In the age of social media, where viral trends can spread like wildfire, it's not uncommon for age-old beauty hacks to resurface and capture the imagination of a new generation. The latest to make a comeback is the lemon juice hair-lightening trick, which has been making the rounds on platforms like TikTok, where influencers and beauty enthusiasts share their tips and tricks for achieving a sun-kissed look without a trip to the salon.

The method, which involves applying a mixture of lemon juice, water, and a touch of conditioner to the hair and then sitting in the sun, is touted as a natural and cost-effective way to achieve highlights. Anastasia Vlakhova, a 26-year-old Bulgarian TikTok creator, has been one of the proponents of this hack, claiming it's a technique passed down from her grandmother and one she's used for over 15 years to avoid professional bleaching.

Lemons contain a souring agent that could lead to hair damage. Image Credit: Pexels/Tamara Velazquez

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Vlakhova's viral video, which has amassed over two million views, suggests that the lemon juice concoction is 'quick and easy,' but she stresses the importance of following certain rules to keep it safe. She advises those interested to pick small sections of hair to lighten, cover them with the lemon mix, and then sit in the sun for at least an hour before washing the hair with gentle shampoo and applying hair care products to prevent damage.

However, not everyone is on board with this DIY beauty trend. Tiffany Young, a certified trichologist and CEO of Thin Hair Thick, has voiced concerns about the unpredictability and potential downsides of using lemon juice to lighten hair. While acknowledging that lemon juice is a natural derivative with less potential to overprocess hair compared to bleach, Young warns that the acid in lemon juice can dry out hair, leaving it frizzy and stripped of beneficial oils. Moreover, she points out that it's not effective at lightening darker hair colors and won't lift the hair to a predictable shade.

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The unpredictability of the results is a significant issue. Hair texture, color, and condition can all affect how the lemon juice reacts, and those with already damaged or darker hair may find the results skewed or unsatisfactory. Additionally, the risk of skin burns from citric acid combined with sun exposure is a serious concern. Medical experts always recommend using appropriate sunblock to protect the skin before spending time in the sun, a precaution that should be heeded especially when using lemon juice on the skin.

The resurgence of this hair-lightening hack serves as a reminder that not all DIY beauty trends are safe or effective. While the appeal of natural and cost-saving methods is understandable, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and to consult with professionals before trying out such hacks. Hair health is important, and sometimes saving a few dollars at the expense of your locks can lead to regrettable outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Lemon juice is being used as a viral hair lightening hack by people inspired by social media trends, especially among Gen Z.
• Anastasia Vlakhova, a Bulgarian beauty influencer, claims to have used lemon juice for hair lightening for over 15 years, offering advice on how to use it safely.
• Tiffany Young, a certified trichologist, notes that while lemon juice is a more natural and potentially gentler alternative to hair bleach, it can dry out hair and is generally ineffective on darker hair colours.
• The hack has its risks, including potential hair damage and the possibility of skin burns caused by citric acid in lemon juice reacting with sun exposure, which highlights the need for appropriate skin protection.

So, dear readers, before you reach for that lemon in your fruit bowl, think twice. If you're looking to lighten your hair, it might be worth investing in a professional service to ensure you achieve the desired results without compromising the health of your hair or skin. Have you ever tried using lemon juice to lighten your hair, or do you have any other natural beauty hacks you swear by? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you!

 

[Veggiepatch]

The best way to lighten your hair is with a 50% solution of hydrogen peroxide.

After the first few applications, it will kill off your hair follicles, resulting in baldness.

No hair....no problem!!

 

[Wendy]

I have a better use for lemons, I've just made 5 jars of lemon curd.

 

[Luckyus]

The best way to lighten your hair is with a 50% solution of hydrogen peroxide.

After the first few applications, it will kill off your hair follicles, resulting in baldness.

No hair....no problem!!

Is that how hairy Mary, got a Yul Brynner haircut?

 

[Mrtnst]

As nearly everyone on this group knows.

Live long enough and all that nasty dark hair will go away, sometimes literally.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Oh I just posted a few recipes using lemons

When I went to Dulwich Hill High there was a girl who swore by lemons lightening her hair, she even wore lemons in her hair. She was a very eccentric girl , I wonder how she was as an adult

 

[MariaG]

I have a better use for lemons, I've just made 5 jars of lemon curd.

Me too.
I use lemon juice spray to stop my 2 puppies chewing on things they should not be chewing.
Otherwise, we like a little squirt of lemon on fish meals.
So versatile.

 

[Colette 3799]

As teenagers my friends and myself used this method regularly to lighten our hair. I still have a good head of hair and as far as I know so do my friends.

 

[Cool Lynda]

We did this as teenagers, quite successfully. I'm considering doing it, to strip some old colour out of my hair, as I am looking to embrace my grey.

 

[Colette 3799]

We did this as teenagers, quite successfully. I'm considering doing it, to strip some old colour out of my hair, as I am looking to embrace my grey.

I’ve tried to embrace my grey but I’ve given up. Two hairdressers have told me it’s a beautiful colour and I should leave it be. The problem is, like my Mum‘s was, it is pure white. I feel like I stand out like a sore thumb and I’m more of a stand in the background kind of person. My new hairdresser listened to me. He said “your hair is a lovely colour but if you’re not happy with it then we will change it” I feel so much better now I’m blending in lol

 

[Toni Wrinkles]

do not do this especially if you have thin hair, I did and it dried my hair out terribly and so bad I needed to get it cut short, it made my hair straw like and worse than the frizz I had it made me look like I had put my finger in the power point socket especially when I got up in the morning there were knots galore, I was a teen when I did it and have used conditioner since it first came out to control my hair but needed more until hair grew through.

 

[52-KID]

I have embraced my white hair - I got sick of having to touch up the colour. Now I just used a coloured shampoo. It comes in various shades, my favourite being purple (because I like purple), but there are quite a few others. You just have to use it when you shampoo, not even every time and you don't get the horrible regrowth. I just had a haircut this week and the hairdresser used a different brand (de Lorenzo) and I love it, it's a blueish purple, and got me quite a few comments.