Hair lighteners have significantly evolved since your teenage years—here are 9 gentle formulas that hairstylists recommend.

      When I think of hair lighteners, I often remember my middle school days when I heard about classmates using lemon juice to achieve a sun-kissed look. The results were often inconsistent, but they persisted in trying to get the desired look. Eventually, people transitioned from lemon juice to actual hair products that promised equal or superior outcomes. According to celebrity stylist Mario Solis, “Hair lighteners use alkaline agents and persulfates to open the hair cuticle, while hydrogen peroxide breaks down the hair's natural melanin (pigment). As the pigment is lifted, the hair turns lighter.” He notes that the amount of lift achieved depends on various factors such as the hair's natural color, previous coloring history, the product used, developer strength, and correct application.

      The hair lighteners available today have improved over time with better formulas, and an increasing number of brands now offer these products, making them easier to find. This means you may be able to skip your next salon visit and opt for a more affordable option that you can use repeatedly. To determine which hair lighteners yield vibrant results, I consulted professionals for their recommendations. Read on for their top picks.

      **The Best Hair Lighteners, at a Glance**

      - **Best Overall:** Sun In Hair Lightener Shine Enhancing Spray

      - **Runner-Up:** Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Hair Mist

      - **Best for Damaged Hair:** Schwarzkopf Remingo Blondme Lightener 9+

      - **Best for Brunettes:** Hally Lighten Up Hair Lightening Mist

      - **Best Powder:** Matrix Light Master Lightening Powder

      **Best Overall: Sun In Hair Lightener Shine Enhancing Spray**

      This is the classic hair lightener that most editors still consider the top choice for lightening hair. It has a distinct lemon fragrance that is both fresh and citrusy, and it's very affordable. You can activate it by either blow-drying your hair or letting the sun do the work over time.

      - **Pros:** Very affordable, can be activated with heat

      - **Cons:** Some people dislike the lemon scent

      - **Timing:** One to three applications

      - **Customer review:** "I've been using this for over 15 years. No complaints—it doesn't dry my hair out. Once I've reached my desired lightness, I use purple drops to tone it, and it works perfectly."

      **Runner-Up: Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Hair Mist**

      Our second choice is another spray from Oribe. Though it’s pricier than our top pick, it offers mess-free results and remains more budget-friendly than many professional options. The lemon and chamomile extracts tone the hair while adding moisture.

      - **Pros:** Tones hair, adds moisture, reduces brassiness

      - **Cons:** Can irritate sensitive skin

      - **Key ingredients:** Concentrated lemon and chamomile extracts, tropical extract blend, hydrogen-peroxide-free formula

      - **Timing:** Three to five uses

      - **Customer review:** "I have blonde highlights, and this really brightens them while eliminating brass. I noticed results after a few uses before blow-drying. I've also left it on for sun exposure."

      **Best for Damaged Hair: Schwarzkopf Remingo Blondme Lightener 9+**

      For those looking for a lightener that suits advanced users without being too complicated, consider the Remingo Blondme Lightener 9+. "BlondeMe offers impressive lift while minimizing breakage thanks to its bond-strengthening technology," says Solis. "It's one of my top choices for clients seeking clean, bright blondes."

      - **Pros:** Fast results, a professional favorite

      - **Cons:** Expensive, not suited for beginners

      - **Key ingredients:** Mineral oil

      - **Timing:** 20 to 45 minutes

      - **Customer review:** "I really like the BlondeMe products. I'm cautious with lighteners because I’m not a pro and don't want to damage my hair. A lower-level developer like a 10 provides a gentle lightening process, especially for slightly damaged hair. The lift is beautiful."

      **Best for Highlights: Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit**

      For a straightforward kit, try this option endorsed by Jacob Schmidt, senior colorist at Ollin Salon NYC by Johnny Ramirez. "Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit has a two-step process that lifts and tones the hair, enhancing brightness while preventing brassiness," he explains. It's one of the few lighteners on this list that can be used on brunette hair.

      - **Pros:** Suitable for dark hair, mess-free

      - **Cons:** Some users dislike the wishbone applicator

      - **Key ingredients:** Keratin, argan oil, ginseng root extract

      - **Timing:** 90 minutes

      - **Customer review:** "I've been using this kit for 4 years now (6 times total), and I absolutely LOVE it! It's easy to use