Lea Michele Debuts Lighter Locks For Summer

Warm weather leads to more time in the sun and subsequently, lighter locks. One actress decided to go on and beat summer to the punch, though. Lea Michele dyed her hair lighter, according to Refinery29, just in time for all of that outdoor fun. 'Tis the season, after all!

Whether your hair lightens naturally, or you give it a little extra boost, there’s nothing wrong with rocking a blonde look this season. A lighter color is a great way to switch things up now that you’ll finally be able to ditch that sweater for a swimsuit. The typically brown-haired Michele couldn’t agree more. She took to Twitter to show off her new “sandy colored hair,” and she couldn’t be more beach-ready with this new ‘do. All she needs now is a bathing suit and a tropical drink in her hand!

You probably didn’t need much convincing to try a different color this season, and you really won’t after you see Michele’s new hair color. But, if you do lighten your locks this summer, you need to make sure you’re doing all that you can to protect your strands. That summer sun can really take a toll on your freshly-dyed hair.

Check out the latest celeb to change their hair for summer and then find out some of the ways you can keep your hair safe once you add a little blonde to your 'do, too!

I'm loving her beachy 'do.

It looks even better with a little wind in it. Yep, this is perfect for summer, all right.

1. Invest In Sun Protectant

Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $28, Aveda

It's always a good idea to use a product that will protect your hair from harmful UV rays, whether you have blonde hair or no. According to StyleCaster, it wouldn't hurt to add a protectant to your hair routine, year round.

2. Use Deep Conditioner

Burt's Bees Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner, $7.99 Target

The sun and chlorine can really take a lot out of your hair, so it'd be smart to add a deep conditioner to your shower routine to keep hair looking healthy all season long. Cosmopolitan suggests applying this before right before taking a dip in the pool, for even more protection.

3. Try A Hair Mask

Treatment Masque, $32, OUAI Haircare

Using a treatment mask every once in a while is a great way to restore your hair. On the OUAI Haircare website, Jen Atkin recommends using this before a sweat session since the heat will help this product to really penetrate your hair.

4. Wear A Hat

Wearing a hat with a lot of coverage (so, not those straw ones) is also a great way of protecting that head of hair, especially if you're going to be outside for a long period of time, according to The Huffington Post.

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5. Get A Color-Boosting Shampoo

OGX Sunkissed Blonde Shampoo, $7.99, Ulta

A shampoo that enhances highlights all while soothing and adding shine is just the kind of thing you need to keep your lighter locks in tact.

6. Be Strategic About Sea Salt Sprays

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, $27, Sephora

A spray like this is a great way to enhance your summer-y look, but expert colorist Laura Estroff told Bustle about the best way to use sea salt sprays because you have to be strategic about it.

"While they do a great job at giving you that just at the beach look, they can over-dry your hair. If you are going to use them, I suggest mixing with a leave-in conditioner," Estroff says. "The best way to do so it to spray both products into your hands, mix together and scrunch into the hair."

If lighter hair is in your future this season, use these tips for achieving your best blonde possible, à la Lea Michele.

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