Welcome to the bright side with:
Modern Blonde
THE FUTURE OF BLONDE
Modern blonding is more than just a color—it’s a craft. Whether creating soft, lived-in highlights or a bold platinum transformation, the lightener you choose is the foundation of your success. And with Aveda’s Enlightener and High Lift Lightener in your arsenal, it all comes down to how and when to use them.
The Stylist’s Dilemma: When to Use Which Lightener?
This guide breaks down the difference between the two, shares techniques to maximize each, and helps you confidently decide which one to reach for behind the chair.
-
Best for:
Levels 7 and lighter
Gentle, controlled lift
Warm, sun-kissed results
Tipping out currently blonde ends
Ideal for balayage and root smudging techniques
Enlightener gives you the flexibility to lift while preserving warmth and dimension. Its consistency makes it ideal for detailed foil work or hand-painted balayage.
-
Best for:
Levels 6 and darker
Color corrections
High-impact transformations
Open air painting
Wet balayage
When you need powerful lift or you’re working with deeper natural levels, High Lift Lightener gives you the edge. It breaks through pigment efficiently while helping you avoid overprocessing with the right placement.
Real Talk, Real Results
“Traditional lightener is perfect for creating soft, seamless blends with more flexibility in placement—especially for balayage and root smudging,” says Alberto Swanson, Creative Director at Neill.
“When you need to break through dark levels or do corrective color work, High Lift is the go-to. It gives you the control and intensity you need to transform the canvas.”