How to Shower With a Lemon

Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

Washing with a lemon is a refreshing and effective way to bathe without using soap. It is particularly effective at helping skin recover after swimming in a chlorinated pool. The acidic juice smooths hair cuticles and acts as a mild chemical exfoliant to reveal fresh, smooth skin. ^{[1]
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A lemon for bathing should be light in color. Green spots are acceptable. Darker lemons tend to be mealy inside. Mealy is not good.
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It is best to have the largest pieces of peel possible. It is acceptable, if not preferable, to leave some of the white layer on the lemon Split the peeled lemon into two halves. Begin showering.

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Hold the lemon half with the peel side out. Squeeze gently over your head to release some juice and begin rubbing the peel side of the lemon onto your hair. If you use the other side of the lemon you will get lemon bits in your hair. Make sure to cover the entire length of your hair. ^{[2]
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Hold a large piece of peel in both hands. Rub the inside (white) of the peel onto your hair. Use both hands to treat long hair. Rinse after you have thoroughly applied the peel to your hair.
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Using the same technique you used to wash your hair, wash your face with the peel-side of the lemon half. After you wash your face use the remainder of both lemon halves to wash your body. ^{[3]
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Make sure any lemon bits are removed. Enjoy smooth feeling skin. ^{[4]
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Could using a lemon make your hair grow or maybe have an effect on its growth?

Community Answer

No. Lemon isn't good for your hair, or for your skin for that matter. It's harsh and drying. It can lighten the color of your hair a little, if that's something you want, but it will not help with growth. There are many things you can use to aid hair growth. See How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster .

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After washing with lemon, should I use soap?

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No. The lemon juice works as a cleaner.

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Can I use a lime instead?

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No, limes may cause your skin and hair to be too sticky.

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Use a key to score the peel longitudinally and remove the peel in two pieces.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Save time and water. Instead of taking a shower, squeeze most of the lemon juice from a lemon onto a washcloth or t-shirt. Then, use that to rub your stinky areas, such as your armpits, clean. Since the vitamin C in the juice is absorbed through your skin, no need to wash it off unless your skin gets irritated.
Avoid showering with lemons too often, as they may dry your skin and damage your hair.

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Warnings

Don't get lemon juice in your eyes!

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Your skin may be especially sensitive to acids. If you get a burning sensation in delicate areas that lasts for more than a few minutes, then refrain from this method of bathing in the future.

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While lemon juice has some great uses, it can be very acidic and irritate the skin. Avoid using it if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

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