There are tons of trends on the internet showcasing how to get the “best” skin, hair, and makeup, but they can all end up costing a lot more than you think.
If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ll know that lemon juice hair “hacks” have been going viral.
Users say it’s effective at lightening hair color and costs just the price of one lemon.
Those taking part in the trend are typically seen during the summer months when the weather is warmer, squeezing the juice into their hair to lighten it before stepping out into the sun.
However, experts have revealed that it can be damaging to your hair and scalp and have warned against doing so.
People put lemon juice in their hair to lighten it. (Getty Stock Image)
Hairstylist Ian Turner of Ripe Hair & Beauty told Mindfood he “strongly” doesn’t recommend it.
He explained: “The lemon juice trick is nothing new, but it has become popular again on TikTok in the last few months ahead of the summer holiday season.”
“Although it claims to give you quick, natural highlights, I definitely don’t recommend using lemon juice to lighten your hair.”
The hairstylist also said that the acidity in lemons can damage both your hair and scalp, upsetting your pH balance.
Ian adds: “This is because it has a very acidic pH of around 2. The natural pH of your scalp and hair is usually in the range of 4.5 to 5.5.”
“Its highly acidic nature disrupts the natural pH balance of your scalp and hair, stripping away the hair’s protective layer and leading to dry, brittle and damaged hair, which can make it more susceptible to breakage.”
Although lemon juice may make your hair look beautiful in the short term, Ian claims that in the long term it can make your hair dull and dry – this is because the citric acid strips your hair of its natural oils.
It’s best to avoid the lemon juice trend. (Getty Stock Image)
Ian explains: “This is especially true in the warmer months when hair is already prone to dryness and frizz.
“Furthermore, if the juice comes into contact with the scalp, it can cause irritation, redness and dandruff. In severe cases, it can lead to small cuts and abrasions that can take up to a month to heal completely.”
If you have a wound on your scalp, imagine pouring lemon on it.
it hurts.
So overall, it’s not worth doing, as it can not only damage your hair but also literally cause pain.
