How to Lighten Hair

Looking for an easy hair update?

Create a subtle lightened glow or maximum-impact ice blonde in just a few steps with these fuss-free, at-home, hair-lightening products…

Lightening spray

A hair-lightening spray has a low hydrogen peroxide concentration and is a great way to go lighter gently and gradually, with minimum effort.

Check the product is suitable for your hair: some hair lighteners are formulated specifically for blondes, while others can also be used on brunettes to achieve a lighter brown, sunkissed hue.

Lightening sprays can be used to achieve different looks. Spray all over for a complete lighter finish, spray directly onto roots to touch up any outgrown colour, or spray on selected strands to create highlights.

Exposure to heat or the sun can intensify the bleaching effect of the spray, so spending extra hours outdoors and blow-drying your hair will provide even lighter results.

Pro:Voke DNRAD PRO:VOKE Touch Of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray 150ml £0.13

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Step-by-step to using hair-lightening sprays

1. After showering, spray generously onto towel-dried hair. For maximum lightening, use a hair-lightening spray over the course of 10 washes; for a gradual result, use over three to five washes.
2. Blow-dry hair and you’re good to go.

Using at-home hair-lightening kits

1. Wear the latex gloves to keep mess to a minimum and to avoid the bleach staining your hands.
2. Place an old towel on your shoulders to protect clothing from splashes of dye.
3. Add the colourant cream to the bottle of developer and shake for 3-5 seconds to mix.
4. Section the hair down the middle into two halves with a tail comb.
5. Squirt the mixture into the grooves of the applicator brush.
6. Starting with the first section, brush the mixture down the hair in vertical movements to create streaks of colour. Repeat on the second section of hair. Leave on for the time specified on the packet (usually 20-45 minutes).
7. Wash out thoroughly until the water runs clear, then generously apply the conditioner. For a moisture kick, leave conditioner on the hair for 5 minutes before rinsing out.
8. Air dry or blow-dry hair, then style as usual.

Hair Bleach

For the ultimate icy blonde result, apply a toner immediately after bleaching and then once every 6-8 weeks thereafter (or when you feel your hair needs a boost) to get rid of any brassy tones and revive colour.

Jerome Russell Bblonde Permanent Hair Kit Ice Blonde 11.12 £1.47

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Step-by-step to using hair bleach

1. Wear the latex gloves to keep mess to a minimum and to avoid the bleach staining your hands.
2. Place an old towel on your shoulders to protect clothing from splashes of dye.
3. Add the colourant cream to the bottle of developer and shake for 3-5 seconds to mix.
4. Section the hair down the middle into two halves with a tail comb.
5. Starting with the first section, use the applicator brush (or fine nib on the bottle) to apply the mixture to the hair.
6. Start at the roots and work the mixture down to the mid-lengths and ends. Massage throughout the hair to ensure it is fully covered. Repeat on the second section of hair, then leave on for the time specified on the packet (usually 20-45 minutes).
7. Wash out thoroughly until the water runs clear, then generously apply the conditioner. For a moisture kick, leave the conditioner on the hair for 5 minutes before rinsing out.
8. Air dry or blow-dry hair and then style as you usually would.