Permanent hair color formulated to lighten natural hair significantly, typically four or more levels, is often referred to as a high-lift tint. This type of color generally requires a developer with a higher volume of peroxide, such as 30 or 40 volume, to achieve the desired lift. An example would be transforming dark blonde hair to a very light blonde.
The ability to achieve dramatic lightening in a single process offers significant advantages. It streamlines the coloring process, minimizing potential damage compared to using bleach. Furthermore, these formulas often incorporate conditioning agents to help maintain hair health during the lightening process. Historically, achieving such significant lift required harsher methods. The development of high-lift colors represents an advancement in hair coloring technology, offering a balance between lightening power and hair health.