How To Use Lemon To Get Rid Of Dandruff?

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

Medically reviewed by Dr. Meena Konada, MBBS, DDVL
Written by Kushneet Kukreja, MS (Biotechnology)
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

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).

Doro Cubillo, a YouTuber, shared her experience and a simple yet effective home remedy for getting rid of dandruff using lemon juice. She said, “I’ve been using lemon juice in my hair as a dandruff treatment for the past months and I can tell you from the first application how amazing this natural dandruff remedy works on my hair and how I felt instantly relieved from this problem (i).”

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
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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 balance sebum production and 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
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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.

protip_icon Quick Tip
A high concentration of citric acid may damage keratini  XA type of structural protein that maintains the structure and health of your nails, hair, and skin. and also lighten your hair. Hence, always use a diluted form of lemon juice.

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 antiseptici  XA property or compound that helps reduce the possibility of infection by killing microorganisms. properties. When added to the oil blend, they will help lemon juice effectively eliminate the Malassezia fungus and hence, dandruff (6, 7).

3. Aloe Vera And Lemon

Aloe vera and lemon for dandruff
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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 and follow up with a hair conditioner.

It is best to use fresh aloe vera gel.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this twice a week to soothe an itchy and flaky scalp.

Why This Works

Aloe vera alleviates the itchiness and dryness of the scalp, thereby promoting scalp hydration. It is also antimicrobiali  XThe property of a substance to kill the growth of disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. in nature (8).

4. Amla And Lemon

Amla and lemon for dandruff
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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 to soothe and cleanse an itchy scalp.

Why This Works

Amla helps with hair and scalp cleansing 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
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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 to soothe the scalp irritation caused due to dandruff.

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
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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 contain protein that may help stimulate hair growth. They are also excellent hair and scalp conditioners and disinfecting agents (11) (12).

protip_icon Did You Know?
Prolonged exposure of your hair to the sun after applying lemon juice may damage the hair cuticles.

7. Honey And Lemon

Honey and lemon for dandruff
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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-inflammatoryi  XThe property of a substance that can help reduce redness, swelling, and pain by blocking the inflammation-causing substance. compounds, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds as well. It is also a humectant that keeps the scalp hydrated (13). Dryness, itchiness, and flakiness due to dandruff and scalp infection will all be taken care of with this home remedy.

8. Baking Soda And Lemon

Baking soda and lemon for dandruff
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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 antifungali  XThe ability to selectively remove fungal pathogens from your hair, skin, and nails without causing toxicity. properties and will kill the fungus growing on your scalp (14).

9. Orange Peel

Orange peel and lemon for dandruff
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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 using your fingertips for gentle scalp exfoliation.
  3. Keep it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat once every week.

Why This Works

Anecdotal evidence suggests orange peel balances the scalp pH and promotes circulation. It has a pH ranging from 3.5 to 5.8 (15).

10. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds and lemon for dandruff
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You Will Need
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fenugreek seed powder
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this hair pack once 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 (16).

11. Tea And Lemon Juice

Tea and lemon for dandruff
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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 it 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 (17).

Side Effects Of Lemon For Dandruff

As much as there are advantages of using lemon for dandruff, there are also side effects of lemon for dandruff. If you experience any of the following potential side effects and if the problem persists, discontinue its use and consult a doctor immediately (18).

  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Blister formation
  • Dryness
  • Increased dandruff due to very dry hair

If you do not experience any of these side effects, then you can use this remedy. Apart from treating dandruff, lemon can also help improve your hair in several ways. Read on to know more.

Benefits Of Applying Lemon On Hair

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which can help enhance the body’s collagen production to aid in hair strength and growth (19 ), (20), (21). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antioxidant properties of lemon may help promote hair growth, while its purifying properties may clean the scalp and unclog hair follicles. This may lead to better product absorption and help improve hair health. It mayalso function as an astringent in controlling scalp oil production, helping prevent buildup and keeping your scalp clean and healthy.

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. Additionally, consume a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, selenium, and Vitamin B complex. To prevent dandruff, you may also oil your scalp with essential oils like peppermint oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil. Ensure to dilute them 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 scalp inflammation, 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.

Key Takeaways

  • Lemons contain citric acid and antifungal properties that may reduce dandruff.
  • Combine lemon juice with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, orange peel, or eggs for improved hair health.
  • A mixture of tea powder and lemon juice may eliminate dandruff as tea has antimicrobial properties.
  • Always do a patch test before using lemon juice and consult a doctor if you face any allergic reactions.
lemon for dandruff

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Learn how to make an easy and effective anti-dandruff lemon mask to use before hair wash. Check this video to know how to get rid of dandruff and keep your hair healthy and shiny!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. The Antifungal Efficacy of Pure Garlic
    Onion
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  3. Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect
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  4. Preparation and Optimization of Garlic Oil/Apple Cider Vinegar Nanoemulsion Loaded with Minoxidil to Treat Alopecia
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  5. The uses and properties of almond oil
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  6. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties
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  7. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells
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  8. Aloe vera: a short review
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  11. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29583066/
  12. Rethinking of positive effects of eggs on hair in East Asia
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15469
  13. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/
  14. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22991095/
  15. Thermal, Physical and Mechanical Performance of Orange Peel Boards: A New Recycled Material for Building Application
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249787/
  16. Effectiveness of Fenugreek Seed Paste on Dandruff among Adolescent Girls in Selected Women’s Hostel, Coimbatore
    https://ijneronline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=International+Journal+of+Nursing+Education+and+Research%3BPID%3D2014-2-2-13
  17. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of green, black, and herbal teas of Camellia sinensis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249787/
  18. Phytophotodermatitis from making sangria: a phototoxic reaction to lime and lemon juice
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500699/
  19. Antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of citrus-based juice mixture
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26471635/
  20. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
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