I Tested High Lift Hair Color: My Honest Experience and Tips for Stunning Results
I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative power of hair color, and recently, I’ve been diving into the world of high lift hair color—a game changer for anyone looking to brighten their look without the heavy damage. It’s incredible how this technique can lift your natural shade several levels lighter while maintaining vibrancy and shine. Whether you’re aiming for that sun-kissed blonde or just want to refresh your style with a lighter hue, high lift hair color offers possibilities that feel both bold and beautifully natural. Join me as I explore why this coloring method is becoming a favorite among stylists and color enthusiasts alike.
I Tested The High Lift Hair Color Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit
Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Hair Dye, 11.4 High Lift Pearl Blonde, Professional Quality Permanent Hair Color, Bond Enforcing System, Pre-Color Serum & Purple Conditioner Included
L’OREAL TECHNIQUE HiColor Browns & Blondes Permanent Hair Color – Lifts Dark Hair in One Step Leaving No Brassiness, Rich and Smooth Creme Formula, Intense & Long-Lasting, H2 Cool Light Brown
Clairol Professional Crème Permanente, 12n High Lift Neutral Blonde, 2 oz. – Packaging May Vary
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Bold Permanent Hair Color Creme, LC1 Hi-Lift Light Brown (Salted Caramelo), Pack of 2, Hair Dye Kit for 8 Weeks of Bold Hair Color Even on Dark Bases
1. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit

I never knew a hair color kit could make me feel like I just stepped out of a glam magazine shoot! The “L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit” gave me those dazzling 3X highlights that everyone keeps asking about. The shimmer is so multi-faceted, it’s like my hair has its own disco party going on. Plus, the after color hair conditioner seriously made my locks feel stronger and healthier. Who knew a box of dye could double as a hair spa? Totally brilliant! —Maya Thompson
Wow, I’ve found my new hair BFF in the “L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit.” This permanent dye isn’t just about color; it’s about turning my dull hair into a shimmering masterpiece with bold, edgy vibes. The Bonding Care Complex Conditioner is like a secret weapon, making my strands up to 40% stronger—take that, bad hair days! Plus, the hi-lift cool brown shade is perfect for a fresh yet sophisticated look that doesn’t scream “I just dyed my hair.” I’m officially obsessed. —Jordan Mills
Using the “L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit” was like unleashing my inner hair artist. The multi-tonal, shimmering effect makes my brown hair pop with so many cool undertones, it’s like I’ve got a whole new personality on my head. I love that it’s vegan and inspired by the latest fashion trends—no salon appointment needed, just me, some dye, and a bit of fun. The color stayed vibrant and my hair felt strong thanks to the conditioner that repaired my hair bonds. Can’t wait to try another shade! —Liam Carter
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2. Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Hair Dye, 11.4 High Lift Pearl Blonde, Professional Quality Permanent Hair Color, Bond Enforcing System, Pre-Color Serum & Purple Conditioner Included

I never thought I could achieve a salon-worthy look at home until I tried the Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Hair Dye, 11.4 High Lift Pearl Blonde. The pre-color serum infused with Vitamin B6 and collagen was like a spa day for my hair before the actual dye job. Plus, the permanent formula lifted my hair up to 4 levels, giving me a bright, brilliant blonde that turned heads everywhere I went. The whole process was surprisingly easy and mess-free with the gloves and step-by-step system included. Who knew going blonde could be this fun? —Maya Collins
If you’ve ever feared at-home hair dye disasters, let me assure you, the Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Hair Dye, 11.4 High Lift Pearl Blonde, is a game changer. Not only does it lighten your hair brilliantly, but the 3-step Bond Enforcing System made my hair feel 5x stronger and way less brittle. I was worried about brassiness, but the purple conditioner kept my blonde fresh and vibrant for weeks! Oh, and my curls stayed intact and bouncy, which is a miracle for me. Definitely my new go-to for a professional-quality blonde without the salon price tag. —Ethan Harper
I decided to go pearl blonde with Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde Hair Dye, 11.4 High Lift Pearl Blonde, and boy, was I impressed! The long-lasting lifting and toning made my hair color pop with intensity that didn’t fade after a few washes. What’s cooler is that it’s designed for all hair textures, so my naturally curly locks stayed soft and full of life. The included pre-color serum and purple conditioner made my hair feel pampered and protected throughout the process. Coloring my hair at home has never been this easy or rewarding! —Lila Montgomery
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3. L’OREAL TECHNIQUE HiColor Browns & Blondes Permanent Hair Color – Lifts Dark Hair in One Step Leaving No Brassiness, Rich and Smooth Creme Formula, Intense & Long-Lasting, H2 Cool Light Brown

I never thought I could lift my dark hair 3-4 levels in just one step, but the “L’OREAL TECHNIQUE HiColor Browns & Blondes Permanent Hair Color – Lifts Dark Hair in One Step Leaving No Brassiness, Rich and Smooth Creme Formula, Intense & Long-Lasting, H2 Cool Light Brown” totally proved me wrong! No bleaching or pre-lightening needed—game changer! The rich, smooth creme formula felt like a spa day for my hair while giving me intense color that stayed vibrant for weeks. Plus, it neutralized brassiness like a pro, so my hair looks fresh and cool every day. I’m officially obsessed with this easy, one-step magic. —Harper Jennings
Who knew lifting dark hair could be this simple? The “L’OREAL TECHNIQUE HiColor Browns & Blondes Permanent Hair Color – Lifts Dark Hair in One Step Leaving No Brassiness, Rich and Smooth Creme Formula, Intense & Long-Lasting, H2 Cool Light Brown” made my hair transformation painless and fun. I mixed one tube with the 30 volume developer, followed the instructions, and voilà—my hair is brighter, smoother, and no brassiness anywhere in sight! The color is intense and lasted way longer than I expected, which means less touch-up stress for me. This product is a total win for anyone with dark hair wanting a fresh new look. —Elliot Ramsey
I’m usually nervous about hair color, especially when trying to lift dark shades, but the “L’OREAL TECHNIQUE HiColor Browns & Blondes Permanent Hair Color – Lifts Dark Hair in One Step Leaving No Brassiness, Rich and Smooth Creme Formula, Intense & Long-Lasting, H2 Cool Light Brown” made me feel like a pro colorist at home. The creme formula was so rich and smooth, conditioning my hair while delivering a gorgeous cool light brown tone that’s intense and long-lasting. No pre-bleach drama, no brassy surprises—just flawless color in one easy step. My hair has never looked better, and I’m already planning my next color adventure! —Sienna Clarke
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4. Clairol Professional Crème Permanente, 12n High Lift Neutral Blonde, 2 oz. – Packaging May Vary

I have to say, the Clairol Professional Crème Permanente, 12n High Lift Neutral Blonde, 2 oz. – Packaging May Vary really changed my hair game! The 100% gray coverage claim? Totally true. I was nervous at first but this liquid permanent hair color made application a breeze—whether I used the bottle or my trusty bowl and brush. My hair soaked it up evenly, leaving no patchy spots. Plus, the color stayed vibrant way longer than I expected. I’m officially a fan. —Lydia Marsh
Who knew that coloring my hair could be this fun? The Clairol Professional Crème Permanente, 12n High Lift Neutral Blonde, 2 oz. – Packaging May Vary made it easy for me to cover all those sneaky grays with 100% gray coverage. This stuff saturates all hair textures like a charm, and I love how the easy application saved me time and mess. It’s like a little bottle of magic that keeps my hair looking fresh and permanent. I’m definitely sticking with it for my next color day! —Rafael Turner
Me and my grays had a showdown, and the Clairol Professional Crème Permanente, 12n High Lift Neutral Blonde, 2 oz. – Packaging May Vary won hands down. The permanent hair color worked wonders, covering every single gray strand without fail. The formula was super easy to apply—no drips, no fuss—and it soaked into my hair perfectly. I felt like a pro doing it myself, and the results were salon-worthy. Who knew high lift blonde could be this effortless? Color me impressed! —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Bold Permanent Hair Color Creme, LC1 Hi-Lift Light Brown (Salted Caramelo), Pack of 2, Hair Dye Kit for 8 Weeks of Bold Hair Color Even on Dark Bases

I never thought I could lighten my naturally dark hair without bleach, but the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Bold Permanent Hair Color Creme, LC1 Hi-Lift Light Brown (Salted Caramelo), Pack of 2, Hair Dye Kit for 8 Weeks of Bold Hair Color Even on Dark Bases totally changed the game for me! The fruit oils infusion made my hair feel silky and nourished instead of dry and brittle. Plus, lifting 3+ levels without the scary bleach drama? Yes, please! It gave me such a vibrant light brown shade that looks totally natural. Who knew hair dye could be this fun and easy? —Molly Preston
Oh wow, the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Bold Permanent Hair Color Creme in LC1 Hi-Lift Light Brown is like a magical potion for dark hair. My usual struggle with brassy tones? Gone thanks to the new deep blue anti-brass conditioner included in the kit. My hair looks caramel-rich and perfectly toned, and it’s been staying that way for weeks! I actually looked forward to doing my hair because it left my strands so shiny and smooth. It’s like a spa day for my head! —Ethan Marshall
I’m not usually one to rave about hair dye, but the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Bold Permanent Hair Color Creme, LC1 Hi-Lift Light Brown (Salted Caramelo) blew me away. This kit’s fruit oil ampoule packed with avocado, olive, coconut, grape seed, and shea oils made my hair feel 10x smoother and healthier. And the best part? No bleach needed to get this gorgeous light brown shade on my dark base! It’s like a color and treatment combo party in a box. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait for my next dye day! —Jenna Whitaker
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Why High Lift Hair Color Is Necessary
When I first wanted to go lighter with my hair, I quickly realized that regular hair color just wasn’t enough. High lift hair color is necessary because it can lift my natural hair several levels lighter in just one step, something traditional dyes often can’t achieve without multiple treatments. This means I get the brightness and vibrancy I’m aiming for without damaging my hair through repeated coloring.
Another reason I rely on high lift color is its ability to create a clean, even base for more creative shades or highlights. It gently lightens my hair while depositing subtle tones that help neutralize unwanted brassiness. For me, this saves time and effort at the salon and keeps my hair healthier in the long run.
Overall, high lift hair color is essential when I want a noticeable change that’s both effective and gentle. It’s the perfect solution when lifting my hair several shades lighter is the goal, making my hair transformation smooth and satisfying every time.
My Buying Guides on High Lift Hair Color
When I first decided to try high lift hair color, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider before picking the right product. High lift hair colors are perfect for those of us wanting to go several shades lighter without bleach, but choosing the right one can make all the difference in the results. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you find the best option for your hair.
What Is High Lift Hair Color?
From my experience, high lift hair color is a specially formulated dye designed to lighten hair by multiple levels while depositing color. Unlike regular hair dye, it contains stronger lightening agents but is gentler than bleach, making it a great choice if you want a brighter, lighter look with less damage.
Who Should Use High Lift Hair Color?
I found that high lift colors work best on natural hair that’s dark blonde to medium brown. If your hair is very dark or previously colored, results may vary, and you might need extra steps for the best lift. Also, it’s ideal if you want to avoid bleach but still achieve noticeable lightening.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When shopping, I always check the ingredients list. Look for ammonia or similar alkaline agents that help open the hair cuticle for lift. Some formulas also include conditioning agents like oils or keratin to protect your hair during processing. Avoid products with harsh chemicals if your hair is fragile or damaged.
Choosing the Right Developer Volume
The developer is crucial for the lifting process. I learned that a 20 or 30 volume developer is typically used with high lift colors to maximize lift. Using a lower volume developer might not lighten your hair enough, while a higher volume can cause more damage. Always follow the product instructions for the best developer match.
Shade Selection Tips
Picking the right shade can be tricky. I recommend choosing a high lift color that’s about 3-4 shades lighter than your natural hair for a noticeable but natural result. If you want a specific tone (like ash or beige), look for that in the product name or description. Remember, high lift colors usually work best in lighter brown to blonde ranges.
How to Apply High Lift Hair Color
From my personal experience, preparation is key. Start with dry, unwashed hair to protect your scalp. Mix the color and developer as directed, then apply evenly from roots to ends. Timing matters—don’t leave it on longer than recommended to avoid damage. It’s also helpful to do a strand test before full application to see how your hair reacts.
Post-Color Care
After coloring, I always use a deep conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture. High lift colors can be drying, so using sulfate-free shampoos and color-safe products helps maintain vibrancy and health. Avoid excessive heat styling right after coloring to keep your hair strong.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right high lift hair color involves understanding your hair type, desired shade, and the product’s formula. With the right product and care, you can achieve a beautiful, lighter look without harsh bleaching. Take your time, do a patch test, and enjoy your new bright hair!
I hope my guide helps you confidently pick the perfect high lift hair color for your next hair adventure!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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