Lightening Hair: Things You Really Need to Know

Thinking about going lighter? Whether it’s a soft, lived-in balayage or a high-impact scalp bleach, lightening hair is one of the most transformative hair colouring services available. But with great transformations come big responsibilities — for both stylist and client.

Over the past 10 years, professional lightening products (especially bleach) have changed dramatically. Many brands now offer ultra-strong bleaches that promise extreme lift — taking hair from very dark (level 1) to very light (level 10) in a single session, with minimal visible damage.

Sound too good to be true? In some ways, it is.

These powerful lighteners are often paired with bond builders — ingredients designed to protect and rebuild the hair’s internal structure while the bleach works. These tools are brilliant and often necessary, but they’re not a magic wand. In the wrong hands or used too aggressively, even the most advanced bleaches can lead to breakage and long-term damage.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

As a London-based colourist who specialises in textured hair, curly hair, and high-impact colour transformations, I believe in slow, intentional lightening — not chasing lift at any cost. Knowing what we’re using, why, and when is the key to achieving healthy, beautiful results.

So let’s break down the main types of lightening products used in professional salons — and why you might be recommended one over the other.

High Lift Tint

Think of high lift tint as the middle ground between regular permanent dye and bleach. It’s a permanent colour that contains extra ammonia (the ingredient that helps lift natural pigment), but it’s gentler than traditional bleach.

It works well for:

• Clients with lighter natural hair (level 7 and above)

• Fine to medium hair textures

• Traditional highlights

• People wanting a natural-looking blonde

• Brunettes seeking light brown or caramel tones

• Anyone who prefers warmer tones over cooler shades

• Creating a clean canvas for fashion or vivid colours

You’ll often get 2–4 levels of lift with high lift tint — ideal when you don’t need the full strength of bleach to get a bright, fresh result.

Powder Bleach

This is the strongest lightening option — and the go-to for major transformations or colour corrections. Whether you’re lifting to bright blonde or correcting years of box dye, powder bleach is the workhorse in most professional hair colour services.

That said, not all powder bleaches are created equal. Each brand varies in strength, speed, and gentleness. Most include persulfate salts (which do the heavy lifting) and other ingredients to help the bleach penetrate deeply and break down melanin (your hair’s natural pigment).

It’s effective, but it requires:

• The right technique

• Close monitoring

• A lot of care before, during, and after the service

You may also hear of clay bleach, often used for balayage or freehand techniques, as it gives a softer, warmer result and doesn’t transfer or bleed.

Oil Bleach

Oil bleach is a lesser-known but brilliant option — especially for scalp work or more delicate lightening. It’s creamier and gentler than powder bleach, but more powerful than high lift tint.

Perfect for:

• On-scalp applications (especially on virgin regrowth)

• Brightening dull ends on previously highlighted hair

• Softening old colour on mid-lengths and ends

• Clients who need a few levels of lift but don’t require full bleach

Oil bleaches are ideal for fragile or curly hair types, offering control and gentleness with impressive lift. They’re often used in professional textured hair salons where sensitivity and condition are top priorities.

Important Notes (aka Things Your Colourist is Thinking About):

• Not every head of hair needs the strongest bleach. Sometimes a slower, gentler approach offers better long-term results — especially for curly and textured hair clients.

• Timing matters. Some lightening services take time. Find a stylist who understands your hair type and can give your service the time and care it needs.

• Post-bleach care is essential. Lightening services are drying by nature, so proper home care makes all the difference. I always recommend high-quality products that suit your texture and colour goals.

The Bottom Line

Going lighter doesn’t have to mean damage. When done professionally, lightening can be a beautiful, healthy process — but it’s never one-size-fits-all.

Every head of hair is unique. Texture, density, curl pattern, colour history, and long-term goals all influence the best approach. Working with a stylist or colourist who understands both the science and aesthetics of colour — especially on textured hair — makes all the difference.

If you’re thinking about lightening your hair to achieve a blonde, bright platinum, or you’re just looking to add texture and definition — or if your current blonde needs some TLC — let’s talk. I’m London-based and offer in-person or online consultations to explore your goals, assess your hair’s condition, and build a plan that puts the health of your hair first.