A popular summer trend involving using lemon juice to lighten hair has raised concerns among medical professionals. Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon, cautions against this practice due to potential health risks. While citric acid in lemons can lighten hair by breaking down melanin when exposed to UV rays, it also strips hair of natural oils, causing dryness and fragility.
More worryingly, lemon juice on the scalp and skin can cause phytophotodermatitis, a painful condition triggered by UV-activated psoralens in citrus fruits, leading to inflammation and skin cell damage. Dr. Rajan advises against this hack to avoid serious skin issues.