Wondering how to lighten your hair without bleach is a common musing among hair dye enthusiasts. Is it possible to lighten your hair without bleach? Best ways to lighten hair without bleach So if you’re starting with healthy and natural hair, there are three main methods to turn to when trying to lighten your hair without bleach: High-Lift Kaeding’s go-to, a high-lift permanent hair colour lifts natural pigment while depositing new colour. Permanent Hair Colour Permanent hair colour, as Baum explains it, is when ammonia opens the hair cuticle and deposits new pigment. When you should seek a professional insteadKaeding advises that you avoid trying to lighten your hair without bleach if your hair is already damaged, over-processed, or breaking.