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Hair Lightener Vs Bleach: 5 Differences

by  Mila M.Cosmetologist

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Understanding the right way to lighten your hair can be a tricky decision. With options such as bleach and lightener, it’s hard to know what will work best for you.

This article aims to simplify that choice by providing a straightforward comparison between these two popular hair-lightening techniques.

Be ready to discover the perfect solution that respects your hair while giving you the desired look!

L’Oreal Paris Summer Lights Hair Lightening Gelee, Light Blonde to Dark Blonde


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Key Takeaways

  • Hair lightener and bleach are both options for lightening your hair, but they have different effects. Lighteners are gentler and can lift hair color by a few shades, while bleach is more powerful and can significantly lighten dark hair.
  • Cream lighteners are a great alternative to bleach powders as they are more gentle on the hair and provide a more natural color result.
  • It is possible to use a lightener without bleach, such as cream lighteners, or natural remedies like vinegar. These options can achieve lighter results without the harshness of traditional bleaches.
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Permanent Hair Lightener vs Bleach vs Highlights

In your journey towards achieving the perfect hair color, it’s essential to understand the differences and similarities between permanent hair lighteners, bleach, and highlights.

Blond Plex Extreme Lifting 10X Levels – Black/Charcoal Dust Free Lightener Powder Cool-Toned & Bright Finish – Made in Italy


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ARCTIC FOX Bleach Please Hair Lightening Kit Cream Bleach


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Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit, Light Golden Blonde for Superior Gray Coverage, Made in Italy


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The table below provides a clear comparison:

PERMANENT HAIR LIGHTENERBLEACHHIGHLIGHTS
UseLightens natural hair gradually by depositing color on the hair shaft. May require multiple applications.Removes or lightens hair color through oxidation. Can lighten hair up to 9 shades in one application.Used to add depth and dimension to hair by lightening selected strands.
ComponentContains lightening agents that react with hair pigments to lighten them. Less harsh than bleach.Contains potent chemicals that strip away hair color. Can potentially damage hair if not done correctly.Can be achieved using either bleach or hair lightener, depending on personal preference and hair condition.
ResultProvides a more subtle and natural-looking result than bleach. Works best on lighter hair colors.Achieves dramatic lightening, even on dark hair. Can create everything from buttery blondes to icy platinum shades.Adds dimension and enhances natural hair color. Helps break up blocky color and adds interest to hairstyles.
MaintenanceRequires regular touch-ups to maintain the desired shade, particularly for those with dark hair.Requires regular root touch-ups and deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health and color.Has less maintenance compared to a full head of color. The regrowth is less obvious, thus fewer touch-ups are needed.
KERATIN BAR Professional Blue Bleaching Powder – Plex Technology – Lifts up to 9 Shades


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While all three methods can lighten your hair, the best choice ultimately depends on your hair condition, desired result, and maintenance willingness.

Lightener vs Bleach vs Developer

Sun Bum Blonde Formula Hair Lightener


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Understanding the differences and similarities between a lightener, bleach, and a developer is crucial when deciding on the right hair treatment.

Here’s a helpful table that breaks down their key characteristics:

ProductUseComponent
LightenerLightens hair up to five levels. Its power lies in the product itself.Comes in various forms such as cream and powder. Mixed with a developer to enhance its lightening capabilities.
BleachLightens the natural color of the hair. The bleach’s ability to lighten is enhanced when mixed with a developer.Usually comes in powder form. Available in various levels, ranging from 10 up to 12, depending on the desired lightness.
DeveloperActivates the lightening process. Determines how quickly the hair lightens.Combined with the lightener or bleach. It’s essential to know the correct bleach-to-developer ratio to avoid potential issues.
Camomila Intea Hair Lightener – 3-in-1 Kit Natural Blond Kit camomila íntea – Trip Gift Bag INCLUDED


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Remember, the choice between a cream lightener, bleach, or developer largely depends on your hair’s texture and conditions.

Always ensure that you’re using the right product to achieve the desired results while maintaining the health of your hair.

Cream Lightener vs Powder

Untangling the differences between cream lighteners and powders can help you choose the best option for your hair needs. Here are their key features:

A Cream Lightener:

  • incorporates additional nutritive components like coconut oil, offering maximum gentleness to the scalp.
  • helps in achieving a lighter shade without compromising the health of your hair.
  • can be utilized directly on the scalp without causing much irritation.
  • generally yields a more natural color and preserves hair’s texture.
  • more forgiving on hair strands, thus reducing the risk of damage.
Ion Bright White Creme Lightener


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A Powder Lightener:

  • is typically void of additional nourishing components found in cream lighteners.
  • offers high lifting power and can significantly lighten dark hair tones.
  • is best used for off-scalp lightening applications, like balayage hair treatment.
  • provides quick results but has the potential to cause more damage than cream-based formulas, especially with high-volume developers.
  • is suggested for professional use due to its intense chemical reaction that can potentially harm hair if misused.
Wella COLORCHARM Powder Hair Lightener
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Are Lightener and Bleach the Same Thing?

No. Lightener and bleach may seem similar, but they are not the same thing.

While both products are used for hair lightening, they have different effects on your hair.

Hair lighteners are generally gentler compared to bleach and usually contain peroxide. They can lift your hair color by a few shades and are a good choice if you want a more subtle change or if you have darker hair.

On the other hand, bleach is more powerful and often referred to as powder bleach. It can lighten your hair significantly and is commonly used for drastic changes in color, like going from dark brown to blonde.

So, it’s important to understand that while lighteners and bleach can achieve similar results in terms of lightening your hair, they differ in their strength and the level of lift they provide.

Suntouched Beach Blonde Sun Hair Lightener – Citrus & Chamomile Hair Lightening Spray for Highlights


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Is It Better to Use Bleach or Lightener?

When it comes to lightening your hair, you might wonder whether it’s better to use bleach or a hair lightener.

The answer depends on the desired result and the condition of your hair.

Bleach is typically used for more drastic color changes, while lighteners are considered to be gentler options.

However, bleach contains harsher chemicals that can increase the risk of damage and burning compared to lighteners.

Camomila Intea Blonde Spray – Hair Lightener Spray with Chamomile Extract


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On the other hand, lighteners are easier to use and pose less risk. Cream lighteners are often preferred over bleach powders because they tend to be more gentle on the hair.

Remember, always consider the health of your hair before making a decision between bleach and a lighter option.

Both bleach and lighteners contain peroxide which helps in lifting color from your natural hair pigments.

The Original Color And Lightener Accelerator


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However, if you have dark hair or want a significant change in color, using bleach may be necessary as it provides more lift than regular lighteners.

Keep in mind that both products can cause damage when not used properly or left on for too long.

It’s important to follow instructions carefully and perform a strand test beforehand to assess how your hair will react.

Choosing between bleach and a lighter option depends on various factors such as desired results and the condition of your hair.

While bleach can achieve drastic changes in color, it also carries higher risks of damage.

Lighteners offer a gentler alternative but may not provide enough lift for darker or deeply pigmented hair types.

Consider consulting with a professional hairstylist who can guide you toward the best choice based on your specific needs and preferences.

Perfect Blond Extra Strength Professional Hair Dye Toner Lightener Bleach – Made in Italy


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Can You Use Lightener Without Bleach?

Yes, you can use a lightener without bleach. Lighteners are designed to lighten the hair by lifting its natural color or dye molecules.

They work by breaking down the pigments in the hair shaft, allowing them to be replaced with lighter shades.

While bleach is often used as a strong lightening agent, there are other options available that can achieve similar results without the harshness of bleach.

1. with Cream Lightener

One alternative to using bleach is a cream lightener

Cream lighteners contain powerful ingredients that can lift your hair up to 6 shades lighter.

These products are generally gentler on the hair compared to traditional bleaches and can minimize damage while still achieving significant lightening effects.

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2. with Natural Remedies

Another option for lightening your hair without bleach is using natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar.

These vinegar have acidic properties that can help strip away some of the color from your hair over time.

However, it’s important to note that this method may not give you dramatic results and could take longer than using professional-grade lighteners or bleaches.

So if you’re looking for a way to lighten your hair without using bleach, consider trying a cream lightener or experimenting with natural remedies like vinegar.

It’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable products for achieving your desired look while minimizing potential damage to your precious locks.

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Conclusion: When To And Not To Use Which

Deciding whether to use a hair lightener or bleach depends on your desired results and the condition of your hair.

Hair lightener is a gentler option that can be used for most hair types, while bleach is harsher and better suited for dark, stubborn hair.

It’s important to assess the health of your hair before deciding which product to use and always follow proper maintenance routines after bleaching to keep your locks looking their best.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between hair lighteners and bleach?

A: Hair lighteners use hydrogen peroxide to open up hair cuticles and lighten your overall color, while bleach uses processing time and higher volumes of developer to remove all natural pigment for a lighter blonde or even white shade.

Q: How does bleaching damage your hair?

A: Bleaching can strip away natural oils in the hair, causing dryness, brittleness, and potential breakage over time due to its powerful oxidation process.

Q: Can I lighten my brown or black hair without using bleach?

A: Yes! A good idea is to use permanent dyes that contain lower volume developers or clay lightener which causes minimal damage compared to traditional bleach products.

Q: Is it possible to achieve blonde tones without brassy or orange results?

A: Yes! Using purple shampoo can counteract yellow tones after bleaching while treatment with a color corrector neutralizes orange tones for lustrous blonde results.

Q: Should I apply bleach on my own at home?

A: While you could technically perform this task at home ensuring that you have the right products such as high-quality powder bleach, appropriate volume developer, and some items like a brush and bowl set for mixing the product correctly; For best results though consider getting help from professional colorist for safe application minimizing chances of allergic reactions & further damage.

Q: How often should I use a Hair Lightener?

A: There are no strict rules but daily use would be too harsh on most types of hair leading to damaging them. Therefore, consulting with a professional colorist would provide better guidance based on the healthiness levels of your virgin or previously dyed hair.

Q: Will hair lightening products damage my hair?

A: Yes, hair lightening products can cause damage to the hair if not used properly or if left on for too long. It’s important to follow the instructions and use a hair mask or deep conditioner afterward.

Q: Can I use regular hair dye instead of bleach to lighten my hair?

A: No, regular hair dye cannot lighten the hair. Hair dye contains color molecules that deposit color onto the hair, while bleach lightens the hair by removing its natural pigment.

Q: What is the best way to lighten dark hair?

A: The best way to lighten dark hair is by using a hair lightener or bleach. This will help remove the natural pigment from the hair and create a lighter base for further coloring.

Q: What is the difference between hair bleach and developer?

A: Hair bleach is the product that lightens the hair, while a developer is the oxidizing agent that activates the bleach and helps it penetrate the hair shaft.

Q: Can I bleach my hair at home?

A: Yes, you can bleach your hair at home. However, it is recommended to consult a professional or do thorough research before attempting it, as bleaching can be a complicated process and may cause damage if done incorrectly.

Q: Will bleaching my hair damage it?

A: Yes, bleaching hair can cause damage, especially if done improperly or if the hair is already damaged. It’s important to take proper precautions and follow a hair care routine to minimize damage.

Q: What is the best hair lightener to use?

A: The best hair lightener to use depends on your specific hair type and desired outcome. It is recommended to consult with a professional or hair colorist to determine the best lightening product for your hair.

Hair Lightener Vs Bleach: 5 Differences
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Mila, the veteran beauty cosmetics professional and author of this thisisbeautymart.com article, while cutting and styling the hair of her client

Hi! I’m Mila M. I share my 44 year-experience as a Cosmetologist & Beauty Professional in this blog. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult your trusted Beauty Professional for your personal beauty needs.

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