Hair-Lightening Sprays Are Trending — But Should You Use Them on Your Hair?

A little time in the summer sun can give you glowing skin (don't forget your SPF!) and quickly give you natural highlights in your hair.  If you're loving the summer hair look and trying to speed up the process, you might be tempted to add a bottle of hair-lightening spray to your shopping cart.

While these hair-lightening sprays have been around for years, it seems recently there are more brands than ever. Plus, they are gaining a lot of popularity online. 

These nifty little bottles promise to give you sun-kissed locks without the hassle of a salon appointment. However, before you jump on the bandwagon and start spraying your hair, let's talk about whether these sprays are really a good idea for your lovely tresses. 

Are Hair-Lightening Sprays Basically a Salon in a Bottle?

Take a quick trip down the hair care aisle and hair-lightening sprays are everywhere. It's easy to see why they're so popular – they promise to give you that effortless, beachy look with just a few spritzes. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, that's because it is.

While the convenience of hair-lightening sprays is tempting, they come with a hefty price: the health of your hair. These sprays typically contain hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents. Sure, they lighten your hair, but they also wreak havoc on it.

According to Associated Hair Professionals, the chemicals in these sprays can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage. You might end up with lighter hair, but it'll be far from the luscious locks you were hoping for.

You can also end up with uneven results.  Unlike professional salon treatments, hair-lightening sprays can give you patchy, uneven results. Imagine walking around with random streaks of orange or yellow — not exactly the look you were going for, right?

So, what are the long-term effects? Repeated use of hair-lightening sprays can cause long-term damage to your hair. Over time, your hair might become so weak that it breaks off easily. You could also end up with split ends and frizz, making your hair look unhealthy and unmanageable.

A Better Alternative: The Salon

If you're dreaming of lighter hair, the best course of action is to book an appointment at a salon. We're all looking to save a few bucks, but leaving your hair to a professional instead of a hair-lightening spray is probably a better choice. So, put down the bottle and pick up the phone to call your stylist.

Here's why professional treatments are worth the investment:

• Expertise: Professional hairstylists have the training and experience to lighten your hair safely. They can assess your hair type and choose the best products and techniques to achieve the look you want without causing damage.
• Customized Treatment: A stylist can create a custom plan to lighten your hair gradually, ensuring the result is natural and even. No more worrying about streaky, patchy hair.
• Healthier Hair: Salons use high-quality products that are less damaging than over-the-counter sprays. Plus, your stylist can recommend treatments to keep your hair healthy and hydrated after the lightening process.

Caring for Damaged Hair

Let's say you've already taken the plunge with a hair-lightening spray and now your hair feels like straw. Don't panic! Here's a handy list of tips to help you nurse your hair back to health.

• Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week to restore moisture to your hair. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil and keratin.

• Limit Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant spray first.
• Trim Regularly: Get regular trims to remove split ends and prevent further breakage. This will help your hair look healthier and encourage new growth.
• Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner: Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner designed for dry or damaged hair. Avoid products with sulfates, which can strip your hair of natural oils.

• Use Leave-In Treatments: Invest in a good leave-in conditioner or treatment to keep your hair moisturized throughout the day. Products with coconut oil, aloe vera and vitamin E are great options.

• Protect Your Hair: Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when you're out in the sun. UV rays can further damage already fragile hair.

• Avoid Further Chemical Treatments: Steer clear of any additional chemical treatments like perming, relaxing or further bleaching. Your hair needs time to recover.

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