Whether you're transitioning to blonde or deepening your highlights, at-home hair bleach can transform your locks. This comprehensive guide reviews the best bleaching products on the market, from professional kits with adjustable developers to DIY options for subtle lighterings. We've compared ingredients, application instructions, and customer reviews to help you choose the right bleach for your styling goals.
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Reviews
This premium bleach powder delivers remarkable results, lifting hair up to 9 levels while effectively neutralizing yellow tones. The carefully balanced formula allows for flexible mixing ratios, ensuring you can achieve your desired lightness while protecting your hair. Over 200 glowing reviews attest to its remarkable performance and reliability.
The Express Nine Lightener combines powerful nine-level lifting with conditioning coconut and mango oils, protecting hair during the bleach process. Users appreciate its quick effectiveness while noting the need for careful application and proper developer selection. The blend of powerful lightening and gentle care makes it a popular choice for those wanting brighter hair while protecting their strands.
This salon-quality bleach from Schwarzkopf uses advanced bonding technology to minimize damage while delivering salon-level results at home. The dual-container system ensures even mixing, and users appreciate how it provides lift while maintaining hair health – many report getting similar results to professional treatments without the salon visit.
From vibrant purple ash to sunny gold, this versatile lightening kit transforms dark hair with professional-grade results in just one step. The specially formulated crème oil lifts and tones simultaneously, while detailed instructions ensure consistent, salon-quality outcomes at home. Whether you're refreshing natural highlights or crafting custom highlights, this comprehensive kit delivers the tools you need for achievable, long-lasting blonde transformations.
A double-oil formula featuring sunflower oil for moisture, this Thai-made bleach set transforms hair with a combination of a 25g solution, 83ml second solution, 22g powder, and 15g after-color hair mask. The included comb-shaped nozzle ensures even application, while the cold-type nozzle captures every strand for a glossy finish. Users praise its effectiveness on all hair types, with many noting positive results on damaged hair.
If you're serious about going blond, this premium bleach kit gives you professional results at home. The thick powder mixes evenly, and the developer formula helps maintain your hair's moisture. While some users report minor packaging issues, most praise its effectiveness and gentleness on the hair.
This convenient kit lets you achieve stunning rose-gold highlights at home, with simple instructions that guide you through both the bleach and tone processes. The nourishing formula keeps your hair healthy while you get salon-quality results, and best of all, you can avoid long hours and high costs at the salon.
This natural bleach delivers consistent results, with users praising its ability to achieve a beautiful, sun-kissed brown tone while protecting hair health. The product's sensitivity to hair type ensures evenmoderate blonde enthusiasts can achieve their desired shade safely. Its long-term popularity speaks to its reliability and effectiveness in professional salons and at-home use alike.
Schwarzkopf's Igora Vario Blond Super Plus makes achieving those coveted highlights a breeze, thanks to its Fibrebond technology that cuts down on hair breakage. The dust-free powder mixes easily with developer to lift hair up to 8 levels, producing salon-quality results right at home. The reduced bleach smell and pleasant orange notes complement its powerful lightening capabilities without overpowering your space.
This professional hair lightening product combines effective coloring with gentle hair care, thanks to its Swell-Control System that reduces swelling while the Anti-Metal Bond Protection helps prevent breakage. With its creme-paste consistency, it's ideal for precise applications in both foil and non-foil regrowth services, making it a valuable tool for salon professionals. The sustainable packaging, including mono-material tubs and recyclable scoops, adds an environmentally conscious touch to this high-performing lightener.
This professional-grade bleach formula delivers salon-quality results at home, safely lightening hair up to 8 shades while reconstructing damaged strands with its proprietary Aminofix technology. The creamy texture applies smoothly without clumping, making it easier to work with than traditional powder bleaches. While some users may need multiple applications for optimal lift, particularly with darker starting colors, the formula's mildness and conditioning properties make it a popular choice for those seeking professional-level highlights without the salon price tag.
This salon-quality bleach powder combines keratin with a smooth, cream-like consistency for professional results at home. The high-quality, non-volatile formula speeds up the bleaching process while protecting hair from structural damage, ensuring both effectiveness and strand health. The consistent creaminess throughout the process keeps hair shiny and manageable, delivering a sleek, evenly lightened finish.
This premium lightening powder from Schwarzkopf combines advanced Bond Enforcing Technology with a unique Soft-to-Solid formulation to safely bleach hair up to 7 shades lighter. The professional-grade product applies smoothly and works effectively with included developer to create lasting, salon-quality blonde results while preserving hair health.
This violet-hued powder lightener works its magic by controlling those pesky yellow undertones that pop up after lightening your hair. The secret ingredient? Cyamopsis tetragonolaba gum, which gives your strands the TLC they need during this sometimes harsh process. To get those coveted blonde highlights, you'll want to mix it to the right consistency for your hair's length and then let it work its magic for between 45 minutes to an hour - depending on how light you want those strands to be.
This tiny pouch of bleach powder packs a major lightening punch, transforming dark hair to blonde in just one application. The creamy formula is a breeze to work with, whether you're lightening highlights or getting your whole head platinum. Users swear by its effectiveness, with many noting it works even better than salon bleach at home.
This professional balayage lightener helps lift your hair by up to six levels without heat, featuring kaolin clay for a smooth, streak-free application. The generous 17.6oz tub provides 34 applications, making it perfect for salon use or at-home coloring. The clay-based formula delivers gentle yet effective results, as praised by Master Cosmetology students and professionals alike.
The Splat Brilliant Bleach Kit transforms dark hair into bright blonde with its creamy blue formula that lifts up to 8 shades at once. The professional-grade system includes everything needed for precise at-home bleaching, from gloves to a tint bowl, while vegan ingredients keep your hair healthy throughout the process. After processing, the dual-action toner helps neutralize unwanted brassy tones and nourishes your hair with Plant-Based proteins.
This affordable at-home bleaching kit delivers impressive lift while conditioning both hair and scalp with its non-drip formula. Users praise its quick results and mild scent compared to competing products. From strawberry blonde to icy silver, many report achieving their desired highlights with minimal damage and maximum satisfaction.
This premium bleach formula delivers remarkable results while protecting hair health, thanks to its nourishing mineral oil that maintains moisture balance during the lightening process. The powerful 20-volume developer works in harmony with the bleach to achieve consistent, beautiful lift while minimizing typically common hair damage. Users particularly appreciate how well it neutralizes unwanted yellow tones, ensuring a natural-looking blond finish without the usual harshness.
This gentle powder lightener from Kiss produces 25% less harshness on your hair while still delivering powerful results. To use, mix it with cream developer at a 1:2 ratio for normal hair or 1:3 if your locks have chemical damage, then apply evenly with a brush. Keep an eye on your strands during processing - aim for 4-6 minutes to get your desired lighter shade.
The Sun Bum Blonde Lighten & Tone Kit combines a gentle hair lightener and toner to enhance natural blonde highlights without harsh chemicals. Infused with pineapple and honey, the UV-activated formula creates subtle, healthy highlights while protecting hair from sun damage. Users love the product's natural approach to blonde enhancement, with many reporting noticeable results in just two days.
This premium powder lightener from Schwarzkopf delivers exceptional lift while maintaining hair health, as evidenced by its impressive 9-level lifting capacity and gentle formula. Users particularly praise its reliable performance in both natural and colored hair, with many noting the product's ability to neutralize yellow undertones effectively.
This super-lightening creme transforms dark hair into ultra-luminous blonde, protecting and conditioning along the way. The non-drip formula delivers even results from root to tip, while the specially formulated shampoo hydrates and tames processed locks. Whether you're transitioning from dark to blonde or refreshing your highlights, this professional-grade bleach delivers salon-quality results at home.
This Brazilian bleach powder delivers professional results at home, lightening hair up to 9 shades while protecting strands with its nourishing blend of 10 essential oils. The easy-to-use paste formula mixes with developer for precise highlighting or ombre effects, giving you salon-quality brightness without the trip to the salon.
This popular vegan bleach kit delivers impressive results without harsh chemicals, as evidenced by satisfied users who achieved significant lightening in just 15 minutes. The creamy formula creates a noticeable foam while working, though some users noted the need for multiple applications for longer hair. The kit's environmentally friendly nature and effective performance have earned it a strong reputation among both new and experienced users.
Made in Italy for professional salon standards, this extra strength bleaching powder safely lifts natural hair color eight shades lighter in one step. Its rich, creamy formula gives stylists versatile control for highlighting, bleaching, and frosting techniques, while an ammonia-free formulation protects both scalp and hair. The dedusted, non-drip powder minimizes mess and provides precise application across the scalp.
A carefully formulated bleach kit that understands coily hair's unique needs, providing gentle lift while protecting against breakage. The vegan, cruelty-free formula has earned praise from users whose curly locks emerged healthier and more vibrant than with traditional bleach products. Whether you're lightening to a subtle highlight or transforming dark hair to blonde, this kit delivers results that respect your hair's natural texture.
This innovative one-step kit transforms medium to dark hair with salon-quality results in just 45 minutes, thanks to its hydrating formula that prevents dryness while providing up to five levels of lightening. The convenient squeeze dispenser makes application quick and mess-free, while the included hair-nourishing Squalane helps maintain your hair's moisture balance throughout the process.
This concentrated powder bleach delivers fast, even lightening results in a dust-free formula that's easy to apply both on and off the scalp. While some users note a strong scent, the product effectively lifts hair 7 shades in 30 minutes, though proper preparation and application techniques are essential for optimal outcomes.
The Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Bleach Kit has earned a solid reputation among users for its reliable results, though individual experiences can vary significantly. Some find it delivers impressive, long-lasting platinum tones with a natural shine, while others struggle with color accuracy or experience unexpected reactions. The product's moisturizing formula and convenient no-drip application make it a practical choice for home bleaching, though results may require additional processing or touch-ups to achieve the desired effect.
If you're seeking salon-quality lift at home, this conditioner-based bleach delivers up to 5 levels of brightness with a gentle coconut oil formula that helps prevent protein loss. The United States-made cream blend of aloe vera and conditioning agents works well on previously processed hair, but users note it may require extended processing time for optimal results. While some find it makes hair extremely dry, the pH-balancing shampoo and conditioner included help restore hair's natural state after use.
The Strawberry Leopard Light Me Up Lightening Kit has earned praise for its manageable application process and gentle formula that prevents skin dryness. Users appreciate the kit's effective results, with many reporting successful tip highlights and complete lightening in less than an hour.
If you're aiming for that signature platinum look with precise control over lift and lightness, Punky's 5-piece bleach kit has got you covered. The special 40-volume cream developer works in tandem with the bleach powder to prevent over-bleaching, while the conditioning toner helps achieve that coveted cool, white platinum finish. While some users have reported mixed results with the toner's effectiveness, the kit's consistent formula makes it a popular choice for both touch-ups and full-head bleach applications.
This at-home hair bleach kit from Paradyes delivers salon-quality results with a gentler approach. The creme developer formula, combined with nourishing oils, ensures your hair remains healthy and radiant during the bleaching process. Users particularly appreciate the bamboo brush and detailed user manual that make the application process straightforward and stress-free.
This powerful bleach kit delivers impressive lift in just 20 minutes, thanks to its fast-acting formula. With 38 grams of dust-free bleach powder and 4 ounces of 40-volume developer, it provides professional salon results at home. The included tint brush, gloves, and mixing tub make application straightforward, while step-by-step instructions help ensure a successful DIY bleach job.
Combining three convenient bleaching kits in one box, this MANIC PANIC set gives you everything you need to lift your locks to their brightest potential, from dust-free bleach powder to a 40-volume cream developer – all packed without harsh chemicals to keep your hair healthy and happy. Each kit comes with essential tools like a mixing tub, tint brush, and gloves, simplifying the process for stress-free bleaching at home. Remember to test a strand first, as results can vary based on your hair's unique characteristics.
The Bleach London Total Bleach Kit transforms hair up to seven shades lighter with salon-quality results, making it a popular choice among both new and experienced users. The triple-activated formula combines bleaching powder, developing lotion, and a conditioning repair mask to lift hair to platinum blonde while minimizing damage. While some users report successful results, others recommend careful application and patch testing, especially for dark or previously bleached hair.
Using the Colorista Bleach Highlights Kit is like having a professional salon experience at home - it comes with everything you need to create those perfect highlights, from the special bleaching brush to a conditioning shampoo that helps protect your hair. The best part is, it works great with L'oréal's Colorista semi-permanent colors, so you can refresh your look between salon visits. Just remember to follow the instructions carefully, especially if your hair is darker than medium brown, to get the results you want.
This reliable hair lightening kit gently transforms hair up to five shades lighter while keeping the hair healthy with its nourishing ingredients. Users especially love how soft their hair feels after lightening, thanks to the soy protein and coconut oil that protect and strengthen the strands during the bleaching process. The precision application of the liquid formula and the kit's gentle effectiveness have earned it a strong reputation among both new and experienced hair lighteners.
This no-drip formula makes quick work of unwanted facial hair, giving you virtually invisible results every time. The soothing aloe vera helps keep your skin happy during the process, while the sweet almond scent makes it a bit more pleasant. Whether you're touching up your lip hair or getting your sideburns lighter, this kit has got you covered.
This expertly crafted ammonia-free bleach kit gives you up to 8 levels of lift while keeping your curls bouncy and healthy. The simple two-part system makes the whole process stress-free, and the violet-toning conditioner helps calm down any harsh brass notes that might appear after the bleach treatment.
This innovative cream bleach from South Korea combines professional results with user-friendly application, featuring a convenient soft-cream formula that eliminates the traditional powder-shaking step. Packed with nourishing ingredients like manulaseed oil, it protects your hair while effectively lightening both virgin and previously colored locks. The result is stunning, uniform color with minimal damage, as confirmed by the satisfied users who've tried this Korean-made alternative to conventional bleach kits.
With its powerful keratin-infused formula, this violet-based bleach effectively lifts up to 8 hair color levels while canceling yellow tones during the process. The creamy formula applies smoothly and rinses out relatively easily compared to some other products on the market. Users have reported soft, healthy-looking hair with vibrant, true-to-tone results after just 15-35 minutes of processing time.
The Brite No Bleach Kit offers a gentler way to lift your hair color by up to 8 shades, using a peroxide-free formula that reduces damage and irritation. The system consists of developing cream, colorant, and a conditioning hair mask, making it suitable for various hair types including unbleached, brown, and recently grown-out roots. While some users achieve precise shade lifts, others find the process slower than traditional bleach, making it ideal for those who prefer less aggressive lightening methods.
This versatile hair-lightening kit from BLEACH LONDON offers a gentler alternative to traditional bleach, safely lifting hair up to five shades while protecting against damage. The specially formulated system produces a natural-looking blonde effect that brightens over time, requiring occasional touch-ups every 4-6 weeks for lasting results.
The Colorista Bleach Ombré kit offers an affordable way to create a sun-kissed hair effect at home, complete with everything you need for the process. The system works well on naturally dark hair, lifting it to lighter shades while the included conditioner helps maintain hair health throughout the coloring process. While results can vary based on hair type and starting color, many users have successfully created beautiful, gradient-style highlights that catch the light just like salon treatments.
This powder bleach lifts up to 7 hair color levels in one application, making it perfect for those who want to achieve highlights or a completely new look. The formula stays creamy during application and processing, so you don't need to remix it, which makes it much easier to use than other powders on the market. While some users note that it can be a bit messy and the scent isn't great, many praised its effectiveness, particularly for lifting dark hair to lighter shades. The best results come from careful application, whether you're lightening your roots or processing the entire head, as using too much at once can lead to uneven results.
This rich creme lightener gives you salon-quality results with gentle care for your hair. The creamy formula spreads smoothly, and you'll see significant lightening in just 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your starting color. With proper technique, it can lift your hair 8 shades while keeping your strands healthy and damage-free.
This bleach kit has earned a solid 4.3 rating from over 1,500 reviews, with many users praising its gentle formula that lifted their dark brown hair up to 8 levels while maintaining healthy, manageable strands. The professional-grade kit includes premium vegetable-based bleach, 35 volume developer, and latex-free gloves, making touch-ups at home a breeze. Users particularly love how the blend of castor oil, papaya extract, and vitamins leaves their hair strong, smooth, and free from the dryness often associated with traditional bleaching products.
Buyer's Guide
Bleaching your hair at home offers flexibility and control over your coloring process, but it requires careful consideration of several factors to achieve professional results safely.
Understanding Bleaching Fundamentals
Bleaching removes pigment from hair using hydrogen peroxide, lightening it to various shades. The process varies based on hair type (straight, curly, thick, fine), starting color, and desired lightness. Professional salon bleach typically lightens hair 4-6 levels, while home bleach usually manages 2-3 levels safely.
Choosing the Right Bleach Product
The two primary types of bleach are developer-based and one-step. Developer bleach combines bleach with hydrogen peroxide in a developer solution, requiring pre-lightening to open the hair cuticles. One-step bleach combines both in a single product, simplifying application but potentially limiting customization. Consider your experience level, hair type, and desired outcome when selecting a product.
Safety and Preparation
Protect your skin and eyes by wearing gloves and safety glasses. Work in a well-ventilated area or use a hooded bleach cape. Testing a small patch of hair ensures you're not allergic and helps determine the bleach's effectiveness on your specific hair type. Avoid applying bleach to damaged or chemically treated hair, as it may not lift color properly.
Application Techniques
Pre-lightening with a clarifying shampoo opens cuticles, enhancing bleach penetration. Applying bleach in sections prevents uneven results and allows monitoring lift levels. Using a foam applicator or bleaching brush can be more precise than traditional foils or film. Leave bleach on hair for the recommended time (usually 20-30 minutes) to achieve optimal lift without causing damage.
FAQ
What is hair bleach?
Hair bleach is a chemical solution that removes natural hair color by lifting and breaking down melanin pigmentation. It works by oxidizing the color particles in the hair shaft, making it possible to achieve lighter shades.
Professional hair bleach typically contains hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient, ranging from 20 to 40 volume strengths depending on the desired results. At-home bleach products are usually formulated with lower concentrations for safer home use.
Can anyone use hair bleach?
Not all hair types and conditions are suitable for bleach. Individuals with colored hair, permed hair, alopecia, or certain medical conditions should consult a dermatologist before use. Bleaching can be particularly damaging to chemically treated hair, so proper testing is essential.
Your hair's health and condition play a significant role in its tolerance to bleaching. Strong acids, alkalis, and harsh chemicals in hair bleach can cause damage, especially in hair that has already been processed with color or chemical treatments.
How long does it take to bleach hair at home?
The bleaching process can vary based on several factors including the starting hair color, desired shade, and product used. Natural hair color removal typically takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours, while achieving lighter shades may require multiple treatments spaced 48-72 hours apart.
Home bleach formulas generally react more slowly than professional products. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as excessive processing time can cause hair to become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
What are the risks of home hair bleaching?
Home bleaching carries risks such as scalp irritation, allergic reactions, and potential damage to the hair shaft. The chemicals in bleach can be harsh if not used properly, leading to dryness, brittleness, and even hair loss in severe cases.
Always perform a patch test on a small section of hair before full application to check for sensitivity. Wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area are essential safety measures when using bleach at home.
How should you prepare your hair before bleaching?
Thoroughly wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove oils and product residue. For best results, section your hair thoroughly and apply bleach evenly, avoiding the hairline and scalp. Cover your ears and eyes with protective barriers.
The application process should be timed according to the product instructions. Using a timer helps ensure consistent processing time across all sections of hair for even results.
What products are best for home bleaching?
Professional hair bleach brands like Clairol Nice 'n Easy, L'Oreal Paris, and Redken offer salon-quality formulas specifically designed for home use. These products typically include protective conditioners and rinses to minimize damage.
Starting with a 20 volume strength bleach is recommended for first-time users or natural hair color removal. For lighter shades, 30-40 volume strengths may be necessary, but always follow the product's instructions carefully.
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