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

      When reminiscing about hair lighteners, I often think back to middle school when I heard classmates discussing their attempts to achieve a sun-kissed look by applying lemon juice to their hair. The results were typically mixed, but they were set on getting the appearance they desired. Eventually, people shifted from using lemon juice to adopting actual hair products that claimed to deliver similar or improved results. Celebrity stylist Mario Solis explains, "Hair lighteners function by utilizing alkaline agents and persulfates to open the hair cuticle, while hydrogen peroxide decomposes the natural melanin (pigment) within the hair. As the pigment is lifted, the hair lightens.” He notes that how much lift one achieves is influenced by natural hair color, previous coloring history, product selection, developer strength, and correct application.

      Naturally, the hair lighteners that gained popularity back then have progressed with enhanced formulas over time. Additionally, a wider variety of brands have begun to offer these types of products, making them more accessible. This means you might be able to forgo your next salon appointment in favor of a more economical option that you can use repeatedly. To discover which hair lighteners yield vibrant results, I consulted professionals for their recommendations. Continue reading for their top choices.

      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 original hair lightener that many editors still regard as the top choice for lightening hair. It has a distinct lemon aroma that is both refreshing and citrusy, and it's very affordable. To activate it, you can either blow-dry your hair or let it work in the sun gradually.

      **Pros:** Very cost-effective, can be activated through heat

      **Cons:** Some find the lemon scent unappealing

      **Timing:** One to three applications

      **Customer Review:** "I've been using this for over 15 years. No complaints—doesn't dry my hair. Once I achieve my desired lightness, I use purple drops to tone it, and it turns out great."

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

      Our second choice is another spray from Oribe. While it is pricier than our top pick, it still offers mess-free results and is more budget-friendly than many professional alternatives. The lemon and chamomile extracts help tone the hair while adding noticeable moisture.

      **Pros:** Tones hair, adds hydration, reduces brassiness

      **Cons:** May 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 definitely brightens them and reduces brass. I love how it makes my hair feel. I noticed results after a few uses before blow-drying. I've left it on while out in the sun too."

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

      For those not entirely new to lightening hair but not yet pros, the Remingo Blondme Lightener 9+ is a great option. "BlondeMe provides impressive lift while helping to minimize breakage thanks to its bond-strengthening technology," says Solis. "It's one of my preferred choices for clients wanting to achieve bright, clean blondes with confidence."

      **Pros:** Quick results, a professional favorite

      **Cons:** Expensive, not ideal for beginners

      **Key Ingredients:** Mineral oil

      **Timing:** 20 to 45 minutes

      **Customer Review:** "I really like the BlondeMe products. I'm careful when using lighteners because I'm not a professional and want to avoid damaging my hair. A lower level developer like a 10 works well for a gentle process, especially if your hair is slightly damaged. The lift this provides is beautiful."

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

      For a straightforward kit, consider this option recommended by Jacob Schmidt, senior colorist at Ollin Salon NYC by Johnny Ramirez. "The Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit offers a two-step approach that lifts and tones hair, helping to brighten strands and avoid brassiness," he notes. Plus, this is one of the few products that can treat brunette hair.

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

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

      **Key Ingredients:** Keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract

      **Timing:** 90 minutes

      **Customer Review:** "I've used this