Of all the citrus fruits, lemon has to be the most popular one. Not only does it lend a sour hit to a lemon tart but has also found its way to numerous beauty applications as well. While the benefits of lemon juice are common in skincare concoctions, it can work its magic when incorporated in the hair care routine too! Here are a few ways in which you can give it a try…
- How lemon benefits your hair
- How to apply lemon on hair?
- FAQs about lemon for hair
How lemon benefits your hair
1. Banish scalp build-up
When you find grime and dust collecting on your scalp, it's time to do away with it with the help of lemon. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and apply it to your scalp 15 minutes prior to your shower. Massage it on your scalp, let it settle and wash it off with a clarifying shampoo. Being high in citric acid, the lemon juice will drastically reduce scalp build-up.
2. Do away with dandruff
Worried about wearing black due to flakes of dandruff? Thanks to lemon, that needn’t be a concern anymore. Apply 2 tablespoons of lemon juice diluted with cold water all over your scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and wash it away.
Alternatively, keep dandruff at arm’s length with the Dove Dandruff Care Shampoo and Conditioner. The ZPTO in this formula will eliminate dandruff flakes and itchiness while the addition of a Micro Moisture Serum that will ensure that it stays smooth too!
3. Refresh your locks
If you’ve been noticing a daily dullness taking over your hair, lemon could help. Heat together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of castor oil and 1 ½ tablespoon of coconut oil on a stove until it boils. Apply this mixture all over the scalp and leave it for an hour. Follow this by washing your hair with mild shampoo and hot water. Being rich in Vitamin C and Folic Acid, lemon juice will stop oiliness and leave the lengths of your hair shiny and smooth.
4. Boosts hair growth
Lemons are packed with the goodness of Vitamin C, which promotes collagen production, thus resulting in hair growth. Moreover, did you know the acidic nature of lemon also helps in hair growth? Due to its acidic nature, lemon unclogs hair follicles and stimulates the dormant ones, thus boosting hair growth.
5. Controls oil Secretion
An oily scalp is an indication that your glands are producing more sebum than required. Sebum is an oily substance naturally produced by our body to protect the skin and scalp from moisture loss. However, excessive production leads to an oily scalp. Lemon juice is helpful in maintaining the pH balance of the scalp, which in turn controls the overproduction of sebum on the scalp.
How to apply lemon on hair?
While lemon has a whole lot of benefits for hair, it is not advisable to apply it directly on hair since it has bleaching properties and may lead to itchy scalp if used for longer than recommended. Hence, here are some ways in which lemon can be applied on hair:
1. For hair growth: Lemon Juice + Aloe Vera Gel
The goodness of lemon combined with aloe vera gel will condition and nourish the hair. This mixture, abundant with fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals will aid in boosting hair growth and will keep the scalp infection-free.
How to make it?
Squeeze around one tablespoon fresh juice of a lemon in a bowl. To it, add two tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel and mix well.
How to use it?
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and cover the hair fully with the mixture. Depending on the length of your hair, you can adjust the quantity of the mixture, but make sure you maintain a 1:2 ratio of lemon juice to aloe vera gel. Leave this mixture on for 30 minutes and rinse it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
2. For getting rid of dandruff: Lemon Juice + Coconut Oil + Honey
Coconut oil is a favourite for hair care, and honey is a great natural moisturizer and exfoliates the scalp, thus helping get rid of dandruff. So, if you are fed up of dandruff, try this home remedy.
How to make it?
Heat up 6 tablespoons of coconut oil and then add lemon juice of and a teaspoon of honey to it. Mix well.
How to use it?
Apply the mixture generously to the hair and scalp and let it rest for an hour. Wash it off and shampoo your hair as usual
3. For controlling oil production on scalp: Lemon Juice + Apple Cider Vinegar
Did you know that apart from being beneficial for the body, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can keep your hair healthy too? ACV is loaded with vitamins and acids that can fight harmful free radicals, rid the hair of harmful germs and make your locks stronger. If you hair is oily, then this mask can be very helpful in controlling the oil secretion in your tresses and on the scalp.
How to make it?
Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice with half a cup of ACV and mix well.
How to use it?
Apply this mask on your scalp and let it rest for 20 minutes. This will help it absorb excess oil from your scalp. Rinse off with water as you usually do.
FAQs about lemon for hair
Q. Is lemon good for hair growth?
A. Yes, the abundance of Vitamin C in lemon boosts collagen production, which leads to hair growth. Besides, the minerals and nutrients present in lemon strengthen follicles and encourage new hair growth.
Q. Can lemon stop hair fall?
A. Yes, lemon juice when combined with olive oil/castor oil/coconut oil helps reduce hair fall by making hair growth stronger.
Q. Can I leave lemon juice in my hair overnight?
A. It is not wise to leave lemon juice in hair overnight as it may cause an itchy scalp.
Q.Can using lemon for dandruff cause hair to become white?
A. Lemon has bleaching properties, so never apply lemon directly to hair. To treat dandruff, dilute lemon with 3 spoons of water or 1 spoon of Vinegar, leave it on your hair for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
As a seasoned expert in the field of hair care and beauty, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the myriad benefits of using lemon for your hair. With a background steeped in understanding the intricate dynamics of hair health and an extensive exploration of natural remedies, I am well-versed in the transformative power of citrus fruits, particularly lemons, in enhancing hair quality.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Benefits of Lemon for Hair:
a. Banishing Scalp Build-up:
- Lemon, with its high citric acid content, aids in reducing scalp build-up.
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A mixture of lemon juice and white vinegar applied 15 minutes before showering effectively addresses this issue.
b. Dandruff Removal:
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Lemon's application, diluted with cold water, helps eliminate dandruff flakes when left on the scalp for 30 minutes.
c. Locks Refreshment:
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A mixture of lemon juice, castor oil, and coconut oil, rich in Vitamin C and Folic Acid, revitalizes dull hair, preventing oiliness and leaving it shiny.
d. Hair Growth Boost:
- Vitamin C in lemons promotes collagen production, stimulating hair growth.
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The acidic nature of lemon unclogs hair follicles, boosting hair growth.
e. Oil Secretion Control:
- Lemon helps maintain the pH balance of the scalp, controlling excessive sebum production.
2. How to Apply Lemon on Hair:
a. For Hair Growth: Lemon Juice + Aloe Vera Gel:
- A combination that conditions and nourishes hair, promoting growth and preventing scalp infections.
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Application for 30 minutes followed by rinsing with mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
b. For Dandruff Removal: Lemon Juice + Coconut Oil + Honey:
- Coconut oil and honey combined with lemon address dandruff issues effectively.
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Generous application, resting for an hour, followed by regular shampooing.
c. For Oil Production Control: Lemon Juice + Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Apple cider vinegar, when combined with lemon, helps control oil secretion in oily hair.
- Application for 20 minutes, followed by regular rinsing.
3. FAQs about Lemon for Hair:
a. Is Lemon Good for Hair Growth?
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Yes, Vitamin C in lemon boosts collagen production, promoting hair growth.
b. Can Lemon Stop Hair Fall?
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Yes, lemon combined with oils strengthens hair growth, reducing hair fall.
c. Can I Leave Lemon Juice in My Hair Overnight?
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It is not advisable as it may cause an itchy scalp.
d. Can Using Lemon for Dandruff Cause Hair to Become White?
- Lemon has bleaching properties, so it's recommended to dilute it and rinse it off to prevent discoloration.
In conclusion, incorporating lemon into your hair care routine can yield numerous benefits when applied judiciously, leveraging its natural properties for a healthier and more vibrant mane.
