When it comes to finding the perfect product to enhance your blonde hair or keep it vibrant, John Frieda’s Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo is often one of the top choices.
You can easily purchase it from major online retailers such as Amazon or from local stores like Target, Walmart, and even drugstores like Walgreens and CVS. It’s widely available, so you won’t have to search far to get your hands on it.
But is it worth the hype? Let me share my experience with this product and give you an in-depth review.
My Experience Using John Frieda Lightening Shampoo
As someone with color-treated blonde hair, I’m always on the lookout for products that can help maintain my blonde highlights without having to make constant salon visits.
When I came across John Frieda’s Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo, I was intrigued by the promise of gradual lightening and brightening, all while keeping my hair moisturized.
From the first use, I noticed that the shampoo had a pleasant citrusy scent, which made the experience refreshing.
The texture was light, and it lathered up nicely without feeling too heavy.
After just a couple of washes, my blonde hair started to look more vibrant, with a subtle sun-kissed effect. It’s safe to say that it didn’t cause any brassy tones—something I’m always concerned about.
I continued using it for several weeks, and to my surprise, I didn’t need to go back to the salon as quickly as I used to. My highlights remained fresh, and my roots blended more seamlessly with the rest of my hair, which was a huge plus.
And for those wondering about dryness, I didn’t notice any issues. In fact, my hair felt soft and manageable throughout.
Pros of John Frieda Lightening Shampoo
Let’s break down the benefits I personally noticed:
- Gradual Lightening: The product delivers on its promise to gradually lighten blonde hair. If you’re expecting overnight results, you’ll be disappointed, but with consistent use, you will see a brighter, more luminous shade.
- Safe for Color-Treated Hair: Many shampoos can be harsh on color-treated hair, stripping it of its dye, but I didn’t experience any fading with John Frieda’s Go Blonder shampoo. In fact, it enhanced my highlights.
- Natural Ingredients: With citrus and chamomile as key ingredients, the shampoo feels like a natural way to brighten hair. I found it soothing, and it didn’t irritate my scalp.
- No Brassiness: As someone who’s battled brassiness before, I was relieved that this shampoo kept my blonde hair cool-toned.
- Salon-Like Results at Home: The biggest advantage is that I didn’t feel the need to visit the salon as frequently. This shampoo helped extend the life of my color, saving me both time and money.
- Pleasant Scent: The citrus scent is refreshing and lingers for a while after washing, which adds to the overall experience.
Cons of John Frieda Lightening Shampoo
No product is perfect, and while I’ve had a mostly positive experience, here are some downsides worth considering:
- Gradual Process: While the gradual lightening works well for subtle results, it might not satisfy those looking for quick, drastic changes. If you’re expecting dramatic lightening after just a few washes, you may be disappointed.
- Not Ideal for Darker Hair: From what I’ve seen, this shampoo works best for those with light to medium blonde shades. Darker brunettes may not notice much of a change, or it could take longer for any noticeable effect.
- Potential Dryness for Some: Although my hair didn’t feel particularly dry, I’ve read reviews from others who mentioned experiencing some dryness after prolonged use. If your hair is already on the dry side, pairing it with a good conditioner is essential.
Tips For Best Results
- Use Consistently: For best results, use the shampoo regularly—whether you wash your hair daily or a couple of times a week. The lightening effect is gradual, so consistency is key.
- Pair with a Conditioner: Since some users have mentioned dryness, I found that using the John Frieda Go Blonder Conditioner alongside the shampoo helped to keep my hair soft and hydrated.
- Alternate with Other Products: If your hair starts to feel dry, try alternating with a more hydrating shampoo once or twice a week to maintain moisture levels.
- Avoid Heat Styling: While using the shampoo, try to minimize heat styling to prevent potential dryness and damage. Letting your hair air-dry or using heat protectants will help maintain the health of your hair.
Comparing John Frieda Lightening Shampoo With Other Brands
Now, let’s look at how John Frieda stacks up against some other popular lightening shampoos on the market.
- Yes Honey Shampoo
Yes Honey Shampoo is known for its natural, honey-based ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair.
While it’s great for hydrating and providing shine, it doesn’t offer the same lightening properties as John Frieda Go Blonder.
Yes Honey Shampoo focuses more on moisturizing and repairing dry or damaged hair.
If you’re after more nourishment for your locks and less focus on color enhancement, Yes Honey is a good option.
However, if your goal is to achieve lighter, sun-kissed blonde hair, John Frieda’s Go Blonder stands out because of its gradual lightening effect.
In short, Yes Honey excels at keeping hair soft and healthy, but it won’t brighten your blonde tones the way John Frieda can.
- PS Clean Beauty Shampoo
PS Clean Beauty Shampoo is another brand that emphasizes natural, clean ingredients without sulfates, parabens, or other harsh chemicals.
It’s designed for all hair types and focuses on giving a gentle, non-toxic cleanse.
While this shampoo is excellent for those who want to maintain a healthy scalp and avoid chemicals, it lacks the specific lightening power of John Frieda Go Blonder.
John Frieda is specifically tailored for blonde or light-colored hair, aiming to gradually lighten and brighten.
On the other hand, PS Clean Beauty is more focused on being an eco-conscious, all-natural product for everyday hair health.
If your main concern is enhancing your blonde highlights, John Frieda will serve you better.
But if you’re looking for a sulfate-free, all-natural shampoo for overall hair health, PS Clean Beauty might be a better choice.
- Native Coconut & Vanilla Shampoo
Native Coconut & Vanilla Shampoo is loved for its tropical scent and its use of natural ingredients like coconut oil.
It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, and great for providing moisture to dry or damaged hair.
However, like Yes Honey and PS Clean Beauty, Native doesn’t offer any lightening or color-enhancing properties.
It’s perfect for those who want to cleanse and hydrate their hair while enjoying a delightful fragrance, but if you’re hoping to enhance or lighten your blonde tones, Native won’t give you those results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, John Frieda lightening shampoo is safe to use, even on color-treated and highlighted hair. It doesn’t contain ammonia or peroxide, which are known to cause damage to hair. The ingredients, like citrus and chamomile, are gentle and natural, so you can feel confident using it without worrying about harming your hair.
Yes, John Frieda Go Blonder Shampoo gradually lightens blonde hair. However, it’s important to note that this process is subtle and occurs over time. If you’re looking for a more dramatic effect, this may not be the right product for you. However, if you want to enhance your blonde color naturally and gradually, this shampoo works well.
You’ll start seeing results after a few uses, but the most noticeable effects will occur after several weeks of consistent use. It’s not an overnight solution, but the gradual lightening helps keep the effect natural and sun-kissed.
While John Frieda Go Blonder Shampoo is formulated for blonde shades, it can also work for brunettes with highlights or those with lighter brown hair. However, if you have dark brown or black hair, the lightening effect will be much less noticeable. This product is most effective for those with light to medium blonde hair.
Conclusion: Should You Buy John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo?
If you’re looking for a gradual, natural way to lighten your blonde hair, John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo is definitely worth a try. It’s affordable, widely available, and safe for color-treated hair, making it accessible for most users.
Its gradual lightening effect means you won’t experience drastic changes overnight, but with regular use, you can achieve a brighter, sun-kissed blonde that looks natural and fresh.
While it may not be ideal for darker hair or those looking for a more immediate effect, it’s a reliable option for those who want to maintain or enhance their blonde tones without frequent salon visits.
Paired with the conditioner, it can also help keep your hair feeling soft and moisturized, preventing any potential dryness.
You can find it easily at most major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, and in my experience, it’s a great addition to any blonde’s hair care routine.