can i apply lemon on hair - #22569
I am really confused about whether I can apply lemon on hair or not. Like, my friend swears by it, says it worked wonders for her scalp, but I just don’t know... I've been struggling with some dandruff and my hair feels kinda greasy, ugh. Last week, I tried this DIY mask with coconut oil and honey which my cousin recommended but didn’t really do much for me. Then, in a random YouTube video, they mentioned how lemon can help with oily hair and flakiness. It just got me thinking, like can I apply lemon on hair safely? I mean, someone told me that lemon can dry out the scalp if left for too long, which sounds scary. Are there any specific ways I should do this or risks I should be worried about? Also, is there any reason I should avoid lemon if I color my hair? I'm just trying to find a natural solution and don’t wanna mess my hair up even more. Anyone has experience with this? Can I apply lemon on hair once a week or more often? Any insights on how to combine it with other things or if it should be used on wet or dry hair would also help!! Thanks a lot!
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Doctors' responses
Yes, you can apply lemon on your hair, but with a few caveats to keep in mind. Lemon juice is acidic, which can help remove excess oil and reduce dandruff to some extent, due to its natural astringent properties. However, the acidity can also dry out your scalp if used too much or left on too long, which could make matters worse if you’re already dealing with dryness. It’s best to dilute lemon juice with water before applying it to your hair. To do this, mix the juice of half a lemon with equal parts water. You can apply this solution to your scalp, let it sit for around 5-10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Especially if you have concerns about dryness, start by using it once a week and observe how your scalp responds before considering increasing the frequency. If you have colored hair, be cautious. Lemon juice can lighten the hair due to its bleaching effect when exposed to sunlight. It might not be the best option if you wish to maintain your current hair color. Consider doing a patch test on a small lock of hair before applying more broadly. Combining lemon juice with a hair-friendly oil, like coconut oil, could potentially counteract the drying effect, offering some added moisture to your scalp. Apply a coconut oil-lemon mixture to dry hair, ensuring even distribution, and leave it for only a short period before washing it out. As with any remedy, monitor how your scalp and hair feel after the application. If irritating signs persist, it may be best to seek other dandruff solutions that are less likely to alter your scalp’s natural balance.
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