Home Remedy to Reduce Dandruff

Woman who has dandruff
Photo: Suriya Yapin/Shutterstock
Q: I’ve read that a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can help reduce dandruff. How will this affect my recent foil color treatment?
 
A: First, it’s important to clarify what dandruff actually is, as there’s some confusion surrounding its causes and definition. While many people assume dandruff is simply a dry scalp, it’s more commonly linked to an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus called Malassezia on the scalp. This fungus feeds on scalp oils and can lead to irritation, flaking, and excessive shedding of dead skin cells. True dandruff should not be confused with general dryness or more severe conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, which may require medical treatment.
 
Among home remedies, apple cider vinegar is frequently recommended for dandruff due to its antifungal and pH-balancing properties. Many users report significant improvement in flaking and scalp irritation after consistent use. However, if you’ve recently had a foil color treatment, you should proceed with caution. Some individuals have noted that vinegar - especially when left on the hair and exposed to sunlight - can cause subtle shifts in color-treated hair, particularly with semi-permanent or fashion shades.
 
To minimize risk, I strongly advise performing a strand test before applying vinegar to your entire scalp. Select a few small, discreet sections of your color-treated hair (preferably from the nape or behind the ears), saturate them with your diluted vinegar solution, and then blow-dry them to simulate sun exposure. Examine the strands afterward for any noticeable color changes, fading, or unwanted brassiness.
 
How to use apple cider vinegar for hair with dandruff
 
I don’t recommend saturating your hair with vinegar, as this isn’t necessary for treating dandruff. Since dandruff originates on the scalp, the vinegar should be applied directly to the scalp rather than the hair strands. For precise application, use a long-tipped applicator bottle (like those used for hair dye), a cotton pad, or a cotton swab to target the scalp without oversaturating the hair.
 
After applying the vinegar, leave it on the scalp for 15–20 minutes to allow its antifungal and exfoliating properties to work. Then, thoroughly rinse it out and follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any residue and neutralize the vinegar’s strong odor.
 
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See also:
 
Scalp problems
 
The cause of dandruff
 
Hair care with household products