How To Use Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice For Gray Hair

You are staring at the mirror and notice a few stray gray strands. Unfortunately, constantly coloring your grays is not healthy for your hair and may not be financially feasible for you. A popular traditional remedy is using coconut oil for gray hair. Coconut oil, treated like a magical elixir of youth, is said to have anti-aging properties that turn your white hair into the hair color you were born with! Sounds unbelievable?

Coconut oil has many nutrients that provide hair nourishment, but can it stop your hair from becoming gray? Keep reading to know if there is any scientific evidence to these claims and how you can use coconut oil for your gray locks. Scroll down and put your curiosity to rest.

Did You Know?

Researchers say that smoking cigarettes may also cause premature graying of hair. Therefore, it is best to avoid it (1).

Why Should You Use Coconut Oil For Grey Hair?

There are numerous benefits of using coconut oil for gray hair. As you age, the antioxidantsⁱ  Substances or agents that prevent or reduce the effects of free radicals in the body and prevent cell damage can help prevent various chronic ailments including free radical activity in the body. If free radicals in your body are allowed to increase, your body’s natural defense system gets weaker (2). The level of melanin pigment which protects your skin and hair from harmful UV rays and free radicles also reduces (3). This results in graying hair orcanitiesⁱ  The natural process of hair graying due to aging, which is often considered premature that happens due to excess stress or smoking .

Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen with an SPF of 8 (4). This property helps fight oxidative stress. Hence, it is believed that though coconut oil cannot completely reverse gray hair, it can aid in hair rejuvenation and delay the graying of hair. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that coconut oil promotes hair growth and helps reduce premature graying of hair. It is a natural alternative to chemical dyes that can damage your hair in the long run.

Apart from these coconut oil benefits for hair, the oil also creates a protective layer over the strands, keeping moisture inside and preventing dryness. It can also penetrate the strands because of the small size of the molecules. This way it keeps hair strong and prevents it from becoming weak or brittle. The oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and may help protect the scalp from bacterial and fungal infections (5).

Coconut oil mixed with lemon juice is a common home remedy that is used for gray hair treatment. You can also use homemade coconut oil shampoo for your hair. Scroll down to learn more about its efficacy.

Does Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice Work For Gray Hair?

Yes, to some extent, because both coconut oil and lemon may help in delaying gray hair due to their anti-aging properties. However, there are no direct studies that support this claim. Lemon is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress (6). Hair graying is a biological process that is regulated by genetics (3). So, keep in mind that hair graying can only be delayed to some extent. This is not a miracle cure. It is just one of the natural remedies that can help you, especially if you are experiencing premature graying. Later, you can remove the coconut oil from your hair by shampooing.

That said, it is important to understand the limitations of using natural hair remedies. While this remedy may offer some benefits, it cannot completely reverse or stop the graying process. It should not be seen as a guaranteed solution to prevent gray hair. Additionally, using lemon on the scalp frequently can cause dryness and irritation, as it is acidic in nature. Coconut oil is generally safe but may not work effectively for all hair types. It may also cause adverse reactions if you are allergic to the oil. To avoid this, always perform a patch test before using this remedy.

Monique Prendes, a YouTuber, shared her experience of using coconut oil and lemon juice to reverse grays in one hour. She stated in her video, “As much as I would love to tell you that this one-hour thing magically made my gray hair go away, it did not. This one actually requires multiple uses before it starts to work (i).”

Quick Tip

You may also apply a mixture of curry leaves and coconut oil to prevent premature graying of your hair.

How To Use Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice For Hair Growth

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 3 teaspoons of lemon juice

Process

1. Mix the coconut oil and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. Ensure you coat the lengths of the hair, focusing more on the graying areas.
3. Use a shower cap to cover your head. The heat trapped inside the cap will help in better penetration of the mixture.
4. You can leave this mixture on for 45-60 minutes.
5. Shampoo as usual as well as ensure regular hair conditioning.
6. Repeat this remedy once every week for the best results.

You can also use this recipe with coconut oil for dandruff.

Henna, Lemon Juice, And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of henna powder
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

Process

1. Mix the henna powder, lemon juice, and warm coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and comb through the strands gently.
3. Wear a shower cap to trap the heat for better penetration of the mixture.
4. Leave it on for 2 to 3 hours and rinse it off with warm water.
5. Follow up with a gentle shampoo and conditioner before giving your hair a final rinse with cold water.
6. Repeat this remedy twice a week to reduce gray hair and promote healthy hair growth and shine.

These DIY coconut oil and lemon juice hair masks can doubly benefit your hair by combating premature graying and maintaining its overall health.

While hair graying is inevitable as you age, there are lifestyle and dietary changes that may help slow down premature graying. Scroll down to learn about them.

Tips To Prevent Graying Of Hair

Here are some tips you can follow to prevent premature grays:

• Consume foods rich in vitamin B12, biotin, iron, and antioxidants to support healthy hair (7). Some examples of these include eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and berries.
• Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to reduce stress, as stress can contribute to premature graying of hair by reducing hair pigmentation (8).
• Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, as lack of sleep may lead to poor hair health (9).
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and keep your hair healthy and nourished.
• Reduce the use of hair dyes, heat styling tools, and harsh chemical treatments, as they can weaken hair follicles and may speed up graying.
• Avoid smoking, as it increases oxidative stress and reduces blood flow to hair follicles, leading to premature graying (1).
• Wear a hat or use UV-protective hair products to protect your hair from sun damage, which can accelerate graying (10).

Infographic: Home Remedy For Gray Hair Using Coconut Oil And Lemon

It is only natural for our hair to turn gray as we age; however, a few of us might not want to see those gray strands sticking out. There is no magical solution to the entire getting-old process, but combining coconut oil and lemon has shown some relief in this area. The infographic below provides information about both of these ingredients and the benefits of using them together. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon juice and coconut oil lighten hair?

Homemade hair oils for gray hair are very effective. Lemon juice can react with the sun’s rays and have a lightening effect on hair. However, coconut oil does not have such an effect on hair.

Can I leave coconut oil and lemon juice in my hair overnight?

Yes. Coconut oil and lemon juice are safe to leave in your hair overnight.

How can I control my early gray hair?

While it’s not possible to completely prevent gray hair, there are some things you can do to help slow down the process or cover up existing gray hair, such as eating a well-balanced diet, managing stress, quitting smoking, using natural remedies on hair like curry leaves, amla, bhringaraj, black tea, etc.

Can coconut oil be used to moisturize gray hair?

Yes, coconut oil can be used to moisturize gray hair. It is a natural moisturizer that can help nourish and hydrate the hair, which can be especially beneficial for dry, brittle, or damaged hair.

Can coconut oil make my gray hair greasy?

Coconut oil can potentially make your gray hair greasy, only if it is used excessively or not washed out properly. This oil is heavy, and that can weigh down the hair if too much is applied.

Are there any side effects of using coconut oil on gray hair?

Coconut oil is generally considered safe for use on gray hair. However, some people may experience mild side effects or allergic reactions such as itching, redness, or swelling. Hence, it’s important to do a patch test before using coconut oil on your gray hair, and to use it in moderation to avoid any negative effects.

Illustration: How To Use Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice For Gray Hair

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Explore how to naturally turn white hair to black with coconut oil. Watch this video to get simple tips to get your hair looking healthy and black again.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Rekha YadavBHMS

   

Dr. Rekha Yadav is a certified trichologist from the International Association of Trichologists, Australia. She established her hair and scalp practice in 1999 in Mumbai, India, and has over 20 years of experience in this field.

Read full bio of Dr. Rekha Yadav

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand.

Read full bio of Annie Jangam

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.

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