Sunbabe Hair Lightener Review: Chasing the Perfect Locks

If there’s one thing I dread more than assembling IKEA furniture, it’s sitting in a hair salon chair for hours on end. Between the ticking clock, the chemical cocktails threatening to suffocate my scalp, and the hefty price tag that always leaves me gasping—it’s a trifecta of frustration. And let’s not forget the added complication of eczema on my scalp, which has made me hyper-aware of what I put on my skin. In this case, my scalp.

Years ago, I made a bold decision: no more salon visits for hair color. My scalp thanked me, my wallet rejoiced, and my calendar finally had some breathing room. But with every decision comes a compromise, and in this case, it was my hair. Black hair, as striking as it is, never quite complimented my skin tone the way I wanted. I longed for a lighter hue—just a touch of sun-kissed warmth.

Swipe, Scroll, Repeat—Enter Sunbabe

Like all modern-day beauty discoveries, I stumbled upon Sunbabe during a mindless scroll through social media. At first, I scoffed. Another “miracle” hair product? Please. But then I saw a woman with hair strikingly similar to mine. Long, dark, and stubborn. Her before-and-after transformation stopped me mid-scroll. It was subtle but stunning. A few more videos later, I found myself teetering on the edge of “add to cart.” And before I knew it, I was taking a leap of faith with Sunbabe’s Solar Hair Lightener Spray.

Before

After 3 Weeks

My Sunbabe Hair Lightener Routine: Tips and Tricks

Achieving lighter, sun-kissed locks without damaging your hair or skin is an art—and a bit of a science. With the right tricks up your sleeve, Sunbabe can be your golden-haired dream come true. Here’s how I mastered the glow-up, one spritz at a time:

The Sunbabe Spray Don’ts: Lessons from a (Slightly Cringed-Out) Veteran

I’ll admit it—I’ve winced more than a few times watching people misuse Sunbabe’s Hair Lightener. Exhibit A: take a look at this video of a TikToker who didn’t wash her hands after spraying, only to show off peeling skin later. Trust me, there’s a right way and a very wrong way to use this product. To keep your hair healthy, your skin happy, and your glow-up drama-free, here’s what not to do:

• Step away from the drenching. Sunbabe is meant to be misted, not poured or soaked. Overdoing it with the spray can unleash the not-so-fun side of hydrogen peroxide: irritation to your eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Think light, airy spritzes—not a shower in a bottle.
• Say no to scorching heat. Resist the urge to crank up your blow-dryer like you’re backstage at a fashion show. High heat is a fast track to damaged, fried strands. Keep it low and brief—3-4 minutes max—or better yet, let the sun do its thing. Your hair will thank you for the chill vibes.
• Keep it off your skin, please. Hands, face, scalp—Sunbabe isn’t meant for these spots. If the spray lands on your skin, rinse it off right away. A little diligence now saves you from redness or irritation later.
• Hair only, darling. I can’t believe this needs to be said, but Sunbabe is for the hair on your head. Not your eyebrows, not your arms, not anywhere else. Seriously, don’t even think about it. It’s called a hair lightener, not a body DIY experiment.

The key to using Sunbabe is simple: follow the rules, respect the spray, and embrace the magic it’s made for—your hair. Anything else? Well, let’s leave those cringe-worthy mistakes in the past.

Does Sunbabe’s Hair Lightener Damage Hair?

Here’s the deal: when used correctly, Sunbabe’s Hair Lightener is like that perfect summer fling—gentle, fun, and low-maintenance. Instead of frying your strands, it subtly strips away color to reveal lighter pigments underneath. But like any good relationship, it requires a little effort. Improper use (think overdoing it or skipping the TLC) can lead to dryness or damage.

For me, sticking to my routine has been a game-changer. No dryness, no breakage, and definitely no extra shedding—just a soft, sun-kissed glow. The secret? Following the directions and tailoring the process to what works for my hair. Trust me, this is one spray that rewards patience and care.

How Quickly Did You See Results?

Ah, the million-dollar question. For my untouched, jet-black hair, Sunbabe started working its magic within three uses—less than a week in! By the end of a month, I was rocking a color that was three shades lighter. The best part? The color holds steady, with no need for constant touch-ups—except for those pesky roots as they grow out.

Of course, everyone’s hair tells a different story. The results you get depend on how often you spray, how much you use, and even your hair’s thickness. But if you’re patient, the glow-up is so worth it.

Challenges with Sunbabe?

Okay, let’s talk about the tricky part: the underside of my hair. While the top layers lightened beautifully (hello, sun goddess!), the underneath sections remain a little stubborn. Multiple applications helped, but they didn’t quite reach the same glow. It’s not a dealbreaker—just a reminder that even the best beauty hacks come with a learning curve.

Sunbabe might not be perfect, but it’s pretty darn close. And with a little finesse (and maybe a few extra spritzes), it’s your ticket to effortless, summer-ready hair.

Sunbabe’s Solar Hair Lightener Ingredients

What I love most about Sunbabe’s ingredient list is how much gentler it is compared to the havoc salon bleaching and toning sessions can wreak on my scalp. The brand proudly claims they’ve avoided using alcohol, sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, aluminum, ammonium, or animal derivatives in their spray—a huge win for anyone concerned about harsh chemicals.

That said, I always like to do my homework, and there are a few ingredients worth noting, like H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), Disodium EDTA, Disodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, and Parfum. While generally safe in low concentrations, they’re ingredients to keep an eye on if you’re planning to use the spray frequently or have sensitive skin.

Here’s the full list of known ingredients in Sunbabe’s hair lightener:

• Aqua (water)
• Vitamin C: Helps with lightening and supports collagen production.
• Elderberry Fruit Extract: A natural de-brassing and toning agent.
• H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide): The lightening powerhouse, commonly used in household products at low concentrations (3–9%).
• Lemon Fruit Extract: Assists with lightening and pH balancing.
• Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein: Repairs and strengthens hair.
• Grape Seed Extract: Enhances shine and offers natural heat protection.
• Glycerin: Locks in moisture.
• Ext. Violet 2: Helps with toning.
• PEG-12 Dimethicone: Ensures smooth application and even product distribution.
• Disodium EDTA: Improves absorption and stability (shouldn’t exceed 0.85% concentration).
• Disodium Phosphate & Phosphoric Acid: Maintain pH balance.
• Parfum: Adds a subtle, refreshing scent.

Is Sunbabe Hair Highlighter Safe for Pregnant Women?

Here’s the thing: Sunbabe states that their product hasn’t been tested on pregnant women and recommends consulting your physician with the ingredient list. While it’s true that Sunbabe’s formula contains fewer harsh ingredients than traditional hair dyes, there’s an extra factor to consider: it’s a spray. This means there’s a chance for trace amounts to contact your skin, scalp, or even be inhaled into your airways.

Ingredients that may raise an eyebrow during pregnancy include Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Phosphate, and parfum. Some sources advise steering clear of these, while others suggest that small amounts are unlikely to cause harm. The truth? Research is limited, so it’s hard to say for certain.

For me, I chose to err on the side of caution and put Sunbabe on hold while pregnant and nursing. But let me tell you—I can’t wait to bring this spray back into my life once I’m in the clear! Sometimes, patience really is the key to beauty.

How Much is Sunbabe’s Solar Hair Lightener Spray?

The last time I checked, the price for Sunbabe’s lightener spray was $34 per bottle and does not include free shipping unless you spend over $60. If you’re only buying one bottle, you could be paying over $40-$45 a bottle if you include shipping and taxes. However, for me this is still cheaper than spending hundreds of dollars and several hours at a hair salon.

5/23/25 Update: The spray has gone up to $39 per bottle since this post was written.

Where to Buy Sunbabe Hair Lightener Spray?

If you’re hunting for Sunbabe on Amazon, Sephora, or even Target—pause right there, darling. This golden elixir is sold exclusively on the official Sunbabe website. That means no Prime perks, no beauty points, and no tossing it into your Ulta haul at checkout.

Tempted by similar sprays popping up in your search results? I see them too, but I haven’t tested those formulas—so no tea, no shade, just no personal reviews… yet.

A quick heads-up on returns: Sunbabe only offers refunds if your item arrives damaged or defective. So if you’ve already spritzed, tested, and had a change of heart—sorry girlfriend, no refunds. And if you’re second-guessing that purchase? You’ve got 30 minutes to cancel your order before it’s processed and out the door.

Would I buy Sunbabe’s Hair Lightener Spray Again?

Absolutely, without a doubt! Sunbabe’s Hair Lightener Spray has become my ride-or-die for brightening up my locks. I’m already counting down the days until my next shipment arrives—just in time for those dreamy summer vibes.

I use it sparingly, focusing on touch-ups when needed rather than going overboard, and it’s been a game-changer for maintaining that effortless sun-kissed glow. With the right care and these tips in mind, you can lighten your hair beautifully, skip the damage, and fully embrace your inner beach goddess. Sunbabe’s Hair Lightener Spray? It’s a must-have in my beauty arsenal.