dandruff, you can test the effectiveness of vinegar yourself, a product considered safe. Here’s how to reap the benefits:
- Dilute half a cup of apple cider vinegar in one and a half cups of warm water.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse as usual.
- Rub the vinegar all over the scalp. Gently massage for 3-5 minutes.
- If necessary, you can apply conditioner.
- At the end, let your hair dry without using a hairdryer.
- You can repeat the treatment as many times as you like, until symptoms improve.
Other remedies for dandruff
In most cases it is possible to control the itching and flaking typical of dandruff. There are several alternatives on the market to anti-dandruff shampoos that can reduce the production of sebum and the accumulation of dead cells.
You will probably need to try more than one alternative before finding the most suitable solution. As for the natural approaches, however, to reduce the production of dandruff it will be useful:
- Control your stress. As much as possible, it is important to learn how to manage negative emotions that impact health in general. While it may seem unusual, stress also makes dandruff symptoms worse.
- Follow a balanced diet. Include sufficient amounts of zinc, B-complex vitamins, and healthy fats in your diet.
- Wash your hair often with shampoo. If your scalp is prone to grease, washing it daily will help soften the scales. To facilitate this process, massage it gently and rinse thoroughly.
- Limit hair care products. They can leave residue in the hair and on the scalp making it greasier.
Tea tree oil, better known as tea tree oil, also offers good results on dandruff. It has antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal properties. However, it can cause irritation on sensitive skin.
Possible side effects
When following a natural treatment, the results and effects should be monitored. Some products can make symptoms worse on some skin types. This also applies to the vinegar-based natural dandruff remedy.
Vinegar, being very acidic, can burn the skin when applied directly. In this case, it will be good to stop the treatment and contact the dermatologist to find a more suitable remedy.
Finally, it is worth remembering that dandruff often has to be fought on several fronts. It must be understood that vinegar is not a magic solution to the problem, but one more option.
