If you are on TikTok, you will know that squeezing lemon juice onto your hair before going out into the sun to lighten it has become a popular trend. It’s an approach that’s been around for decades, but not for good reason.
Having lighter hair using natural products may sound appealing, but it is not worth damaging your locks and scalp.
Ian Turner, a hair stylist working with Ripe Hair & Beauty, has warned that the practice could be doing a lot more harm than good.
“The lemon juice trick is nothing new but has been gaining popularity again on TikTok in recent months as we come into the summer holiday season,” Ian begins. “Despite claims that it offers quick and natural highlights, I strongly advise against using lemon juice to lighten hair at all costs.”
The expert explains that the acidity of the lemon can damage not only your hair, but also your scalp.
“This is because it has an extremely high acidity with a pH of around 2. The natural pH of the scalp and hair typically ranges between 4.5 and 5.5,” he continues. “This highly acidic nature can disrupt the natural pH balance of your scalp and hair, and can strip away the protective layer of hair strands, leading to dry, brittle, and damaged hair. This makes the hair more susceptible to breakage.”
Ian notes that this trick can leave your hair looking and feeling dull and dry because the citric acid depletes your locks of their natural oils.
“This is especially true during the warmer months when your hair will already be prone to dryness and frizz,” the stylist states. “In addition, if the juice gets on your scalp, it could cause irritation, redness, and flakiness. In severe cases, it could even lead to small wounds or abrasions that may take up to a month to fully heal.”
