For many, the prospect of spending hours in a salon is unappealing, especially when a quick alternative seems possible. The COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the desire for at-home hair solutions. Instead of committing to a full bleach dye job or using potentially damaging box dyes, many are exploring gentler options like hair lightening shampoos. These products aim to enhance blonde tones, offering a convenient way to brighten hair without the extensive time commitment or harsh chemicals of traditional salon treatments.
Lightening shampoos, conditioners, and sprays are designed for individuals with blonde or light brown hair who want to enhance their blonde color. These products often claim to help those with natural, color-treated, or highlighted blonde hair achieve lighter tones by depositing yellow tones. A significant advantage of many lightening lines is that they are ammonia and peroxide-free. Moreover, these products typically lean towards a golden blonde rather than an ashy blonde, which can be adjusted with a toner if desired.
I decided to try out John Frieda’s Go Blonder Lightening shampoo, conditioner, and lightening spray to see if it could help break up my harsh roots and brighten my blonde.
My first impressions of the product were positive, and I like the packaging a lot for this line in particular. My only qualms would be the scent of the spray, although it really is not that bad, especially if you use it outside. For that reason, this spray is perfect for bringing to the beach to lighten your hair as you get a little sun. The shampoo and conditioner smell amazing, and I really like the consistency of this product when I first used it. It made my hair so soft afterward. Usually, my hair gets very dry after lightening it, especially after bleaching it at a salon, so this was a nice surprise.
I starting noticed my hair beginning to lighten after the first day. My dark roots immediately started to lift, which was great! The changes became more obvious by days three to five. I did notice that using the shampoo and conditioner daily made my hair dry out a bit, so I recommend using it weekly or 1-3 times per week, versus daily. In between, use a deep conditioning mask or a very nourishing conditioner to help combat the dryness. It’s important to always apply the spray when your hair is wet or damp. Make sure to fully read the instructions and how to apply the products before use.
Read also: Hairspray Buying Guide
Overall the process was super easy. Towards the end, my hair started taking a slightly brassy hue, which I expected since it typically lifts more golden anyway. A quick wash with purple shampoo fixed it right away.
All in all, these products work very well, and you can see the results fairly quickly. Plus, it is super easy to use! In my opinion, this is a better, more effective replacement for Sun-In.
These results are just from using the spray and shampoo/conditioner duo for a little over a week. As you can see, there is a significant change in my roots from the before photo, and they are virtually gone now. I did focus the spray on my roots since they’re very prominent and I wanted them to blend a bit better. I still use the spray whenever it’s going to be sunny outside and the shampoo/conditioner closer to once a week now.
Overall, my experience with the Go Blonder line was positive, however, I do think people who have mostly darker hair should pay attention and be aware of not overdoing it. My hair did slightly turn a bit brassy, but never to the same extent as Sun-In.
Sometimes, lightening products can leave hair with a brassy or yellow tinge. This is where purple shampoo comes in. Purple shampoo contains purple pigments that neutralize yellow tones, helping to maintain a bright, fresh blonde or gray color.
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Purple shampoos are called “purple shampoos” because they are actually…PURPLE. Jenn adds, “It’s basic color theory. Purple and yellow are complementary colors. That means when put together, they neutralize each other. This is DIFFERENT than the chelating or clarifying shampoo, or apple cider vinegar rinses you might have heard of. A chelating or clarifying shampoo can be used to remove any product or mineral buildup that may be contributing to brassiness. So the bottom line is that you need something purple in the purple shampoo to get the job done. I’ve seen brands use a myriad of ingredients to attempt this, from botanicals like purple potato, to mineral-derived pigments like ultramarines and iron oxides, to plant extracts like bilberry extract and beet extract, to synthetic dyes (like Basic dyes and Acid Violets).
Basic Dyes (which is actually the proper name for these dyes even though it sounds like a descriptor-”Basic dyes” can encompass everything from Basic Brown 16 to Basic Blue 99 and Basic Red 76, the two we’re specifically talking about here) fall under the category of “coal tar” dyes, which means they are exempt from FDA approval. She continues, “Basic Red 76 [also what we see in some purple shampoos] is an ‘azo-dye’. Basic Red 76’s safety in use is inconclusive per [the] EU. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in an Opinion, SCCS/1385/10, has classified Basic Red 76, when used as a non-oxidative hair dye up to 2%, as not posing a risk for consumers. However, Australia doesn’t allow the dye and differs in opinion. Like with anything, it’s about the quality of the ingredients, the percentage of the ingredient and how much you trust the company making the product. Takeaway: Do I want to drink basic dyes?
Violet 2 (also known as Ex D&C Violet 2) and Acid Violet 43 used to be derived from coal tar, but are currently made during petroleum jelly refining. Krupa explains, “Acid Violets are safe to use and don’t have any safety issues associated with them, in hair shampoo/conditioner application. Acid Violet 43 was determined to be safe for use in hair dye formulations, when impurities are limited. Takeaway: With all that in mind, the concentration of dyes like Acid Violet 43 and Violet No.
The FDA classifies color additives obtained primarily from mineral, plant or animal sources as “not subject to batch certification requirements.” This means that the FDA doesn’t need to review each batch of these colorants, and that cosmetics companies can include them without having them reviewed by the FDA’s certification. Takeaway: Again…this comes down to the transparency of the brand and how much you trust their practices.
NO. Purple shampoo is not to be confused with blue shampoo, which is used for darker hair to cancel out orange tones. Jenn warns, “Never put blue, even pale blue, on blonde hair when trying to cancel out yellow tones.
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MOST of the purple shampoos on the market are formulated with other health-compromising ingredients like surfactants, parabens, fragrance and more, like DMDM Hydantoin. BUT! You still have good options-every purple shampoo in this post is formulated without all the junk. Finding a “right fit” purple shampoo is really about taking into consideration your own type of hair and balancing that with how aggressive of a treatment you want.
If you’ve tried using purple shampoo to brighten your gray (or blonde) hair, but it doesn’t work-you might be doing it wrong. The trick? Let the shampoo sit on your hair for a few minutes (sometimes directions even say this explicitly) before rinsing. You can even take a clip into the shower and clip up your hair as you take this time to do all the other things like wash your face or shave. You will also have to play with frequency, depending on how often you wash your hair and the needs of your own gray hair. For the person who washes daily, you may only need to use a purple shampoo a couple times a week to get those grays non-brassy and bright. It also depends on the shade of your hair.
Jenn explains, “Anyone can use a purple shampoo; you just won’t get benefits from the color unless your hair is a level 8 [a medium blonde on the hair tone scale] and above. If your hair happens to turn purple, Jenn suggests that “a clarifying shampoo will typically work well to pull out unwanted tones. You can apply the shampoo and let it sit for a while to help pull out the color.
I’m going to come right out and say it: I love using OWAY’s Silver Steel Hair Bath. It smells great and leaves my hair feeling fresh, bouncy and clean. It’s also packaged in glass, which is RARE for any shampoo. Most brands won’t do this for safety reasons, but I love it. It feels elevated and chic. This formula pumps out a dark, iridescent, royal purple. It cleans really well and is great at removing oils and buildup. I found this shampoo at the salon I go to, so it’s no surprise that it works. And when I say it works, it not only cleans hair, but it also reduces brassiness like a boss. Silver Steel Hair Bath uses Violet 2 as a pigment to neutralize brassiness and I would classify this formula as the strongest purple shampoo I’ve tried in terms of toning power. Resurrection plant the same ingredient we see in African Botanics’ Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum. It has the ability to survive in extremely harsh, dry conditions and has a regenerating, anti-oxidative, moisturizing and protective effect on the hair, skin and scalp.
Innersense is already a clean beauty hall-of-famer for shampoos that actually cleanse without stripping, and Bright Balance holds that line. It tones hard (in the best way), especially if you leave it on for the full five minutes. The formula is a deep, inky purple, which I appreciate. So many “clean” purple shampoos barely look lavender and do nothing. This one means business. It leans more on the toning side than brightening, but that’s its strength-it deposits color using the same combo of Basic Red and Basic Blue dyes that you’ll find in brands like Overtone. Before (left) and after (right) using Innersense Bright Balance Hairbath. While I normally double cleanse, one wash was enough for Claire (see before and after use below). As for the wash itself, it leaves my hair feeling soft, not stripped. It’s also full of goodies like apple extract, monoi oil, and vitamin E. And the scent? A light hit of jasmine that doesn’t linger or overpower. This is a top pick for people with sensitivities and/or allergies to synthetic dyes.
Created from certified organic, wild harvested and Ecocert ingredients, this plant-based shampoo is tinted with beet extract, bilberry extract, rhubarb extract and more to get its purple hue. There is also the option to add a dried plant mix called a Violet Booster for a more pigmented experience. I finished the bottle (on this blonde wig) before I could snap a pic to show you the color-oops. But it cleans hair well, smells good and is sustainably packaged. My only personal hangup is I didn’t see that much of a brightening effect from these ingredients. This is another option for people who don’t want to use synthetic dyes. What really drew me to this formula is that it’s made from 83.8% certified organic ingredients and 99.36% naturally derived ingredients. This is not really a purple shampoo in the traditional sense of purple shampoos. And EverEscents confirms. Before (right) and after (left) using EverEscents Organic Berry Blonde Shampoo. This shampoo is not designed to neutralize brassy tones in your gray hair. To be honest, my favorite thing about this shampoo is that it washed my hair as good as any conventional shampoo ever has. The “clean hair” satisfaction score here is off the charts. The other drawback is that it’s not available in the US.
Molecular Biologist and Cosmetic Chemist Kate Noonan explains that hair is made up of 95% keratin protein. When hair is exposed to UV, it breaks down that keratin-specifically the part that gives hair its strength and shine. UV also fades hair color and can create hair-yellowing. Reducing your use of heat tools like flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers can also significantly reduce yellowing of your hair. Too much heat on gray hair can turn it brassy (or yellowish).
Research has demonstrated UV turns proteins in hair yellow. Melanin in hair normally prevents hair from yellowing, but gray and silver hair have little to no melanin content to prevent this. Same with white hair.
Product buildup is a big factor when it comes to yellowing. Another preventative measure is to look for shampoos that are rich with plant antioxidants, which help reduce yellowing caused by UV. Antioxidants that are most effective for stopping hair yellowing (UV, heat, iron in water) are the ones that quench the hydroxyl radicals that are causing the yellowing. And since I mentioned it, reducing your exposure to UV rays is key to preventing yellowing of strands.
SuperFinish Polishing Balm stands out to me because it’s water-based and really light and it doesn’t change the texture of my hair. It’s like adding nothing but it’s like adding everything. Check it out: the Polishing Balm defrizzes, adds moisture, softness, shine, strength, prevents breakage, splitting AND provides UV and heat protection. I know. I add a dollop of this to my hair before every blow dry and it leaves my hair super shiny and soft.
Besides shampoos and conditioners, various other hair lighteners are available. These products offer different application methods and ingredients to achieve a sun-kissed look.
Wanna know if blondes really have more fun? We've gathered the best hair lighteners to try this while you wait for summer to roll around. Like hair glosses, these products can help lighten and enhance blonde hair, whether it's color-treated or natural. Some hair lighteners are also formulated for use on brunette hair, but you may end up with red hair rather than blonde. "On dark hair, light browns, and copper can be expected," explains Quia Querisma, a curly hair artist, colorist, and texture educator in Dallas. "On hair that is dirty blond or lighter, it's possible to achieve golden tones."
Another sizable bonus? Hair lighteners are much cheaper than a salon appointment, but they're also not going to give you the dramatic effects that a pro can. That said, if you're just looking to boost your blonde a little bit-or if you're happy to experiment with your color-these hair lighteners are a fun and easy way to make it happen.
Querisma explains, “Bleach-free hair lighteners work by using hydrogen peroxide and/or vitamin C as the active ingredient. When exposed to heat, the product breaks down the melanin pigments in the hair, exposing light brown, copper, or gold tones.” Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is why many hair lightening products have this as a key ingredient.
Most products can be applied to dry or damp hair. Querisma recommends applying hair lighteners to clean, damp hair since water causes the hair follicle to swell slightly, which can help the lightener work better. She also notes it's easier to distribute the product evenly in damp hair.
The majority of hair lighteners are heat-activated, meaning they start working when you use a blow dryer on your hair or spend time in the sun. Others are UV activated. While the majority of hair lighteners are designed to be left in your hair, some-like the dpHue Blonding Brush-are meant to be rinsed out.
Maria McCool, hairstylist, salon owner, and founder and CEO of Calista, said that people can expect their hair to get two to three shades lighter when using a hair lightener. “The time it takes to lighten your hair will depend on how dark your natural shade is,” she explains.
Querisma says that it's better to go to a salon if you're seeking a precise and intentional highlighted look. “You aren't going to be able to achieve ‘Pinterest hair’ with these types of lighteners, unfortunately. If they want hair that is lighter all-over, from roots to ends, that would be best achieved at the salon as well.”
McCool also notes that it's very easy to damage your hair using these types of products if you aren't using them properly. It's also hard to know whether these products will give you the precise color you're looking for. “If you do it on your own and get a color that doesn't look good in your hair or with your skin tone, you now have to pay double for a color correction. It's so worth it to have it done right!” she notes.
That said, hair lighteners are certainly more affordable than a salon appointment. If you already have blonde hair or blonde highlights, hair lighteners can boost your blonde and help you keep that sunkissed look for longer stretches of time between appointments.
If you didn't experiment with Sun-In in high school like the rest of us, here's the deal: It's a bleach-free hair lightener made with hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice. It reacts to heat, so if you don't have time to sit in the sun, you can spritz this all over your head and then go in with a blow-dryer to achieve a lightening effect. It also has botanical extracts including aloe, chamomile, and marigold to gently condition the hair. That said, it's not a bad idea to do a hair mask after using this product since hydrogen peroxide can leave your hair feeling brittle.
People with darker hair may find this turns their hair a reddish color rather than blonde. But as Allure contributor Gabe Bergado wrote, that can also look good. “My tips got even lighter as I used Sun-In through the summer," he wrote. "Some went a little orange, which personally, I was really into. As a former Californian who grew up swimming at the beach and shopping at PacSun, I'm fond of the summery light brown and orange tones at the ends of my long hair because it invokes the surfer-kid-in-the-sun-all-day aesthetic without breaking the bank.”
This product is one of Querisma's recommendations. Unlike many formulas, this luxe hair lightener is designed to be used on color-treated hair. The Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist gets plenty of rave reviews from customers who say it enhanced their blonde highlights and allowed them to go a little longer between salon visits. It's made without hydrogen peroxide, instead relying on concentrated lemon extract and chamomile to subtly lighten strands. It also contains nourishing ingredients like luminescine, papaya extract, and hibiscus extract to enhance shine and make your hair feel extra-soft.
This product is best for people who already have shades of (natural or dyed) blonde in their hair that they're looking to enhance, rather than people who want to take their hair from dark to light.
This affordable hair lightener is made with pineapple, lemon and hydrogen peroxide to amplify the natural highlighting effect of the sun on blonde or light brown hair. It's UV-activated and can be used on natural or color-treated hair. If you have dark brown hair, the Sun Bum Blonde Formula Hair Lightener will bring out some warmer hues in your hair like “amber, gold, and honey” according to the Sun Bum FAQ. If you find it's a little too brassy for your taste, consider using Sun Bum's purple shampoo and conditioner to cool things down. You can also do a strand test to see how your hair reacts before you commit to spritzing it all over.
You should use this no more than once between hair washes and use a leave-in conditioner to minimize damage to your hair.
The Klorane Brightening Spray is made with largely plant-based ingredients like chamomile and vinegar. Since there's no bleach or hydrogen peroxide, it won't turn your hair brassy the way sprays with these ingredients might. For best results, you'll want to mist this onto dry or towel-dried hair before sun exposure. This spray works gradually, so don't be discouraged if you don't see a major difference after a single day in the sun. If you want subtly sunkissed-looking strands, try using it consistently for a few weeks.
Looking to overhaul your hair routine? Klorane also offers a chamomile-based shampoo and conditioner that smell great and gradually brighten blonde hair.
If you have brunette hair and have been discouraged by formulas that don't do much, the Halley Lighten Up Hair Lightening Mist might be for you. Several brunette reviewers at Ulta Beauty praised this product, with one customer who wrote that it gave them “completely natural looking highlights without making it feel dry and crunchy.” It's safe for both natural and color-treated hair and far more affordable than a salon visit.
There are customized formulas for blonde hair and brunette hair, so look closely when you're adding this to your cart to be sure you're buying the one you want.
The Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Blonde Hair Lightener is a budget-friendly way to lighten your hair. It's best suited for blonde to light brown hair and is both UV-activated and heat-activated, meaning you can use your blow dryer to make the magic happen if the weather is overcast. It also has a pleasant vanilla coconut scent that's oh-so-summery.
If you're truly embracing the beachy look this summer, add the brand's texturizing sea salt spray to your online shopping cart. It'll make you look like you spent the day catching waves rather than staring at your computer screen.
If you don't have time to sit in the sun all day waiting for your hair to lighten, the good news is that the John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Spray is designed to be used with a heat styling tool like a straightener or curling iron. Just spritz it on damp hair, blow dry it, and then go in with your styling tool. You should see a lighter hair color within three to five uses, but don't use it more than once between washes.
It's not meant for use on naturally dark or bleached hair. If you have color-treated hair, avoid more than 10 uses between color treatments.
The dpHue Blonding Brush features a unique design that allows you to brush the lightening product onto specific sections of hair to give them a sun-kissed look. It's similar to balayage, if you're ever had that done at a salon, though this product will likely have a less dramatic effect. It's heat-activated and lightens your hair with the help of hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice. The formula also contains purple pigments to counteract any brassiness.
Unlike many hair lightening products, you are supposed to rinse this out after the product is fully dry from heat activation.
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