We all want beautiful, healthy hair, especially during the summer when it isn't always stuffed into a hat or hood. Get the locks you want by summer by being nice to your hair. I've learned these methods through my own experiences. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your locks looking shiny, healthy, and minimize the damage done with coloring and styling (and all of these tips involve household items and can be done for fairly little money!):
1. White vinegar.
If you have darker hair, there's a way to bring out your highlights using what you may already have in your kitchen. White vinegar can also be bought in bulk for under $5 at Walmart. Mix the vinegar with warm water (1:4) and pour it over hair for that natural shine.
2. Lemon juice.
If you have lighter hair, there's also a way to bring out your highlights using what you may already have in your kitchen! Lemon juice can also be bought in bulk inexpensively. Mix the lemon juice with warm water (1:4) and pour it over hair for similar that natural shine.
3. Club soda.
As it gets warmer, we like to indulge in some chlorine-infused water (for swimming, of course). It happens. If your hair is the
type to turn green as a result, don't freak out. Just rinse your hair with club soda and it should return to normal
color!
4. T-shirt dry.
The fibers on a towel grab hair and create frizz. Instead of drying your hair with a towel, use a cotton T-shirt, and use squeezing motions instead of rubbing for less frizz.
5. DIY dry shampoo for dark hair.
Dry shampoo can be a pain for dark hair because of the white powdery look that can happen at the roots. For this make-it-at-home dry shampoo, you'll need to mix two tablespoons of cocoa powder, two tablespoons of cornstarch, and a little bit of cinnamon.
6. Tea rinse.
Rinsing your hair with warm, unsweetened tea after shampooing can add natural shine to your hair without weighing it down with product.
7. Olive oil mask.
Applying warm olive oil to the hair and covering with a shower cap for 45 minutes can soften dry or damaged hair. Just make sure to shampoo and rinse really well afterwards.
8. Butter mask.
If your hair is still dry and damaged, you can also cut a piece of butter and warm it up before massaging it into your locks. Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave it for about 30 minutes before washing hair well.
9. Beer rinse.
Mixing three tablespoons of flat beer into warm water and letting it sit on your hair for a few minutes after shampooing will give you clean, shiny, and soft hair.
10. Baking soda cleanse.
If your hair is oily or weighed down with product, add one tablespoon of baking soda to your hair while shampooing. This can be done as frequently as once a week if necessary.
11. Mayonnaise mask.
Coat your hair with mayonnaise and let it sit for up to an hour (I personally don't like the smell, so I usually don't wait that long). Covering the hair with a shower cap helps. The mayonnaise is a great way to make your hair shiny and soft.
12. Less hairspray.
Using too much hairspray can gunk up the hair and weigh it down. Using less can actually help give you more voluminous, soft hair.
13. Essential oils.
Using a couple of drops of jajoba or sandalwood oil in your hair can help get rid of fly-aways and soften hair. I also love using coconut oil.
14. Avocado mask.
Mixing a ripe avocado with an egg yolk and letting it sit on wet hair for 20 minutes is a great way to give your hair great results. This can be done up to once a week for damaged hair if necessary.
15. More protein.
More protein in your diet can greatly improve the health of your locks. Protein in excess does wonders for the hair and scalp. Diets without
enough protein can lead to unhealthy hair or hair loss.
16. Cold-water rinse.
Rinsing with cold water before you get out of the shower can actually improve overall hair health. Your hair can retain more moisture and better fight heat damage in the summertime.
17. Be careful brushing.
Hair is even more vulnerable and likely to break when it's wet. It's useful to use a comb on wet hair instead of a brush. Even when brushing dry hair, be gentle!
18. Vitamins.
Taking vitamins to supplement an incomplete diet can be helpful to overall health, as well as specifically hair health. Pre-natal vitamins contain folic acid as well as other helpful components that improve hair and nail health. Biotin specifically can also improve both hair and nail health over time.
19. Less shampoo.
Use shampoo every
other time you shower and conditioner every time you shower. The shampoo is meant to cleanse your hair of dirt, but it also strips away oils good for your beautiful locks! Use less product and your hair won't need to be washed as often.
20. Trim your ends.
Trims may not seem like they help the hair grow longer, but getting a trim every 10 weeks or so can significantly improve the overall health of your hair.
If you want voluminous, shiny, healthy hair in no time (specifically in time for summer), use these tips and tricks. Some of the home remedies can be combined to save time, as well. There are many recipes for different remedies, so listen to your hair, and find the one that works best for you!
