Blush logo

Best Shampoo to Lighten Brown Hair: A Guide

Shampoo to Lighten Brown Hair

By Cora IrisPublished 4 years ago 3 min read

Do you have brown hair and are looking to go blonde? Did you dye your hair brown and want to go back to your natural color? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll talk about the best shampoo to lighten brown hair brands that can help you lighten brown hair, as well as any potential drawbacks you might experience with some of them. We’ll also talk about how long it should take before your hair starts to lighten up, so keep reading!

Before you start

Once you decide you want to try a lightning treatment, it’s important that you do so safely. If you’re interested in trying out a shampoo or other lightening product, consult your hairstylist before trying any products yourself. Your stylist will be able to give you a consultation and guide you through how many treatments are right for your hair type. Many salons also offer free consultations if you’re not sure which hair product is best for your needs.

Step 1 – Stop washing your hair with hot water

Hot water opens up your hair’s cuticle, which allows hair color molecules to penetrate. To reduce heat damage and help with moisture, turn down your water heater temperature by 10 degrees. This will also save you money on energy bills! If you don’t have a hot water heater, use cold or lukewarm water instead.

Step 2 – Use a gentle shampoo

Look for sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates strip hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. And remember, brown hair doesn’t mean healthy hair! If you have naturally dark locks or color your hair regularly, the chances are high that you have damaged your tresses. To keep them in top shape, opt for a gentler shampoo that works as a moisturizer rather than stripping your strands of moisture.

Step 3 – Do it right

Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like Kojic acid, arbutin, mulberry root extract, and Niacinamide. These ingredients can help lighten your hair without damaging it or making your scalp break out. Try Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo or John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. Use a quality conditioner after shampooing too to keep hair soft and smooth.

Step 4 – Vitamin C is your friend!

If you’re looking for a great, safe, and natural way to lighten your hair without all of those unnecessary chemicals, then look no further. Vitamin C is your secret weapon! It naturally breaks down melanin (the pigment in our hair) and gives an even color that really lasts. What’s best is that it’s cheap and easy – just add lemon juice or orange juice to a small amount of water, mix together and wash as normal.

Step 5 – Rinse With Cold Water

When you shampoo to lighten brown hair, you strip your hair of its natural oils. When you rinse, try rinsing with cold water instead of hot. The cold water helps seal your cuticles, and it also makes your hair look shinier and silkier. Why not pair it with a hair mask once or twice a week? (Steps 6 & 7)

Step 6 – Keep Your Scalp Moisturized

It may seem obvious, but do you know how to keep your scalp moisturized? If not, don’t worry. It’s actually a very easy step in your hair-lightening process. Basically, all you need is a leave-in conditioner (like Organix) and apply it directly on your scalp as you wash or condition your hair. Be sure to evenly distribute it for optimum results!

General Tips on Blonde Highlights

If you’re looking for blonde highlights, there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding what shampoo to lighten brown hair will be best for your hair. Your hair type is one important factor. Blonde highlights can look great on almost any hair type, but if you have thin or fine hair, it may not be possible to achieve them without damaging your locks. Similarly, if you have dark brown or black hair and want blonde highlights that are noticeable from a distance (as opposed to just close up), they may not show up as well on darker strands.

hair

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.