Dark hair doesn’t budge easily. You want to lighten it at home but walking into Boots or scrolling through endless options online feels overwhelming. Every bleach kit promises salon results but pick the wrong one and you’re facing damage, uneven patches, or that stubborn orange brass that refuses to tone out. When you’re lifting from dark brown or black hair, you need serious lifting power. The wrong product won’t just fail to lighten—it can leave your hair fried, brittle, and broken.
This guide shows you 12 of the best hair bleach kits for dark hair you can buy in the UK right now. You’ll learn which formulas genuinely lift multiple levels from dark bases, which ones protect your strands during the bleaching process, and exactly how to use each one safely at home. Every recommendation includes developer strength guidance, processing time tips, and honest pros and cons based on real performance on genuinely dark hair. By the end, you’ll know which bleach matches your hair type, your experience level, and the blonde shade you’re chasing.
1. Smart Blonde Ultimate Formula bleach kit
Smart Blonde’s Ultimate Formula delivers up to 8 levels of lift on dark hair, making it one of the most powerful options you can buy for home use. The kit contains 12% hydrogen peroxide developer already measured and ready to mix with the bleach powder. You get plex technology built into the formula, which means your hair maintains more structural integrity while the bleach strips out pigment. This UK-made kit includes everything you need: bleach powder, developer, gloves, and a toning treatment to neutralise unwanted warmth.
Why it works on dark hair
The 12% developer strength gives this bleach serious lifting power without requiring you to use 40 vol peroxide, which can fry hair. Dark hair contains dense melanin deposits that resist lightening, but this formula penetrates deeply enough to break down those pigments across multiple levels. You can lift from level 2 or 3 dark brown straight to level 9 or 10 in a single session if your hair is healthy. The plex agents work during processing to rebuild broken bonds, which matters enormously when you’re asking your hair to lighten this drastically.
Who this kit suits best
You’ll get the best results if you have virgin dark hair or hair that hasn’t been colour-treated in several months. The formula works well on both natural black and dark brown bases. This kit suits you if you want dramatic results without multiple bleaching sessions or salon visits. Your hair needs to be in reasonably good condition before you start because even with bond protection, lifting 8 levels places significant stress on your strands.
Developer strength and processing tips
The kit uses a pre-measured 12% developer, which sits between standard 30 vol and 40 vol in strength. You process for 45 to 60 minutes depending on your starting level and target shade. Check your hair every 10 minutes after the 30-minute mark to assess lift and strand integrity. Never leave bleach on longer than 60 minutes regardless of results.
Apply bleach to mid-lengths and ends first, then tackle your roots in the final 15 minutes since scalp heat accelerates processing.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Exceptional lift on genuinely dark hair, plex protection included, toner provided for complete transformation, UK-made and vegan formula. Cons: The high-strength developer can damage compromised hair, single-use kit limits touch-ups, may still show warmth on level 1 black hair. You can buy Smart Blonde Ultimate Formula directly from smartbeautyshop.com with fast UK delivery. Most orders arrive within 2 to 3 working days.
2. Garnier Nutrisse and Olia bleach kits
Garnier offers two distinct bleach formulas that work on dark hair: Nutrisse D+++ Maximum Lightener and Olia B+++ Maximum Bleach. Both kits promise up to 9 levels of lift, which gives you enough power to move from dark brown towards pale blonde territory. The Nutrisse version uses a traditional ammonia-based formula enriched with avocado oil, while Olia takes an ammonia-free approach with a flower oil blend. You can find both options stocked in most UK Boots stores and on Amazon, making them easily accessible when you want to bleach dark hair at home without ordering specialty products.
Why it works on dark hair
Garnier designs both kits specifically for maximum lift capacity, which matters when your starting point sits at level 3 or below. The D+++ and B+++ designations indicate their position at the top of Garnier’s bleaching range, formulated to tackle stubborn pigment in naturally dark hair. Nutrisse’s ammonia helps the cuticle open more aggressively for deeper penetration, while Olia’s oil-based system swells the hair shaft to allow the bleach through without traditional alkaline agents. Both formulas include conditioning elements to offset some of the damage that happens when you strip out multiple levels of colour.
Who this kit suits best
These kits suit you if you want a widely available high-street option with predictable results. You’ll find them ideal for your first bleaching attempt since both brands provide clear instructions and include everything needed in one box. Nutrisse works better if your hair tolerates ammonia well and you want faster processing, while Olia suits you better if you have a sensitive scalp or prefer a less harsh chemical smell during application.
Developer strength and processing tips
Both kits contain cream peroxide at approximately 30 volume strength, pre-measured to mix with the bleach powder. You process for 45 minutes maximum, checking your hair every 10 to 15 minutes after the halfway point. Apply quickly and work in sections to ensure even coverage.
Never overlap bleach onto previously lightened hair during root touch-ups as this causes breakage and uneven colour.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Easy to find in most UK pharmacies and supermarkets, affordable at around £7 to £9 per kit, suitable for bleaching beginners, includes aftercare treatments. Cons: May not lift level 1 black hair to pale blonde in one session, conditioning agents can make the mixture slightly runny, boxes contain only enough product for short to medium hair. You can buy Garnier Nutrisse and Olia bleach kits at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, and through Amazon with next-day delivery options across the UK.
3. Schwarzkopf Live Max Blonde 00B bleach
Schwarzkopf Live Max Blonde 00B sits firmly in the maximum lightening category with a formula that can lift up to 9 levels from your natural base. The kit contains bleach powder, developer cream, a brightening oil booster, and an aftercare conditioner enriched with argan oil. This German-engineered formula targets stubborn dark pigment while the oil booster works to reduce damage during processing. You get everything measured and portioned for one complete bleaching session, making it straightforward to use at home without guessing ratios or buying separate components.
Why it works on dark hair
The formula combines strong alkaline agents with the oil delivery system to penetrate deeply into dark hair’s dense melanin structure. Schwarzkopf positions this as their most powerful retail bleach, designed specifically for dramatic transformations from dark bases. The brightening oil booster helps the bleach work more efficiently by preventing the hair from drying out mid-process, which can stop the lightening action before you reach your target level. You can expect to move from level 2 or 3 dark brown to level 8 or 9 pale yellow in a single application on healthy virgin hair.
Who this kit suits best
This bleach suits you if you have naturally dark hair that hasn’t been heavily colour-treated. You need reasonable hair health before attempting this level of lift, as compromised strands may not survive the processing intact. The kit works best for people comfortable following detailed instructions since application technique significantly affects your results with high-lift formulas.
Developer strength and processing tips
The included developer measures around 30 volume strength, which Schwarzkopf pre-portions for optimal lift without excessive damage risk. You process for 30 to 45 minutes, checking strand progress every 10 minutes after the halfway mark.
Apply bleach in thin sections starting at your mid-lengths, then work towards ends before addressing roots in the final 15 minutes.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Strong lifting power on dark bases, oil booster reduces dryness, clear instructions with visual guides, includes conditioning treatment. Cons: Single-use quantity may not cover thick or long hair, strong chemical smell during processing, can pull warm on very dark hair without toning. You can buy Schwarzkopf Live Max Blonde 00B at Boots, Superdrug, and through Amazon UK with Prime delivery available.
4. Bleach London Total Bleach kit
Bleach London built its reputation on bold colour transformations, and their Total Bleach kit delivers professional-quality lightening for home use on dark hair. The kit contains bleach powder, 9% peroxide developer, a mixing bowl, an application brush, and protective gloves. Bleach London formulates this product to lift up to 6 levels from your natural base, which gives you enough power to move dark brown hair into blonde territory. The brand designs this as an all-purpose bleach that works across various techniques, from full-head applications to highlights and balayage sections. You get clear, straightforward instructions that reflect the brand’s salon heritage without unnecessary complexity.
Why it works on dark hair
The formula uses traditional bleaching agents at concentrations strong enough to break down the dense melanin deposits in naturally dark hair. Bleach London keeps the chemistry simple and effective rather than adding numerous conditioning agents that can dilute lifting power. You can expect consistent results when you follow the mixing ratios precisely. The 9% developer strength (approximately 30 volume) provides the oxidative power needed to penetrate dark hair shafts and strip out pigment across multiple levels. This combination works particularly well on virgin dark hair that hasn’t been previously lightened or heavily processed.
Who this kit suits best
This bleach suits you if you have experience with hair colour or feel confident following detailed instructions. The kit works best on naturally dark blonde to dark brown hair (levels 3 to 5) where you want to achieve a golden to pale blonde result. You’ll find it ideal if you prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense formula without extensive bond-protecting additives. The product suits creative colourists who plan to tone after bleaching since you have full control over the final shade.
Developer strength and processing tips
The included 9% peroxide requires mixing at a 1:2 ratio (one part bleach to two parts developer) for the correct consistency. You process for up to 45 minutes, checking your hair every 10 minutes after 25 minutes have elapsed. Apply the mixture evenly through sections, working quickly to ensure consistent timing across your whole head.
Always perform a strand test 48 hours before full application to check for allergic reactions and preview your lifting results.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Professional-grade formula at accessible pricing, versatile for multiple techniques, includes all necessary tools, trusted UK brand with salon credentials. Cons: Fewer protective additives than bond-enriched formulas, may require toning on very dark bases, single-use quantity limits coverage on thick hair. You can buy Bleach London Total Bleach kit directly from bleachlondon.com, at Urban Outfitters stores, and through ASOS with standard UK delivery options.
5. Jerome Russell Bblonde Maximum Lift kit
Jerome Russell’s Bblonde Maximum Lift kit delivers powerful bleaching action specifically formulated to tackle dark hair bases that resist lightening. This established UK brand offers a complete kit containing bleach powder, developer, mixing bowl, application brush, and gloves. The formula lifts up to 7 levels from your natural colour, giving you enough strength to transform dark brown hair into blonde tones. Jerome Russell keeps the formulation straightforward without unnecessary additives, focusing on reliable lifting performance. You get a product that hairdressers have trusted for decades, now packaged for confident home use with clear step-by-step instructions.
Why it works on dark hair
The bleach powder contains high-concentration lightening agents that penetrate the hair shaft deeply enough to break down melanin deposits in naturally dark hair. Jerome Russell formulates this specifically for stubborn pigment removal, which means you see genuine lift rather than just surface colour change. The chemical composition allows for consistent processing across your entire head, reducing patchy results that plague weaker formulas on dark bases.
Who this kit suits best
This kit suits you if you want reliable lifting power without paying salon prices or ordering specialist products online. You’ll find it ideal when you have virgin dark brown hair (level 3 to 4) and want to reach golden blonde shades. The product works well for people who value straightforward formulas over trendy additives.
Developer strength and processing tips
The kit includes 20 volume peroxide, which you mix at equal parts with the bleach powder. You process for 30 to 45 minutes, checking strand progress every 10 minutes after the 25-minute mark.
Mix fresh bleach immediately before application as the formula begins activating once combined with developer.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Trusted UK brand with salon heritage, strong lift on naturally dark hair, affordable pricing, widely stocked across retailers. Cons: Basic formula lacks bond-protecting technology, can feel drying during processing, limited aftercare products included. You can buy Jerome Russell Bblonde Maximum Lift at Superdrug, Boots, and through Amazon UK with fast delivery options.
6. L’Oréal Colorista all over bleach kit
L’Oréal Colorista offers an accessible entry point into home bleaching with a formula that lifts up to 5 levels from your natural base. The kit contains bleach powder, developer, a mixing tray, gloves, and an aftercare sachet of nutrient conditioner. L’Oréal designs this as a gentle bleach option that prioritises hair condition over maximum lifting power, making it less aggressive than professional-strength alternatives. You get enough product for shoulder-length hair in a single box, with clear visual instructions that guide you through mixing, application, and timing. The brand positions this kit for people wanting noticeable lightening without the intensity of salon-strength bleaches.
Why it works on dark hair
The formula uses moderate-strength bleaching agents that lift pigment gradually rather than aggressively stripping colour. You can expect to move from level 3 dark brown to level 7 or 8 in one session, which gives you a honey to golden blonde result. L’Oréal includes conditioning elements throughout the formula to maintain hair integrity during processing, though this does mean slightly reduced lifting power compared to hardcore options. The bleach works best when your dark hair sits in the medium brown range rather than very dark or black bases.
Who this kit suits best
This kit suits you if you have naturally dark blonde to medium brown hair and want to lighten gradually without dramatic damage. You’ll find it ideal for your first bleaching experience since the gentler formula forgives minor application mistakes better than aggressive bleaches. The product works well if you prefer cautious lightening over instant transformation.
Developer strength and processing tips
The included developer measures approximately 20 volume strength, which you mix at equal parts with the bleach powder. You process for 35 to 45 minutes, checking strand lift every 10 minutes after 25 minutes.
Apply bleach in quarter-inch sections to ensure complete saturation and even colour results throughout your entire head.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Gentler formula reduces damage risk, widely available, suitable for bleaching beginners, includes conditioning treatment. Cons: Limited lift on very dark hair (level 2 or below), may require multiple sessions for pale blonde, smaller quantity than professional kits. You can buy L’Oréal Colorista at Boots, Superdrug, and through Amazon UK with same-day delivery in many areas.
7. L’Oréal Preference platinum bleach kit
L’Oréal Preference Platinum delivers intense lightening power designed for dramatic transformations from dark hair bases. The kit contains bleach powder, cream developer, a purple toner, conditioning treatment, and professional-quality gloves. L’Oréal formulates this to achieve up to 8 levels of lift, which gives you enough strength to move from dark brown towards icy platinum tones. The included toner helps neutralise the yellow brass that emerges when you lighten dark hair significantly. You get a complete system that takes you from bleaching through to finished blonde in one box, eliminating the need to source separate toning products.
Why it works on dark hair
The formula combines high-strength bleaching agents with L’Oréal’s patented shine serum to maintain some hair integrity during aggressive lifting. You can expect consistent results on naturally dark bases between level 2 and 4, though very black hair may need a second session to reach true platinum. The chemistry penetrates deeply into dense melanin structures typical of dark hair, breaking down pigment systematically from mid-lengths to roots. L’Oréal includes enough product to cover medium-length hair thoroughly, which matters when working with stubborn dark pigment that requires generous application.
Who this kit suits best
This kit suits you if you want platinum or ash blonde results without visiting a salon. You need healthy hair before attempting this level of lift since the formula works aggressively to strip multiple levels of colour. The product works best for people who have bleached hair previously or feel confident managing timing and application precisely.
Developer strength and processing tips
The kit includes cream peroxide at approximately 30 volume strength, pre-measured for optimal lift. You process for 45 minutes maximum, checking strand progress every 10 minutes after 30 minutes have elapsed.
Never apply bleach to freshly washed hair as natural oils provide essential scalp protection during processing.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Strong lift towards platinum shades, toner included for complete transformation, trusted pharmacy brand, conditioning treatment provided. Cons: Can feel harsh on fine or damaged hair, strong ammonia smell during processing, may still require additional toning on level 1 bases. You can buy L’Oréal Preference Platinum at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, and through Amazon UK with next-day delivery available.
8. Bleach London Plex Bleach kit
Bleach London’s Plex Bleach kit represents their premium lightening option with integrated bond protection technology built into the formula. This kit lifts up to 7 levels from naturally dark hair while working to maintain structural integrity during the bleaching process. You get bleach powder, 9% peroxide developer, plex additive, mixing bowl, application brush, and gloves in one package. The plex component rebuilds broken disulphide bonds as the bleach strips out pigment, which means your hair retains more strength and elasticity through aggressive lightening. Bleach London formulates this specifically for people pursuing dramatic transformations who want to minimise the damage that typically accompanies lifting dark hair to blonde.
Why it works on dark hair
The formula combines traditional bleaching chemistry with plex bond-building technology to attack stubborn melanin deposits whilst protecting the hair’s protein structure. You can expect to move from level 2 or 3 dark brown to level 8 or 9 in a single session on healthy virgin hair. The plex agents work during processing to reconnect bonds that break when bleach penetrates deeply into dark hair shafts. This dual-action approach delivers serious lift without leaving your hair feeling like straw, though you still need realistic expectations about damage when lightening this drastically.
Who this kit suits best
This kit suits you if you want maximum lift with built-in protection and have dark hair that needs significant lightening. You’ll find it ideal when your hair sits at level 3 or below and you’re targeting pale blonde results. The product works best for people who understand that plex technology reduces damage rather than eliminating it completely.
Developer strength and processing tips
The kit contains 9% peroxide developer (approximately 30 volume strength) that you mix with the bleach powder and plex additive according to the included ratio guide. You process for up to 50 minutes, checking strand progress every 10 minutes after 30 minutes have passed.
Mix the plex additive thoroughly into your bleach mixture before application to ensure even bond protection throughout processing.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Bond protection reduces breakage on dark hair, strong lifting power, professional formula, includes all necessary tools and additives. Cons: Higher price point than basic bleaches, requires careful mixing of three components, may still feel drying on very damaged hair. You can buy Bleach London Plex Bleach kit from bleachlondon.com, Urban Outfitters, and through ASOS with standard UK delivery.
9. Wella Blondor powder bleach and developer
Wella Blondor stands as a professional-grade powder bleach that hairstylists trust for lifting stubborn dark hair in salons across the UK. Unlike the all-in-one kits covered earlier, you purchase the bleach powder and developer separately, which gives you complete control over developer strength and mixing ratios. This professional approach means you can customise your bleach mixture for your specific hair needs, whether you want gentle lift or maximum lightening power. Wella formulates Blondor to lift up to 7 levels from naturally dark bases, making it powerful enough to transform dark brown hair into blonde territory when you mix and apply it correctly.
Why it works on dark hair
Blondor’s powder formula contains concentrated bleaching agents that penetrate deeply into the melanin-rich structure of naturally dark hair. Professional colourists choose this bleach specifically for dark hair transformations because the powder consistency allows for precise saturation and even lifting throughout each section. You can expect consistent results when working from level 2 or 3 dark brown towards level 8 or 9, though your final shade depends heavily on which developer strength you pair with the powder. The formula works particularly well on virgin dark hair that hasn’t been previously lightened or heavily processed with permanent colour.
Who this kit suits best
This bleach suits you if you have previous bleaching experience or feel confident working with professional products that require measuring and mixing. You’ll find Blondor ideal when you want customisable lifting power and don’t mind the extra steps involved in professional formulations. The product works best when you have naturally dark hair and need reliable, predictable lightening that matches salon standards without salon prices.
Developer strength and processing tips
You mix Wella Blondor at a 1:2 ratio (one part powder to two parts developer) with your choice of peroxide strength. Most people use 20 or 30 volume developer on dark hair, with 30 volume delivering faster, stronger lift. Processing time ranges from 30 to 45 minutes depending on your developer choice and target shade.
Never mix bleach powder with developer stronger than 30 volume for at-home use as 40 volume creates excessive damage risk on dark hair.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Professional salon formula, customisable developer strength, strong lift on dark bases, trusted by hairstylists, excellent value for multiple uses. Cons: Requires separate developer purchase, needs precise measuring and mixing, no aftercare products included, steeper learning curve than boxed kits. You can buy Wella Blondor powder from Sally Beauty UK stores and online, plus through Amazon UK with Prime delivery available. The developer sells separately at the same retailers.
10. Schwarzkopf BlondMe bond enforcing bleach
Schwarzkopf BlondMe Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener represents professional salon technology adapted for confident home use on dark hair bases. This powder bleach lifts up to 9 levels from your natural colour whilst actively rebuilding broken bonds during the lightening process. You purchase the bleach powder separately from the developer, which gives you control over processing strength and allows you to customise your mixture for your specific dark hair needs. The formula contains integrated bond-enforcing technology that works throughout bleaching to maintain hair integrity, making it one of the most protective options available for lifting stubborn dark pigment. Schwarzkopf positions this as their premium bleaching system for people who want dramatic lightening without compromising hair health.
Why it works on dark hair
BlondMe combines concentrated lightening agents with bond-enforcing molecules that penetrate the hair shaft alongside the bleach. You can expect to move from level 2 or 3 dark bases to level 9 or 10 in a single session on healthy virgin hair. The bond technology works by reconnecting disulphide bridges that break when bleach strips out melanin deposits typical of naturally dark hair. Professional colourists trust this formula specifically for difficult dark hair transformations because the powder consistency allows complete saturation and even lift across each section without patchy results.
Who this kit suits best
This bleach suits you if you have experience with professional hair products and want salon-quality results at home. You’ll find it ideal when you have naturally dark hair requiring significant lift and you’re willing to invest in a premium product that protects your strands. The formula works best for people comfortable measuring, mixing, and timing their bleach application precisely.
Developer strength and processing tips
You mix BlondMe at a 1:2 ratio with Schwarzkopf Premium Care Developer, typically using 20 or 30 volume strength for dark hair. Processing time runs 30 to 50 minutes depending on your target lift and developer choice.
Always mix a fresh batch immediately before application as the bond-enforcing technology activates once combined with developer.
Pros, cons and UK availability
Pros: Superior bond protection during aggressive lifting, professional salon formula, lifts up to 9 levels, maintains hair integrity better than basic bleaches. Cons: Higher price point, requires separate developer purchase, steeper learning curve than boxed kits, needs precise measuring. You can buy Schwarzkopf BlondMe at Sally Beauty UK stores and online, plus through Amazon UK with Prime delivery options available.
Making your final choice
Choosing the best hair bleach for dark hair at home comes down to three factors: your starting hair level, your target blonde shade, and how much damage protection you need. Smart Blonde Ultimate Formula and Schwarzkopf BlondMe deliver maximum lift with bond protection when you need to move from very dark bases towards platinum. Garnier and L’Oréal kits offer accessible high-street options that work well for medium brown hair wanting golden blonde results. Professional powder bleaches like Wella Blondor give you complete control over developer strength and processing.
Your hair’s current condition matters more than any single product feature. Compromised strands need gentler formulas with plex technology, whilst healthy virgin dark hair tolerates aggressive lifting. Start with a strand test 48 hours before full application, and never rush the process by overlapping bleach or exceeding recommended processing times.
Ready to transform your dark hair? Browse the complete Smart Blonde range at Smart Beauty Shop for professional-quality lightening kits with bond protection technology.
