Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Hair, Beauty, TikTok, Life Hacks
Britt Jones
There have been numerous trends on the internet showing us how to get the 'best' skin, hair and makeup - but one could end up costing you a lot more than you think.
If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you’ll know that the lemon juice hair 'hack' has gone viral.
According to those who swear by it, it can apparently help your locks go shades lighter and only comes with a price tag of a single lemon.
Those who have been partaking in the trend - typically over the summer months when the weather is warm - can be seen squeezing the juice on their hair before going out into the sun so it can lighten.
Advert
However, an expert has warned people against doing it, revealing the damage you could be doing to your hair and scalp.
Ian Turner, a hair stylist at Ripe Hair & Beauty, told Mind Food that he ‘strongly’ advises against it.
He explained: “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.
“Despite claims that it offers quick and natural highlights, I strongly advise against using lemon juice to lighten hair at all costs.”
The hair stylist went on to say that it’s the acidity of the lemon which can damage both your hair and scalp as well as potentially messing up your pH balance.
Ian added: “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.
“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.”
Even though it can make your hair look temporarily good, Ian claims that lemon juice can actually leave you with dull and dry locks in the long run. This is because citric acid can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Ian explained: “This is especially true during the warmer months when your hair will already be prone to dryness and frizz.
“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.”
And if you have wounds to your scalp, imaging pouring lemon into those?
Ouch.
So, not only can it damage your locks, but it can literally cause you pain - all in all, it's just not worth it.