Lemon for hair growth: How to use lemon to grow hair in bald patches – The Times of India

Hair loss, thinning, and bald patches can be a source of distress for many. While medical treatments and hair transplants are popular options, some people are turning to natural remedies to stimulate hair growth. One such remedy that has gained popularity in recent years is lemon, a fruit that’s known for its numerous benefits for skin and hair. But how can lemon help with hair growth, especially in bald patches? Let’s explore the science behind it and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine.

Why Lemon for hair growth?

Lemon, a citrus fruit rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients, has multiple benefits for the hair and scalp. Let’s look at how each of these components contributes to hair growth:
Rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for healthy hair growth as it helps in the production of collagen, a protein that promotes hair follicle health. Collagen is necessary for the strength and elasticity of the hair, and it can help prevent hair breakage and thinning.
Antioxidant properties: Lemon contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and inhibit hair growth. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to damage at the cellular level. By neutralizing free radicals, lemon helps protect the hair from damage.
Acidic nature: The natural acidity of lemon helps balance the pH of the scalp. An imbalanced pH can lead to dryness or excessive oil production, both of which can contribute to hair loss. Using lemon on the scalp can help maintain the ideal pH level, promoting a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair growth.
Dandruff and scalp health: Lemon juice is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. These properties help cleanse the scalp, removing buildup from dead skin cells, oils, and impurities that can clog hair follicles. A clean scalp is crucial for hair growth as it prevents conditions like dandruff and scalp infections, which can stunt hair growth and lead to bald patches.
Improves blood circulation: Massaging lemon juice into the scalp can help increase blood circulation. This improved circulation ensures that hair follicles receive adequate nutrients and oxygen, which is necessary for hair growth. Good circulation also helps in detoxifying the scalp and removing toxins that may hinder hair growth.
How to use lemon to grow hair in bald patches
Now that we know how lemon helps with hair growth, let’s look at some effective ways to use it for bald patches or thinning hair.

Lemon juice and Olive Oil mask

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to use lemon for hair growth. Olive oil is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the scalp, while lemon juice works as a natural stimulant for hair follicles.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
How to use:
Mix the lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to your scalp, concentrating on the bald patches or areas with thinning hair.
Gently massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes to improve circulation.
Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with your regular shampoo.
Why it works: Olive oil hydrates and nourishes the scalp, while the acidity of lemon juice helps balance sebum production and cleanse the scalp. The combined effect promotes healthy hair growth.

Lemon juice and Coconut Oil massage

Coconut oil is widely known for its nourishing properties, helping to strengthen hair strands and prevent breakage. When combined with lemon juice, it creates a potent remedy for bald patches, making the scalp healthier and stimulating hair follicles.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
How to use:
Warm the coconut oil slightly, either in the microwave or on a stove (make sure it’s not too hot).
Mix the warm coconut oil with lemon juice.
Apply the mixture to your scalp, particularly on the bald patches.
Massage the oil into the scalp for 5-10 minutes.
Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight for deeper penetration.
Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Why it works: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which penetrates the hair shaft, helping to moisturize and protect hair from damage. The lemon juice balances oil production and stimulates hair follicles.

Lemon and Aloe Vera gel treatment

Aloe vera is another powerhouse ingredient known for its soothing, hydrating, and healing properties. When combined with lemon, it can help rejuvenate hair growth in bald patches and maintain scalp health.
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
How to use:
Mix the lemon juice and aloe vera gel in a bowl until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Apply the mixture directly to your scalp and bald patches.
Massage gently to ensure the ingredients are absorbed well.
Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
Why it works: Aloe vera nourishes and moisturizes the scalp, while lemon juice helps to cleanse and balance the pH. The combination of the two ingredients can promote a healthy environment for hair growth.

Lemon, Honey, and Cinnamon paste

Honey has moisturizing properties that can help hydrate the scalp, while cinnamon is known to stimulate blood circulation. When combined with lemon, this paste can work wonders in promoting hair growth and combating bald patches.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
How to Use:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until you form a thick paste.
Apply the paste to your scalp, focusing on bald patches and thinning areas.
Gently massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water and shampoo.
Why it works: Honey provides moisture and nourishment, while cinnamon improves blood circulation to the scalp. The lemon juice helps cleanse and stimulate hair follicles for growth.

Lemon and Egg yolk hair mask

Egg yolk is packed with protein, vitamins, and fatty acids that help nourish the hair and promote growth. When combined with lemon juice, this hair mask can strengthen hair, prevent hair loss, and help with regrowth in bald patches.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 egg yolk
How to use:
Whisk the egg yolk and lemon juice together until well combined.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water and shampoo.
Why it works: Egg yolk is rich in biotin, a vitamin that promotes hair growth. Combined with lemon’s acidity, it can help rejuvenate hair follicles and stimulate growth in bald patches.

Precautions when using Lemon for hair growth

While lemon can be beneficial for hair growth, it’s important to keep in mind a few precautions:
Overuse of Lemon: Lemon juice is acidic and can cause dryness or irritation if used too frequently. Always follow up with a moisturizing treatment to prevent this.
Sun sensitivity: Lemon can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. If you apply lemon juice to your scalp, avoid direct sunlight for an extended period after use.
Lemon, with its rich vitamin C content, antioxidants, and cleansing properties, can be a powerful natural remedy for promoting hair growth, particularly in bald patches. When combined with other nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and honey, lemon can stimulate hair follicles, improve scalp health, and encourage hair regrowth. By incorporating lemon into your hair care routine, you can create a healthy environment for your hair to thrive, naturally. However, always remember to use lemon in moderation and complement it with proper hair care practices for the best results.