The 30 best hair lightener brands
Wella, Clairol and Schwarzkopf lead our ranking of 30 hair lightener brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Hair Lightener brands, ranked
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1
Wella
Blondor powder lighteners in multi-blonde and Plex-bonded versions sit at the salon-standard end of lifting power.
Top products: Blondor Multi Blonde Powder Lightener· Blondor Plex9 Multi Blond Powder Lightener· Blondor Soft Blonde7 Cream Lightener
Website: wella.com |Brands like Wella
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Clairol
Clairol's BW2 tub powder is a budget-friendly, strong-lift option sold in large multi-packs for frequent colourists.
Top products: BW2+ Powder Lightener Tub· Blonde It Up Permanent Hair Lightening Kit
Website: clairol.com |Brands like Clairol
Popularity 8.8/10
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3
Schwarzkopf
BlondMe lighteners come with bond-enforcing formulas and a dust-free powder, paired with matching developer volumes.
Top products: BlondMe Lightener 9+· BlondMe Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener 9+
Website: schwarzkopf.ca |Brands like Schwarzkopf
Popularity 7.8/10
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4
Joico
Joico's BlondeLife powders include a silver-toned option for cool results and an on-off scalp version.
Top products: BlondeLife Lightening Powder· Blonde Life SilverLight Lightening Powder
Website: joico.com |Brands like Joico
Popularity 7.2/10
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5
Redken
Redken's Flash Lift range offers quick, pod-based lightening, while Blonde IQ focuses on anti-brass oil-powered formulas.
Top products: Flash Lift Hair Lightening Powder· Blonde IQ Anti-Brass Powder Lightener
Website: redken.com |Brands like Redken
Popularity 7.0/10
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6
Splat
Splat's kit bundles lightening bleach with bold fashion shades, suited to home users going for pastel or vivid looks.
Top products: Lightening Bleach Complete Hair Dye Kit
Website: splathaircolor.com |Brands like Splat
Popularity 5.8/10
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7
Garnier
Olia's ammonia-free kit targets a few face-framing strands at home, with a lighter touch than full-head bleaching.
Top products: Olia Highlights· Olia Permanent Hair Color
Website: garnierusa.com |Brands like Garnier
Popularity 5.4/10
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8
Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell's SynchroLift blue powder and pre-bonded lightener target salon clients who want controlled lift.
Top products: SynchroLift Ultra-Quick Blue Powder Hair Lightener· Blonde Pre-Bonded Blue Powder Lightener
Website: paul-mitchell.co.uk |Brands like Paul Mitchell
Popularity 5.0/10
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9
Sun Bum
Sun Bum's spray lightener is a leave-in product for sun-kissed highlights, applied through the day rather than mixed.
Top products: Blonde Formula Hair Lightener Spray
Website: sunbum.com |Brands like Sun Bum
Popularity 4.9/10
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10
Goldwell
Goldwell's Silklift is an ammonia-free powder lightener sold through professional salons, lifting with a gentler feel.
Top products: Silklift Ammonia-Free Powder Hair Lightener
Website: goldwell.com |Brands like Goldwell
Popularity 4.7/10
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11
Pravana
Pravana's ChromaSilk lightening booster is a colour add-in used to lift tone within its creme colour system.
Top products: ChromaSilk Lightening Booster
Website: pravana.com |Brands like Pravana
Popularity 4.4/10
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12
JOHN FRIEDA
John Frieda's Go Blonder spray offers controlled lightening for at-home highlights, misted on rather than mixed.
Top products: Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Hair Lightener Spray
Website: johnfrieda.com |Brands like JOHN FRIEDA
Popularity 4.1/10
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13
Kenra
Kenra's Simply Blonde powder is a multipurpose blue lightener for salon-style lift, sold in a 16 oz tub.
Top products: Color Simply Blonde Blue Powder Multi Purpose Lightener
Website: kenraprofessional.com |Brands like Kenra
Popularity 4.0/10
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14
Scruples
Scruples' Blazing Highlights is an oil-based lightener, a gentler at-home option for highlighting.
Top products: Blazing HighLights Oil Lightener
Website: scrupleshaircare.com |Brands like Scruples
Popularity 4.0/10
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15
ION
One-step powder lightener from ION, sold mostly through salon supply shops rather than drugstores.
Top products: Color Brilliance Bright White Creme Lightener· Charcoal Flash Powder Lightener
Popularity 3.9/10
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16
ALFAPARF MILANO
The professional hair care and coloring brand ALFAPARF MILANO has products for every need, including colored or highlighted hair and dry to dehydrated hair. For many years, the most well-known hair stylists have preferred ALFAPARF MILANO. Because of this, they...
Website: alfaparfmilano.com |Brands like ALFAPARF MILANO
Popularity 3.7/10
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17
Roux
Revlon professionals are the parent company of Roux which is another successful venture of Revlon in the beauty industry and specifically the hair industry. Various complaints are tied up with hair color, and the distress is solved by Roux which...
Website: rouxbeauty.com |Brands like Roux
Popularity 3.6/10
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18
RUSK
RUSK offers hair colour and styling products, including demi permanent colour in brown shades. Its range includes sulfate free shampoo, heat protection sprays and styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons. People can pick a colour...
Website: ruskhair.com |Brands like RUSK
Popularity 3.3/10
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19
Manic Panic
Manic Panic has been in the business since 1977. They have been vegan and cruelty-free since the very beginning. The company is a beauty brand that caters to your hair. They specialize in selling vibrant hair colors that make everything...
Website: manicpanic.com |Brands like Manic Panic
Popularity 3.2/10
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20
Revlon
Revlon grew from a nail enamel company into a color cosmetics brand. Its lipsticks, face makeup and eyeshadows come in many shades for everyday wear and special occasions. The brand's roots in bold, classic reds still shape much of its...
Website: revlon.com |Brands like Revlon
Popularity 3.2/10
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21
Framesi
Framesi Professional is savvied to provide high-quality color and related activators and developers, care and styling products, treatments, tools, and accessories. They are innovators in the beauty market by providing a platform for individualized artistry and innovation. Every year, Framesi...
Website: framesiprofessional.com |Brands like Framesi
Popularity 3.1/10
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22
Pulp Riot
It is only normal for any individual to want to add some spunk to their looks and experiment with them once in a while. If your way of wanting to experiment includes your hair, then Pulp Riot is the perfect...
Website: pulpriothair.com |Brands like Pulp Riot
Popularity 3.0/10
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23
Aveda
Aveda offers advanced options for hair care and style requirements using science derived from plants. Their selection of products is specifically created to satisfy various hair needs. Select from a choice of hair care systems, shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatments,...
Website: aveda.com |Brands like Aveda
Popularity 2.8/10
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24
Oribe
Oribe focuses on the professional hair care category and promises to supply maximum performance and efficiency through its specially crafted products. Along with hair care, the company has introduced fine and long-lasting fragrances. The scents are created to spread a...
Website: oribe.com |Brands like Oribe
Popularity 2.8/10
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25
Indola
Indola is pleased to be a professional hair brand that draws inspiration from real life and genuine people. They concentrate on everything you need to know as a hairdresser and nothing else: providing the finest quality service while making the...
Website: indola.com |Brands like Indola
Popularity 2.6/10
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26
Keune
Keune makes professional hair colour, hair dye, colour shampoo and styling products for salons. It also trains hairdressers. Its style fiber wax adds texture, volume and natural shine, and is often picked by men. All Keune products are cruelty-free, and...
Website: keune.com |Brands like Keune
Popularity 2.6/10
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27
Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil's innovative continuous treatment procedure has revolutionized hair care. The company has also redefined premium hair care by providing A-list celebrities with an individualized hair care experience that is unrivaled in beauty salons, spas, and retail stores. Each product is...
Website: moroccanoil.com |Brands like Moroccanoil
Popularity 2.5/10
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28
Sally Hansen
For at-home manicures, Sally Hansen makes nail polish, nail art supplies and nail lacquer. Its Salon Effects nail strips are a signature product that gives a salon-style finish. The line also includes hair care tools and other beauty products.
Website: sallyhansen.com |Brands like Sally Hansen
Popularity 2.5/10
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29
L’ANZA
L'anza creates a perfect hair care package for everyone. They are designed to fully herbs and strong actives aid in the healing, sealing, and protection of the hair, resulting in unique products famed for their unbeatable performance. Keratin healing oil...
Website: lanza.com |Brands like L’ANZA
Popularity 2.4/10
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30
Salerm
Salerm was established back in 1970. The company deals with hair products. Hair colors are a major selling point of the company. They use the best knowledge and experience to craft their products. All kinds of natural materials are used...
Website: salerm.com |Brands like Salerm
Popularity 2.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wella | wella.com | /wellausa | WellaHairusa | @WellaHairUSA | WellaUSA |
| Clairol | clairol.com | – | – | – | – |
| Schwarzkopf | schwarzkopf.ca | /schwarzkopfca | got2b | – | – |
| Joico | joico.com | /joico | joico | @Joico | JoicoHairVideos |
| Redken | redken.com | /Redken | redken | @Redken5thAve | Redken |
| Splat | splathaircolor.com | /splathaircolor | p | @splathaircolor | Splat Hair Color |
| Garnier | garnierusa.com | /garnierusa | garnierusa | @garnierUSA | GarnierUSA |
| Paul Mitchell | paul-mitchell.co.uk | – | – | – | – |
| Sun Bum | sunbum.com | /babybum2 | babybum | @babybum | Sun Bum |
| Goldwell | goldwell.com | /goldwelluk | goldwelluk | @GoldwellUK | UCU5cOZEKv2E6T4f-wqpGQg |
Hair Lightener Buying Guide
Changing your hair color from dark to light is not an easy endeavor, especially if you want to do it at home. But if you understand the process and choose the right hair lightener, you can achieve fantastic results. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right hair lightener for your hair type and color.
What is Hair Lightener?
Hair lighteners are chemicals that strip off or lighten the natural pigment from your hair, allowing you to achieve a lighter color. There are two primary types of hair lighteners- bleach and high lift color.
Bleach is the most popular form of hair lightener, and it contains hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the natural melanin in the hair, breaking it down into colorless molecules. The ammonia raises the pH of the hair shaft, causing the cuticles to open up and allowing the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the hair shaft.
High lift hair color is another form of hair lightener that works differently than bleach. It contains a high concentration of ammonia and color pigments that lighten your hair without necessarily stripping off the pigment. High lift color works for people with already light colored hair who want to achieve a brighter shade without causing too much damage to their hair.
Types of Hair Lightening Products
There are several types of hair lightening products available on the market. You need to choose the right product that suits your hair type, color, and the level of lift you want to achieve. The following are the main types of hair lightening products:
Hair Bleach
Hair bleach is the most common type of hair lightener, and it comes in different forms- powder, cream, or oil. Powdered bleach is the most popular form, and it comes in a sachet that needs to be mixed with a developer before use. Cream bleach is less drying than powder bleach and contains less ammonia, making it less harsh on the hair. Oil bleach is the least popular form of hair bleach, but it is excellent for lightening the hair's tips or lengths without affecting the roots.
High Lift Hair Colors
High lift hair colors work by depositing color pigments on the hair shaft while lifting the natural hair color. They contain a higher concentration of ammonia and can lift the hair up to four shades lighter than the natural color. High lift hair colors are ideal for people with fine or damaged hair because they do not contain harsh chemicals like bleach.
Hair Lightening Shampoos and Conditioners
Hair lightening shampoos and conditioners contain natural ingredients like lemon, chamomile, and honey that gently lighten the hair over time. They are best suited for people with light-colored hair who want to achieve a brighter shade. However, they do not work well for people with dark-colored hair.
Lightening Sprays
Lightening sprays are another type of hair lightening product that works by chemically lightening the hair over time. They contain hydrogen peroxide and ammonia and are best suited for people with light-colored, fine, or thin hair. Lightening sprays are easy to use and do not require any mixing, but they can be drying and damaging to the hair.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hair Lightener
Choosing the right hair lightener is crucial for achieving good results and minimizing hair damage. The following are the factors to consider when choosing hair lighteners:
Hair Type
The hair type determines the type of hair lightener to use. Fine, thin, and delicate hair types require gentler hair lighteners like high lift hair colors and lightening shampoos. Coarse, thick, and curly hair types, on the other hand, require stronger hair lighteners like bleach to achieve the desired results.
Hair Color
The hair's natural color determines the level of lift you can achieve with a hair lightener. Darker hair colors require stronger hair lighteners like bleach to achieve a lighter color. Lighter hair colors require less harsh hair lighteners like high lift hair colors and lightening shampoos.
Desired Result
The desired result determines the strength and type of hair lightener to choose. If you want to achieve a significant change in color, you may need to use a stronger hair lightener like bleach. If you want to achieve a subtle change in color, you can use gentler hair lighteners like high lift hair colors and lightening shampoos.
Hair Condition
The hair's overall condition determines the type of hair lightener to use. If your hair is dry, damaged or brittle, it is best to avoid harsh hair lighteners like bleach and opt for gentler hair lighteners like high lift hair colors and lightening shampoos.
Budget
The budget determines the type of hair lightener to use. Bleach is the most expensive hair lightener, while high lift hair colors and lightening shampoos are less expensive.
Tips for a Successful Hair Lightening Process
Hair lightening is a delicate process that requires careful preparation and execution to achieve good results. The following are tips for a successful hair lightening process:
Prepare Your Hair
Before lightening your hair, it is crucial to ensure it is free from dirt, oil, and product buildup. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner before proceeding with the lightening process. If your hair is damaged or excessively dry, consider using a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture to your hair.
Choose the Right Hair Lightener
Choosing the right hair lightener plays a significant role in achieving good results and minimizing hair damage. Consider your hair type, color, and the level of lift you want to achieve when selecting a hair lightener. If you are unsure, seek the advice of a hair professional.
Follow the Instructions Carefully
Each hair lightener comes with specific instructions that must be followed. Do not exceed the recommended processing time or use more than the recommended amount of the product. Doing so can result in hair damage, breakage, or even hair loss.
Do a Strand Test First
Before applying hair lightener all over your hair, it is essential to do a strand test to determine how your hair will react to the product. Cut a small strand of hair from the back of your head, apply the hair lightener, and observe the results. If the results are satisfactory, proceed with the lightening process.
Take Care of Your Hair After Lightening
Hair lightening can be damaging to the hair, so it is important to take care of your hair after the process. Use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture to your hair, avoid heat styling tools, and use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Hair lightening can be a daunting process, but choosing the right hair lightener, following the instructions carefully, and taking care of your hair after the process can help you achieve fantastic results. Consider your hair type, color, and the desired level of lift when selecting a hair lightener, and seek the advice of a hair professional if you are unsure. With the right preparation, patience, and care, you can achieve the hair color of your dreams.
