Viral TikTok Hair Hack: Lemon Juice Lightening – Safe or Risky?

A recent TikTok video by Tessa Peay (@tessapeay) has gone viral, showcasing a DIY hair lightening technique using lemon juice and a leave-in conditioner. The video, uploaded on June 10th, 2025, has garnered significant attention, accumulating over 13,000 views in just a day. Peay, known for her haircare content, guides viewers through the process, starting with the ingredients and ending with a comparison of the before and after results. While the technique appears simple, experts caution against using lemon juice for hair lightening due to potential damage. "Lemon juice can be very drying and damaging to hair," warns a local hair stylist who wished to remain anonymous. "It's important to use caution and consider professional alternatives." Despite this warning, the video's popularity highlights the ongoing interest in affordable DIY beauty solutions. The video's success underscores the need for responsible content creation and the importance of consulting professionals for haircare advice.