Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff: What It Can—and Can’t—Do

The answer is somewhere in the middle.

While apple cider vinegar may help some people reduce scalp buildup and irritation, it’s not a miracle cure, and it can sometimes make scalp problems worse if used incorrectly.

What Causes Dandruff?

Dandruff is more than just dry skin.

In many cases, it’s linked to:

• Excess oil production
• Scalp irritation
• A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia
• Product buildup
• Sensitive skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis

Symptoms often include: