Best Hair Lighteners of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Hair lighteners are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a sun-kissed or platinum blonde look. These products work by bleaching the hair, removing its natural color pigments. Whether in the form of sprays, creams, or powders, hair lighteners are designed to lighten the hair gradually or instantly, depending on the desired effect. They are often used to create highlights, balayage, or full head transformations. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to protect the hair from potential damage caused by the bleaching process.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener and Tone Enhancer Travel Kit Cover #TOP 1
Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener and Tone Enhancer Travel Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Hair Bleach Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Hair Bleach
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Ultra Lightening Kit Cover #TOP 3
Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Ultra Lightening Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Lighteners

#TOP 1

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener and Tone Enhancer Travel Kit

80-70330
Multicolor
2 Piece Set
Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener and Tone Enhancer Travel Kit Cover
Sun Bum Lighten and Tone Kit | Blonde Hair Lightener and Tone Enhancer Travel Kit | Vegan, Paraben, Gluten and Cruelty Free

The Sun Bum Lighten and Tone Kit is perfect for blonde babes who want to lighten up their hair all year round or add sun-kissed highlights. The color-enriching regimen protects against frizz, humidity, UV oxidation, and dullness. Enriched with natural ingredients like Costa Rican Pineapple and Meyer Lemon, the vegan, gluten, cruelty, and paraben-free products are easy to use, whether on natural or color-treated hair. Trust the Bum, who knows how to protect your hair from the most intense days in the sun.

What We Like
Effective for lightening hair
Gentle on hair
Includes a toner
Easy to use
Pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
May require multiple applications
Some damage noted

L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Hair Bleach

071249422748
Hyper Bleach
1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Hair Bleach Cover
L'Oreal Paris Feria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Hair Bleach, Lifts Up To 8 Levels, Includes Anti Brass Purple Conditioner, 1 Hair Dye Kit

L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Hair Bleach is an advanced hair lightening system that lightens hair up to 8 levels, providing crystal clear platinum blonde hair results for weeks. It includes an anti-brass conditioner with purple pigments to reduce unwanted orange and yellow tones while providing reinforcing care for strong, no-brass hair color. The custom-blended kit provides up to 8 levels of lift without compromising condition, making it ideal for dark brown hair to light brown hair. L'Oreal Paris also offers a range of custom hair solutions including treatments, masks, serums, leave-in conditioners, and frizz-defying shampoos and conditioners.

What We Like
Effective for dark hair
Vibrant, bold colors
Minimal damage to hair
Leaves hair feeling healthy
Includes toning conditioner
What We Don't Like
May need extra for full coverage
Possible brassiness after bleaching
#TOP 3

Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Ultra Lightening Kit

00017000349862
001 Platinum Blonde
Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Ultra Lightening Kit Cover
Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Hair Dye Platinum Blonde 001, Ultra Lightening Kit, 1 Application - Hair Bleach Enriched with Keratin, Lightens up to 9 Levels and Protects Hair from Breakage**

Schwarzkopf Platinum Blonde is a professional hair dye that offers a 3-step Bond Enforcing System to strengthen hair, making it 5X* stronger. It provides high lift color, lightening hair up to 9 levels while reducing damage. The anti-yellow effect and shine are enhanced with the 2-in-1 purple repair mask. Designed for all hair textures, it leaves hair soft and maintains natural textures. This platinum blonde dye is oil-enriched and suitable for dark hair, featuring an Anti Damage Complex* for protection.

What We Like
Effective hair color results
Easy to use at home
Good for covering gray hair
Minimal damage to hair
Comprehensive kit included
What We Don't Like
Strong smell during application
Potential for unexpected color results
#TOP 4

Camomila Intea Hair Lightener

8410895100129
Blonde
Camomila Intea Hair Lightener Cover
Camomila Intea Blonde Spray – Chamomile Hair Lightener with Gentle Color – No Ammonia or Parabens – 3.4oz

Intea Hair Lightener is a hair highlighting spray that uses natural chamomile extract to deliver amazing results, allowing you to achieve up to 4 tones lighter hair color. Its premium formula contains no ammonia or parabens, making it a safer and gentler option for home haircare. The practical spray bottle allows for easy application, giving you the freedom to experiment with different shades and styles. With its progressive formula, you can achieve a sunkissed look, balayage, or random lighter highlights through your hair. In addition, the formula is designed to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and smooth, while counteracting violet pigmentation. Say goodbye to expensive trips to the hair salon and choose the natural option with Intea Hair Lightener.

What We Like
Lightens hair effectively
Easy application process
Visible results noticed by others
Good for sun exposure
Provides soft highlights
What We Don't Like
Can leave hair feeling dry
May cause hair fragility

AGE beautiful ULTRA BOND Permanent Powder Lightener

2548875
1 Fl Oz
AGE beautiful ULTRA BOND Permanent Powder Lightener Cover
ULTRA BOND Permanent Powder Lightener with Built-in Bonding - Strengthens & Protects, 1 Oz

AGE beautiful ULTRA BOND Permanent Powder Lightener is a hair dye that offers a convenient and effective way to lighten your hair. With its built-in bonding technology, it not only lightens your hair but also protects and strengthens it during and after the lightening process. This product can lift your hair up to 9+ levels, giving you the ultimate blonde transformation. The bonding technology is already incorporated into the formula, eliminating the need for any additional steps. Whether you prefer on-scalp or off-scalp applications, this lightener is suitable for both. The blue-tone powder enhances the results, and the bowl and brush application allows for precise and easy application. Get the beautiful blonde hair you've always wanted with AGE beautiful ULTRA BOND Permanent Powder Lightener.

What We Like
Gentle on hair
Even lightening results
Minimal odor
Easy to use
Cost-effective for at-home use
What We Don't Like
May require longer processing time
Initial mistakes possible
#TOP 6

Hally Lighten Up Hair Spray

Hally Lighten Up Hair Spray Cover
Hally Hair Lightener Spray, Lighten Up for Brunettes - Gentle & Easy to Use Sun Hair Lightening Spray Lightens Hair Up to 2-3 Shades - Hair Brightening Spray for Healthy, Vibrant & Sun-Kissed Look

Hally Lighten Up Spray is designed for brunettes and dark brown hair, allowing you to achieve beautiful sun-kissed highlights effortlessly. This gentle spray lightens your hair by 2-3 shades using the sun's heat or a blow dryer, giving you a natural look without harsh lines. Infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, it nourishes your hair while combating brassiness with a special blue toner. Plus, the product is ammonia-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, ensuring that you can enhance your hair color without compromising on care.

What We Like
Easy to use
Subtle and natural results
Leaves hair soft
Lovely scent
Effective for lightening
What We Don't Like
May leave hair brittle
Requires significant heat

Blond Forte Perfect Blond Extra Strength Hair Dye Toner Lightener Bleach

Blue Powder
Blond Forte Perfect Blond Extra Strength Hair Dye Toner Lightener Bleach Cover
1.1 Pound Tub (17.6 Ounces) Perfect Blond Extra Strength Professional Hair Dye Toner Lightener Bleach -Made in Italy

Blond Forte Perfect Blond Extra Strength Hair Dye Toner Lightener Bleach is a professional-grade hair dye that helps you achieve beautiful blond hair without the heavy ammonia smell. Its creamy consistency applies evenly, giving you precision application for full application, touch-ups, or highlights. This hair dye can turn dark brown hair blonde with 6-7 levels of reliable lift, and it works on all hair types. It contains coconut oil to help lock in moisture, leaving your hair feeling soft, healthy, and resilient. With a money-back guarantee, you can trust this product to deliver the results you want.

What We Like
Effective lightening
Minimal damage
Great results with toner
Easy to use at home
Cost-effective multiple uses
What We Don't Like
Can cause scalp irritation
Fragrance may be off-putting
#TOP 8

L'Oreal Paris Summer Lights Gelee

L'Oreal Paris Summer Lights Gelee Cover
L'Oreal Paris Summer Lights Hair Lightening Gelee, Light Blonde to Dark Blonde

L'Oreal Summer Lights Gelee offers a gradual lightening effect that helps you achieve a naturally sun-kissed look. The easy application allows you to control the amount of color for an all-over effect or targeted highlights, making it perfect for any style. With its unique gel formula, you can enjoy a mess-free experience without the need for gloves. This product is designed to simplify the hair lightening process, giving you beautiful results with minimal effort.

What We Like
Easy to use
Cost-effective alternative
Natural-looking highlights
Good control over application
No chemical smell
What We Don't Like
Occasional product inconsistency
Package may arrive damaged
#TOP 9

L'Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss

0071249654118
Silver White
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss Cover
L'Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss, In-Shower Hair Toner with Deep Conditioning Treatment Formula for Gray Hair, Silver White, 1 Kit

Enhance and refresh white and gray hair with L'Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss, an easy-to-use in-shower hair toner that lasts around 10 days. The coconut oil-infused deep conditioning treatment formula is vegan and free of harmful ingredients. Use once a week to maintain shiny and fresh-looking hair color with up to 15 minute application. L'Oreal Paris offers various hair dye options and is a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality.

What We Like
Softens hair significantly
Pleasant smell
Effective color correction
Easy application
Hydrating formula
What We Don't Like
May darken hair slightly
Requires even application
#TOP 10

AGE beautiful ULTRA BOND Hair Creme Lightener

2548879
6 Fl Oz
AGE beautiful ULTRA BOND Hair Creme Lightener Cover
ULTRA BOND Hair Creme Lightener with Bond Building - Lifts up to 9+ Levels - Strengthen, Protect & Nourish, 6 Fl Oz

The AGE beautiful Hair Lightener is designed to lift your hair color by more than nine levels while keeping it strong and healthy. This product features advanced bonding technology that protects your hair during the lightening process, reducing damage. You’ll appreciate the simplified application, as there are no extra steps involved; everything you need is in the formula. Plus, it’s versatile enough for both on-scalp and off-scalp use when paired with Ultra Bond Developer, making it a convenient choice for any hair coloring routine.

What We Like
Even lift
Less damaging
Gentle on scalp
Less messy application
Good bonding agents
What We Don't Like
Longer processing time
Inconsistent results
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are 3 types of hair lighteners?

There are three types of hair lighteners: oil, cream, and powder. Oil and cream lighteners are considered on-the-scalp lighteners, which can be applied directly on the scalp by mixing them with activators.

2. Are hair lighteners damaging?

Hair lighteners can be damaging to both the hair and scalp if not used properly. The ingredients in hair lighteners have the potential to strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. It is important to follow the instructions and use hair lighteners with caution to minimize damage.

3. What do hairdressers use to lighten hair?

Hairdressers use super-lightening color dyes to lighten hair. These dyes follow a similar process as traditional oxidation coloring dyes but use a stronger dose of an alkaline agent, such as ammonia. The ammonia helps open the cuticles on the hair, allowing the colorants to penetrate and lighten the hair.

4. Are hair lighteners better than bleach?

When compared to bleach powders, creme lighteners are generally considered gentler on the hair. Cream lighteners have a creamy and nourishing consistency, often containing additional nutritive components like coconut oil. This makes them more gentle on the scalp, which can be beneficial for clients with itchy and sensitive scalps.

Editor's Notes

During our hair lightener research, we found 48 hair lightener products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 166,003 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair lighteners list. We found that most customers choose hair lighteners with an average price of $14.57.

The hair lighteners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair lighteners, including Sun Bum, Schwarzkopf, Intea, AGE beautiful, Hally Hair. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Hair Lighteners Comparison Table

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Brand Sun Bum L’Oréal Paris Schwarzkopf Intea AGE beautiful Hally Hair Blond Forte L’Oréal Paris L’Oréal Paris AGE beautiful
Product Benefits Lightening and Toning Lifts hair color up to 8 levels, ideal for dark brown to light brown hair Hair Coloring Hair lightening, conditioning, promoting shiny and healthy hair, controlling violet pigmentation. For stronger, shinier, youthful-looking hair. Leaves hair incredibly soft, silky, full of shine & strengthens hair. Brightening Delivers vibrant blonde color while nourishing hair, without ammonia or damage, and suitable for all hair types Lightening Conditioning For stronger, shinier, youthful-looking hair. Leaves hair incredibly soft, silky, full of shine & strengthens hair.
Item Form Other Gel Cream Lotion Powder Mist Powder Gel Liquid Cream
Hair Type Other All - Normal aging - Normal All - aging
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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