Is it possible to forgo the salon (and its hefty price tag) and achieve sun-kissed locks for less than a dollar (a.k.a. the cost of a lemon)?
Technically, the answer is yes. Many of us (depending on our natural hair color and type) can lighten our hair with some lemon juice and a little sunlight but the results might not be what we expect and, more importantly, it puts us at risk of phytophotodermatitis. So, while it can be tempting to save a couple hundred dollars, it may be worth treating this particular DIY haircare hack with a little bit of caution.
“Lemon juice is highly acidic and unpredictable when it comes to skin and hair,” says Lycia Thornburg, MD FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “While it’s often marketed as a 'natural' lightening method, it can strip the hair’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, breakage, and increased sensitivity to UV exposure.”
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