Shopping | ES Best Home | Beauty | Hair
Best bleachless products to lighten darker hair
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Hair is an intrinsic form of self-expression - so it’s no wonder that it’s generally the first thing people turn to for a change following a breakup.
Unlike getting a tattoo or piercing, hair offers a more fleeting fix. If you spontaneously decide to cut a fringe or lob off the locks you’ve spent years growing, it’s not the end of the world because it will grow back. The same goes for colouring. Dyed your hair pink in an act of follicle-induced folly? This can be easily rectified, even if it does require an expensive dash to the hairdresser.
While it’s still up for debate that blondes have more fun, blondes certainly have it easier when it comes to colour. Ageing promises the shimmer of ethereal silver hairs as opposed to the sprouting of dull grey strands and a quick dye job requires little-to-no damaging bleaching process.
Brunettes, on the other hand, have a lengthier process on their hands. When an existential crisis comes knocking and all they want to do is elevate their beauty regime with a colourful tint, they are faced with a big bottle of scalp-scolding bleach.
Dark-haired stars including Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski and Zendaya have all made the big leap to lighter tones in the past. Yet, their hair transformations most likely consisted of hours in a luxury salon with their tresses lovingly cared for by the best hairdressers in the industry. For those who don’t have the time or money to splash out on a full-blown colour job, the only option is an at-home dye.
The prospect of transforming your hair at home is daunting, to say the least. Get it wrong, and it can go really wrong. That’s why a trustworthy hair dye that will guarantee the glossiest of results is essential.
Usually, a bleaching agent is required to achieve a lighter tone. The chemical process strips your hair of pigment, resulting in lighter hues. For natural blondes, the road to platinum is much quicker than for brunettes, who will have to endure more steps in order to achieve the desired colour.
As we all know, bleaching can be hard on your hair and prompt breakage, frizz and dryness. Therefore, a bleachless dye is a great buy for those wanting to keep their locks intact. And yes, such a thing does exist.
To help you kickstart your journey of self-discovery via your mane, we’ve rounded up the best bleachless products for the dark-haired among us. Whether mourning a relationship, heading to a festival or simply turning over a new leaf, find the inspiration you need to get bolder with your colour job and the products to make it happen.
See below
Glaze Super Gloss
Tint your tresses with Glaze’s coveted Super Gloss. Apply to damp or dry hair, leave in for 5-10 minutes and rinse - it’s that easy. The formula acts as a tinted moisturiser for hair, so if you’re after a natural shine to reinvigorate your crop with a subtle new colour, this could be the one for you.
The bleachless product is also cruelty-free and blends gentle dyes with hydrating fatty acids to offer a deep condition.
Bleach London No Bleach Bleach
Despite the name, Bleach London champions a bleachless approach to hair colour. The brand’s No Bleach Bleach is an affordable option for those wanting to lighten their hair over time.
While it’s not a quick fix, the product promises an experience devoid of scalp irritation. But it must be noted that it can only be used by those with uncoloured, virgin hair and it’s advised you have a spare pack to hand in case the first runs out.
dpHUE Gloss
Another gloss to consider, dpHUE offers a semi-permanent, deep-conditioning treatment for those with coloured hair. To use, hop in the shower and distribute evenly over your locks. Leave on for 3-20 minutes, depending on the desired tint, and rinse well. If you’re itching for an easy breezy colour pop, dpHUE is a safe bet, especially for the indecisive.
It's Pure Organic Herbal Hair Colour
Due to an ever-increasing interest in sustainability, more people are searching for organic beauty products. Pure has created a hair dye that is 100 per cent organic, made in the UK and crafted from natural, fair-trade henna dye.
Unlike potentially damaging synthetic hair products, this plant-based alternative is non-invasive and gives your mane a lightweight gloss. No harsh chemicals necessary.
Mulato Royal Purple Colour Highlighting Pigment Cream
Always wanted to go purple? Well, here’s your chance. Mulato has a host of pigmented creams up for grabs, from violet to strawberry blonde and more.
Revive your hair with the sleek conditioner which includes 98 per cent natural ingredients and features a sweet apricot scent. With the gloves provided, apply the cream through the hair, not forgetting the ends. Use a comb to ensure coverage is even and leave it on for 15-20 minutes depending on the intensity you wish to achieve.
Maria Nila Colour Refresh
Add Maria Nila’s Colour Refresh to your online basket if you’re hankering for a vibrant pop of pigment. Available in eleven different shades spanning drastic colour concoctions to low-key tints, this easy-to-use product aims to rebuild and reinvigorate hair structure.
To use, wash your hair with shampoo, rinse thoroughly and dry your hair with a towel to prepare the hair for wrapping. Slip on the gloves provided and apply the colour evenly through the hair, leaving it in for 3-10 minutes. Rinse and top off with a healthy dollop of conditioner for an extra glossy finish.
Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour
One for transforming a grey mane, Naturtint’s Permanent Hair Colour provides coverage upon first application. The dye is derived from ingredients such as plant and seed oils and extracts that aid scalp protection.
It can lighten your hair by up to two shades and is available to shop in Light Chocolate Chestnut, Arizona Blonde, Honey Blonde, Terricate, Ash Blonde and more beautiful shades.