Are you looking for achieving a perfect sun-kissed look without having to spend countless hours out in the sun? Let’s take a look at Sun Bum Hair Lightener! This easy-to-use hair-lightening spray promises to brighten and lighten your locks with just a few sprays, leaving you with effortlessly beachy, golden highlights.

Follow our Sun Bum Hair Lightener review to see if it's worth adding to your haircare routine. So let’s get started!

What Is Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener?

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener is a hair care product designed to lighten hair by amplifying the natural highlighting effects of the sun.

The product is made with natural ingredients, such as Costa Rican Pineapple and Meyer Lemon, which are known for their hair-brightening properties. The special UV-activated blend is designed to create subtle natural tones and highlights, without the brassiness that often results from other lightening products.

Sun Bum Hair Lightener

 

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Pros

  • Contains natural ingredients.
  • Subtle tones and highlights.
  • Fast results.
  • UV-activated.
  • Vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free.

Cons

  • Contain ​​hydrogen peroxide may cause hair damage.
  • Contains silicone.

Does Sun Bum Hair Lightener Really Work?

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener is designed to amplify the natural highlighting effects of the sun and lighten the hair. The natural ingredients in the product, such as pineapple and lemon, are known to have hair-brightening properties, and the addition of hydrogen peroxide is meant to accelerate the lightening process.

It is important to note that using any product that lightens hair, including Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener, can potentially cause damage to the hair if used excessively or incorrectly. It is recommended to follow the instructions carefully and use the product in moderation. 

In addition, you should do a patch test before using any new hair care product to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener Ingredients 

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients such as lemon and pineapple juice, chamomile extract, and hydrogen peroxide, which work together to gently lighten hair and provide a sun-kissed look. This product is free of harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it safe for regular use.
 

Ananas Sativus (Pineapple)

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain(1), which has been touted as a natural hair lightener. It also contains vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.

This special blend is enriched with pineapples and is activated by UV light, which helps to create natural and understated tones, along with beautiful highlights without brassiness.

Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon)

Lemon extract can help to lighten the hair(2) by breaking down melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. This can create natural, subtle tones and highlights that are less damaging than traditional hair dyes. 

Moreover, lemon is also a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help to nourish and protect the hair from damage.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is an oxidizing agent(3) that helps to lighten the hair by breaking down the natural pigments in the hair shaft. Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to create a range of hair shades, from subtle highlights to full-blown bleaching. 

However, it can also damage the hair and skin(4), as it can cause dryness, breakage, and split ends. It is important to use hair-lightening products containing hydrogen peroxide carefully and as directed to minimize the risk of damage to the hair.

Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20(5) is a surfactant commonly used in hair care products as an emulsifier, which helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients. It’s often added to hair lighteners to improve their texture and help them apply smoothly onto the hair. 

However, there is a risk of skin irritation or allergic reaction(6) in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin. This can result in symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, or rash.

Silicone Quaternium-8

Silicone(7) is a type of synthetic polymer that is used to improve the texture and appearance of hair. Silicone can make the hair look shiny and feel smooth, but it can also create a coating on the hair shaft that can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair, leading to dryness and brittleness over time.

It is important to note that while silicone can be beneficial for some hair types, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with fine or thin hair that can be weighed down by heavy products.

Alternatives To Sun Bum Hair Lightener

Klorane Brightening Spray with Chamomile

John Frieda Go Blonder Hair Lightening Spray

Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist

Klorane Brightening Spray with Chamomile

 

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John Frieda Go Blonder Hair Lightening Spray

 

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Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist

 

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  • Natural ingredients, containing Chamomile.
  • Detangles, clarifies, and adds shine.
  • Gradually brightens blonde and lighter shades of hair.
  • Vegan, dermatologist-tested, biodegradable
  • Gradually lightens blonde hues up to two shades.
  • Formulated with chamomile and citrus for natural-looking color.
  • Exclusive peroxide lightening formula.
  • Gradually brightens and enhances blonde hues.
  • Natural ingredients.
  • Peroxide-free.
  • Lightweight moisture and nourishment.
  • Strong fumes and overpowering fragrance
  • May dry out hair and cause itching.
  • May cause damage.
  • May make hair brittle and prone to breakage.
  • May make hair dry and brittle.
  • Pricey.

Benefits of Sun Bum Hair Lightener

Natural Ingredients

Sun Bum Hair Lightener contains natural ingredients such as Costa Rican Pineapple and Meyer Lemon, which are known for their hair-brightening properties. These ingredients are gentle on the hair and scalp, making it a safer option compared to chemical hair lighteners.

Moreover, this product is vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free. This makes it a great option for those who prioritize using eco-friendly and animal-friendly products.

Subtle Tones and Highlights

The product is designed to create subtle natural tones and highlights, which give the hair a sun-kissed, natural look. This is a great option for those who prefer a more natural and effortless hair lightening process.

Fast Results

Sun Bum Hair Lightener is designed to work quickly, giving you noticeable results in just a few uses. This is ideal for those who want to achieve a lighter hair color without waiting for months or undergoing more drastic measures.

UV-Activated

The product is activated by the sun's UV rays, which means that it is best used on sunny days. This makes it an ideal product to use during the summer months or when spending time outdoors.

Potential Side Effects

Sun Bum Hair Lightener also contains some ingredients that can cause potential side effects.

  • Hydrogen peroxide, which is used to lighten the hair, can damage the hair and skin, causing dryness, breakage, and split ends. 
  • Polysorbate 20, a surfactant, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. 
  • Silicone, which is added to the product to improve the texture and appearance of hair, can create a coating on the hair shaft, leading to dryness and brittleness over time.

While the product can be a useful tool for achieving a sun-kissed look, its potential side effects should not be overlooked. It is important to use the product as directed and to follow up with proper hair care to minimize the risk of side effects and keep the hair healthy and nourished.

How To Use Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener

Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener reviews

Here are a few steps to use this product for getting the best long-term results:

  • Prepare your locks: Before applying the hair lightener, make sure your hair is clean, conditioned, and damp/towel-dried.
  • Test on select strands of hair: To avoid permanent results that you might not like, we recommend doing a test run first. Spray 1-2 sprays of the product onto a patch of towel-dried or damp hair in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to additional desired sections. Once you're satisfied with the results, feel free to apply it to more sections of your hair!
  • UV-activated formula: This product is a UV-activated formula that works best in the sun. However, you can still use it before heading out or simply by using your hair dryer.
  • Style and go: Once your hair has dried, style it any way you like and get on with your day.
  • Using the hair lightener (again): For best results, limit your usage of the Hair Lightener to 2X per week, and try not to apply it more than once between washes or shampoos to avoid over-drying and hair breakage.

Lastly, if you apply the Hair Lightener on darker hair, you might see a brassy orange result at first. But over time, those sections of hair will lighten more, giving you the look you want.

Sun Bum Hair Lightener Review: What Do Real Users Say?

“This product is great, it’s lighteners your hair, it takes a while tho. I have used this about 3 time I have realized my hair is lighter even others have mentioned it to me. I can only image how much lighter my hair will be after finishing the bottle” - Ninar

“I'm a huge SunBum fan...I use several of their products. I naturally have medium auburn hair, but as I've gotten some gray, I started highlighting again. I wanted something to blend my highlight growth with my natural color and the gray. I use this in combination with a purple shampoo. Apply on roots and the underside of my hair...it works great! I even had someone the other day (been using for about 3 weeks) ask me if I had just had my hair re-highlighted because they couldn't see the grow out line.” - Casey

“I love the scent and how gentle it is on my hair. It’s been a slow process because I only wash maybe 1x a week but I’ve used a bottle already and this is my progress which I’m very happy with. The darker side in the pic is the underside of a piece of hair from under my top layer of hair. It’s also the color I was all over when I started the process. I’m just trying to get back closer to my natural color which is a light blonde which hormones from 3 pregnancies along with aging has changed!

I tried the John Frieda brand before Sun Bum and it smelled terrible! Also didn’t work as quickly. I will definitely be buying more of this to continue lightening up my hair.” - Katie Downing

“It dries the life out of hair. Doesn’t change NOTHING. I’ve tried both sunlight and blow dryer and it doesn’t do nothing. My hair feels like straw, super dry and lifeless. It gets hard like if I used glue all over. It burns my hands and even my eyes hurt just due to the smell and chemicals in this. Not worthy. I’ve tried other sprays , and they really work” - Vanessa Pereira

Final Thought

Sun Bum Hair Lightener is a great option for those looking to add some natural-looking highlights to their hair. Its easy-to-use formula and affordable price make it a popular choice among many people. 

However, it's important to keep in mind that the lightening effect may vary depending on your hair type and the amount of product used. Additionally, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to avoid damaging your hair. 

Overall, Sun Bum Hair Lightener is a fun and convenient way to achieve sun-kissed hair without the damaging effects of traditional hair bleaching methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener heat activated?

Yes, it is. 

How does Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener work?

The product has been formulated to enhance the natural highlighting effects of the sun and brighten your hair. It contains a special blend of pineapple and lemon, which is activated by UV rays to create subtle, natural-looking tones and highlights. The best part is that the product doesn't cause any brassy tones, ensuring that you get beautiful and radiant hair.

Is Sun Bum Hair Lightener natural?

Yes, it is. Sun Bum Hair Lightener contains naturally derived ingredients such as Costa Rican pineapple and Meyer lemon, which help in creating beautiful, natural-looking blonde highlights.

Does Sun Bum Hair Lightener work with a blow dryer?

Yes, since it is a UV-activated formula, you can use it before going out in the sun or alternatively, simply bust out your hair dryer.

Is Sun Bum Blonde Hair Lightener permanent?

Yes, the Sun Bum Hair Lightener result is permanent.

References

1. Mohan, R., Sivakumar, V., T. Rangasamy and Muralidharan, C. (2016). Optimisation of Bromelain Enzyme Extraction from Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Application in Process... {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311092218_Optimisation_of_Bromelain_Enzyme_Extraction_from_Pineapple_Ananas_comosus_and_Application_in_Process_Industry.

‌2. Santhosham, N, et al. “PEPARATION and EVALUATION of HERBAL HAIR DYE.” World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Www.wjpr.net │, vol. 11, 2015, p. 986, wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/b269cbacf1bfc04a8690fa5b903c235b.pdf, https://doi.org/10.20959/wjpr202211-25103.

3. Marsh, J., Dahlgren, R.M., Clarke, C., Stonehouse, J. and Nunn, C. (2010). A new oxidant for hair coloring. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, {online} 32(2), pp.158–158. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00534_11.x.

‌4. JEONG, M.-S., LEE, C.-M., JEONG, W.-J., KIM, S.-J. and LEE, K.-Y. (2010). Significant damage of the skin and hair following hair bleaching. The Journal of Dermatology, {online} 37(10), pp.882–887. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00916.x.

‌5. Tibkawin, N., Suphrom, N., Nuengchamnong, N., Khorana, N. and Charoensit, P. (2021). Utilisation of Tectona grandis (teak) leaf extracts as natural hair dyes. Coloration Technology, {online} 138(4), pp.355–367. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/cote.12594.

‌6. Kim, J., Kwak, S., Park, M.-S., Rhee, C.-H., Yang, G.-H., Lee, J., Son, W.-C. and Kang, W. (2021). Safety verification for polysorbate 20, pharmaceutical excipient for intramuscular administration, in Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits. PLOS ONE, {online} 16(8), p.e0256869. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256869.

‌7. Nanavati, S. and Hami, A. (1994). A preliminary investigation of the interaction of a quat with silicones and its conditioning benefits on hair. j. Soc. Cosmet. Chem, {online} 45, pp.135–148. Available at: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=13686677c671bca76335299c423f88d7ba7e7191.