As the weather gets warmer, you should explore lighter hair coloring. Salons can be costly and also lengthy and time-consuming. Applying citrus juice to your hair would be much easier and less expensive than relaxing on the patio. Doing this while you work on your computer or read an ebook is possible. Do you want to multitask? Yes, please.
While this lemon juice method has been used for some time, the renewed interest could result from the current interest in natural skin and hair maintenance remedies. We’ll discuss whether or not this trick works, whether it’s an option to use instead of at-home or in-salon color treatments, and what you can do to maintain your hair after using the lemon juice method or other traditional dye.
Will Lemon Juice Lighten Your Hair?
It’s possible. “Lemon juice can alter the tone of your hair because of the reaction that occurs when it’s exposed to UV rays,” claims Meg Schipani, an expert hair color specialist based in Los Angeles and a Colorproof Ambassador.
The way that hair color changes when exposed to sunlight is due to damage from UV rays, by studies. It’s more likely when you have hair that is lighter in the first place. If you’ve ever been a twisted child, you can recall how blond and sun-colored your hair turned during summertime.
For the best results, what’s required is sun plus lemon juice. “[Lemon juice] intensifies the effect that the sun naturally has on the hair,” Schipani says. Acids from lemon break the hair’s cuticle, allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate further.
According to Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, the acids in lemon juice alone can do this in theory. However, this is an inefficient method of getting rid of hair tan: It requires a lot of time and results in mediocre results, she claims.
Is It Safe and Effective?
There’s no evidence available to support the benefits or security of using lemon juice as a lightener for your hair. Except for a few sporadic cases that ultraviolet and lemon juice are typically safe; however, you might not achieve the appearance you’re hoping for, and it’s not the most healthy option. “The problem is unpredictable results,” says Dr. Liu. “Naturally, this is how it is done. The process eliminates the protective layer on the hair and allows an alternative color to show through.”
If you have hair that is darker, lemon juice and sunshine likely won’t give you the ideal shade. If your hair is already highlighting and you’re attempting to enhance the look with lemon juice? You could end up with the look of brass, Liu says. Liu.
Schipani agrees: “Naturally light blond is the only starting base that would likely experience the brightening effect that’s desired,” she states. You will likely notice little change or notice that brassy look Liu mentions.
As per studies, UV rays can also alter hair’s structure, which could cause dryness and breakage. If your hair has already been dyed, UV rays could result in the hair’s color, fade which means you could be doing your hair worse harm than benefit. The combination of lemon juice’s acid and UV rays can result in dried, dull, and brittle hair, claims Schipani.
Is Natural Better When It Comes to Hair Color?
One reason lemon juice could be attractive is it’s a juice from a fruit which makes it appear like the most natural choice. If you’re worried about the dangers of hair dyes that are used regularly, take note of this American Cancer Society‘s assertion, which states that “most studies have not found a strong link between hair dye use and cancer, but more research is needed.”
Additionally to that, also, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that a tiny amount of the chemicals in hair dyes are absorbed into your scalp. Experts are now giving the green light for dyeing hair while pregnant. (Always consult your OB-GYN for specific advice, however.)
According to Liu, everything is made of chemicals, and lemon juice can only sometimes eliminate the problem. “The compounds in lemon juice are also chemicals,” Liu says, noting that natural ingredients can trigger more issues than synthetic ingredients. As an October 2019 article published in JAMA Dermatology stated, “Natural is a marketing term that does not necessarily mean safer or more effective.” Natural products usually contain botanical extracts, which can cause irritation as well as allergic skin reactions and reactions triggered by sun exposure, as the study’s authors wrote.
A particular example? Past research found that the combination of some citrus juices, including lemon, and UV exposure from the sun can cause phytophotodermatitis. It is commonly described as “margarita dermatitis” for its tendency to manifest on hands after a beverage is boozy, citrusy, and spilled.
How to Lighten Your Hair Safely
To reduce your hair’s volume, follow these four steps safely and efficiently.
Go to a Pro (or Bring a Box Home)
Liu has yet to learn if you’re looking for natural methods to reduce your hair’s volume. “I don’t recommend playing chemist at home, especially since there are lots of available and relatively affordable coloring products in drugstores,” she explains. Ultimately, it’s better to use a coloring kit at home or visit the salon.
The advantage of having an experienced stylist and colorist shade your hair is that they know what they’re doing and can also guide you on the best shade or product suitable for your hair’s specific texture, color, and condition.
Less Is More
When working with an at-home coloring kit and using a coloring kit at home, The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends more subtle modifications. AAD recommends purchasing an appropriate color close to three shades of your typical hue instead of going all blond if you’re a natural brunette with a dark shade (or in reverse). Any more drastic changes will cause more damage, which a professional best does to ensure the most secure and predictable outcomes.
Furthermore, color correction, a DIY job, typically takes longer and costs more than if it was done in a salon initially. This also means additional processing on hair that’s already compromised, Schipani says. Schipani.
Watch for Reactions
Hair dyes can trigger the development of an allergy on your skin, so if you notice an outbreak of rash, swelling, redness or itching, or burning, it is recommended that you stop dyeing your hair. AAD suggests that you stop coloring your hair. You should consult an experienced dermatologist who is board certified to determine if you are allergic to the dye (or the specific ingredient).
Care for Your Color
Special shampoos and conditioners, along with other products, such as hair masks designed specifically for hair with color, help maintain your hair’s color and improve good health by replenishing the strength and moisture, according to Schipani.
The Bottom Line: Stick With Professional Hair Lightening Methods
If you’re not naturally light blonde hair, lemon juice (plus the sun) could result in unsatisfactory or indifferent results and not the sun-kissed beachy style you’re hoping for. Most of the time, it’s better to seek out a professional for help or opt for a professional home product. “I haven’t heard or seen of any customers using lemon juice for lightening. I believe that’s because professionals have a greater profile on social networks platforms and are sharing informative videos on the dangers of various methods for at-home lightening,” Schipani says.