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  • 10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays UK 2024 | John Frieda, Klorane and More 1
  • 10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays UK 2024 | John Frieda, Klorane and More 2
  • 10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays UK 2024 | John Frieda, Klorane and More 3
  • 10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays UK 2024 | John Frieda, Klorane and More 4
  • 10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays UK 2024 | John Frieda, Klorane and More 5

10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays UK 2024 | John Frieda, Klorane and More

Whether you're longing to try that classic surfer-girl summer look or you'd just like to give your dull locks a lift during winter, lightning sprays are a quick, easy and wallet-friendly way of highlighting. Working for both blondes and those with light brown hair, just a few spritzes of this highstreet treatment will give you those dreamy, beachy vibes and save yourself an expensive trip to the salon! But is it all too good to be true?


Luckily, the days of the questionable formulas of the 80s and 90s that left your hair looking patchy, orange and fried are gone. Hair lightning spray technology has come a long way and this article will guide you through some of the best hair lightening sprays available from Amazon, eBay and Boots, including options from trusted brands such as Klorane and John Frieda. We're sure that you'll find something that perfectly suits your hair, style, and budget!

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Hair Lightening Sprays

1

John Frieda

Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray
Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray

Two Shades Lighter With Only Five Uses

2

Klorane

Blond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray
Blond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray

A Gentle Spray for Everyday Use

3

Sun Bum

Blonde Hair Lightener
Blonde Hair Lightener

Californian Summer in a Bottle

4

Camomila Intea

Natural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion
Natural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion

Gradual Lightening With No Damage

5

PRO:VOKE

ILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray
ILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray

Lighten Your Hair With Each Application

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Hair Lightening Spray in the UK - Buying Guide

When shopping for a hair-lightening spray, it's important to consider the formula and the ingredients. This section will walk you through some of the key points to look out for when choosing a lightening spray that will work best for your hair. 

1

For Speedy Results, Check Whether The Lightener Is Instant or Progressive

For Speedy Results, Check Whether The Lightener Is Instant or Progressive

Not all lightening sprays take the same time to work their magic. There are essentially two types - progressive and instant. Instant sprays, as the name suggests, provide you with instant results. These are often achieved using heat styling tools such as hairdryers or straighteners.


These are perfect if you're short on time and just want a little hair spruce before going out. However, these might not be the best choice if you've never used lighteners before and aren't quite sure how the colour will turn out.


Then we have the progressive sprays. These are much more subtle and take a little while longer for the lightening agents to take hold. The timeline for progressive sprays also varies quite a bit - some will give you the desired result within 2 days, and others take up to 7

2

Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaches Hair, but Causes Damage With Overuse

Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaches Hair, but Causes Damage With Overuse

Most hair lightening sprays contain hydrogen peroxide, which is often used for disinfectants and for bleaching hair. In hair lightening sprays, hydrogen peroxide is used at a much lower concentration than in hair dye, making it pretty safe and easy to use at home. That said, be aware that hydrogen peroxide-based sprays give you long-lasting, fast and permanent results that will only fade once your hair grows out.


The downside is that excessive, daily use of hydrogen peroxide can also leave your hair feeling brittle and dry. Although it can usually be remedied with a good quality conditioner, prolonged use can still cause damage to your hair. However, if you prefer to avoid hydrogen peroxide completely, there are gentler alternatives available that use fruit acids and plant extracts to provide similar results.

3

Look For Highlighted Ingredients That Will Strengthen and Benefit Your Hair

Look For Highlighted Ingredients That Will Strengthen and Benefit Your Hair

Although most sprays act similarly by containing lightening agents that react with UV light, some options incorporate additional ingredients that prevent any potential damage and provide extra nutrition to your hair.

 
Ingredients such as honey and aloe vera can significantly alleviate hair dryness, locking moisture in the hair follicles. Another ingredient to look out for is chamomile extract. As well as being a natural lightening agent, chamomile extract can also help soothe the scalp.

4

Shop Cruelty-Free and Vegan for Guilt-Free Beauty

Shop Cruelty-Free and Vegan for Guilt-Free Beauty

As more people begin educating themselves on what goes into their products, cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics are becoming hugely popular. However, while these terms are often used interchangeably, they aren't necessarily the same thing. 


A product can be vegan (meaning that it's free from animal-derived ingredients), but that doesn't mean it hasn't been tested on animals. Cruelty-free essentially means free-from animal testing, so if this is an important factor in your buying process, make sure to look for both of these labels.

 
Most hair lightening sprays will state on the packaging whether they are vegan, cruelty-free or both. The final decision is, of course, yours to make. But don't worry, we've done the hard work for you and double-checked all of the products in our selection to help you make the best choice. 

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10 Best Hair Lightening Sprays in the UK

Now that you understand just what to look for when choosing a hair lightening spray, it's time to start shopping! Below we have listed the top 10 best hair lightening sprays available in the UK. From instant to progressive, there's a product here for everyone.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

John Frieda

Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray 1

Two Shades Lighter With Only Five Uses

2

Klorane

Blond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray

Klorane Blond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray 1

A Gentle Spray for Everyday Use

3

Sun Bum

Blonde Hair Lightener

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener 1

Californian Summer in a Bottle

4

Camomila Intea

Natural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion

Camomila Intea Natural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion 1

Gradual Lightening With No Damage

5

PRO:VOKE

ILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray

PRO:VOKE ILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray 1

Lighten Your Hair With Each Application

6

Bblonde/Jerome Russell

Maximum Lightening Spray

Bblonde/Jerome Russell Maximum Lightening Spray 1

A Simple and Efficient Spray

7

L'Oreal

Sunkiss Tropical Gradual Lightening Spray

L'Oreal Sunkiss Tropical Gradual Lightening Spray 1

A Lightener Suitable For Natural and Highlighted Hair

8

Sun In

Hair LightenerTropical Breeze

Sun In Hair Lightener 1

The Upgraded Cult-Classic

9

Joanna

Multi Blond Hair Reflex Keratin Complex Hair Spray Lightener

Joanna Multi Blond Hair Reflex Keratin Complex Hair Spray Lightener 1

Strengthens and Lightens Hair at the Same Time

10

Blond Time

Lightening Hair Spray 2 in 1: Suntouch & Thermo Flash Effect

Blond Time Lightening Hair Spray 2 in 1: Suntouch & Thermo Flash Effect   1

A Simple, No-Frills Formula

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

John Frieda
Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray

Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid

Two Shades Lighter With Only Five Uses

This lightening hair spray instantly won the hearts of beauty lovers shortly after its release. The main bonus of this product is that you don't necessarily need to go out into the sun to activate the highlighting effect - it can also be activated using heat styling tools, giving you a quicker result. 


Although the formula uses hydrogen peroxide, it also contains a high proportion of natural materials such as chamomile, which contributes to the lightning effect and grapeseed oil, which provides extra nourishment. 

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No.2

Klorane
Blond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray

Blond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.75
High Mid
Reference price
£14.75
High Mid

A Gentle Spray for Everyday Use

This French pharmacy classic is a must-have for those who want to avoid hydrogen peroxide for a more natural approach. This product contains chamomile extract as its lightening agent and honey extract, which prevents your hair from drying out


This is a slow-acting lightening spray that's very gentle, and as a pleasant bonus, it gives a nice texture to your hair that will add to the beachy, sun-kissed look. It's also honey-scented, which really helps get in the summer mood!

No.3

Sun Bum
Blonde Hair Lightener

Blonde Hair Lightener 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.97
High
Reference price
£29.97
High

Californian Summer in a Bottle

Sun Bum Lightener is an excellent choice for those who are after natural-looking highlights. The formula contains fruit acids such as pineapple and lemon (with a tiny dash of hydrogen peroxide) that together act as a powerhouse lightener. 


This may look initially pricey for a small bottle, but a little goes a long way, and the results are definitely worth it! Let's also not forget about the delightful scent that will instantly make you want to hit the beach.

No.4

Camomila Intea
Natural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion

Natural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.06
Mid
Reference price
£11.06
Mid

Gradual Lightening With No Damage

A gentle and fuss-free chamomile-based spray that will gradually lighten your hair, giving you that much-desired beachy effect. It can be applied directly onto damp hair as part of your hair care routine and towel-dried before being exposed to the sun. 


The main active ingredient is chamomile, however, it does contain a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide, meaning it is not entirely chemical-free. However, this is a very slow-acting lightening spray, meaning you're totally in control of the result.

No.5

PRO:VOKE
ILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray

ILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid

Lighten Your Hair With Each Application

This lightening spray from PRO:VOKE is a great option if you're shopping on a budget. Not only does it lighten hair with each use, but it's also excellent at covering grey roots. The handy spray pump makes for an easy application so you can cover your entire hair in a fine mist fast. 


While this product is vegan, it cannot be guaranteed to be cruelty-free. The formula does, however, contain chamomile, which can be soothing for the scalp and gives it a delightful signature scent. This lightener is gradual, so you should start to see results after 3-5 applications.

No.6

Bblonde/Jerome Russell
Maximum Lightening Spray

Maximum Lightening Spray 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.50
Mid
Reference price
£7.50
Mid

A Simple and Efficient Spray

The main advantage of this spray is that it can be activated by using hot styling tools, not just sunlight. Straightforward and easy to use, you should start seeing results after around three applications. 


Although this is a very efficient product, its main active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide meaning that it may not be suitable for those who wish to avoid harsher bleaching components. It does, however, help reduce any damage associated with hot styling.

No.7

L'Oreal
Sunkiss Tropical Gradual Lightening Spray

Sunkiss Tropical Gradual Lightening Spray 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.99
High Mid
Reference price
£18.99
High Mid

A Lightener Suitable For Natural and Highlighted Hair

Obtain that luminous, sun-kissed look with L'Oreal Tropical Lightening Spray. Easy to apply, the mixture comes in a portable 100 ml bottle that delivers professional salon results. Unlike other L'Oreal hair products, this one doesn't need to be washed out and can deliver the desired results without sunlight or heat. 


However, the main downside of this product is that it doesn't have the most pleasant smell and can also stain clothing, so make sure you take the necessary precautions before using it. That said, it is completely ammonia-free.

No.8

Sun In
Hair LightenerTropical Breeze

Hair Lightener 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.99
Mid
Reference price
£12.99
Mid

The Upgraded Cult-Classic

One of the most iconic hair lightening products on the market, Sun In has been significantly improved since the 90s, with the new formula offering reliable results without any of the fuss. Simply spray onto your hair, then relax in the sun or for a faster result, use a blow dryer. 


The new formula has also been enhanced with flaxseed extract and aloe vera for extra moisturisation and protection. Although this is a substantial improvement, make sure to consult your hairdresser before applying it to already dyed hair or if you wish to dye it again after using. 

No.9

Joanna
Multi Blond Hair Reflex Keratin Complex Hair Spray Lightener

Multi Blond Hair Reflex Keratin Complex Hair Spray Lightener 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.59
Mid
Reference price
£7.59
Mid

Strengthens and Lightens Hair at the Same Time

Enriched with chamomile extract and a keratin complex, this hair lightening spray works gradually to achieve subtle blond highlights. One of the best things about this choice is that while the product works well in the sun, it can also work wonders without sunlight exposure. 


Although the product is formulated with chamomile and keratin, it still does contain hydrogen peroxide and is not guaranteed to be vegan or cruelty-free. That said, this spray will leave your hair luxuriously soft and pleasantly scented.

No.10

Blond Time
Lightening Hair Spray 2 in 1: Suntouch & Thermo Flash Effect

Lightening Hair Spray 2 in 1: Suntouch & Thermo Flash Effect   1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£1.58
Low
Reference price
£1.58
Low

A Simple, No-Frills Formula

This unique and well-priced lightening spray is ideal for those who don't have access to sunlight or hot weather. All you need is a comb and a hair straighter. With this spray, you can easily achieve a gradual balayage effect by applying the product to the lower part of your hair. 


However, although this hair spray is effective on light brown to blonde hair, there is no guarantee that it's vegan or cruelty-free. Nevertheless, it's well-priced and contains a generous amount of product. 

What Is a Hair Lightening Spray and Why Should You Buy One?

What Is a Hair Lightening Spray and Why Should You Buy One?

Hair lightening sprays contain a blend of lightening components (such as hydrogen peroxide and lemon extract) that are applied to create a subtle highlighting effect. As the effect of lightening sprays tends to be gradual, you have control over just how blonde you go.


It should be noted, however, that these products shouldn't be used on dark brown hair. The sprays contain fairly gentle formulas that simply won't be strong enough to lift darker pigments, so will likely result in orange strands. You should also be wary of using them on intensively bleached hair as the effect can be difficult to predict. 


While most products work gradually with each application, and some even work instantly, many advise you to use the spray in conjunction with natural sunlight, to really enhance the effects.

Lightening Spray Application Tips

Lightening Spray Application Tips

To achieve the most natural-looking effect, make sure that you apply your lightening spray on well-brushed, clean hair. This will ensure even distribution and prevent any unsightly patches. 


Another tip is to apply it onto separate sections rather than spraying it all over your hair. Separate the section you would like to lighten, apply 2-3 spritzes of lightening spray, then brush it out with a comb. This method will give your hair a 3D effect, creating the appearance of more volume. 


Keep in mind that these sprays work best with sun exposure, so make sure you time the application, applying it just before you are about to go outside. If you apply it while spending the rest of the day indoors, it's unlikely that you will see decent results. 

Summary

Although going to the hairdressers is always fun, getting a full head of highlights is often simply too time-consuming and expensive. Luckily, hair lightening sprays are a good, affordable alternative that can provide tangible results within a reasonable time frame. We hope you enjoyed reading our article and found a few products you're keen to try! 


Author: Maria C

Top 5 Hair Lightening Sprays

No. 1: John FriedaSheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray

No. 2: KloraneBlond Highlights Sun Lightening Spray

No. 3: Sun BumBlonde Hair Lightener

No. 4: Camomila InteaNatural Blonde Hair Lightening Lotion

No. 5: PRO:VOKEILLUMINEX Touch of Blonde Lightening Blonde Spray

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