10 Best Hair Lighteners 2026 in the United States

L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color in LB01 Extra Light Ash Blonde is designed for those seeking a reliable hair lightener. One of its standout features is the fade-defying technology, which helps maintain color vibrancy over time. With more than 50 shades to choose from, it offers plenty of options for users wanting to customize their hair color, from ash blonde to deeper hues. The inclusion of a Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum is a major plus, as it nourishes the hair while coloring, ensuring a silkier feel and a healthy shine post-application.

The gel formulation is user-friendly, allowing for a straightforward application, which is great for beginners or those who prefer a less messy process. Additionally, L'Oréal is known for its innovations in hair color, providing a sense of trust in the quality and effectiveness of the product.

This product is ideal for those looking for a dependable hair lightener that offers both color and conditioning benefits. It is essential to manage expectations regarding the final shade achieved.

The Sun Bum Hair Lightener Spray is designed for people with blonde to medium brown hair who want a gentle way to brighten their hair using natural sunlight. It uses Hawaiian Lehua Honey, Costa Rican Pineapple, and Meyer Lemon to enhance sun-driven lightening, working gradually rather than instantly lifting strong color.

The spray formulation is easy to apply and works best when activated by heat, such as from a hairdryer, making it convenient for home use. It also helps protect hair from frizz, humidity, UV damage, and dullness, which is a nice bonus for maintaining healthy hair during sun exposure.

This product is ideal for natural or color-treated hair wanting subtle highlights rather than a full bleach effect. Being vegan and free of parabens, gluten, and cruelty, it appeals to users seeking gentle and ethical hair care options. For those who prefer a gradual, sun-activated lightening with added hair protection, this spray is a fitting choice, while users looking for a powerful or quick lightener may need a stronger product.

The Clairol Professional BW2+ Dedusted Extra Strength Powder Lightener is an effective choice for those seeking significant hair lightening, offering up to 9 levels of lift. This makes it suitable for various applications, whether you aim for full head lightening, highlights, or balayage.

The powder formulation is advantageous as it allows easy mixing into a creamy consistency, facilitating straightforward application and visibility during the lightening process. Additionally, the presence of malic acid aids in achieving bright and even results, which is a significant benefit for users aiming to avoid brassy tones.

However, the product lacks specific conditioning ingredients, which means users should consider incorporating a good conditioning treatment to maintain hair health. Despite this minor drawback, its versatility and strength make it a valuable option for anyone looking to achieve professional-grade lightening at home.