For generations, lemon juice has been touted as a natural way to lighten hair. But amidst the buzz, a crucial question arises: does lemon juice actually turn hair white? The answer, like many things in the world of beauty, isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s dive into the science behind lemon juice and its effect on hair color.
The Science Behind Lemon Juice and Hair Lightening
Lemon juice contains citric acid, a natural bleaching agent. This is the key ingredient that can gradually lighten hair, making it appear lighter in color. Citric acid works by chemically reducing your hair’s color pigment, known as melanin.
When you expose your hair to sunlight after applying lemon juice, the citric acid opens up the hair cuticles. This process strips away the first layer of hair color, resulting in a natural change in color. The sun naturally changes the melanin in hair, and the acid in lemon juice enhances that color change.
Will Lemon Juice Turn Your Hair White?
No, lemon juice will not turn your hair white. Instead, it lightens the hair. The lightening effects of lemon juice work best on lighter hair colors, such as blonde and light brown. If you have dark hair, the combination of lemon juice and sun exposure might cause little (if any) change. Your hair might even become slightly orange in color. Using lemon juice on your hair is a lightening process, not a whitening one.
How to Use Lemon Juice to Lighten Hair
If you’re looking to use lemon juice to lighten your hair, here’s how to do it:
- Dilute the lemon juice: Because lemon juice is acidic, it’s important to dilute it before applying it to your hair. Mix lemon juice with an equal amount of water.
- Apply to your hair: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it throughout your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten.
- Soak up the sun: After applying the lemon juice, sit in the sun for at least 30 minutes. The sun’s UV rays will help activate the citric acid and lighten your hair.
- Rinse and condition: After sun exposure, rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a deep conditioner. Lemon juice can be drying, so it’s important to replenish moisture.
Potential Drawbacks and Side Effects
While lemon juice can be a natural way to lighten hair, it’s not without potential drawbacks and side effects:
- Damage to hair: Lemon juice is loaded with citric acid that has a potential to peel off the keratin, a type of protein present in the hair and thus, lighten your hair colour. Using it in concentrated form can damage your hair strands because lemon juice is acidic.
- Dryness and frizz: Lemon juice can make your hair dry and frizzy. Frequent application of lemon juice can dry out your hair, make it frizzy and increase breakage.
- Uneven results: The lightening effects of lemon juice can be uneven, especially if you don’t apply it evenly or expose all of your hair to the sun.
- Not suitable for all hair colors: Lemon juice works best on light blonde to dark blonde hair. If you have dark brown or black hair, you may not see much of a difference.
Addressing the “Grey Hair” Myth
Some people believe that lemon juice can cause hair to turn grey. However, this is a myth. Lemon juice lightens hair by bleaching it, not by causing premature graying. Premature graying can be due to genetics, vitamin deficiency, and a few other medical conditions.
Alternatives to Lemon Juice for Hair Lightening
If you’re concerned about the potential drawbacks of using lemon juice, there are other natural alternatives you can try:
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has natural lightening properties. Steep chamomile tea, let it cool, and then use it as a hair rinse after shampooing.
- Honey: Honey contains trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which can lighten hair over time. Mix honey with water or conditioner and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for a few hours before rinsing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help lighten hair and remove buildup. Mix apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing.
Final Thoughts
While lemon juice can be a natural and effective way to lighten hair, it’s important to use it with caution. Dilute the lemon juice, protect your hair from overexposure, and always follow up with a deep conditioner. And remember, lemon juice will not turn your hair white, but rather lighten it.