Dandruff and hair fall are two of the most common issues everyone faces. Tons of advertisements for shampoos and hair treatments have claimed to keep your scalp dandruff free. Tired of using these expensive chemicals? What about a home remedy? Try using lemon for dandruff.
If you’re wondering, is lemon good for treating dandruff, you have to know what dandruff actually is. The flaky white powder you see as dandruff is dried and chipped portions of your scalp. Dandruff is a condition that is caused by excess fungal activity on sebum (the oily secretions from our scalp).
Let's find out how to use lemon for dandruff treatment and its possible side effects.
What Causes Dandruff?
The majority of dandruff cases are caused due to the excessive presence of Malassezia. This yeast-like fungus feeds excessively on sebum and dead skin cells on the scalp, resulting in skin drying and irritation.
Allergens and irritants are present in hair products. Sensitivity to them causes inflammation of the scalp, resulting in a red, itchy, and scaly rash called contact dermatitis.
Other causes of dandruff are:
- Skin types — oily or dry
- Certain skin conditions, like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis
- Irregular shampooing
Can We Apply Lemon on Hair for Dandruff?
Promoters of natural dandruff treatment propose that lemons offer the following benefits:
- They maintain hair and skin health being rich in nutrients like vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoid, and iron
- They retain the pH balance of the scalp to ward off dandruff
- Vitamin C nourishes hair follicles as well as repairs damaged skin cells through collagen production
- Buildup and scalp flakes are prevented by removing excess oils on the scalp
Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of lemon juice for dandruff treatment, despite these many advantages.
How to Use Lemon for Dandruff?
You can try the following home remedies to use lemon to treat dandruff:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon
Add 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on the scalp completely by making thin partitions and using a cotton ball. Wait for 20 minutes and wash it off. Follow this routine twice a week.
2. Almond Oil and Lemon Juice
Mildly warm 3-4 tablespoons of almond oil on an indirect heat source, and then add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Massage the mixture onto your scalp. Rinse your hair after 15-30 minutes with a mild shampoo. For effective dandruff removal, use this at least 2-4 times a week. Instead of almond oil, you can also use coconut oil, olive oil or mustard oil.
3. Aloe Vera and Lemon
Combine 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Massage the mixture on your scalp and wash your hair with a shampoo after 10-15 minutes. Repeat twice per week.
4. Amla and Lemon
Mix 2 tablespoons of amla juice and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply the concoction and rinse off after 30 minutes. Use this once every 3 to 4 days.
5. Yogurt and Lemon
Take 2 tablespoons of yogurt (curd), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Wash the solution off your scalp after waiting for 20 minutes. Apply it 2-3 times a week.
6. Egg and Lemon
Whip 1 egg, and mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice thoroughly with it. Apply the mix, and let it dry for 30 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo. Prepare this egg hair mask once a week.
7. Honey and Lemon
Take 2 tablespoons of lemon juice together with 4 tablespoons of honey. Add some water, if required. Keep the mixture on your hair for 10-12 minutes, and then wash off with shampoo. Do it once every 4-5 days.
Lemon Juice for Dandruff
As a pre-shampoo routine, massage your scalp with one tbsp of lemon juice diluted with a quarter glass of water every day. Leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse off with a mild shampoo. Do it consistently for at least 4 weeks. You will see wonders, proving lemon is good for dandruff treatment.
How to Use Tea and Lemon for Dandruff Treatment?
Brew 2 tablespoons of tea powder in 1/2 cup of water to prepare a thick and consistent tea. Strain the decoction, and add one tablespoon of lemon juice to it. Apply the warm mixture on your scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with water. Repeat this routine twice a week.
Lemon for Dandruff Side Effects
There are many advantages of using lemon for dandruff treatment, but are there any side effects? If you are experiencing any of the following potential side effects, stop using lemon for dandruff treatment; if the issue persists, consult a doctor.
- Burning
- Stinging
- Redness
- Dryness, causing hair to be brittle
- Increased dandruff
Summing Up on Lemon for Dandruff
Now you know several effective, inexpensive and safe ways to treat dandruff using lemon. It restores and prevents itchiness, greasiness, and dryness by balancing the scalp’s sebum levels.
To prevent dandruff in the long run, oil your scalp regularly with any carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Also, protect your hair from the harsh pollutants in the environment. Follow simple remedies, tips and precautions to keep dandruff at bay.
FAQs
Can Lemon Remove Dandruff Permanently?
Yes, regular application of lemon can help remove dandruff. The citric acid and effective antimicrobial properties in lemon help eradicate dandruff at the root level by stopping the fungal activity on your scalp.
Does Lemon Turn Hair White?
Scientists argue that direct application of lemon juice (a high concentration of citric acid) on your hair can damage keratin (a protein present in hair) and lighten your hair colour. So, use the diluted form instead of directly applying it to hair.
Can I Apply Lemon on Hair Daily?
Yes, dilute lemon with other ingredients or water as per the specifications and rinse it off thoroughly as a direct application can cause skin irritation.
References
- Mayo Clinic, Dandruff - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
- AAD, HOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF - https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-dandruff
- Charles W. Saunders, June 2012; Malassezia Fungi Are Specialized to Live on Skin and Associated with Dandruff, Eczema, and Other Skin Diseases - https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1002701
