4 Proven Lemon Benefits for Hair

Overview

When we look at our mom’s and grandmother’s younger photos, we tend to envy them owing to their long and silky hair texture hair.

We share their genes but do not have hair like our ancestors. The major reason for hair damage is pollution. Our lifestyle can also be stressful, leading to hair loss and other problems.

We have a handy solution for such problems and can reverse our damaged hair with this simple ingredient. Lemon is a common kitchen ingredient and can be used beyond for lemon rice and juices.

Lemon for hair benefits

Lemon, when used for hair, can have various benefits and some of the common benefits are discussed below.

Hair lightening

Lemon can be used as a natural hair lightener, and research states that citric acid in lemon can be used as a natural bleach. Citric acid whitens hair by reducing the pigment called melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment which gives the hair a natural black colour.

Research also states that the bleaching process will accelerate when exposed to direct sunlight. The lightening effect of lemon works best on light hair colours like blonde and light brown. However, the effect can be seen in black and dark brown coloured hair.

To lighten hair with lemon, follow these methods.

• Squeeze some fresh lemon juice and dilute with water. Rinse your hair with this water.
• Mix a few drops of lemon essential oil with a carrier oil. Dilute the oil mixture and apply it to your hair.
• Crush a few vitamin C tablets and add it to your shampoo. This will help with gradual lightening.

Irrespective of the method, when you see in sunlight, you will be able to see the lemon-induced naturally lightened hair.

Reduced oil and dandruff

Lemon can address the root of your hair problems and can treat problems related to dandruff and oily hair.

Apply some lemon juice and massage thoroughly into your scalp. It will also help with dandruff problems and reduce dandruff flakes.

Shinier hair

Lemon application to your hair will give it a shinier texture, especially when exposed to the sun. Add a few drops of lemon juice to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and rinse it with your usual shampoo.

Also, apply conditioner and rinse thoroughly. You will get shiner hair.

Mask for hair

Lemon hair mash can help with hair growth. It also helps fight dandruff and reduces flake deposition.

Plain Lemon Juice Mask

A plain lemon juice mask is easy to prepare. If you do not have time to prepare a hair mask, this simple ingredient can help with hair growth.

• Take 1 or 2 lemons and squeeze the juice.
• Dilute the juice with water and apply it to your scalp.
• Massage lightly and keep it for a few minutes.
• Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
• Fresh lemon contains bleaching properties, so make sure you wash it within 10 minutes.

Lemon is rich in vitamin C and other vital nutrients. It also contains anti-fungal properties, which reduce dandruff and helps with hair growth.

Coconut Oil, Curry Leaves and Lemon Juice Mask

Curry leaves, coconut oil and lemon, can be effective for hair growth. It is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin B6 and proteins, which enhance hair growth and improve texture.

These ingredients also protect the scalp from infection and promote a health scalp and hair roots. Coconut oil can be effective for hair growth and healthier hair.

• Take two springs of curry leaves and crush them well.
• Add coconut oil and lemon juice to the paste and mix well.
• Apply it on your scalp and wash it after 15-20 minutes.

Lemon and Honey Hair Mask

Lemon and honey can be a good hair mask. It helps nourish your hair and also repairs damaged hair. These ingredients also contain antibacterial and antiseptic properties that keep your scalp healthy.

• Mix honey and lemon juice.
• You can add essential oil (optional).
• To the mixture, add olive oil and mix well.
• Apply it to your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Honey acts as a natural conditioner. So you can avoid the use of conditioner.

Lemon and aloe-vera gel mask

Aloe vera can be excellent for your hair as it contains vitamins like A, B, C, E and folic acid. These nutrients nourish your hair and give the hair a natural shine. When aloe vera is used with lemon, it treats scalp infections and dandruff.

• Take one tablespoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of aloe vera. Mix well.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it for about 20 minutes.
• Wash with lukewarm water.

Side effects of lemon

Lemon may contain many good effects when used on the skin. However, when used on hair, it can lead to certain side effects.

May irritate skin

Lemon can treat dandruff and dry skin. However, people with eczema and psoriasis should be cautious. Lemons contain citric acid, which can lead to skin irritation. Stop using lemons if you experience any redness, itchiness and skin irritation.

May cause a contact reaction

Contact reactions occur when certain people are allergic to plants and their compounds. When exposed to direct sunlight, it can lead to pigmentation and blisters.

These blisters and pigmentation can last up to many weeks. Lemons, oranges and other citric fruits can cause this reaction. It will not affect your hair. However, it can affect your scalp when exposed to sunlight.

Do a patch test

Doing a skin patch test is the best way to avoid irritation and other side effects. Apply some amount of lemon juice on your bare skin. Choose skin areas like the inside of your elbow or that cannot be noticed easily.

If there is no reaction, then your skin is not sensitive to lemon. However, when exposed to sunlight, the skin can become sensitive. So consider applying sunscreen to the patch-tested area.

After using lemon on your scalp, consider using conditioners with zinc oxide. This might help protect your hair colour and the scalp from the sun’s rays.

Consuming lemon juice improves hair health

Lemon is rich in soluble fibre, vitamin C and other plant compounds that can benefit our overall health.

Consuming lemon juice provides the following health benefits.

• Aids weight loss
• Reduces the risk of kidney stones and heart diseases
• Prevents anaemia
• Treats digestive issues

Conclusion

Lemons contain citric acid that helps lighten hair naturally. It also gives a natural shine to the hair. Additionally, lemon can prevent fungal infection and protects the scalp from other infections.

However, direct application of lemon on the scalp can have certain side effects. Doing a patch test before using it on your skin is recommended. Consult your dermatologist if you have any adverse effects.

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