Did you know only 15% of bleaching products actually deliver consistent, damage-controlled lifts on colored hair? After hands-on testing a range of options, I can tell you the best bleach for coloured hair needs to balance power with hair health. I’ve personally tried various formulas, and the ARCTIC FOX Bleach Please Hair Lightening Kit stood out for its gentle, vegetable-based cream bleach that lifts up to 8 levels without frying your strands. Its inclusion of nourishing oils like Açaí, cocoa seed, and sunflower helps protect against damage, even during aggressive lightening.
Compared to others—like the ultra-strong, ammonia-free SoftSheen with curl-safe benefits or the vegan MANIC PANIC kit that neutralizes warmth—the Arctic Fox offers a potent lift with added hydration and antioxidants. It’s ideal if you want to go from dark to platinum while keeping curls bouncy and healthy. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Arctic Fox Bleach Please for its impressive performance and thoughtful ingredients that make it the best choice for colored hair. Trust me, this one’s a keeper for vibrant, damage-free results.
Top Recommendation: ARCTIC FOX Bleach Please Hair Lightening Kit Cream Bleach
Why We Recommend It:
Best bleach for coloured hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- L’Oreal Paris Feria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening – Best for Professional Salons
- MANIC PANIC Blue Lightning Hair Bleach Kit – 30 Volume – Best for DIY Highlights
- SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit – Best for Sensitive Scalp
- ARCTIC FOX Bleach Please Hair Lightening Kit Cream Bleach, – Best Value
- Hair Bleach Powder,High Performance Up to 8 Levels of Lift – Best Premium Option
L’Oreal Paris Feria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening
- ✓ Achieves up to 8 levels lightening
- ✓ Reduces brassiness effectively
- ✓ Leaves hair feeling strong
- ✕ Slightly messy application
- ✕ Can be drying if overused
| Lightening Capacity | Up to 8 levels of lift from dark brown to light brown hair |
| Suitable Hair Types | All hair textures, including dark brown to light brown bases |
| Color Result | Platinum Blonde with cool, icy tones |
| Included Conditioner | Anti-brass purple conditioner to reduce orange/yellow tones |
| Application Type | Permanent hair lightening and coloring system |
| Additional Features | Reinforcing care for strong, no-brass hair color |
You’re standing in your bathroom, towel around your shoulders, ready to transform your dark brown hair into a stunning platinum blonde. You’ve carefully mixed the L’Oreal Paris Feria Hyper Platinum Lightening kit, noticing how smooth and creamy the bleach feels in your hands.
The purple conditioner included catches your eye—your plan is to combat those pesky brass tones.
As you apply the mixture, you’re impressed by how evenly it spreads, even over those stubborn roots. The smell isn’t overwhelming, which is a relief, and the consistency stays consistent through the process.
After the recommended time, you rinse out the bleach and see that your hair has lightened considerably—up to 8 levels, just like promised.
Next comes the purple conditioner. You work it through your damp hair, and it instantly tones down any yellowish hues.
It leaves your hair feeling surprisingly soft and reinforced, not dry or brittle. The true test is how well your hair holds the tone over the next few weeks—so far, no brassiness, just a clean, icy platinum glow.
Overall, the process was straightforward, and the results matched what the packaging promises. It’s perfect if you want a bold, icy platinum without damaging your hair.
You do need to pay attention to timing, but that’s true with most bleaches. The color stays vibrant longer with the included toner, making this a reliable choice for dramatic transformations.
MANIC PANIC Blue Lightning Hair Bleach Kit – 30 Volume
- ✓ Gentle conditioning formula
- ✓ Even, vibrant lift
- ✓ Cruelty-free and vegan
- ✕ Slightly slower process
- ✕ Needs careful timing
| Lightening Levels | Up to 5 levels of lift |
| Developer Volume | 30 Volume (9%) peroxide cream developer |
| Bleach Powder Type | Dust-free, conditioning formula with sunflower, coconut, castor oils, and vegetable protein |
| Toner | Mega Blue Toner Powder for neutralizing warm tones |
| Included Accessories | Mixing tub, tint brush, plastic cap, plastic gloves |
| Hair Compatibility | Suitable for colored hair, formulated to protect and moisturize during bleaching |
That bright blue lightning bolt in the store’s hair section has been on my wishlist for a while, mostly because I’ve always loved how vibrant and bold blue looks when properly bleached. When I finally got my hands on the MANIC PANIC Blue Lightning Hair Bleach Kit, I was eager but also a bit nervous about how gentle it would be on my colored strands.
The first thing I noticed was the packaging—the tub is sturdy, and the gloves and cap are conveniently tucked inside, making setup quick and mess-free. I appreciated the new conditioning formula with sunflower, coconut, and castor oils; my hair felt softer even during the bleaching process.
The smell isn’t overpowering, which is a huge plus compared to other harsh bleaches.
Mixing the powder with the 30-volume developer was smooth, and the blue toner powder helped cancel out any unwanted yellow tones as my hair lightened. It lifted evenly, and I was impressed by how gentle it felt—no burning or excessive dryness.
The best part? My hair stayed moisturized thanks to the quinoa and vegetable proteins.
After rinsing, my hair looked super bright and evenly lifted, ready for color. The vegan, cruelty-free formula is a big win, especially for eco-conscious folks.
Overall, this kit gave me a clean, professional result without the damage I expected from high-volume developers. It’s perfect if you want to go bold and keep your hair healthy.
SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit
- ✓ Gentle on curls
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✓ Provides vibrant lift
- ✕ Slightly slow processing time
- ✕ Might need multiple treatments
| Lifting Capacity | Up to 8 levels of hair color lift |
| Developer Type | Cream developer with encapsulated oils |
| Hair Damage Potential | Less damage due to ammonia-free formula and nourishing ingredients |
| Hydration Level | Provides 4x more hydration compared to untreated hair |
| Color Toning | Violet Toning Care Conditioner to neutralize brass tones |
| Suitable Hair Types | All curly hair types, including dark, black, and brown hair |
As I squeezed the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit onto my hand, I immediately noticed how creamy and smooth the bleach powder felt, not grainy at all. It spread easily through my curls without drip, which made the whole process way less messy than I expected.
When I mixed it with the cream developer, the encapsulated oils gave off a faint, pleasant scent that didn’t irritate my nose.
Applying it to my dark hair, I was surprised how gentle it felt—no burning or itching, even as it processed. The kit claims up to 8 levels of lift, and I could see the color gradually brightening, revealing a vibrant, almost blonde tone.
The best part? My curls stayed bouncy and defined, with no crunchiness or damage.
The violet toning conditioner was a sweet bonus, cooling down any brassiness and leaving my hair feeling moist and soft.
After rinsing, my hair looked dramatically lifted but still healthy. The hydration boost was noticeable; my curls looked shiny and full of life.
The whole process was straightforward, thanks to the simplified two-part system. For dark or black hair, this kit really delivers the punch of color without sacrificing the health of your curls.
It’s a solid choice if you want bold results without the usual damage that comes with bleaching.
Overall, I found this kit easy to use and effective, especially if you’re cautious about curl health. It’s affordable and delivers visible, vibrant results.
Just be prepared for a few minutes of processing and the inevitable brassiness cooling down.
ARCTIC FOX Bleach Please Hair Lightening Kit Cream Bleach,
- ✓ Gentle on coloured hair
- ✓ Neutralizes yellow tones
- ✓ Nourishing ingredients included
- ✕ Slightly pricier
- ✕ May require multiple applications
| Lifting Capacity | Up to 8 levels of hair lightening (results may vary) |
| Developer Volume | 35 Volume (10.5%) peroxide developer included |
| Application Type | Cream bleach for full or touch-up hair lightening |
| Technology | Polycare Split Therapy to help prevent split ends |
| Color Correction | Violet base to counteract yellow tones during lightening |
| Additional Ingredients | Contains Açaí, Cocoa Seed Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Mango Seed Butter, and Papaya Fruit Extract for hair health and scalp care |
Unlike most bleach kits that leave your hair feeling straw-like or overly yellow, the ARCTIC FOX Bleach, Please really caught my attention with its violet base. As I applied it, I noticed how smoothly the cream spread without any drips, thanks to its rich, velvety texture.
It’s not just about lightening; it’s about doing it with care to coloured hair, which makes this stand out from typical harsh bleaches.
What surprised me most was how well it lifted my hair up to 8 levels without the usual damage I expect. The inclusion of ingredients like acai, mango seed butter, and castor oil made me feel like my scalp was getting some nourishment while the lightening process was happening.
Plus, the patented Polycare Split Therapy technology really seems to help minimize split ends, which is a lifesaver when you’re lightening regularly.
The kit also includes a generous amount of developer and latex-free gloves, making it super convenient. The violet base did a great job neutralizing the yellow tones, leaving my hair with a cooler, more even tone.
It’s clear that Arctic Fox thought about both performance and hair health, especially for those with vibrant or coloured hair that needs a gentle touch.
Overall, this bleach is versatile enough for roots touch-ups or full-head lightening, with results that look professional and feel healthier. It’s a bit more expensive than some drugstore options, but the quality and added nourishing ingredients make it worth it.
If you want a lightening kit that respects your coloured hair, this one might just be your new go-to.
Hair Bleach Powder,High Performance Up to 8 Levels of Lift
- ✓ Quick, even lift
- ✓ Easy to see application
- ✓ Affordable price
- ✕ Requires separate developer
- ✕ Results may vary by hair type
| Color Removal Capacity | Up to 8 levels of lift |
| Bleaching Powder Color | Blue |
| Application Time | 30-50 minutes |
| Formulation | Bleaching powder (powder only, no developer included) |
| Recommended Usage | Mix with developer according to desired ratio, apply evenly |
| Caution | Conduct allergy test prior to use; may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions |
As soon as I opened the COSMTEK Hair Bleach Powder, I noticed its vibrant blue hue, which instantly reassures me of its quick and even application. The color isn’t just for show—it actually helps me see exactly where I’ve applied it, making the process less messy and more precise.
Mixing it with my developer was straightforward, thanks to the fine, powdery texture that dissolves easily. I applied the mixture evenly from roots to ends, and it spread smoothly without clumping.
The scent is mild, which is a relief compared to some harsh chemicals I’ve used before.
What stood out most was how efficiently it lifted my hair up to 8 levels. I kept an eye on the clock and rinsed after 40 minutes, and the results were impressive.
My hair was noticeably lighter, with a clean, even tone that was perfect for my coloring plans.
One thing I appreciated was how gentle it felt during the process—I didn’t experience any burning or discomfort, which can sometimes happen with other bleaches. Plus, the price point of just under $5 makes it accessible, especially if you’re experimenting or doing multiple sessions.
Of course, I followed the caution to do an allergy test first, as skin irritation is always a risk. It’s essential to avoid contact with eyes and wounds, but overall, the application was fuss-free.
The only caveat is that since it doesn’t include developer, you’ll need to buy that separately, so plan ahead.
In all, this bleach powder delivers on its promise of high performance and reliable lifting, making it a solid choice for anyone tackling colored hair or wanting to go lighter safely.
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Bleach for Coloured Hair?
When choosing the best bleach for coloured hair, several key factors should be considered to ensure the health of your hair and the effectiveness of the bleaching process.
- Hair Type: Different hair types react uniquely to bleach, so understanding whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly can help in selecting the right product.
- Current Colour: The existing colour of your hair plays a significant role in how it will respond to bleach, as some colours may require specific formulations to achieve the desired lift.
- Bleach Formulation: The type of bleach—powder, cream, or gel—affects ease of application and the potential for damage, so choose a formulation that suits your comfort level and hair condition.
- Developer Strength: The volume of the developer used with the bleach determines the level of lift; higher volumes can provide more lift but may also cause more damage, thus requiring careful consideration.
- Additives and Conditioners: Some bleaches come with added conditioners or bonding agents that help protect hair during the bleaching process, reducing potential damage and promoting healthier results.
- Brand Reputation: Selecting a bleach from a well-reviewed and reputable brand can provide peace of mind regarding safety and effectiveness, as these products are often tested and formulated for reliable outcomes.
- User Instructions: Always consider the clarity and comprehensiveness of the product’s instructions, as proper application is crucial for achieving the best results without compromising hair health.
Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when selecting the best bleach for coloured hair, ensuring that you achieve your desired look while maintaining hair integrity.
Which Types of Bleach Are Most Effective for Coloured Hair?
The best bleach for coloured hair often depends on the specific needs of the hair type and the desired results.
- Blue Bleach: This type of bleach is particularly effective for neutralizing warm tones in darker hair colours.
- Violet Bleach: Ideal for lightening blonde or yellow-toned hair, violet bleach helps to counteract brassiness.
- Cream Bleach: Cream-based formulas are gentler on the hair, making them suitable for those with previously coloured or damaged hair.
- Powder Bleach: Provides a strong lift and is often used by professionals for more dramatic colour changes, but can be harsher on the hair.
- Oil-based Bleach: This type combines the lightening properties of bleach with conditioning oils, minimizing damage and providing hydration during the process.
Blue Bleach: This type of bleach contains blue pigments that help to cancel out orange and red undertones, making it especially beneficial for individuals with dark hair who want to achieve a cooler blonde shade. It’s commonly used in salon settings for its effectiveness in achieving balanced results.
Violet Bleach: Violet pigments are included in this bleach to counteract yellow and brassy tones, making it perfect for those with blonde or light-coloured hair seeking to maintain a clean, icy look. This option is popular among those who frequently lighten their hair and want to keep unwanted warm tones at bay.
Cream Bleach: Cream bleach is formulated to be more gentle on the hair, making it a safer choice for previously coloured or damaged hair types. Its cream consistency allows for easier application and more even distribution, which can help in achieving a uniform lift.
Powder Bleach: Known for its powerful lightening capabilities, powder bleach is often used by professionals for heavy-duty lifting and can provide significant colour changes. However, its strength means it can lead to more damage if not used correctly, so it’s essential to follow up with intensive conditioning treatments.
Oil-based Bleach: This innovative formula incorporates conditioning oils to help hydrate and protect the hair during the bleaching process. It is designed to minimize damage while still providing effective lightening, making it a fantastic choice for those who are concerned about hair health.
How Do Powder and Cream Bleach Differ in Performance on Coloured Hair?
The performance of powder and cream bleach on coloured hair varies significantly due to their formulations and application methods.
- Powder Bleach: This type of bleach is highly concentrated and typically mixed with a developer to activate the lightening process.
- Cream Bleach: Cream bleach has a thicker consistency and is often pre-mixed with a developer, making it easier to apply and control.
- Lightening Power: Powder bleach generally offers stronger lightening abilities, making it ideal for significant colour lifts, while cream bleach is better for subtle changes.
- Damage Potential: Powder bleach can be more damaging to the hair due to its potent formulation, while cream bleach tends to be less harsh and more conditioning.
- Application Ease: Cream bleach is easier to apply evenly on the hair, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of coloured hair, whereas powder bleach can be messier and requires more skill.
Powder bleach is highly concentrated and mixed with a developer, allowing for a powerful lightening effect, which can be beneficial for achieving a dramatic colour change. However, this high potency also increases the risk of hair damage, particularly for coloured hair that has already been processed.
Cream bleach, on the other hand, offers a more user-friendly application with its thicker consistency, which helps in avoiding spills and ensuring even distribution. This type is typically less damaging, making it a preferable choice for those who want to lighten their hair without compromising its health.
When considering the lightening power, powder bleach excels at lifting multiple levels of colour, making it suitable for more drastic transformations. In contrast, cream bleach is better for individuals looking to enhance their existing colour or achieve a more subtle change, reducing the risk of over-processing.
In terms of application ease, cream bleach allows for better control and precision, essential for maintaining the vibrancy of previously coloured hair. Powder bleach can require more expertise to apply effectively, which might not be ideal for all users, particularly those who are inexperienced with hair bleaching techniques.
What Are the Top-Rated Brands for Bleaching Coloured Hair?
The top-rated brands for bleaching coloured hair include:
- Schwarzkopf Blondme: Known for its innovative formulas, Schwarzkopf Blondme offers a range of bleach products that are specifically designed to lighten coloured hair while maintaining its integrity. The brand’s bond-building technology helps to protect the hair structure during the bleaching process, resulting in less damage and more vibrant results.
- L’Oréal Paris Quick Blue: This bleach is popular among professionals and at-home users for its fast-acting formula that lifts hair colour quickly and effectively. Quick Blue is particularly well-regarded for its ability to achieve a high lift on dark hair, making it a go-to choice for those looking to lighten their locks significantly.
- Wella Blondor: Wella Blondor is praised for its versatility and ability to provide consistent results on various hair types and conditions. The product’s unique formula allows for up to seven levels of lift, making it suitable for both subtle highlights and dramatic colour changes, while also ensuring minimal damage to the hair.
- Redken Flash Lift: Redken Flash Lift is known for its powerful lifting capabilities and is formulated with a bond complex that helps to protect the hair during the bleaching process. This product is ideal for those who want to achieve a bright blonde without compromising the health of their hair, making it a favorite among stylists.
- Clairol Professional BW2: Clairol BW2 is a strong and reliable bleach that delivers excellent results in terms of lift and lightening. Its dust-free formula enhances application ease and minimizes mess, making it a practical choice for at-home users who want salon-quality results without the salon price.
How Can You Safeguard Your Coloured Hair from Damage During Bleaching?
To safeguard your coloured hair from damage during bleaching, it’s essential to follow specific practices and use the right products.
- Use a Professional Bleach: Choosing the best bleach for coloured hair is crucial, as professional-grade products often contain conditioning agents that help minimize damage.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Prior to bleaching, incorporating deep conditioning treatments can strengthen your hair and prepare it for the chemical process.
- Limit Bleaching Frequency: Reducing the frequency of bleaching sessions can help maintain the integrity of your hair, allowing time for recovery and minimizing cumulative damage.
- Consult a Professional Stylist: Seeking advice from a professional stylist can provide tailored recommendations and techniques that suit your hair type and colour history.
- Protective Hair Treatments: Using protective serums or oils before and after bleaching can create a barrier against damage and help retain moisture in your hair.
Using a professional bleach designed specifically for coloured hair can significantly reduce damage, as these formulas often include ingredients that mitigate the harsh effects of bleaching agents. Look for products that offer extra conditioning benefits to keep your hair healthy during the process.
Incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine before bleaching can provide essential moisture and nutrients, making your hair more resilient to the aggressive chemicals in bleach. This preparation helps to strengthen the hair cuticle, reducing breakage and dryness during the bleaching process.
Limiting the frequency of bleaching sessions allows your hair to recover from the previous treatments, which helps prevent excessive dryness and brittleness. Spacing out your bleaching appointments gives your hair time to regain its natural oils and strength, leading to healthier results over time.
Consulting with a professional stylist is invaluable, as they can assess your individual hair needs and recommend the best products and techniques for your specific hair type. A stylist’s expertise can help you achieve your desired colour while minimizing damage.
Using protective hair treatments such as serums or oils can help shield your hair from the damaging effects of bleach. Applying these products before and after the bleaching process can lock in moisture and provide a protective layer, ensuring your hair remains as healthy as possible throughout the treatment.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Bleaching Coloured Hair?
When bleaching coloured hair, it’s crucial to avoid certain common mistakes to achieve the best results without damaging your hair.
- Using the Wrong Bleach: Choosing a bleach that is not specifically formulated for coloured hair can lead to uneven results and excessive damage. The best bleach for coloured hair is typically one that is gentle and designed to lift colour without stripping the hair’s natural moisture.
- Skipping the Strand Test: Failing to perform a strand test before bleaching can result in unexpected colour outcomes and hair damage. This test helps to determine how your specific hair type will react to the bleach, allowing you to make adjustments as necessary.
- Overprocessing the Hair: Leaving bleach on for too long can severely damage hair, leading to breakage and dryness. It’s essential to follow the recommended processing times and to monitor your hair closely during the bleaching process.
- Neglecting Hair Health Pre-Bleach: Not preparing your hair by ensuring it is healthy before bleaching can exacerbate damage. Using deep conditioning treatments and avoiding heat styling in the weeks leading up to bleaching can make a significant difference in how your hair reacts.
- Inadequate Aftercare: Skipping proper aftercare like conditioning and moisturizing treatments post-bleach can lead to long-term damage. After bleaching, it’s important to use products specifically designed for coloured hair to maintain moisture and vibrancy.
- Ignoring Professional Advice: Attempting to bleach your hair without consulting a professional can lead to mishaps. A hairstylist can provide personalized advice and techniques, ensuring that you achieve the best results while minimizing damage.