Best Lightening Shampoos of 2025
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Lightening shampoos are a type of hair care product that are designed to gradually lighten the hair over time. These shampoos contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice, which help to break down the melanin in the hair, resulting in a lighter shade. They are ideal for those who want to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect without the use of harsh chemicals or dyes. Lightening shampoos can also help to remove build-up and impurities from the hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 5 Lightening Shampoos
REDKEN Blondage High Bright Lightening Shampoo
REDKEN Blondage Shampoo is designed specifically for blondes who want to maintain their hair's brightness between salon visits. Enriched with Vitamin C and a 4% Brightening Care Complex, this shampoo helps keep your hair looking light and vibrant. You’ll appreciate how it seals cuticles and fills porosity, effectively locking out dullness for a radiant finish. Plus, it’s peroxide-free, ensuring your hair remains silky, soft, and conditioned after each wash.
Milva Chamomile Shampoo for Lightening Hair
Milva Chamomile Shampoo is a fantastic choice for those looking to soothe their scalp and naturally lighten their hair. Infused with chamomile extract, it helps calm irritation and keep your scalp hydrated, effectively reducing dandruff. Additionally, it enhances your hair's brightness, giving you lovely golden highlights without the need for bleach. The shampoo also moisturises and softens your hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. With no parabens or silicone, it offers a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
Tio Nacho Natural Lightening Shampoo for Healthy Hair
Tio Nacho Lightening Shampoo is designed to naturally brighten your hair while adding shine and volume. With chamomile, it enhances brightness, giving your locks a radiant appearance. Royal Jelly nourishes your hair, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant. The inclusion of tomato extract provides suppleness, making your hair feel softer and more manageable. Additionally, jojoba extract effectively removes excess oils from your scalp, helping to maintain a clean and refreshed feeling. This shampoo is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hair's natural beauty.
John Frieda Go Blonder Shampoo 500ml
The Go Blonder Shampoo by John Frieda is designed specifically for blonde and bleached hair, providing a gradual lightening effect that brightens your hair without causing dryness. This means you can achieve that sun-kissed look all year round, regardless of the season. Enriched with chamomile, citrus, and innovative go blonde plex technology, it restores your hair's natural luminosity while offering intensive care. Additionally, it's suitable for colour-treated hair, making it a versatile choice for maintaining vibrant blonde shades.
Prowess® Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
Prowess® Purple Shampoo is designed specifically for blonde, highlighted, or grey hair. This effective formula increases cool tones and removes unwanted yellow and brassy hues, giving your hair a refreshed, vibrant look. You will appreciate the advanced anti-yellow technology that leaves your hair smooth, soft, and frizz-free, enhancing its shine and silkiness. It's easy to use—simply leave it on for two to three minutes, and you’ll enjoy the immediate toning action that brings out the best in your blonde locks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a shampoo that will lighten hair?
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo, an improved formula, gradually lightens appearance of blonde, for natural-looking sunlit blonde. Gently massage into wet hair, lather and rinse well. Follow with sheer blonde go blonder conditioner.
2. Does lightening shampoo lighten hair?
Lightening shampoo can lighten the color of hair over time. Although this kind of shampoo can create a desired hue or tone in the hair, it also can be a bit damaging to the follicles. If the lightening shampoo contains hydrogen peroxide, the hair may become damaged after repeated use.
3. What shampoo can I use to lighten my dark brown hair?
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter Subtle Lightening Shampoo helps brighten up your natural or color-treated brunette hair just by shampooing. This gentle shampoo together with the conditioner, boosts the appearance of warm, golden tones while it cleanses.
4. Can you use lightening shampoo on brown hair?
The short answer: Yes, you can use purple shampoo on darker hair colors. If you have a full mane of dark brown hair, using a purple shampoo won't be particularly effective. However, if you have dark hair with highlights, the purple shampoo will tone your lightened strands.
During our lightening shampoo research, we found 89 lightening shampoo products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 31,076 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightening shampoos list. We found that most customers choose lightening shampoos with an average price of £6.27.
The lightening shampoos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightening shampoos, including Redken, Milva, Tio Nacho, John Frieda, Prowess.
Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.