11 Ways to Go Blonde This Summer Without Going to a Salon
Just because salons are closed doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beloved blonde. Thankfully, letting our roots grow out until we can see our go-to hairstylist again isn’t our only option. There are tons of products we can use to go blonder from the comfort of our very own bathrooms. What’s nice? These options aren’t just accessible during quarantine—they’re also incredibly budget-friendly. Your hair will thank you, and your wallet will too. It’s totally possible that you’ll like your results so much that you’ll be tempted to retire from your salon days altogether.
Spend a little time perusing the internet, and you’ll quickly realize there are tons of ways to lighten your hair without hitting the salon. Take John Frieda’s Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray for example. For just $9.99, this spray promises results after only 3-5 uses and all you have to do is spray it on wet hair. Or try out Lush’s Marilyn Hair Treatment for $24.95. Just apply to dry hair, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then wash it out to see some results. Not only are these products easy to use, but most of them are budget-friendly too. So whether you’re craving a touch up or you’re just interested in enhancing the blonde hair you already have, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for—at a fraction of the cost of your average salon trip.
While some products require sun exposure, others can be activated by heat or simply absorbed into your hair. And all of them promise to be easy to use and to show results after only a few applications. So if you don’t want to reveal your roots during quarantine and are yet to embrace your natural hair color, these products are your saving grace. When we look good we feel good, so give yourself permission to try these methods out and embrace your new do.
1. Lemons
Not only is this method inexpensive and simple, but it has shown to effectively lighten already blonde hair. (The key phrase there is “already blonde.”) Senior colorist at Cutler/Redken salon Rachel Bodt recently told Teen Vogue that lightening your hair with lemons only works if you already have fair hair with a fine texture. Darker hair has orange and red undertones which lemons enhance, so this method only works if you’re already blonde, but will give you results.
2. Sun Bum Blonde Hairlighter-$14.99
This spray uses Costa Rican Pineapple and Meyer Lemon to brighten hair by amplifying the natural highlighting effects of the sun. This special UV-activated blend creates subtle tones and beautiful highlights without brassiness. Plus the hydrogen peroxide speeds up results so you will be blonder in no time. Spray directly onto dry or damp hair before sun exposure to gradually see sun-kissed highlights. Just be sure not to use it more than once between hair washes to avoid breakage or over-drying.
3. Marilyn Hair Treatment-$24.95
This hair treatment from Lush is made with natural ingredients and uses lemon and chamomile to brighten hair and enhance shine. Linseed gel and extra virgin olive oil help soften and moisturize hair, while the lemon juice cleanses and refreshes. Simply apply to dry hair, leave on for 20 minutes, and then shampoo it out. Perfect for blondes who want to go blonder!
4. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner for Blondes-$19.99
This product is specifically formulated for natural and color-treated blondes, to keep your color looking great even months after leaving the salon. Made with sunflower seed extract, which serves as a natural sunscreen that guards against brassiness and dryness, combined with panthenol and acai extract to strengthen hair, you will have healthy blonder hair in no time. So say hello to vibrant, healthy color that also detangles, restores moisture, and enhances highlights. Apply throughout clean damp hair or as a light-hold hairspray and get ready for some results.
5. EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo-$7.99
This shampoo from Loreal is the perfect way to maintain your blonde hair in between salon visits. Hydrate and neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones in blonde, bleached, and highlighted hair. Maximize your blonde with this sulfate and paraben free product with hibiscus and purple dye. Simply use 2-3 times a week in place of your regular shampoo to stay blonde and feel fabulous.
6. Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray-$9.99
This John Frieda spray helps you go up to two shades blonder. Get natural-looking color with this blended formula of chamomile and citrus. Exclusive peroxide lightening formula gradually lightens radiant blonde tones after only 3-5 uses. Simply spray thoroughly on clean wet hair and then style as desired. For optimal results, use a flat iron or curling iron after blow-drying, but make sure you only use once between hair washings.
7. Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar-$11.55
You may be skeptical, but this DIY hair lightening method does work if you already have naturally warmer highlights. Made from the finest, organically grown apples, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar can help you achieve naturally blonder hair. Combine this product and water in a spray bottle and let it soak in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Repeat this process twice a week to gradually see results.
8. Ouai Sun of a Beach Ombre Spray-$24
This sun-activated spray lightens your hair using citric acids like lemon and pineapple juices, which also gives it a wonderful tropical smell. Coconut water and dilo oil work to combat dryness so all you have to do is apply the spray and lay in the sun. You can also use a diffuser or blow-dryer to activate the formula’s lightening effects. Make sure you avoid applying to the scalp!
9. IGK Summertime Hair Lightening Spray-$19
With chamomile and lemon, this heat and sun-activated formula naturally lightens hair without any harsh chemicals. Coconut oil boosts shine and hydration, while coconut water conditions and smooths for sun-kissed strands. Avoid brassiness and damage by spraying onto damp hair before sun exposure and get ready for gradually brighter, blonder hair.
10. dpHUE x Kristen Cavallari Blonding Brush-$28
This product works best on pre-lightened or blonde hair to brighten your locks for a sun-kissed look. Formulated with lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide, this soft-bristle brush allows you to brighten even the finest strands of your hair. It is enhanced with conditioning agents to maintain healthy hair and uses purple pigments to counteract brassiness. Simply use the brush tip to paint on targeted areas and repeat the process as desired to get gradually lighter hair. Use a blow dryer or the sun to activate it and use daily for optimal results.
11. Sun Lightening Spray with Chamomile and Honey-$18
Designed with a gentle ultra-clean formula without bleaching agents, this product helps you achieve natural sunny highlights. Chamomile extract naturally highlights blonde hair, while honey softens it. Spray daily for 3-4 weeks onto dry hair without rinsing to see a gradual increase in color. Results can also be accelerated by heat or the sun, so catch some rays at the same time.