Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular and effective anti-dandruff home treatments available. It has been used for many years, due to its strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.The best and most effective apple cider vinegars are 100% organic, raw, unpasteurized and contain a lot of ‘the mother’.
In short, a good ACV will help to kill off the fungi that cause dandruff, by applying it directly onto your scalp. It’s therefore important for you to find the best apple cider vinegar for dandruff.
Dandruff can be irritating and it can also damage your hair and scalp if left untreated. The most common anti-dandruff treatments tend to be medicated shampoos that contain an active ingredient that inhibits fungal growth. This usually works well. However, some anti-dandruff shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can end up damaging your hair. That’s a common reason why some people use home remedies to treat dandruff, especially apple cider vinegar.
This list contains the best apple cider vinegar for dandruff reviews on the market, today! In summary, below are the top 4. For detailed reviews of the others, please read on.
How Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective Against Dandruff?
Many people, including myself, have found apple cider vinegar to be extremely helpful in treating dandruff. The ACVs in this list are organic and unfiltered, meaning that they don’t contain any potentially harmful chemicals. This means that it won’t irritate your scalp, compared to shampoos that contain harsh chemicals. All in all, it’s a great alternative to anti-dandruff shampoos and creams.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [1]. It helps to decrease irritation that your scalp experiences during dandruff and should also reduce the itching. If you are using a shampoo that causes your scalp to be irritated, you can use an apple cider vinegar treatment immediately after washing your hair.
Dandruff is caused by the overproduction of natural hair oils (sebum). A fungus called Malassezia interacts with the sebum and creates a byproduct called oleic acid. Around 50% of people develop an allergic reaction to this, which causes them to experience inflammation and flaking on the scalp [2].
As apple cider is antifungal, it can reduce and even inhibit fungal growth on the scalp. ACV is effective against dandruff, as it contains enzymes that kill fungi, by damaging their cell walls.
Dead skin cells on your scalp caused by dandruff also result in increased bacteria accumulation. These dead skin cells usually cause irritation on the scalp and eventually flake off. As apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, it ensures that your scalp remains clear of any unwanted bacteria boosting the overall health of your scalp.
In short, apple cider vinegar can work wonders for you. You should be able to notice a difference within just a couple days. I recommend that you use apple cider vinegar on a continuous basis to ensure that your scalp recovers healthily and your dandruff is in control. Let’s take a look at the top apple cider vinegar products for dandruff and how they can help you.
Apple Cider Vinegar Reviews
There are a lot of apple cider vinegar products on the market and I have personally tested a lot of different ACVs on my scalp. I will keep testing new products that come out and add them to this article if they make it into the top list.
1. Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar has been my top pick for many years. Not only is it certified organic, but it’s also unfiltered and is not heated or pasteurized. It contains only natural ingredients, which are raw apple cider vinegar and purified water. This particular ACV is diluted down to 5% acidity and comes with a lot of ‘the mother’.
According to Bragg, this apple cider vinegar is processed and bottled according to USDA guidelines. It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO and is Kosher certified. Additionally, it can be used for many other home remedies and it’s especially effective for treating dandruff.
This ACV comes in 16 ounce (473 ml), 32 ounce (946 ml) or 128 ounce (1 gallon or 3.8 l) bottles and should last you relatively long, considering that you do not need to do an apple cider vinegar treatment on a daily basis. So far, it’s been my apple cider vinegar of choice! I’ve also received many reviews from readers who write to me, telling me their story and how happy they are with this apple cider vinegar.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz , 32 oz, 128 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- The best and most popular apple cider vinegar on the market
- Contains all natural ingredients
- 5% acidity and contains a lot of ‘the mother’
- Gluten-free, non-GMO and Kosher certified
- Highly effective against dandruff
What’s Not So Great:
- Marketed as a premium product
2. Viva Naturals Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Viva Naturals Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is certified organic, raw, unpasteurized and is made from premium apples in the United States. This ACV is also unfiltered, and contains lot’s of ‘the mother’.
Viva Natural’s ACV is also free from the most common allergens which are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. This means that the chance of anyone being allergic to it is extremely small. The company also claims that all of its facilities are GSFI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certified in order to maintain high-quality standards.
This apple cider vinegar is not only great for a wide range of household uses, but it’s also great for treating dandruff. This bottle contains 32 ounces (946 ml) and will last you a long time.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- Free of 8 most common allergens
- Contains a lot of ‘the mother’
- Certified organic and unpasteurised
- Works well against dandruff
What’s Not So Great:
- Only available in one size
3. Mother Nature’s Essentials Apple Cider Vinegar
Mother Nature’s Essentials Apple Cider Vinegar is also a good choice for treating dandruff. It’s a natural ACV that contains no preservatives, flavors, colors or any additives.
This ACV is raw, unfiltered, organic and contains a lot of ‘the mother’. Additionally, it’s known to be USDA certified and non-GMO. A great choice of apple cider vinegar for consuming or treating dandruff.
Mother Nature’s ACV has the highest acidity level out of all the others on the top 10 list. It has a 6% acidity meaning that it is less watered down and is more concentrated than others. This means that on the one hand, it’s very potent, but on the other hand, it can leave a bitter taste for some people when consuming it. For dandruff, it remains very effective but must be diluted before applying to your scalp. You should be doing this with every ACV, regardless of the acidity level.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | 6% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- No preservatives, flavors, colors or additives
- Contains lots of ‘the mother’
- 6% acidity
What’s Not So Great:
- Only available in one size
4. Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is another great ACV that is USDA certified organic and comes in a 32 ounce (946 ml) bottle. It’s also unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized, meaning that it’s natural with no added ingredients.
Similarly to the other apple cider vinegar, this one contains ‘the mother’, which is a type of bacteria that is present in unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. It’s also known for being 100% gluten-free. Even though it contains ‘the mother’, it’s been reported to contain lesser amounts of it, meaning that it may not be as good as its counterparts.
However, I find Dynamic Health Apple Cider Vinegar effective against dandruff as it’s raw and 100% natural. It’s noteworthy that this ACV only comes in 16 ounce bottles, so you may want to grab a few of them at a time.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- It’s USDA certified organic
- Contains some of ‘the mother’
- It’s Unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized
What’s Not So Great:
- Less of ‘the mother’ than others
- Only available in one size
5. Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar comes in 8 ounce (237 ml), 35 ounce (1 l), 64 ounces (1.9 l) or 128 ounce (1 gallon or 3.8 l) bottle sizes. This apple cider vinegar is USDA organic certified and non-GMO. It’s made with USA grown apples and is bottled in the United States.
This ACV has been diluted down to a 5% acidity and is unfiltered, unpasteurized, raw, and organic. It also contains a lot of ‘the mother’ which appears as a cloudy and cobweb-like structure.
It’s one of the few apple cider vinegars that comes in 4 different sizes. This makes it easy for people two want to try this product first, before wanting to commit to a bigger bottle. This ACV is great for dandruff, as its organic and is also filled with a lot of ‘the mother’.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 oz, 35 oz, 64 oz, 128 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- It comes in 4 different bottle sizes
- It’s unfiltered, unpasteurized, raw, and organic
- USDA certified and non-GMO
What’s Not So Great:
- Has a slightly strange smell
6. Rawseed Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Rawseed Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a high-quality ACV that is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and unheated. It’s also diluted down to a 5% acidity level.
Rawseed is committed to providing people with the highest quality of ingredients. That’s why they use organically grown apples from reputable farms in the United States. Their apple cider vinegar is processed and bottled according to USDA guidelines and certified organic.
It’s also gluten-free, halal, and is suitable for kosher and vegan diets. In addition to that, this ACV contains a lot of ‘the mother’. It’s available in a 16 ounce (473 ml) bottle, either in a 1-pack or a 4-pack. It works well against dandruff due to its organic nature and its 5% acidity.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- Gluten-free and halal certified
- It’s suitable for vegetarian and kosher diets
- Unfiltered, unpasteurized and raw
What’s Not So Great:
- It feels slightly less potent than other ACVs with 5% acidity
7. TNVitamins Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
TNVitamins Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a certified organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that is manufactured and bottled in the United States. It’s available in a 16 ounce (473 ml) bottle.
The apple cider vinegar is also unpasteurized. This means that it retains the naturally occurring enzymes and minerals that would have otherwise been destroyed by the fermentation process.
Besides containing raw apple cider vinegar it also contains 10 mg of potassium. Potassium is important as it keeps your skin cells hydrated and moisturized. That’s makes it a great and effective solution when trying to get rid of dandruff.
The ACV contains a lot of the ‘mother’ and is visible by the dark and cloudy bottom layer of the product. This ACV is a relatively potent at 5% acidity and when used as a home treatment for dandruff is very effective.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- It’s raw and unpasteurized
- It contains 10 mg of potassium
- It’s certified organic and unfiltered
- Affordable and reliable
What’s Not So Great:
- Strong smell and taste
8. Vitacost Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Vitacost Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is another great choice for treating dandruff. Much like the previous ACV’s, this one is raw, unpasteurized and unfiltered, making it 100% organic. It’s been fermented using organic apples with no additives such as sugar, artificial flavors or colors.
It also contains ‘the mother’ and is therefore very nutrient rich. Since this ACV is organic, it’s a perfect fit for kosher, vegetarian or vegan diets.
Vitacost Organic Apple Cider Vinegar comes in a 32 ounce (946 ml) bottle and is free of the most common allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, soy, shellfish, titanium dioxide and sugar. It’s also claimed to be an almost full-strength apple cider vinegar at 5% acidity.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- Suitable for kosher, vegetarian or vegan diets
- Contains lots of ‘the mother’
- Unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized
What’s Not So Great:
- Slightly premium
9. White House Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
White House Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural and organic apple cider vinegar that is available in a 32 ounces (946 ml) bottle.
This apple cider vinegar is raw, unfiltered, 100% organic and made in the United States. It contains organic homegrown apples from Winchester, Virginia. The apples are naturally fermented using a secret recipe and process dating all the way back to 1908. White House Foods is a traditional and reliable manufacturer of high-quality organic foods. This ACV is no exception.
Due to its natural and organic ingredients and its 5% acidity, it’s a great way to treat dandruff. It makes a great home remedy that can be used right after using an anti-dandruff shampoo or even as a replacement depending on how severe your dandruff is.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- Traditional recipe and process from 1908
- Raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
- Processed with organic homegrown apples
What’s Not So Great:
- Seems less potent than other ACVs
10. Trader Joe’s Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Trader Joe’s Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar is an organic apple cider vinegar that comes in a 16 ounce (473 ml) bottle. It’s manufactured within the USDA guidelines and bottled in the United States.
It’s made from organic ripe apples and is unfiltered and unpasteurized. It contains some of the ‘mother’ and is effective against dandruff. You’ll most likely find that this ACV is priced on the higher side. However, it contains high-quality apple cider vinegar. The premium price is somewhat justified, but there are better options in the market.
Overall, this ACV has a nice smell and works great for dandruff. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider other ACVs. Whichever apple cider vinegar you choose, make sure that it’s unpasteurized and organic like this one from Trader Joe’s.
| Sizes | Acidity | Quality | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | 5% | With ‘mother’ | Organic |
What’s Great:
- Certified organic and unpasteurized
- Manufactured in accordance to USDA guidelines
What’s Not So Great:
- Marketed as a premium product
How Can These Products Help With Dandruff?
All of the apple cider vinegars listed above are 100% organic so they are very safe to use for dandruff. Even when applied topically they shouldn’t irritate your scalp. In fact, it should have the opposite effect by soothing the irritation and inflammation, while relieving the itching sensation.
Additionally, natural apple cider vinegar is much better than the ACVs with additives or preservatives. As they aren’t mixed with potential irritants, scents or chemicals, you can be sure that these apple cider vinegar brands are gentle for your scalp.
As having previously mentioned, cider vinegar is anti-fungal, meaning that it can reduce or even kill the fungus that causes dandruff. It’s also anti-bacterial, so it minimizes the bacteria that can be found on the scalp.
There are of course other great uses for ACV, such as keeping your hair and scalp healthy. Moreover, it works great for dandruff and other hair or skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
I’ve been dealing with dandruff for over a decade and also suffer from the chronic skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Natural apple cider vinegar had been one of my most effective home remedies and it’s also very easy to prepare and apply to your scalp.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff?
You can use any of the apple cider vinegars reviewed above. I’ve tried and tested all of them and they work great for removing dandruff and soothing the inflammation and irritation on your scalp. However, if you plan to use your own ACV that you already have at home or prefer one that is not listed above, that’s completely fine and will most likely also work.
Preparing an apple cider vinegar home treatment is very easy and straightforward. Follow the steps below and try it for yourself!
Step 1 – Prepare Your Apple Cider Vinegar
The first thing that you need to do is to grab your apple cider vinegar of choice. My favorite pick is Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, as I’ve seen the best results with it so far. Whatever you choose, ensure that it’s a natural and organic ACV, as added preservatives of chemicals could reduce the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar when treating dandruff.
Now pour around 3 – 5 tablespoons of ACV into a bowl. You may want to only use 3 tablespoons if you have short hair, but feel free to use more if you have longer hair, as you want to spread it evenly across your hair and scalp.
You may want to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water, depending on how concentrated you want to have it. I usually use it undiluted. However, if I find myself using this home remedy fairly often, I aim for a 50-50 mixture, meaning 3 – 5 tablespoons of ACV to 3 – 5 tablespoons of water.
Step 2 – Wash Your Hair Thoroughly
The next important step that you need to follow is to wash your hair with a shampoo (preferably an anti-dandruff shampoo). The reason for this is that you want to get rid of the excess sebum on your scalp and hair. If you skip this step, the apple cider vinegar will not able to penetrate the oily layers.
So, make sure you shampoo your hair correctly and then rise your hair thoroughly with water.
Step 3 – Get Rid of the Excess Water
After you have rinsed your hair, get rid of the access water. If you don’t do this before applying ACV, it will run down your face and much of it may go to waste. You can use your fingers to gently wring out your hair so that your hair remains moist.
Step 4 – Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Immediately after this, apply the apple cider vinegar on your scalp and hair by using your hands, a dropper or cotton pads. I personally prefer using a dropper as I can easily control the amount of liquid that comes out. But either way, anything that suits your preference is fine.
Just make sure that you evenly distribute the ACV across your scalp and hair. Some people are sensitive to the smell but don’t worry. The process is fast and you will get used to the smell.
Step 5 – Let it Rest
Once it’s evenly distributed, I recommend leaving it in for around 8 – 10 minutes. This will allow the apple cider vinegar to do its magic on your scalp. If you feel that you aren’t achieving good results, you may want to let it rest slightly longer or use a more concentrated mixture.
Step 6 – Rinse with Water
Once it’s been soaking for about 8 – 10 minutes, it’s time to rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Do this by directly applying water to your scalp and hair and make sure that all the apple cider vinegar is removed. I don’t recommend that you use shampoo after using ACV, as it could leave your hair and scalp extremely dry.
You’re now done! Congratulations on your first apple cider vinegar home treatment. Keep this up for a few times and you will get rid of dandruff in no time.
Alternative Home Remedies with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very versatile and can be used in combination with other home remedies. You can try adding tea tree oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, squeezes lemons, baking soda, or even egg whites into your mixture when applying to your scalp.
You can also try to mix it up and test your own home remedies! Make sure that you use organic and natural products as these will have a soothing effect on your scalp, leaving it less irritated and inflamed. When using apple cider vinegar over a prolonged period of time, you will notice that your dandruff will go away due to it’s antifungal and antibacterial properties
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff Video Tutorial
There are many different ways to remove dandruff with apple cider vinegar. Take a look at this video tutorial to understand additional benefits and a visual tutorial on how to get rid of dandruff with ACV.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar works great against dandruff and can be easily used as a home treatment after using an anti-dandruff shampoo or even as a replacement. Finding the best apple cider vinegar isn’t all that easy since the market is crowded with many ACVs.
My go-to ACV has been Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar for several years now. I do rotate between a few different ACVs from time to time in order to get some variety in my routine.
The apple cider vinegar for dandruff reviews were written for people who want to learn more about the best apple cider vinegar brands on the market. I will be updating this list from time to time, upon reviewing more new products. I hope that these apple cider vinegar reviews help you in making an informed decision.