Are you looking for the best lightening shampoo? Lightening shampoos are a great way to alter the colour of your hair slightly without using any harsh chemicals. I’ve reviewed the best lightening shampoos for dark hair, blonde hair and grey hair.
Lightening shampoos will change the colour of your hair gradually over time. They can be used on coloured, highlighted or natural hair. They work the best on dark to medium blonde hair or lighter brunettes.
The best hair lightening shampoo will enhance the colour you already have, and have a subtle brightening effect on the hair. They have become popular since they are effective at neutralising any brassy or yellow tones in the hair.
Although lightening shampoos work best on blonde hair there are some great products to lighten and tone dark and grey hair. They are excellent at producing cooler, icier shades in the hair.
This post is all about the best lightening shampoo products
Best Lightening Shampoo
- Benefits of Hair Lightening Shampoos
- How Long do Hair Lightening Shampoos Take to Work?
- Best Lightening Shampoo for Blondes
- PRO:VOKE Illuminex Touch of Blonde
- John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder
- John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo
- Klorane Blond Highlights Shampoo with Chamomile
- L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blondifier
- Toni & Guy Illuminate Blonde
- Urtekram Camomile Shampoo
- Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo
- Cameleo Silver Shampoo Anti Yellow Effect
- Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
- Dessange Lightening Shampoo
- Kelemata Lightening Shampoo with Chamomile Flowers
- Best Lightening Shampoo for Dark Hair
- Best Brightening Shampoo For Grey Hair
- How to Use a Lightening Shampoo
Benefits of Hair Lightening Shampoos
The results you will see will depend on the current condition and colour of your hair. Generally they will enhance the colour of your hair and help to neutralise any orange, yellow or brassy tones.
They extend the length of highlights and help to hide dark roots (if you have dark hair and dye it blonde). Dyed blonde hair is kept looking fresh and bright.
Overall lightening shampoos make the hair appear brighter, or as if it’s been dyed subtly by the sun. They are popular since they alter your hair colour without the need for bleach or harsh chemical dyes.
How Long do Hair Lightening Shampoos Take to Work?
Again this will depend on the condition of your hair. Since hair lightening shampoos are designed to produce results gradually over time, it may take a few weeks before you see a difference.
As long as you use the product consistently you should start seeing definite results in less than a month. For better results it is recommended to use the shampoo with a complimentary lightening conditioner and spray.
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Best Lightening Shampoo for Blondes
PRO:VOKE Illuminex Touch of Blonde
- Blonde Shampoo and conditioner set
- Lightening Shampoo to go blonder, gradually lightens, brightens and illuminates blonde hair
- Vegan friendly
- Sls & sulphate free
- Contains UV filters
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The PRO:VOKE Illuminex Touch of Blonde Lightening Shampoo is a really affordable lightening shampoo for blonde hair that comes in a set with matching conditioner.
This product is sulphate free, silicone free and vegan, and also contains UV filters to protect the hair. In a few weeks the formula gradually lightens, brightens and illuminates blonde hair.
The hair is left looking fresh and radiant and the shampoo is gentle enough for every day use. PRO:VOKE also make a Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde spray for more permanent lightening results.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder
- Shampoo that lightens your hair gradually
- Uses a natural lightening complex to gently reduce the colour pigments in your hair
- Suitable to use on all shades of blonde
- With citrus and chamomile
- Leaves hair looking sun kissed
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The John Frieda Go Blonder range contains the most popular hair lightening products for blonde hair. The John Frieda Go Blonder shampoo contains citrus and chamomile and leaves hair with a sun kissed look.
It is suitable for all shades of blonde and also works well on light brown hair with blonde highlights. It is one of the best blonde shampoos to lighten hair.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo
- Cleanses and brightens
- Salon-inspired formula
- Amplifies mega-watt, golden shine
- Sparkling citrus fragrance
Last update on 2021-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight activating shampoo is designed to brighten and reactivate faded highlights. It leaves blonde hair with a full spectrum of different tones.
This shampoo will leave you with a golden shine. It is formulated with sunflower and white tea and has a citrus fragrance.
Klorane Blond Highlights Shampoo with Chamomile
- Thanks to the extract of chamomile klorane contained in the delicate emulsifying base of this...
- Brand: klorane
- Format 400 ml
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is an extremely gentle formula which can be used on sensitive damaged hair and by people of all ages including children older than 3.
The Klorane Chamomile shampoo contains brightening agents to give an optimal dazzling shine. It also makes hair easy to detangle. It won’t weight your hair down and is perfectly adapted for blonde hair.
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blondifier
- Brightening and restorative shampoo for blond hair, enriched with Acai blackberry extract containing...
- Professional formula carefully cleanses hair fiber while emphasizing the natural shine of blond...
- Apply to damp hair, distributing evenly; Emulsify and lighten; Repeat the same step
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a beautiful resurfacing and illuminating shampoo for blonde hair. It gently cleanses the hair white giving it a multidimensional shine. This product works brilliantly on blonde, highlighted or balayage hair.
L’Oréal Professionnel have a full Blondifier haircare routine, including a conditioner and deep nourishing hair mask for blonde hair. Check out the full range on Amazon.
Toni & Guy Illuminate Blonde
- Shampoo for natural or highlighted blonde hair
- Enhances vibrancy and shine of blonde hair; for naturally blonde and highlighted hair
- Massage into wet hair from root to tip and rinse thoroughly
- Follow with Toni & Guy illuminate blonde conditioner for effective results
- Born and bred in London, Toni & Guy collection of hair care and styling products is inspired by...
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Urtekram Camomile Shampoo
- Give your blond hair life and a wonderful glow with our effective herb decoction of Camomile flowers...
- In addition to this, you get extra care and moisture from the own moisturisers of the nature, aloe...
- With a mild scent of Camomile flower
- Certified by ecocert cosmos organic, Vegan, Cruelty free Organic 100 free of silicone, paraffin and...
- You might receive this product with old packaging, since we are in transition to a new design;...
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo
- Added softness and smoothness
- Gently cleanses with rich lather
- Restores hairs optimal pH level
- Banishes brass and produces a luscious lather
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cameleo Silver Shampoo Anti Yellow Effect
- ⚪ NO YELLOW TONES - purple toning shampoo that instantly removes yellow and brassy tones from...
- ⚪ FOR ALL BLONDE - recommended for naturally blonde, bleached, grey and platinum hair
- ⚪ SHINE & CARE - provides delicate care, UV protection and refreshes the hair
- ⚪ SAFE USE - intensive colour of the shampoo does not leave stains on clothes or towels. Keep your...
- ⚪ SILVER LINE - shampoo is dedicated for everyday use, leaves the hair shiny and soft. Add extra...
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
- Beauty products
- Scalp treatments - shampoos
- Products by PALMER'S
Last update on 2021-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is an amazing dry lightening shampoo! It balances brassiness with subtle violent pigments and enhances the appearance of light coloured hair.
This shampoo contains UV filters to protect the oil. It won’t leave any dull residue and has a lovely exotic scent.
Dessange Lightening Shampoo
- Nourishes and softens your natural blonde hair.
- Formula enriched with brightening lemon extracts.
- Made from softening chamomile extracts.
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dessange lightening shampoo is formulated with brightening lemon extracts. It nourishes and softens naturally blonde hair.
Kelemata Lightening Shampoo with Chamomile Flowers
- Delicate and non-aggressive, strengthens the keratin structures of hair
- It performs a softening and protective action and enhances the golden blond reflections of light...
- Suitable for frequent washing and for children
- Great gift idea
- For Hair: Natural
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This lightening shampoo is suitable for frequent washing and for children. It enhances the golden blond reflections of blonde hair.
Best Lightening Shampoo for Dark Hair
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
- Gradually creates naturally glowing colour.
- Formulated with honey and marigold flower extract.
- Infuses golden tones to illuminate the spectrum of your natural brunette colour.
- Safe for use on natural or colour-treated hair.
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
John Frieda make great lightening shampoos for both blonde and brunette hair. Their Brilliant Brunette shampoo infuses golden tones in the hair to illuminate the spectrum of your natural brunette colour.
PRO:VOKE Illuminex Touch of Brunette
- Brunette shampoo and conditioner set
- Brown pigments deposit colour onto the hair to
- Enhance your colour
- Gradually blend first greys with each use
- Incha Inchi Oil nourishes and adds shine
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the PRO:VOKE shampoo and conditioner set for enhancing brunette hair. This doesn’t necessarily make the hair any lighter, but it brings out and enhances your natural colour.
Best Brightening Shampoo For Grey Hair
PRO:VOKE Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo
- Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo & Intensive Conditioner 150ml
- Optical Brightening Shampoo & Conditioner With Violet Pigment
- Actively neutralises brassiness
- Deep conditioning for visible radiance
- 150ml each
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the PRO:VOKE lightening shampoo for grey, white or platinum blonde hair. It neutralises brassiness and brightens white and grey hair. It’s also popular with people who have very blonde hair. It leaves the hair silky and shiny.
L’ANZA Healing ColorCare Silver Brightening Shampoo
- Item display weight: 10.1 ounces
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This shampoo is sulphate free so it is gentle on the hair. It hydrates and detangles the hair as well as bringing sparkle to silver, grey, white, blonde or highlighted hair.
The lavender toning agents in this shampoo eliminate brassiness. It contains natural Gugo Bark for a rich, creamy, luxurious lather.
White Hot Cleanse Duo
- Brilliant Shampoo: a soft violet, use 1-2 x a week to banish yellowy tones from white and grey hair
- Glorious Shampoo: a creamy white formula, gives white and grey hair every day shine-giving cleanse
- Quality formulations developed specifically for white,grey and silver hair
- Made in the UK
Last update on 2021-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a great shampoo and conditioner set for white and grey hair. It banishes any yellowy tones or dullness and adds moisture and shine to the hair.
The founder created this product when she decided to embrace her natural grey. The shampoo brightens the hair making grey and white hair look amazingly stylish.
How to Use a Lightening Shampoo
- Massage the shampoo into wet hair from roots to ends ensuring even coverage.
- Leave the shampoo on the hair for 1-3 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Smooth a lightening conditioner onto wet hair from roots to ends ensuring even coverage.
- Leave for 3 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Other FAQs on Lightening Shampoo
Does Go Blonder shampoo work on brown hair?
Yes. I have dark brown hair and this shampoo brings out natural highlights in my hair.
Does John Frieda Go Blonder shampoo damage your hair?
If the product is used alone it can dry out your hair. It’s recommended therefore that you always use a conditioner with this product.
Can you lighten your hair with shampoo?
Yes. Lightening shampoos are designed to do just that. Over time your hair will appear brighter with subtle lightening effects.
Does purple shampoo lighten hair?
Rather than lighten the hair, purple shampoo is designed to neutralise any orange, brassy or yellow tones in the hair.
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