How To Get Highlights From The Sun

When summer rolls around, it often has people wanting to go blonde, or if you're already blonde, blonder. You want to be light and bright, but you don't necessarily have to pay for highlights, because there's a more natural way to do it. If you want to learn how to make the sun lighten your hair, here's everything you need to know to get as bright as possible without a trip to the salon.

Granted, if you want to go from brunette to blonde or make a drastic change, you're going to need bleach to help you out, but if you just want a natural, sun-kissed glow, or to get a bit brighter if your hair color feels dull after being stuck inside all winter, then you can absolutely rely on the sun for that. The sun is definitely not as damaging as a chemical process, like bleach, it's much cheaper, and most importantly, it will look natural (because it is natural), so you don't have to worry about anything that will too drastically alter your appearance. And if you want to be a little darker again come fall/winter, then it's better to avoid bleach and just soak up the sun for a little added brightness in the summer.

So how do you do it? Here are some tips to help you get lighter hair naturally from the sun.

1. Make A Salt Spray

Mix water with a little bit of salt (to open up your hair cuticle), spray it on your hair, and lay out in the sun. It will fade your hair to a lighter color. Bonus: You'll also get perfect beach waves at the same time. Win-win!

2. Use Lemon Juice

Before you go out into the sun, apply lemon juice to your hair. The acid in the lemon juice will help open up your cuticle, leaving it vulnerable to penetration from the sun, which will lift the pigment from your hair.

3. Mix Orange And Lemon

Want more golden highlights? Mix orange and lemon juice together for a more subtle, golden version of blonde, then apply to your hair and go out in the sun.

4. Do A Conditioning Treatment

Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask, $33, Amazon

Though the sun isn't as damaging as bleach, it can still dry your hair out. Anytime you're spending prolonged time in the sun with your hair exposed, make sure you follow-up with a deep conditioner to restore hydration.

La Roche Posay Sunscreen , $30, Amazon

And remember, anytime you're out in the sun, make sure you have sunscreen on your face and body. You want to lighten your hair, but you want to protect your skin, as well.

Images: Getty Images (4); Moroccan Oil; Amazon