What are the Remedies for Dry Scalp Using Vinegar?

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Vinegar can be used as a treatment for dry scalps. According to the book, "1,801 Home Remedies," the acid in vinegar can strip away shampoo and styling-product residue that can dry out your skin and leave it itchy. Its antibacterial properties can also kill bacteria that cause dry, flaky dandruff. Though it is a popular folk remedy, many doctors do not recognize vinegar as a treatment for severe dry scalps.

Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner

Though there are quite a few different hair potions you can make with vinegar, "1,801 Home Remedies" suggests using straight apple cider vinegar as a rinse for a dry scalp. Simply keep a jug of apple cider vinegar in the shower and pour about 1/4 cup of it over your head after you have shampooed and rinsed your hair. Massage it into your scalp with your fingertips, then get out of the shower without rinsing the vinegar from your hair. Repeat the treatment once a week for best results.

Vinegar Rinse

For a less potent vinegar rinse that you can use daily, the book "Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar" recommends making a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and pour it over your hair after you shampoo and rinse. Do not rinse the vinegar solution from your hair. Because the solution is diluted, this vinegar rinse won't smell quite as strongly. The book's author also says that, in addition to preventing dandruff and dry scalp, this rinse will also leave your hair shiny.

Herbal Rinse

Rosemary Gladstar, author of "Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health," offers a recipe for a more complex vinegar rinse that has the added power of herbs. For a dry scalp, Gladstar suggests that you fill a quart-sized jar halfway with one part dried calendula flower, 1 part dried marshmallow root and 1 part dried nettle leaf. Completely cover the herbs with wine vinegar, then screw on the lid and let the vinegar infuse in a warm spot for about a month. Agitate the mixture daily to make sure that it's well steeped. Strain the mixture, add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil and store it in the shower. To use the rinse, mix 1/2 cup of the vinegar solution with 3 cups of water. Pour the rinse over your head after you shampoo and rinse your hair, then wash it out with cold water.