Meaning of "lighten"

[All Potted Out]

"Chamomile is used in hair products to lighten blonde hair."

Does this "lighten" mean "to make the color lighter" or "to make the hair brighter"?

[Yankee]

Hi apo

I would understand lighten in the context to mean 'become a less dark shade of blonde'.

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Prezbucky]

Though very unlikely, it's also possible that "lighten" could refer to the weight of said hair.

hehe
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Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Pond969]

Whereas 'lighten' can mean to change the luminance or brightness of something (or indeed its weight), in that context it would generally be understood to mean a change in shade.