Are you looking for the best hair 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 Hair 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. All of the products in this post are free from hydrogen peroxide.
Related: How to Dye Brown Hair Blonde Without Bleach
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
Available at Amazon, Superdrug or Ocado
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.
- 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 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder
Available at Amazon, Walmart or Boots
The John Frieda Go Blonder range contains the most popular hair lightening products for blonde hair. The John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening 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.
- 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 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo
Available at Amazon, Walmart or FeelUnique
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.
- John Frieda
- 250 ml
- Shampoo
- Sheer Blonde
- John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Brightening Shampoo 250ml
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Klorane Blond Highlights Shampoo with Chamomile
Available at Amazon, Walmart or Look Fantastic
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.
- Thanks to the klorane chamomile extract contained in the gentle emulsifying base of this shampoo,...
- Brand: klorane
- Format 400 ml
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blondifier
Available from Amazon, Look Fantastic or Notino
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.
- Revive your blonde hair with the Blondifier Gloss Shampoo which offers ultimate professional results...
- Cleanses and resurfaces the hair. Enhances multidimensional shine of blonde hair Help to smooth...
- Apply evenly on wet hair. Lather. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with Blondifier conditioner or mask.
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Toni & Guy Illuminate Blonde
Available at Amazon, FeelUnique or Ocado
The Tony & Guy Illuminate Blonde Shampoo improves colour vibrancy in naturally blonde hair, or blonde hair that’s had a color treatment. Regular use leaves light hair noticeably brighter and shinier.
- 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 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Urtekram Camomile Shampoo
Available at Amazon, Big Green Smile or Notino
The Urtekram Camomile Shampoo contains aloe vera to moisturise the hair and protect its natural oils, as well as chamomile to lighten the color of your hair. It also contains glycerine to prevent frizz and dry hair. This shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use.
- You get extra care and moisture from nature's own moisturisers aloe vera and glycerine
- Certified by Ecocert cosmos organic
- 100% Vegan
- 100% natural origin
- Moisturizing
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo
Available at Amazon, FeelUnique or Beauty Bay
The Joico Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo is free from sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, and contains natural ingredients such as tamanu oil and monoi oil to keep the hair hydrated. It brightens blonde hair whilst smoothing the hair cuticles, and leaving strands glossy and smooth. For best results use with the matching conditioner.
- Added softness and smoothness
- Gently cleanses with rich lather
- Restores hairs optimal pH level
- Banishes brass and produces a luscious lather
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cameleo Silver Shampoo Anti Yellow Effect
Available at Amazon, Notino or Shopee
The Cameleo Silver Shampoo is a purple shampoo that helps to brighten blonde, bleached or grey hair. If you have used hair dye, and the color has warmed over time, this shampoo helps to neutralise it. It has a lightening effect on any yellow tones and leaves the hair shiny and soft.
- NO YELLOW TONES - purple toning shampoo that instantly removes yellow and brassy tones from blonde...
- 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 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones
Available at Amazon, Moroccanoil or FeelUnique
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.
- Beauty products
- Scalp treatments - shampoos
- Products by PALMER'S
- Model number: MO-DSL205
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dessange Lightening Shampoo
Available at Amazon
The Dessange lightening shampoo is formulated with brightening lemon extracts and chamomile extract. Lemon juice and chamomile (chamomilla recutita) are key ingredients for lightening hair naturally. This shampoo also helps to nourish and soften naturally blonde hair.
- Nourishes and softens your natural blonde hair.
- Formula enriched with brightening lemon extracts.
- Made from softening chamomile extracts.
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kelemata Lightening Shampoo with Chamomile Flowers
Available at Amazon
This lightening shampoo is suitable for frequent washing and for children. It enhances the golden blond reflections of blonde hair. This could be used as a regular shampoo for either light or dark blonde hair.
- Gentle and non-aggressive, strengthens keratin structures of hair
- It performs a softening and protective action and enhances the golden blond reflections of light...
- Suitable for frequent washing and children
- Great gift idea
- For hair: Natural
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Lightening Shampoo for Dark Hair
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
Available at Amazon, FeelUnique or Walmart
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.
- John Frieda
- 250 ml
- Shampoo
- Brilliant Brunette
- John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter Shampoo 250ml
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
PRO:VOKE Illuminex Touch of Brunette
Available at Amazon
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.
- 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 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Brightening Shampoo For Grey Hair
PRO:VOKE Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo
Available at Amazon, Boots or Superdrug
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.
- 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 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
L’ANZA Healing ColorCare Silver Brightening Shampoo
Available at Amazon, Look Fantastic or AllBeauty
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.
- Item display weight: 10.1 ounces
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
White Hot Cleanse Duo
Available at Amazon, Ubuy or Allbeauty
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.
- WHY CHOOSE CLEANSE DUO: Discover your must-have cleansing routine with Cleanse Duo. Regularly boost...
- DAILY HYDRATION AND WEEKLY BRIGHTENING: Our two shampoos, Glorious and Brilliant join forces for the...
- USE Glorious Shampoo as a regular cleanse and swap Brilliant Shampoo into your routine once a week...
- 1 x GLORIOUS SHAMPOO 200ml: A creamy white formula for everyday shine and moisture, with a detoxing...
- 1 X BRILLIANT SHAMPOO 200ml: Our soft violet formula, for brightening and banishing brassiness.
Last update on 2023-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.
For a faster result you may wish to combine your shampoo with a lightening spray. You can buy lightening sprays, or make your own by putting lemon juice, chamomile tea and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. You can find recipes to make your own hair lightener spray in this post.
To keep your hair in good condition, make sure you regularly apply a hair mask with moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil or royal jelly.
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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This post was all about the best hair lightening shampoo products
Thank you for reading my post about hair-lightening shampoos. If you have tried any of the recommended products in this post please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on.