Lemon for Dandruff: Simple Ways to Use it at Home

Nutritional Profile of Lemon for Dandruff

Lemon, which is known for having a high content of vitamin C, is packed with several other nutrients that are beneficial for your hair health. Here is a table explaining the nutrient profile of lemons and their role in addressing dandruff. [1]

Is Lemon Good For Dandruff?

Yes, lemon is an excellent ingredient that can help fight against fungi or bacteria on your scalp. Being a good source of citric acid, lemon helps clean your scalp and controls oil production.

Why Lemon Works For Dandruff?

Now that you have an answer to your question about whether lemons are good for dandruff, it is time to learn how they benefit your scalp. Here are some more advantages of lemon:

1. Balances Scalp pH: Lemon contains acidic properties that help adjust the pH levels of your scalp. This creates a healthy scalp environment for the hair follicles and growth.
2. Antifungal Properties: Lemon has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties [4] that help combat the microbial activity responsible for causing dandruff.
3. Rich In Vitamin C And Antioxidants: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect the hair follicles and scalp from the damage caused by oxidative stress.
4. Astringent For Oily Scalp: The high citric acid content in lemon makes it a natural astringent. It cleanses your scalp by removing excess oil, dirt and build-up, and unclogging the pores.

What Causes Dandruff?

The primary cause of dandruff is fungal growth (malassezia), a yeast that lives on people’s scalp and infects hair follicles. However, several other factors contribute to dandruff. These include:

• Dry scalp
• Irregular cleansing of the scalp
• Seborrheic Dermatitis [5]
• Sensitivity to haircare products
• Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis

How To Use Lemon For Dandruff: DIY Remedies

There are various ways to use lemon for dandruff. You can either apply it directly to your scalp by diluting lemon juice. You can also create a scrub or hair mask by mixing it with some natural ingredients like curd, honey, aloe vera or coconut oil. Here are some DIY remedies to maximise the benefits of lemon for dandruff:

1.The Moisturiser – Lemon Juice And Coconut Oil

This is a wonderful home remedy that not only helps treat dandruff but also hydrates your scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

• Take coconut oil and fresh lemon juice in equal quantities.
• Mix them thoroughly in a bowl and slightly warm them for a few seconds.
• Apply this mixture all over your scalp, and from the roots down to the tips.
• Gently massage your scalp for 5 minutes after application.
• Leave it for 45 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water and a mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner.

Frequency:

• Apply this once a week for the best results.

Best For:

• It is suitable for almost everyone.

2.The Soother – Lemon Juice And Aloe Vera Gel

This is a powerful remedy that works wonders for dandruff. The combination hydrates your scalp, reduces excess oil and soothes your itchy scalp.

Ingredients:

• Aloe vera gel
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

• Take 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel to it.
• Mix them thoroughly and apply this mixture all over your scalp, and from the roots down to the tips.
• Leave it for 30 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner.

Frequency:

• Apply this once a week for the best results.

Best For:

• It is suitable for people with oily or dry scalp.

3.The Exfoliator – Lemon Juice And Yoghurt Mask

The curd and lemon mask for dandruff is an effective anti-dandruff treatment that combats dandruff-causing fungus, and moisturises and soothes your dandruff-prone scalp.

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened yoghurt
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

• Take 1 cup of fresh yoghurt in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to it.
• Mix them thoroughly and apply this mixture all over your scalp, and from the roots down to the tips.
• Gently massage your scalp for 1-2 minutes after application.
• Leave it for 30 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

Frequency:

• Apply this twice a week for the best results.

Best For:

• It is suitable for people with oily or dry scalp.

4.The Hydrator – Lemon Juice And Honey

This is a potent treatment for dandruff. The antioxidant [6] and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon, when combined with the natural moisturising properties of honey, help effectively treat dandruff. Additionally, the combination adds moisture and shine to your hair.

Ingredients:

• Honey
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

• Take 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
• Mix them thoroughly and apply this mixture all over your scalp.
• Gently massage your scalp for a few minutes after application.
• Leave it for 30 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

Frequency:

• Apply this once or twice a week for the best results.

Best For:

• It is suitable for people with oily or flaky scalp.

Side Effects Of Using Lemon On The Scalp

Although lemon is good for dandruff, its acidic nature can cause potential side effects to the scalp when not used correctly. These include:

• Dryness
• Irritation
• Greasiness
• Hair lightening
• Increased sensitivity to the sun

Here are some effective tips to follow when using lemon for your scalp to avoid the side effects.

• Always perform a patch test on a small area to check for any reactions.
• It is always advisable to dilute lemon juice with water or carrier oil before applying it to your scalp.
• There is only anecdotal evidence on the efficacy of the treatment. For severe dandruff, it is best to consult a professional for advanced and effective solutions.

Who Should Avoid Lemon For The Scalp?

While lemon is generally safe, its acidic nature can do more harm than benefit to some individuals. Avoid using lemon if:

• You have a sensitive or dry scalp.
• You have damaged skin or open wounds.
• You want to maintain the natural black colour of your hair.

Takeaway

Lemon offers multiple benefits for your hair. It helps you maintain a healthy scalp and hair, besides its antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon juice, when mixed with other natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or aloe vera, can help you deal with dandruff effectively. Additionally, it moisturises and hydrates your scalp while maintaining your scalp’s pH balance. However, for persistent dandruff, you need the guidance of an expert dermatologist who will identify the actual cause and suggest a suitable treatment. Our doctors at Oliva are highly experienced in determining the cause of your dandruff. Accordingly, they design a personalised treatment that gives you a dandruff-free scalp. Book your appointment today if you are looking for a customised approach to your concern.