Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Hair Lightener

Updated February 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Clairol Professional Bw2 Lightener for Hair Highlights
Clairol Professional
Bw2 Lightener for Hair Highlights
Check Price
Dependable Results
Bottom Line

An easy to use powdered bleach that produces quick results when mixed with a cream developer.

Pros

Comes in an 8-ounce tub and available at a great price. Instructions are simple to follow. Can be used for a variety of bleaching jobs such as balayage and highlights.

Cons

The smell is very strong.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sun-In Hair Lightener
Sun-In
Hair Lightener
Check Price
Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

This spray bottle gives blonde hair the look of being naturally lightened by the sun, while also providing conditioning benefits.

Pros

Has a lemon scent. Uses ingredients such as aloe and chamomile for smoother and shinier hair. Doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Made without alcohol. Comes in a 4.7-ounce bottle.

Cons

Not the best option for brunettes.

Sun Bum Blonde Formula Hair Lightener
Sun Bum
Blonde Formula Hair Lightener
Check Price
Easy to Use
Bottom Line

Pineapple, honey, and lemon help to gradually lighten the hair, as well as work against frizz and humidity for smoother strands.

Pros

Comes in a 4-ounce spray bottle. Can be used for color-treated and natural hair. Cruelty-free and made without gluten and parabens. Best when used right before going out into the sun.

Cons

A few reviewers reported that their hair felt dry after use.

Wella Color Charm Powder Hair Lightener
Wella
Color Charm Powder Hair Lightener
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A large container of lightening powder that can lift the hair up to 7 levels without causing too much dryness.

Pros

Can be used for multiple types of hair lightening such as full head color, balayage, and use on wigs. Powder is dust-free and easy to use. Comes in a 16 ounce container.

Cons

There were a few people who noted that it caused hair damage.

L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System
L'Oreal Paris
Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System
Check Price
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This product can lighten dark hair to a platinum blonde and comes with an anti-brass conditioning treatment.

Pros

Kit comes with all the necessary items for dying hair, including the developing cream and bleaching powder. Has simple instructions and can lighten up to 8 levels. Works well for all hair types.

Cons

Tends to leave the hair a bit brassy, according to a few reviews.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
93
Consumers
Consulted
28
Hours
Researched
Category cover