is lemon juice good for hair - #22946
I am dealing with some serious hair issues right now and just found myself wondering, is lemon juice good for hair? You see, for the last few months, my scalp has been super oily, and my hair feels kinda lifeless. I’ve tried a bunch of different shampoos, but nothing really seems to help. A friend of mine mentioned that lemon juice might be a natural remedy for oily hair, and I thought, why not give it a shot? But then I started Googling and got super confused! Some sites say it’s great because it could help balance oily scalp and even add shine, but then others warn it can be harsh and dry out your hair! I used lemon juice in a DIY mask the other day, and while it smelled nice, my hair felt kinda stiff afterward. I’m worried about how often I can use it. Is lemon juice good for hair really or should I be avoiding it all together? Also, is there a good way to use it without frying my strands? Any tips or experiences would be really helpful!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Lemon juice does have some properties that can be beneficial for oily hair, primarily due to its acidic nature, which may help regulate the oil production on your scalp. The natural astringent effect of lemon juice can help to decrease excess oil and give the hair a cleaner feel. However, lemon juice is also quite potent and acidic, which means it can be harsh on hair, potentially leading to dryness or irritation if used excessively. It’s important to apply it diluted, usually mixed with water, to reduce the risk of damage. If you choose to incorporate lemon juice into your hair care routine, doing so once a week might be a practical approach to avoid over-drying.
However, it’s essential to monitor how your skin reacts since a sensitive scalp could respond unfavorably. If you experience any irritation or increased scalp dryness, it would be best to discontinue use. Additionally, it’s wise to avoid sun exposure immediately after applying lemon juice as it can cause lightening of the hair or photo sensitivity leading to irritation. Considering your symptoms of oily scalp and lifeless hair, while lemon juice could provide temporary relief from greasiness, it won’t address broader issues that might be causing your hair problems, like diet, hormonal imbalances, or stress.
In addition to cautiously trying lemon juice, focusing on a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids and keeping hydrated might support overall scalp and hair health. If you’ve tried several solutions without success, it could be valuable to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist for a personalized plan. They can help identify the underlying cause, which might be more complex, such as seborrheic dermatitis or hormonal changes. If scalp irritation persists or worsens, it is advisable to get a professional medical opinion.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.