Summer means basking in the sun and swimming in the sea, hoping that our tans will deepen and our hair will lighten. It’s no secret that sun and saltwater are potent ingredients for bringing out that golden glow this season, but unless your life is an episode of Baywatch, you can’t always be running into the surf. So how do you get that beach-fresh hair if you're stuck in the city?
Thankfully, there are other ways to create that sun-kissed look for your locks – and all of them can be found right in your kitchen. It’s worth noting that if you’re a true raven-haired beauty, your best bet is visiting the salon for a professional dye job. However, if you’re a brunette with golden undertones looking to have more fun as a blond this summer, you’ll be well on your way.
From the classic lemon juice spritz to some more surprising concoctions, these DIY treatments will naturally lighten your hair over time with repeated use – just add sun:
This first treatment is a time-tested oldie-but-goodie. Lauren Conrad’s blog recommends squeezing lemon juice into a spray bottle and diluting it with water (the ratio should be around 3:1of water to citrus). Spray it all over dry hair, apply – and remember to reapply – your sunscreen, then go and bask in the sun for 1-2 hours. Just remember to condition your hair immediately afterwards to counteract the drying effects of lemon juice.
We knew about blonde ale, but who would have thought that beer could actually make your hair blonder? One of our editors swears by this trick: pour a few light beers in a bowl and rinse your hair with the liquid. Stay out in the sun with your boozy hair for at least an hour – don't forget that sunscreen! – and make sure you wash your hair thoroughly afterwards.
This simple technique can work wonders if you’re looking to bring out the natural blond undertones in your hair. Steep several bags of chamomile tea in boiling water, and then – waiting until the tea has completely cooled – pour it over your hair, before stepping out into the sun for at least 30 minutes while the tea does its magic. When you’ve finished, rinse your hair out thoroughly.
Applying a honey mask to your hair is an all-around win – not only will it naturally lighten your locks, but it’ll also leave your strands silky and well-moisturized. Wikihow advises mixing a 4:1 ratio of raw honey to water together in a bowl. After letting the mixture sit out for around 30 minutes, gradually pour it over your head, massaging it into the strands as you go. Gather up your hair under a shower cap and let the honey soak in for at least two hours without applying any additional heat. Afterwards, rinse the honey out, then shampoo and condition as usual.
In addition to being a kitchen staple with a myriad of proven health benefits, you can also use apple cider vinegar to lighten up your locks. Apply it from root to tip and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse it out and use your usual shampoo and conditioner. Your hair will look noticeably shinier, although like all of these treatments, you’ll need to repeat the process a couple of times to see significant results.
Ready for beachy locks without having to get your feet sandy? Shop all the products you need for these natural treatments:
Ready for beachy locks without having to get your feet sandy? Shop all the products you need for these natural treatments:
