If you’re looking to brighten your hair color without a trip to the salon, lemon juice might be your secret weapon. This natural method can give your hair a lighter, sun-kissed look using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why Lemon Juice?
Lemon juice contains citric acid, a natural bleaching agent also used to whiten fabrics and lighten dark spots on the skin. When combined with sun exposure, citric acid can lighten your hair by opening the hair cuticles and stripping away a layer of color. Keep in mind that this method works best on naturally light hair, such as blonde to dark blonde shades. Darker hair may see little to no change or even develop a slightly orange tint.
What You’ll Need
- Lemons
- Warm water
- Spray bottle
- Deep conditioner
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the solution: Squeeze the juice from fresh lemons into a spray bottle and add water. A general ratio is two parts water to one part lemon juice.
- Apply to hair: Wet your hair and spray the lemon juice mixture throughout, focusing on the sections you want to lighten.
- Activate with sunshine: Sit in the sun for 1 to 2 hours to allow the lemon juice to work its magic. Make sure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays!
- Rinse and condition: Wash the lemon juice out of your hair thoroughly. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and shine, as lemon juice can be drying.
Other Benefits of Lemon Juice for Hair
Besides lightening, lemon juice may offer other benefits for your hair and scalp:
- Reduce scalp issues: Lemon juice’s acidity can help balance your scalp’s pH, potentially reducing itchiness, dryness, and flaking.
- Treat seborrheic dermatitis: The antifungal properties of lemons may help manage seborrheic dermatitis, a cause of dandruff.
- Control oil: Lemon juice may reduce excessive oil secretion on the scalp.
- Strengthen hair: Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which can strengthen hair and encourage growth when ingested.
To potentially attain these benefits, mix one part lemon juice with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your scalp and hair, massage it in, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing, shampooing, and conditioning. This can be done up to twice a week.
Important Considerations
- Drying effects: Lemon juice can dry out your hair and scalp due to its acidity, potentially leading to frizz, breakage, and irritation.
- Moderation is key: To minimize damage, use lemon juice sparingly for lightening, with breaks of 3 to 4 weeks between sessions.
- Deep condition: Always deep condition your hair after rinsing out the lemon juice to help restore moisture and repair any damage.
- Light hair only: Citric acid works best on naturally light hair. Darker hair may turn orange, and lemon juice can also tarnish colored hair.
While lemon juice offers a natural and cost-effective way to lighten hair, it’s essential to use it carefully to avoid potential damage. With the right precautions, you can achieve a sun-kissed look without harsh chemicals.