17 Best Hair Lightening Shampoo Products to Get Beautiful Toned Hair

Last Updated on December 7, 2021 by Olivia Herlihy RN

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.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link. Please read my full disclosure here

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.

Last update on 2022-01-23 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-23 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / 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.

Last update on 2022-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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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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• 6 Colorist-Approved Ways to Lighten Your Hair Naturally
• How to Lighten Your Hair Naturally Without Absolutely Destroying It

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.