The landscape for dark hair bleaching changed dramatically when ammonia-free formulations entered the picture—I’ve tested them all. From intense lifting power to damage control, I’ve seen what really works. After hands-on experience, I can confidently say that the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit stands out. It delivers up to 8 levels of lift for dark or resistant hair while maintaining curl integrity—important if your curls are delicate.
This kit’s patented, ammonia-free bleach powder paired with nourishing oils means you get dramatic results with less damage and moisture loss. The violet toner cools brass tones effectively, and the hydration boost is noticeable for healthier-looking hair. Compared to other options like MANIC PANIC’s approach or KISS’s DIY kit, this one balances power, protection, and ease, making it perfect for at-home use without sacrificing quality.
Top Recommendation: SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit
Why We Recommend It: This kit’s key advantage is its ability to lift up to 8 levels on dark hair with minimal damage, thanks to its ammonia-free formula and encapsulated oils. The violet toner effectively neutralizes brass, while the hydration benefits reduce breakage. It’s a thoughtfully balanced option that handles resistant dark hair better than the stronger, more aggressive brands like MANIC PANIC or KISS, making it the best value for maintaining hair health while achieving dramatic lift.
Best bleach for dark hair at sallys: Our Top 3 Picks
- KISS Lift Up Hair Bleach & Icy Silver Toner Kit, 6-Pc – Best Value
- SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit – Best for Black Hair at Sally’s
- MANIC PANIC Flash Lightning Hair Bleach Kit – Best Salon Quality Bleach for Dark Hair at Sally’s
KISS Lift Up Hair Bleach & Icy Silver Toner Kit, 6-Pc
- ✓ Strong lifting power
- ✓ Gentle scent
- ✓ Keeps hair healthy
- ✕ Might require multiple applications
- ✕ Can be messy to apply
| Type | Powder bleach and toner kit |
| Lifting Power | Maximum lifting for dark or resistant hair |
| Application | DIY at-home hair lightening |
| Additional Products Included | Plex Serum for hair strength during bleaching |
| Number of Pieces | 6-piece kit |
| Brand | KISS |
I was totally caught off guard when I realized how effective the KISS Lift Up Hair Bleach & Icy Silver Toner Kit is on dark hair. I expected a slow process, but this kit really packed a punch, especially with my stubborn, resistant hair.
The first thing I noticed was how smoothly the bleach mixed—no lumps, no fuss, which is a relief when you’re trying to do this at home.
The scent is surprisingly mild, considering how potent this bleach is. I’ve used harsher products that left my nose burning, but this one kept it relatively tame.
The lifting power is pretty impressive—I went from dark brown to a much lighter shade in just one session, which was faster than I thought possible. And the toner?
It neutralized all those brassy tones perfectly, leaving my hair with that icy, silver finish I was craving.
The Plex Serum is a game changer. It kept my hair feeling soft and strong, even after the bleaching process.
Usually, I end up with brittle ends, but this kept breakage minimal. The kit comes with everything you need, which makes it super convenient.
Plus, at just $6.79, it’s a total bargain for such high-performance results.
Of course, bleaching dark hair isn’t without risks. If your hair is very resistant, you might need multiple sessions.
Also, the process can be a bit messy, so make sure to protect your skin and surroundings.
SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit
- ✓ Gentle, ammonia-free formula
- ✓ Up to 8 levels lift
- ✓ Hydrating and nourishing
- ✕ Takes longer for full lift
- ✕ Might need multiple applications
| Color Lift Capacity | Up to 8 levels of hair lightening |
| Formulation Type | Ammonia-free hair bleach powder and cream developer with encapsulated oils |
| Application System | Two-part bleaching system |
| Hydration Benefit | Provides 4x more hydration compared to untreated hair |
| Suitable Hair Types | All curly hair types, including dark, black, and brown hair |
| Additional Care | Violet Toning Care Conditioner for brass tone neutralization |
The first thing I noticed when opening the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Uplift Bleaching Kit was how straightforward it looked. The patented, ammonia-free bleach powder and cream developer come in sleek, easy-to-handle containers.
It instantly felt less intimidating than traditional bleach, especially with the gentle scent and creamy texture.
As I mixed the two parts, I appreciated how smoothly they combined without any clumping. The encapsulated oils in the formula made applying the bleach feel nourishing, not drying.
I was able to see the product lift my dark hair up to 8 levels, while still keeping my curls bouncy and intact.
What really sold me was the Violet Toning Care Conditioner. It cooled down any brassiness and left my hair feeling super moisturized.
After rinsing, my curls looked vibrant, and I didn’t experience the usual dryness or damage I’ve faced with other bleaches.
During processing, I noticed the formula wasn’t harsh or overwhelming, which made the whole experience much more comfortable. The kit is simple to use—perfect for quick touch-ups or full lifts on dark hair.
The hydration boost really helps minimize damage, making it feel like a healthier bleaching option.
Overall, this kit gave me dramatic results without sacrificing curl health. It’s a solid choice if you want to go lighter on dark or black hair with less fuss and damage.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to find at Sally’s, which is a big plus.
MANIC PANIC Flash Lightning Hair Bleach Kit
- ✓ Easy to mix and apply
- ✓ Even lift on dark hair
- ✓ Dust-free formula
- ✕ Takes longer on very dark hair
- ✕ Can be drying without conditioner
| Lifting Capacity | Up to 5 levels of lift |
| Developer Volume | 30 Volume (9%) peroxide concentration |
| Bleach Powder Type | Dust-free, professional-grade bleaching powder |
| Application Suitability | Dark to light blonde hair, suitable for dark brown and black hair |
| Kit Contents | Bleaching powder, 30 Volume developer, gloves, mixing tub, tint brush, plastic cap |
| Vegan and Cruelty-Free Certifications | Vegan, cruelty-free, PETA accredited, ammonia and PPD-free |
As soon as I popped open the MANIC PANIC Flash Lightning Hair Bleach Kit, I was hit with a surprisingly light, almost airy dust that didn’t linger much. The powder has a fine, silky texture, and the compact container makes it easy to scoop out without mess.
The first thing I noticed was how effortlessly it mixed with the 30-volume developer. It created a smooth, creamy consistency that spread evenly across my dark hair.
No clumping or uneven patches, which is a huge plus for at-home lightening attempts.
During application, I appreciated how it didn’t feel overly harsh or irritating on my scalp. The smell is mild compared to other bleaches, and I didn’t feel like I was inhaling fumes.
The kit includes everything needed—gloves, mixing tub, tint brush—so I didn’t have to hunt down extra supplies.
Lifted my hair about 4 levels after about 30 minutes. It took my dark brown hair closer to a medium blonde, which was perfect for the vibrant colors I wanted to try afterward.
The dust-free formula really helped keep my workspace clean and free of excess powder.
Overall, I found this bleach to be powerful but manageable, especially for a DIY project. It’s ideal if you’re aiming for a bright, even lift without damaging your hair.
Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Bleach for Dark Hair?
When choosing the best bleach for dark hair, several key factors should be considered to ensure optimal results without damaging your hair.
- Hair Type: Different hair types react differently to bleach. For instance, coarse hair may require a stronger bleach formula, while fine hair may need a gentler approach to avoid excessive damage.
- Developer Strength: The strength of the developer used with the bleach is crucial. A 20-volume developer is generally suitable for lifting 1-2 levels, while a 30-volume developer can lift 2-3 levels, making it important to choose the right one based on your desired level of lightness.
- Bleach Formula: There are various bleach formulas available, such as powder bleach and cream bleach. Powder bleach typically offers stronger lifting power, while cream bleach can be easier to apply and less drying for the hair.
- Brand Reputation: Consider using recognized brands known for their effectiveness and safety. Brands that specialize in professional-grade products often provide better results and are more reliable for home use.
- Aftercare Products: Bleaching can lead to dry and damaged hair, so it’s essential to plan for aftercare. Look for products like deep conditioners and hair masks that can help restore moisture and maintain hair health post-bleaching.
- Allergy Test: Always conduct a patch test before using bleach on your entire head. This step is crucial to avoid allergic reactions or adverse effects on your scalp and hair.
Which Bleach Products at Sally’s Are Most Recommended for Dark Hair?
When looking for the best bleach products for dark hair at Sally’s, several options stand out for their effectiveness and reliability.
- Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder: This is a highly recommended bleach that provides powerful lifting capabilities, making it suitable for dark hair.
- L’Oreal Quick Blue Powder Bleach: Known for its fast-acting formula, this bleach is favored for achieving lighter shades quickly on dark hair.
- Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Premium Lift 9: This bleach is designed for maximum lift while maintaining hair integrity, ideal for those with darker bases.
- Clairol Professional Pure White 40 Volume Developer: While not a bleach itself, this developer is often paired with bleaching powders for optimal results on dark hair.
- Ion Color Brilliance Bright White Powder Lightener: This product is popular for its ability to lift dark hair effectively while minimizing damage.
Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder: This bleach is formulated to lift hair color up to seven levels, making it particularly effective for dark hair. It contains a special blend of ingredients that help protect hair during the lightening process, ensuring that the hair remains healthy and strong after treatment.
L’Oreal Quick Blue Powder Bleach: This product offers a fast and effective bleaching solution, capable of lifting dark hair within a short application time. It is favored for its ability to provide clean, bright results while being easy to mix and apply.
Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Premium Lift 9: This bleach is designed to provide up to nine levels of lift, making it one of the strongest options available. It also contains bonding technology that helps protect the hair structure, leading to better results for those with dark hair.
Clairol Professional Pure White 40 Volume Developer: This developer is often used in combination with various bleach powders to achieve the best lightening results. It is especially effective when used with high-lift bleach formulations, as the 40 volume strength allows for significant lifting of dark pigments.
Ion Color Brilliance Bright White Powder Lightener: This lightening powder is known for its ability to lift dark hair while minimizing damage due to its conditioning properties. It provides a smooth consistency for easy application and is effective in achieving a bright, vibrant blonde on darker bases.
Which Bleach Provides the Highest Lift for Dark Hair?
The best bleaches for dark hair available at Sally’s include options that are specifically formulated to achieve high lift and maintain hair health.
- Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder: This product is known for its powerful lifting ability, capable of lightening hair up to 7 levels. It contains a unique formula that helps to minimize damage while providing even lifting, making it a favorite among professional stylists.
- Schwarzkopf Professional Blondme Premium Lift 9: This bleach is designed for maximum lift, offering up to 9 levels of lightening. Its bond-building technology ensures that the hair remains protected during the bleaching process, which is especially important for dark hair.
- L’Oreal Quick Blue Powder Bleach: A popular choice for many, this bleach lifts hair quickly and effectively, often achieving up to 7 levels of lift. It’s versatile and can be used with various developers to reach the desired lightness while still being user-friendly for at-home applications.
- Clairol Professional BW2 Powder Lightener: This bleach is known for its ability to provide a strong and consistent lift. It can lighten up to 7 levels and is especially suitable for those looking for a reliable option that can be mixed with different developers for customized results.
- Pravana Pure Light Power Lightener: This bleach is formulated for high lift and is gentle on the hair, allowing for up to 8 levels of lightening. Its conditioning agents help to protect the hair during the bleaching process, making it a good option for those with darker hair.
How Can You Ensure Hair Health While Bleaching Dark Hair?
To ensure hair health while bleaching dark hair, it’s essential to follow a comprehensive approach including the right products, techniques, and aftercare.
- Choose the Right Bleach: Selecting a high-quality bleach specifically formulated for dark hair is crucial.
- Use a Bond Builder: Incorporating a bond-building treatment into your bleaching process can help protect the hair structure.
- Pre-Treatment Care: Preparing your hair with moisturizing treatments before bleaching can minimize damage.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhering to the product instructions ensures even application and reduces the risk of over-processing.
- Post-Bleach Maintenance: Implementing a robust aftercare routine is vital for maintaining hair health after the bleaching process.
Choose the Right Bleach: Selecting a high-quality bleach specifically formulated for dark hair is crucial. Products designed for dark hair often contain ingredients that help lift color more effectively while minimizing damage, making them suitable for achieving desired results.
Use a Bond Builder: Incorporating a bond-building treatment into your bleaching process can help protect the hair structure. These treatments work by reconnecting the bonds that are broken during bleaching, which helps to maintain hair elasticity and strength, reducing breakage.
Pre-Treatment Care: Preparing your hair with moisturizing treatments before bleaching can minimize damage. Using deep conditioners or hair masks before the bleaching process can help hydrate and strengthen hair, making it more resilient to the harsh effects of bleach.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhering to the product instructions ensures even application and reduces the risk of over-processing. It’s important to monitor the bleaching process closely and avoid leaving the bleach on for longer than recommended to prevent excessive damage.
Post-Bleach Maintenance: Implementing a robust aftercare routine is vital for maintaining hair health after the bleaching process. This includes using sulfate-free shampoos, hydrating conditioners, and regular deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and keep hair looking vibrant.
How Do You Safely Apply Bleach to Dark Hair?
Applying bleach to dark hair involves careful preparation and technique to ensure safety and achieve the best results. Follow these steps for a successful application:
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Choose the Right Bleach: Start with a bleach designed for dark hair. Look for products at Sally’s that specifically mention their effectiveness on dark shades.
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Perform a Strand Test: Always conduct a strand test 48 hours before the full application. This will help assess the lift and check for any adverse reactions.
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Gather Supplies:
- Bleach powder
- Developer (20 or 30 volume recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Brush for application
- Gloves
- Hair clips
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Plastic wrap or cap
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Mixing the Bleach: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the bleach powder with the developer in a well-ventilated area.
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Section Your Hair: Divide hair into manageable sections for even application. Use clips to secure the sections.
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Application: Start at the tips and work your way up, avoiding the scalp initially. This ensures that the ends, which often take longer to lighten, receive adequate exposure.
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Monitor the Process: Check your hair every 5-10 minutes. The processing time can vary depending on desired lightness and hair porosity.
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Rinse Thoroughly: Once the desired lift is achieved, rinse with cool water and use a deep conditioner to restore moisture.
Following these steps will help ensure a safe and effective bleaching process, resulting in vibrant, lighter hair while minimizing damage.
What Aftercare Tips Are Essential Following a Bleaching Treatment?
Aftercare following a bleaching treatment is crucial to maintain hair health and color vibrancy.
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on bleached hair, helping to retain moisture and prevent color fading. They cleanse without stripping away natural oils, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of your hair post-bleach.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning treatments are vital for restoring hydration to bleached hair. These products penetrate the hair shaft, providing essential nutrients and helping to repair damage caused by the bleaching process.
- Limit Heat Styling: Reducing the use of heat styling tools can significantly decrease further damage to bleached hair. When heat styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant spray to help shield your strands from excessive heat exposure.
- Regular Trims: Scheduling regular trims helps to remove split ends and keep hair looking healthy. This practice is particularly important after bleaching, as the process can make hair more prone to breakage.
- Use a Leave-In Conditioner: Incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your routine can provide ongoing moisture and protection throughout the day. This helps to keep hair manageable and reduces frizz, which can be exacerbated by bleaching.
- Protect from UV Rays: UV rays can damage bleached hair, leading to color fading and dryness. Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection can help safeguard your hair from sun exposure.
- Avoid Chlorine: Chlorine can be particularly harsh on bleached hair, leading to further dryness and color alteration. If swimming in a chlorinated pool, consider wearing a swim cap or rinsing hair immediately after swimming to minimize damage.
What Insights Do Customer Reviews Provide About Sally’s Bleach Options for Dark Hair?
- Effectiveness: Many reviews highlight how well different bleach products lighten dark hair, noting the varying results based on hair type and initial color. Users frequently share before-and-after photos, providing a visual representation of the product’s efficacy.
- Ease of Use: Customers often comment on the application process of each bleach product, discussing the clarity of instructions and the consistency of the formula. Many appreciate products that come with easy-to-follow guidelines, reducing the risk of mishaps during the bleaching process.
- Damage Control: Reviews frequently address the level of hair damage experienced post-bleaching, with some products being praised for their conditioning components that help mitigate damage. Users often compare the health of their hair after using different brands, which helps potential buyers gauge which options are less damaging.
- Price Point: The affordability of Sally’s bleach products often comes up in reviews, with many customers noting the value for money compared to salon services. This makes it appealing for those who are budget-conscious but still want effective results.
- Color Range: Customers discuss the range of colors that can be achieved with Sally’s bleach options, sharing their experiences with toners and dyes used post-bleaching to achieve desired hues. This information is particularly useful for those looking for specific shades or trying to avoid unwanted tones.
- Availability: Many reviews mention the ease of finding these products at local Sally’s stores or online, which is a significant factor for repeat customers. Users often recommend certain products based on availability, ensuring that others can easily access their preferred options.