The juice from a lemon (Citrus limon, from theRutaceaefamily) has multiple benefits for your hair.
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How Does Lemon Juice Lighten Your Hair?
Citric acid, an organic compound found in citrus fruits like lemons, has a natural bleaching effect.
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Thats why lemon juice is also used in skin and freckle-lightening products.
Exposure to UV rays affects skin pigmentation by breaking down melanin in the hair shaft.
Focus on the parts you would most like to brighten up a few shades.
Then, spend an hour or two outside in natural sunlight.
Some prefer to squeeze lemon juice directly on their roots, which also works.
double-check you dont squirt it into your eyes!
Also, baking soda can upset the pH balance of your hair, leading to brittleness and split ends.
Is It Safe and Effective?
In combination with UV rays, lemon juice is effective as a hair lightener.
However, it tends to only work on naturally light shades, especially blond hair.
If your hair is darker, lemon juice may bring out brassy tones or do nothing at all.
The effects will also likely be subtle; dont expect extremely dramatic results.
In terms of safety, lemon juice does not pose many major risks.
This method is typically safe and effective, although it may be drying or irritating for some people.
However, frequent or prolonged sun exposure is not healthy for your hair.
Also, lemon juice will not give you dramatic lightening results.
Visit a hair care professional if youd like to consider other hair coloring options.
2020;9(1):119. doi:10.3390/plants9010119
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Coloring and perming tips for healthier-looking hair.
2021;13(12):2163. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13122163
