is applying lemon on hair good - #23367
I am super curious about this whole lemon thing for hair care. A couple of weeks ago, I started noticing some dandruff and my scalp feels kinda itchy. I read online that applying lemon on hair good can help with that. I mean, I usually just use regular shampoo, but thought, why not try something more natural? So I squeezed some fresh lemon juice and applied it directly to my scalp. It felt okay, but I was a bit worried about how acidic it is. After a few hours, I washed it out, but I didn’t notice much change in the dandruff situation. Does applying lemon on hair good really work, or is it just a myth? Also, I’ve heard it can lighten hair, which I actually wouldn’t mind, but what if it damages my hair? I’m also trying to figure out how often I should do this lemon treatment. Is applying lemon on hair good too frequently bad? I really wanna fix my scalp issues, but don’t want to end up with dry, damaged hair instead! Would appreciate any advice or experiences you all might have! Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Applying lemon juice to the scalp can be a potential remedy for dandruff and itchiness due to its natural astringent and antimicrobial properties. However, it’s important to understand the limitations and potential downsides. Lemon juice is indeed acidic, which means it might help in reducing certain elements of itching or flaking caused by dandruff. However, depending on your skin’s sensitivity, the acidity could also lead to irritation or dryness if not diluted properly. This might exacerbate the problem if your scalp becomes too dry. Regarding its effect on lightening hair, the citric acid in lemon can cause lightening or bleaching in UV light, but repeated use might also damage hair cuticles and lead to dryness or brittleness. It’s not typically harmful to try a mild lemon rinse—diluting one part lemon juice with three to four parts water to mitigate risks—but don’t overdo it. Using this treatment once a week or less is probably safer, as too-frequent application could be harsh on both the scalp and hair. If after a few weeks your symptoms don’t improve, or if irritation worsens, it might be worth seeking medical advice. Warm oil treatments with coconut oil or using anti-dandruff shampoos containing ingredients like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole might also be beneficial alternatives to consider alongside consulting a dermatologist if your scalp issues continue or worsen.
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