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How To Use Lemon To Get Rid Of Dandruff?

Tap into the anti-dandruff properties of this fruit to fight those pesky flakes.

By Kushneet Kukreja
How To Use Lemon To Get Rid Of Dandruff?

Using lemon for dandruff is a well-known remedy. But there are several effective ways to get rid of dandruff completely. This simple ingredient in almost every kitchen can effectively tackle dandruff. Citric acid, the major compound in lemons, can be attributed to this. It helps fight dandruff from the roots. Also, lemon has the property to fight fungus, which causes dandruff. Hair fall can be managed and the volume of your tresses can be restored (1), (2).

There are various ways of using lemon to combat dandruff, which are listed in this article. Pick the one which suits you the best. Also, pay attention to the ingredients listed, as some may trigger allergies for sensitive scalp. Be sure you are not allergic to any ingredients in the method chosen. Scroll down to know more!

How To Use Lemon For Dandruff Treatment

No More Dandruff Flakes Ruining Your Look With These Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon

Apple cider vinegar and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. Dip the cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the scalp by making thin partitions. Make sure to cover the entire scalp area.
  3. Rinse it off after 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat twice a week. This will help to remove dandruff with regular and continued use.

Why This Works

ACV brings back the pH balance on the scalp as a result of which the dandruff fungus cannot survive there anymore. Also, the dryness and itchiness accompanied by dandruff are also alleviated (3, 4).

2. Almond Oil And Lemon Juice

Almond oil and lemon juice for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 3-4 tablespoons almond oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3-4 drops tea tree oil OR 1 teaspoon witch hazel oil (optional)
What You Have To Do
  1. Mildly warm up the almond oil on indirect heat. To this, add the lemon juice and any of the optional oils if you have them available at home. Mix well.
  2. Apply this on the scalp and nicely massage it in.
  3. Leave this on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Rinse your hair with shampoo as usual.

You can use coconut oil, olive oil or mustard oil in place of almond oil.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this regularly for at least 2-4 times a week to remove dandruff effectively.

Why This Works

Almond oil soothes the itchy and flaky skin on the scalp. It provides the skin with vitamin E nourishment and hydrates it (5). Tea tree oil or witch hazel oil has antiseptic properties. When added to the oil blend, they will help lemon juice effectively eliminate fungus and hence, dandruff (6, 7).

3. Aloe Vera And Lemon

Aloe vera and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the aloe gel and lemon juice together and apply on the scalp.
  2. Massage for a few minutes and let the hair pack sit for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Rinse with shampoo as usual.

It is best to use fresh aloe vera gel.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this twice a week.

Why This Works

Aloe vera alleviates the itchiness and dryness of the scalp. It is also antimicrobial in nature (8).

4. Amla And Lemon

Amla and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons amla juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix both the juices together and apply on the scalp using a cotton ball.
  2. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse your hair as usual.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every 3-4 days.

Why This Works

Amla cleanses the scalp and hair while providing nourishment to give the hair a natural shine and luster. Amla also prevents premature graying (9).

5. Yogurt And Lemon

Yogurt and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Apply the mixture of all the ingredients on the scalp.
  2. Keep it on for at least 20 minutes before washing the hair with shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This

Use 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

The natural enzymes and acids in yogurt eliminate dandruff completely in just a few applications (10).

6. Egg And Lemon

Egg and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
What You Have To Do
  1. Whip the egg and add lemon juice to it. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Apply on the scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply this egg hair mask once a week.

Why This Works

Eggs are excellent hair and scalp conditioners. They also act as disinfecting agents (11).

7. Honey And Lemon

Honey and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the two together and add some water if required.
  2. Apply on the scalp and also on the hair for 10-12 minutes.
  3. Rinse with shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat once in every 4-5 days.

Why This Works

Honey contains anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds as well. It is also a humectant that keeps the scalp hydrated (12). Dryness, itchiness, and flakiness due to the dandruff infection will all be taken care of with this home remedy.

8. Baking Soda And Lemon

Baking soda and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the baking soda with the lemon juice and apply on the scalp.
  2. Leave it on for 4-5 minutes or until your scalp starts to itch, whichever is the earliest.
  3. Rinse off the baking soda-lemon juice thoroughly with water.

You can also use a cup of apple cider vinegar diluted in five cups of water for the final rinse.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this again after a week, if required.

Why This Works

Baking soda has antifungal properties and will kill the fungus growing on your scalp (13).

9. Orange Peel

Orange peel and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons dried orange peel powder
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the orange peel powder with the lemon juice. If you think that the paste is too thick, dilute it with some plain water.
  2. Now apply this on the scalp.
  3. Keep it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat once every week.

Why This Works

Orange peel balances the scalp pH and promotes circulation (14).

10. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fenugreek seed powder
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Have To Do

Apply the ingredients mix on the scalp for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this hair pack once in every 10 days.

Why This Works

Fenugreek exerts a cooling effect on the scalp and effectively removes dandruff with its rich vitamin and mineral content (15).

11. Tea And Lemon Juice

Tea and lemon for dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons tea powder
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Make a thick consistency tea by adding the tea powder to the water. Keep the lid closed and let the tea steep for a few minutes.
  2. Then strain the decoction prepared and add the lemon juice to it. Mix well.
  3. While it’s still warm (but not hot; otherwise the scalp will burn), apply this solution using a cotton ball on the scalp and leave on for about 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse off under tap water.
How Often You Should Do This

This remedy will give best results if repeated twice a week.

Why This Works

Tea is a great way to get rid of dandruff as it has antimicrobial properties. It also contains antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin on the scalp and help it return to its normal state soon (16).

Lemon contains citric acid, making it a popular DIY remedy for dandruff control. The tips and recipes discussed in the article will help you learn how to use lemon for dandruff. You may combine it with other ingredients readily available in your kitchen, like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, orange peel, egg, yogurt, honey, tea, or baking soda. To prevent dandruff, you must oil your scalp with carrier oils like almond oil or coconut oil. Following these recipes and prevention tips may help protect your scalp from dandruff.

However, always be cautious while using new ingredients. Do a patch test before applying them to your scalp. Consult a doctor if you notice any allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rub lemon on my scalp for dandruff?

Do not rub lemon directly on your scalp as it may cause irritation or burn a sensitive scalp. Squeeze out the juice, dilute it in water, and use it as a hair rinse.

Can I apply coconut oil with lemon for dandruff?

Yes, you can apply a blend of coconut oil and lemon juice to your scalp. Both ingredients are known to keep the scalp clean and clear of dandruff. Coconut oil nourishes your strands as well.

Can I leave lemon juice on my scalp overnight for dandruff?

Don’t leave concentrated lemon juice on your scalp overnight as it may cause damage, dryness, and irritation. Dilute it with a carrier oil, water, or aloe vera if you want to leave it on overnight.

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Kushneet Kukreja

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness &... more

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