5 ways to lighten your hair without totally destroying it (yes, it’s possible!)

John Frieda Go Blonder Line

This shampoo and conditioner duo lets you wash your way to blonder hair. The products are formulated with citrus and chamomile, so it’s gentle on your strands, while simultaneously lightening it.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Conditioner, ($7,drugstore.com) and Shampoo, ($5, drugstore.com)

Lemon mixed with avacado

We all know that lemon juice is the tried and trued natural hair lightener. But unfortunately, the citrus juice on its own is acidic, and has the potential to cause an itchy and irritated scalp. To remedy this, mix it with avocado for a hydrating and natural lightening hair mask.

Sun In Hair Lightener

If you’re looking for lighter hair and a healthy dose of nostalgia, Sun In is the perfect product for you. Not only is this product an effective and less damaging alternative to bleach, it’s also super easy to use. Simply spray all over your strands, brush it through to evenly coat and blow dry.

Sun In Hair Lightener ($4, drugstore.com)

Olaplex

Olaplex is basically the new magic treatment for your hair. Used in salons, it’s very similar to a traditional bleach lightening treatment – with one expectation: it doesn’t dry out your locks. Olaplex is an additive, used with regular salon dyes, that eliminates the harsh reaction oxygen has with broken sulfite bonds in bleached hair that leads to breakage. Not only does it result in lighter hair, but it leaves you with softer strands. Total hair miracle.

Lush’s Marilyn Hair Treatment

Just when you thought Lush couldn’t get any better, they come out with a vegan, natural hair lightener. Appropriately named Marilyn, the hair treatment is made with saffron, camomile and lemon that leads to shiny, conditioned, and obviously, lighter hair.

Lush Marilyn Hair Treatment ($23, lushusa.com)