Which chemical process is used to lighten hair?

The chemical process used to lighten hair is hair bleaching. This technique involves the use of chemical agents, primarily hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, which penetrate the hair shaft and remove the natural pigment (melanin) in the hair. By breaking down the melanin, hair bleaching can significantly lighten the hair color, resulting in shades ranging from blonde to very light colors, depending on the natural hue of the hair and the strength of the bleach used.

In contrast to bleaching, hair conditioning focuses on improving the hair's moisture and manageability rather than altering its color. Hair tinting, on the other hand, adds color to the hair without removing its natural pigment, resulting in darker or vibrant shades rather than a lighter appearance. Hair perming is a process that alters the structure of the hair to create curls or waves, and it does not affect hair color. Therefore, hair bleaching is the specific process aimed at achieving lighter hair tones.