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Best Professional Bleaches for Dark Hair – 2024 Guide

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best professional bleach for dark hairReady for a hair transformation? With the right professional bleach, you can easily turn your dark locks into light and airy tresses. But it’s not as simple as going to the store and picking any old product off the shelf – finding the best professional bleaches for dark hair requires some research! Our 2023 guide on the best professional bleaches will help you find exactly what you need so that you can achieve beautiful color results without damaging your strands.

Keep reading to learn more about how to choose a quality bleach designed specifically for darker shades of hair.

Key Takeaways

  • Arctic Fox, L’Oreal Paris, Wella, and Clairol Professional offer professional bleach options for dark hair.
  • Look for conditioning ingredients like oils and vitamins to minimize damage.
  • Avoid ammonia in bleach products to prevent over-lightening of dark hair.
  • Consider hair thickness, texture, and desired lift levels when selecting the best professional bleach for dark hair.

Top 10 Best Professional Bleaches for Dark Hair

Are you searching for the best professional bleaches for dark hair? Look no further! From the Arctic Fox Hair Lightening Kit to Sparks Hair Lightener Powder, this guide covers all the top-rated products available on the market.

With a variety of formulas and shades to choose from, it’s easy to find a bleach that suits your needs and provides maximum lightening results without compromising moisture or shine.

Arctic Fox Hair Lightening Kit

ARCTIC FOX Bleach Please HairView On Amazon
You’ll achieve up to 8 levels of lift with Arctic Fox’s vegan formula, which also helps prevent split ends and offers anti-yellow tones. The kit includes 35 Volume developer, premium vegetable-based cream bleach, and latex-free gloves for easy application.

Plus, the Polycare Split Therapy helps ensure that your hair remains healthy during the bleaching process.

Not only does this product provide a gentle lightening experience, but it is also free from cruelty, and 15% of profits are donated to animal charities! Moreover, there’s no need to worry about yellow undertones as its violet base counteracts those undesirable shades for beautiful blonde results every time!

Pros
  • Vegan Formula
  • Anti Yellow Tones
  • Polycare Split Therapy prevents split ends
Cons
  • Thick consistency can be hard to apply
  • Instructions not always included
  • Can leave hair dry, so condition well after

Loreal Paris Colorista Bleach Allover

LView On Amazon
You can achieve light blonde hair with L’Oreal Paris Colorista Bleach Allover, a complete lightening or highlighting system that comes with a gentler formula to help create vibrant colors without the need to mix developer – like sunshine in a bottle!

The 8.37 oz bottle contains both the bleach and an anti-brass conditioner for perfect results every time. This product is designed specifically for use before applying any semi-permanent color, allowing you to get your desired look while still protecting your hair from damage.

Plus, it helps vivid colors show up more vibrantly against the now lighter base of your tresses due to its effective lightening properties, which make sure all red tones are removed too.

Pros
  • Contains both bleach & anti-brass conditioner
  • Works well on virgin hair
  • Less odor compared to other bleaches
  • Effective at removing stubborn red tones
  • Helps vivid colors show up more vibrantly
Cons
  • Can leave a brassy/orange hue if not toned after application
  • Pressurized container needs immediate usage after mixing
  • Not made as a standalone bleach – better when used before dyeing

WELLA Color Charm Lightener

WELLA Color Charm Powder HairView On Amazon
Experience superior lightening results with WELLA Color Charm Lightener, a dust-free formula that can lift up to seven levels and lock in moisture.

Perfect for highlights with foils or balayage techniques, full head lightening, regrowth applications, and color corrections, this unique product offers excellent performance.

It also features a protecting oil system, which helps maintain the hair’s natural hydration throughout the process.

This bleach is designed to make life easier for professional stylists who need fast yet reliable results. Its dust-free nature means it won’t cause any mess, while mixing in non-metallic bowls ensures safety during application.

Processing times are limited to no more than 50 minutes at once.

Pros
  • Up to 7 levels of lift
  • Dust-free formula
  • Excellent for highlights with foils or balayage techniques
  • Protecting oil system locks in moisture
  • Easy mix process using non-metallic bowl
Cons
  • Can only be used by professionals
  • Limited processing time

Manic Panic Hair Bleach

Manic Panic Flash Lightning HairView On Amazon
Try Manic Panic Hair Bleach for a gentle and vegan lightening kit that will help you achieve medium blonde to very light blonde hair with minimal effort. This 11.99 oz kit includes everything needed to get started, such as the dust-free bleach powder, 40 volume cream developer, mixing tub, tint brush, and plastic cap.

It makes it easy for anyone wanting lighter hair without sacrificing quality or safety.

The unique vegan formula is tested on celebrities instead of animals and certified PETA accredited. Customers can feel confident in their purchase, knowing they are being kinder to the environment at the same time! Plus, 15% of profits from each product sold go towards preventing animal cruelty.

The powerful yet gentle ingredients help keep your locks hydrated while lifting up to 7 levels with ease. It is perfect for natural medium browns through black hues looking for highlights or full head bleaching jobs alike.

Pros
  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free Formula
  • Lifts Up To 7 Levels Easily
  • Dust-Free Bleach Powder
  • Odorless Mix
Cons
  • Not Suitable For All Hair Types
  • Results May Vary Depending On Starting Shade

Perfect Blond Hair Dye Toner

1.1 Pound Tub (17.6 Ounces)View On Amazon
Perfect for restoring moisture and softness, the Perfect Blond Hair Dye Toner is an Italian-made product designed to lighten dark hair without damage while adding highlights or touch-ups.

Formulated with keratin and coconut oil, this dye offers vibrant color that hydrates and nourishes your locks so you can achieve a seamless look with restored shine, volume, and manageability.

Easy to mix and apply at home or in the salon due to its no ammonia smell feature; it works quickly for all hair types – from thinning fine strands up to thick curly manes!

With great benefits such as moisturizing ingredients that protect against damage during the lightening process as well as smooth application results on both facial hairs (eyebrows) plus body hairs like arms & legs; users are sure of professional quality outcomes every time they use this product!

Pros
  • Lightens dark hair without damage while adding highlights or touch-ups
  • Moisturizes & nourishes all hair types
  • No ammonia smell – easy mixing & applying process
Cons
  • Chemical odor may be off-putting
  • May slide off during application
  • Multiple applications needed for thicker/longer hairs

Clairol Professional BW2 Lightener

Clairol Professional Bw2 Lightener forView On Amazon
Trust Clairol Professional BW2 Lightener to give you creative control over lightening while protecting and sealing in moisture. This professional hair lightener minimizes powder fly-away during application, allowing for subtle highlights or full head bleaching.

The humectant formula seals in hydration, giving you confidence that your results will be even and long-lasting.

Plus, licensed professionals have the ability to adjust timing as needed if any damage is detected throughout the process of lifting up to 7 levels!

This bleach requires careful handling – wear gloves when applying it and follow instructions carefully for safe application and timing. Its strong chemical odor may also irritate skin or eyes, so take necessary precautions before use.

Pros
  • Minimizes powder fly-away during application
  • Contains a humectant formula that seals in moisture
  • Adjustable timings available
  • Lifts up to 7 levels without brassiness
Cons
  • Should only be used by professionals
  • May cause skin/eye irritation
  • Strong chemical odor

Hair Bar NYC Blond Bond

Hair Bar NYC Blond BondView On Amazon
Experience the cool-toned, bright finish, and anti-yellow effect of Hair Bar NYC Blond Bond Charcoal Lightener Powder for up to 10 levels of lift. This unique charcoal formula contains arginine amino acids and keratin to provide rapid lightening without brassiness or warmth.

Prepare your hair for ash and grey tones with this pure, even result that is ideal for all hair types.

The advantages are numerous: it gets dark brown hair to a level 9 blonde quickly with minimal damage. It leaves locks moisturized and conditioned, and provides great lift in one bleaching session.

For those wanting an easy-to-use powder bleach product that gives soft undamaged blonde tresses fast, look no further than Hair Bar NYC Blond Bond Charcoal Lightener Powder!

Pros
  • Gets hair to platinum without yellow tones
  • Heats up quickly during processing
  • Lifts dark brown hair to level 9 blonde with minimal damage
  • Leaves hair moisturized and conditioned
  • Gives great lift in one bleaching session
  • Easy to use with no strong odor
  • Covers and lightens well, even for resistant hair types
Cons
  • Diluted formula makes application messy
  • Hard to gauge lift due to charcoal color
  • Results vary based on starting hair color and porosity
  • Must follow instructions to avoid hair damage
  • Some find charcoal powder hard to work with

Jolen Creme Bleach Pot

Jolen creme bleach pot 30mlView On Amazon
Jolen Creme Bleach Pot offers subtle lightening for facial hair quickly and gently, without the need to mix developer or worry about an overwhelming chemical odor.

This bleach pot is perfect if you want a subtle lightening effect that won’t damage your skin. It’s easy to use and comes with a small mixing container – great for those who are new to bleaching! However, it tends to slide off during application, so multiple applications may be required – especially for thicker or longer hairs.

Although hard to find in stores, ordering online is convenient. However, some customers have reported damaged product packaging or missing applicator spatulas when purchasing this item online.

Pros
  • Subtle lightening effect
  • Easy-to-use
  • Comes with a small mixing container
Cons
  • Tends to slide off face during application
  • Harder on thick/longer hairs
  • Issues with damaged product packaging

Loreal Superblanc Professional Bleach

LView On Amazon
L’Oreal Professionnel Paris Powder Bleach offers maximum control, from subtle highlights to the sheerest platinum blonde, with a dust-free and non-drip formula that stays creamy throughout application.

It lifts up to 7 levels without brassiness or warmth, making it perfect for off-scalp highlighting techniques.

The unique charcoal formula contains arginine amino acids and keratin, which help hydrate and nourish hair while lifting color shades well.

Pros
  • Lifts up to 7 levels without brassiness or warmth
  • Unique charcoal formula containing arginine amino acids & keratin helps hydrate & nourish hair
  • Dust-free & non-drip concentrated formula stays moist/creamy during application/processing
Cons
  • Not suitable for very dark hair as multiple applications may be required
  • Can have an unpleasant chemical odor

Sparks Hair Lightener Powder

Sparks Powder Lightener, 1.05 OunceView On Amazon
Sparks Hair Lightener Powder can help you achieve the lightest blonde with its extra-strength formula and Sparks 3 oz liquid developer. Its unique charcoal formula, containing arginine amino acids and keratin, will leave your hair feeling nourished.

This cream is designed for all hair types to lift color shades well and remove stubborn red tones.

It’s easy to use for first-time lightening. Simply mix in a non-metallic bowl, following instructions carefully, and then apply as directed. You’ll get vibrant highlighting or full head lightening results without brassiness or warmth, with minimal damage done to your locks! Perfect Blond also aids in hydration and nourishment of hair strands, resulting in restored shine, volume, and manageability.

Even if used on thin facial hairs, it won’t dry out the skin like other bleaches tend to do.

Pros
  • Non-drip, dust-free bleach
  • Lifts up 7 levels and stays moist/creamy throughout application and processing
  • Contains a humectant that seals moisture into each strand
  • Minimizes powder fly away during application
Cons
  • Chemical odor
  • Slides off when applied
  • Harder to find than most brands

How to Choose the Best Bleach for Dark Hair

How to Choose the Best Bleach for Dark Hair
Understanding the hair bleaching process is essential for achieving a beautiful, natural-looking blonde. Hair undertones, color levels, and stages of lightening must all be taken into account when choosing the right bleach to use on dark hair.

Learn more about what you need to know before using professional bleach on your locks – from understanding lifting potentials to selecting nourishing ingredients that minimize damage.

Hair Undertones

Understanding the underlying undertones of your hair is essential when deciding on a lightening product, as different products may have different effects on achieving desired blonde shades. Bleaching basics, such as lift levels, brassy tones, and hue changes, can be important factors to consider in order to avoid potential damage.

Cream bleach is often preferred for dark hair due to its ability to gently lighten without overstressing strands or causing breakage. However, it’s important to research which shade you’re trying to achieve and what the best professional bleach for dark hair will suit your needs before making any decisions.

Lighten wisely by using quality ingredients that won’t cause too much stress or damage during the process.

Hair Color Levels

It’s important to know your hair color level before bleaching, as it can range from 1 (black) up to 10 (platinum)!

For instance, if you’re starting with a dark brown shade of color level 3-4, you’ll need a bleach that lifts 6 or more levels for the brightest blonde. When choosing trusted brands like Arctic Fox Hair Lightening Kit and L’Oreal Paris Colorista Bleach Allover, which offer 8 and 7 levels respectively.

Wella Color Charm Lightener offers 7 with a protective oil system, while Manic Panic Dust Free Bleach Kit is vegan-friendly, lifting up to 5. Perfect Blond Hair Dye Toner contains keratin & coconut oils, restoring moisture & shine.

Plus, Clairol Professional BW2 Lightener minimizes powder fly away during application.

Lastly, try Hair Bar NYC Blond Bond Charcoal Lightener Powder, offering 10 anti-yellow shades in rapid time! With these options available, choose wisely according to hair type, ensuring ammonia-free bleach for the best results!

Stages of Hair Bleaching

To achieve the perfect blonde shade, you may need to go through multiple stages of lightening your dark hair. Bleaching tips include understanding hair levels, protecting the scalp with a higher volume developer, and raising hair cuticles for the oxidization process.

Hair toning is essential to neutralize brassiness and avoid yellow/orange undertones in blonde shades. The best bleach choice depends on lift potential, color base, and developer volume. Additionally, the processing time for hydrogen peroxide bleaches like Arctic Fox, which can lift up to 8 levels, or Schwarzkopf BlondMe, which can lift up to 9 levels with advanced bonding technologies that prevent breakage.

Nourishing ingredients are included to counteract drying effects, and at-home kits are more affordable than salon services.

Want to Learn More About the Hair Bleaching Process?

If you’re looking to take your dark hair lighter, it’s important to know the ins and outs of bleaching so you don’t get in over your head.

Bleaching basics include scalp safety measures, such as using high-lift developers away from the scalp and bond building treatments after lightening.

Go for higher levels of lightening when transitioning from black or brown hair colors.

Damage prevention methods, like relying on hydrogen peroxide instead of ammonia, can also help reduce damage done by stripping hair color before dyeing a new shade onto an open cuticle base.

At-home bleaches or professional services should be considered depending on desired results.

What to Look for in a Professional Hair Bleach

What to Look for in a Professional Hair Bleach
When it comes to achieving a light, bright shade of blonde hair from dark brown or black, choosing the right professional bleach is key. To make sure you get salon-quality results without damaging your hair, look for bleaching products that contain conditioning additives such as oils and vitamins and avoid ammonia, which can cause over-lightening.

Additionally, consider your own unique hair type in order to select a product with the best lift potential and trust brands known for their high-quality ingredients that help protect against breakage.

Conditioning Additives

When choosing a professional hair bleach, look for products that contain conditioning additives to minimize damage and keep your hair hydrated.

Look for bleaching agents with ingredients like argan oil, keratin, coconut oil, or aloe vera to help protect and nourish the hair while lightening it.

Consider the color levels of your current shade as well as desired lift levels when selecting a product from brands like Wella or Manic Panic.

Professional toning shampoos can also be used after bleaching to help neutralize any brassiness in blonde shades – Arctic Fox’s vegan formula is a great choice here!

Colorists should always use caution when using powder lighteners such as Clairol BW2 extra strength resistant dark hairs blonde and Schwarzkopf BlondMe 9-levels advanced bonding system. These are powerful formulas that require precise application techniques for the best results.

Ultimately, choosing the right professional bleach will depend on your individual needs – make sure you do research ahead of time so you know what kind of results you’re looking for!

Avoid Ammonia

Avoid using ammonia in your bleach as it can result in over-lightening of the hair. Protecting oils such as sunflower, acai, cocoa, and mango seed oil help to hydrate and nourish your locks while preventing brassiness for a stunning blonde result.

Most bleaches have conditioning additives that will protect against damage during lightening, keeping hair healthy with anti-yellow agents included to keep color vibrant.

Consider Your Hair Type

Determine which hair lightening product is right for you by considering your hair type, thickness, and darkness level. Opt for a professional bleach that works with the natural texture of your locks to prevent scalp burning or over-lightening.

Nourishing oils, bond builders, and other conditioning agents help release molecules from dark strands while also breaking bonds when lifting multiple lightening stages at once. Consider ammonia levels as higher concentrations can be damaging. Look out for nourishing ingredients like sunflower oil or argan oil in the formula too! With careful consideration, you’ll find a bleaching solution that’s suitable, allowing you to achieve blonde perfection without compromising on damage control.

Why Trust

Look for bleaches with conditioning ingredients to minimize damage and trust brands that have been tested by celebrities. A good indication of a product’s quality is customer reviews, testimonials, and safety guidelines.

Research the brand name to ensure its reputation in hair color chemical treatments.

The best products are those that offer superior results while protecting your scalp from irritation or burning sensations – ask your hairstylist for advice if you’re unsure which one is right for you! When it comes to lightening darker shades of hair, trustworthiness should be a top priority; make sure the brand has a proven track record before committing yourself (and your hair) to any product or routine.

With proper guidance and research, finding the perfect bleach shouldn’t be too difficult!

Why Can’t I Just Dye My Dark Hair Directly Instead of Bleaching?

Why Can
It’s important to understand that you can’t just dye your hair lighter without first bleaching it, as the intense pigmentation in dark hair requires a high lift potential for bright blonde results.

  • Look for formulas that contain nourishing ingredients to counteract drying and damage.
  • Ammonia should be avoided as it causes over-lightening.
  • Consider factors like type of hair, thickness, darkness when selecting a formula with appropriate levels of lift needed.
  • Heat styling before bleaching is not recommended; wait 48-72 hours after bleaching before shampooing or conditioning frequently afterwards will help keep your newly lightened locks healthy looking!
  • Creams, powders differ in consistency which affects processing time and desired results – always do strand tests first!
  • Hair cannot be re-colored darker once lightened so make sure you know what result you’re expecting from the get go otherwise irreversible damage may occur due to incorrect use of product/time left on head etc.
  • Bleaches offer cool toned results while toners provide neutralizing agents against brassiness – choose wisely based on these factors along with budget requirements depending if professional salon services are preferred or at home kits are more affordable option instead.

Looking for More? See All of Our Hair Bleach Products Online Now At

Looking for More? See All of Our Hair Bleach Products Online Now At
Exploring our range of hair bleaching products now is the perfect way to start your lightening journey.

From Arctic Fox Hair Lightening Kit with up to 8 levels of lift, a vegan formula, and a violet base that counteracts yellow tones.

L’Oreal Paris Bleach Kit is a complete highlighting system ideal for vibrant colors.

Wella Color Charm Lightener is a dust-free powder that lifts up to 7 levels, with a protecting oil system that locks in moisture.

Manic Panic Dust Free Bleach kit provides medium blonde to very light blonde results without much effort, and it comes with easy application instructions.

Perfect Blond Hair Dye Toner contains keratin and coconut oil to help restore moisture and softness.

Clairol Professional BW2 Lightener minimizes powder fly-away during application, and the humectant helps seal in moisture.

Finally, Hair Bar NYC Blond Bond Charcoal Powder lifts hair color shades well with an anti-yellow effect.

Loreal Superblanc Professional Bleach maximizes control from subtle highlights all the way up to the sheerest platinum blonde shade.

With these professional quality bleach ingredients, you can achieve a lighter shade safely.

Follow the tips on vol developer use and understand the undertone roles when trying to achieve the desired result faster!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I wait before shampooing after bleaching?

Wait at least 48-72 hours before shampooing after bleaching your hair. Allow the bleach to fully process and work its magic, as rushing it could be detrimental – a lesson learned quickly through experience! Enjoy the journey of achieving your desired shade while taking care of yourself along the way.

How frequently should I condition my bleached hair?

Condition bleached hair regularly to maintain moisture and prevent breakage. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo followed by a deep conditioning mask at least once or twice per week. For extra protection, use leave-in conditioners with nourishing ingredients like argan oil or keratin for softness and shine.

Does bleaching damage hair?

Bleaching can damage your hair, but taking extra care and using a gentle process with nourishing ingredients will help minimize it. Choose products that have high-lift potential for intense pigmentation and neutralize brassiness to achieve vibrant blonde without sacrificing the health of your strands.

What is the best way to apply bleach to my dark hair?

To apply bleach to dark hair, start by doing a strand test to determine the lift potential and process time. Choose a product with nourishing ingredients that won’t dry out your hair. Using gloves, mix up the formula in a non-metallic bowl and begin applying it at the roots.

Avoid scalp contact for best results and work towards the ends slowly until evenly distributed.

Can I re-color my hair darker after bleaching?

No, once bleached, your hair will only be able to lighten. It’s like a one-way door – you can’t go back.

Conclusion

Finally, finding the best professional bleach for dark hair is all about understanding your hair type, color levels, and stages of bleaching. From Arctic Fox’s 8-level lift to Manic Panic’s 7-level kit, there are many options for those looking to lighten their dark hair.

When choosing a bleach, look for conditioning additives, avoid ammonia, and consider your hair type. Those who want to go darker should not bleach their hair, as bleaching only allows for lighter dyeing.

With this guide, you can find the best professional bleach to help you achieve the perfect look.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.