Hayley & Brian's Solution to Lighten Your Hair at Home without the Damage

When Hayley Williams, lead singer of Paramore, co-founded Good Dye Young with her longtime hair stylist & MUA Brian O’Connor, their mission was clear: to create innovative hair color that pushes boundaries of creativity without compromising hair health. Known for her vibrant and vivid hair — especially the iconic neon orange she rocked for Paramore's Riot! album in 2007 (AKA “the look that started it all”) — Hayley has always been at the forefront of trend-setting hair color transformations. But after years of experimenting with traditional dyes that damaged and dried out her hair, she knew she needed a better option.

When Hayley & Brian started Good Dye Young nine years ago, they worked together to formulate a solution! Meet the GDY Lightening Kit.

The Problem with Lightening Hair with Traditional Bleach

Traditional bleach, especially with a level 40 or higher can be too harsh & irritating on the hair, potentially causing burns — especially when applied too close to the scalp. The most common volumes of developer are 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume. The volume relates to the strength of the developer, meaning the higher the number, the stronger the volume. 10 volume developer is commonly used with toners, while 20 and 30 are two of the volumes recommended for at home use. 

40 volume developer is the strongest level of developer, and we do not recommend it for at home use. Even with dark hair, it is easier and safer to do several rounds of lightening with a lower volume developer rather than try to lift your hair an extreme amount in one go with a higher volume developer. Keeping your hair healthy should be your top priority!

Why the GDY Lightening Kit is Different from Traditional Bleach

Our 25 Volume Developer gently lifts the hair to your desired level while actively nourishing and strengthening hair follicles with the power of fortifying Soy Protein and conditioning Coconut Oil. No more worrying about frying your hair in the process! This formula is designed to boost overall hair health, leaving it feeling soft and silky, even after lightening.

A Lightening Formula You Can Trust Instead of Bleach

The GDY Lightening Kit is free from harmful chemicals, so you can feel confident while getting the vibrant color you love. The kit is free from formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, PPDs, persulfates, MEA, nickel, and resorcinol — making it safe for your hair and the environment.

GDY Lighten & Tone Duo: Perfect for Neutralizing Brassy Tones

To complement the Lightening Kit, the Lighten & Tone Duo helps to neutralize brassy tones, giving you a smooth, even base to work with. It’s the perfect addition to your at-home coloring routine, helping you achieve your dream color while keeping everything balanced and beautiful.

Celebrate a New Era of Colorful Hair with GDY

Hayley & Brian’s solution to dye damage isn’t just about getting vibrant color; it’s about always prioritizing hair health no matter how bold your look is. With the GDY Lightening Kit, you can finally lighten, tone, and treat your hair with the care it deserves.