I had no idea about this…

When it comes to dandruff, it’s important to point out that “there’s no research supporting the use of apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment.” Still, many people talk about their own experiences online, and some claim ACV could have certain perks for scalp skin. Reported advantages often include:

• “helping regulate the scalp’s pH levels”: Your scalp’s pH can impact its health, and some believe ACV may help bring it into a more balanced range.
• “supporting the natural shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp”: Just like the rest of your skin, the scalp constantly sheds dead cells, and ACV is thought to possibly assist with that.
• “reducing the growth of fungi on the hair and scalp”: Because fungi can play a role in certain scalp issues, some people wonder if ACV might help limit their growth.

However, it’s essential to remember that “there’s no scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of this approach.” More research is needed to know whether ACV truly offers benefits. Still, it’s interesting to look at what we currently understand about how ACV may interact with skin, including the scalp.

What Research Currently Shows About ACV and Dandruff

A review from 2022 suggested that ACV “could potentially help with dry scalp.” Dry scalp can be mistaken for dandruff since they often look alike, but they have different causes. As of now, “It’s uncertain whether ACV would help with dry scalp, dandruff, or both, since they stem from different issues.” That’s why continued research is so important.

Overall, ACV may have qualities that could support skin health. For example, it “may offer some disinfecting and antifungal effects.” This is notable because certain bacteria, such as staphylococcus, may play a role in dandruff. In addition, conditions that resemble dandruff are sometimes actually fungal infections.

One study “found that although undiluted ACV has strong antimicrobial abilities, not every microorganism responds to it.” In other words, ACV can kill some germs but not all. The same study reported that “at a 25% dilution, ACV was less effective against Candida yeast compared to bacteria.” This shows that both the strength of the ACV and the specific microorganism make a difference.

Because of this, “the pros and cons of using ACV for any skin concern still need further investigation.” More scientific work is necessary to fully understand its effects.