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Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient found in most industrial hair dyes. As a result, it serves as an affordable and straightforward method to lighten hair color or enhance natural highlights. However, it's important to note that at-home bleaching or dyeing processes can damage your hair or result in an unnatural color. For significant changes or if your hair is already damaged or discolored, consult a professional hairstylist.
Steps
Preparing Before Bleaching Your Hair
Ensure your hair is healthy. Existing hair dye can affect the bleaching results. Therefore, avoid dyeing or treating your hair for a few weeks before bleaching. The process works better and causes less damage when your hair is strong and untreated. If your hair is damaged or previously treated, visit a salon for professional bleaching. You can strengthen your hair by:
- Using natural shampoos and conditioners. Avoid products containing sulfates, which can dry out your hair.
- Avoiding hair sprays, gels, straightening products, and other chemical-based items.
- Refraining from using heat tools like straighteners, blow dryers, or other thermal devices.
Gather your supplies. To bleach your hair with hydrogen peroxide, you'll need a few items. Make sure you have everything ready and set up on a table in your bedroom or bathroom:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Solutions stronger than 3% can cause hair loss, so double-check the product carefully!
- A clean, empty spray bottle. You can buy a new one at the supermarket or reuse an old one. If using an old bottle, ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Opt for a dark-colored bottle to store hydrogen peroxide and keep it away from light.
- Hair clips.
- Cotton balls.
- A towel.
- Gloves.
- Aluminum foil, if you're planning to highlight specific sections.
- A shower cap, if you're bleaching your entire head.
Wash and condition your hair. On the day you plan to bleach your hair, wash and condition it as usual to ensure that oils, dirt, and styling products don't interfere with the hydrogen peroxide.
- Use a natural conditioner that's good for your hair after washing. Bleaching can dry out your hair, and the conditioner will help protect it during the process.
- Air-dry your hair instead of blow-drying. Use a towel to remove excess water, gently comb your hair, and let it air-dry for about 30 minutes. Slightly damp hair absorbs hydrogen peroxide better than dry hair.
Applying Hydrogen Peroxide
Test on a small section of hair. Take a small, inconspicuous section of hair and apply hydrogen peroxide using a cotton ball. Wait for it to soak in and check the results after a few minutes. You can wait up to 30 minutes if desired, but rinse with cold water once you achieve the desired color. Note the time it takes to get the color you want and apply this timing to the rest of your hair after applying hydrogen peroxide.
- This test is crucial because hydrogen peroxide can damage your hair.
Use clips to section your hair. Once your hair is nearly dry, divide the sections you want to bleach and secure them with clips. Sectioning your hair makes it easier to process the remaining parts.
- If you want even bleaching, use clips. This method may take longer but looks more professional and creates evenly colored highlights.
- Now, release the first section of hair you want to bleach. Gradually release the clipped sections as you work through them.
Apply hydrogen peroxide to the sections you want to highlight. For natural-looking highlights, use a cotton ball to apply hydrogen peroxide to your hair. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the cotton ball and apply it along strands of hair about 6.5mm thick. Work from the roots to the tips.
- Wrap each section in aluminum foil to prevent the hydrogen peroxide from touching other parts of your hair.
- Repeat this process on multiple sections for full highlights, or focus on a few front sections for face-framing highlights.
Apply hydrogen peroxide to the lower half of your hair for an ombre effect. If you want an ombre look, apply hydrogen peroxide near the ends of your hair. Use a cotton ball to apply it to the lower half of your hair.
- To avoid a harsh line, apply the hydrogen peroxide at varying heights on each section, but ensure it reaches the mid-length of your hair.
- You can apply it closer to the roots, but always start from the tips. This ensures the ends are brighter, with the color gradually darkening toward the roots.
Spray hydrogen peroxide all over your hair. To bleach your entire head, use a spray bottle to evenly apply hydrogen peroxide to your loose hair. Spray thoroughly and comb through multiple times. Repeat for any clipped sections.
- After spraying, wear a shower cap to prevent the hydrogen peroxide from dripping or staining your clothes.
Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for about 30 minutes. Depending on your hair's natural color, the desired level of lightness, and how your scalp feels, you may need to experiment to find the ideal processing time.
- Use the test section from earlier to determine how long to leave the hydrogen peroxide on. It could be just a few minutes or up to 30 minutes.
- When it's time to rinse, remove the aluminum foil or shower cap.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water and apply conditioner. Use shampoo to remove the hydrogen peroxide and rinse with cold water to add shine. Conditioner will help restore lost moisture.
- Apply a deep moisturizing conditioner to your hair. Massage it into your scalp to soothe any dryness or discomfort caused by the hydrogen peroxide. Rinse with cold water.
- Air-dry your hair and style as desired.
Finalizing Your Bleached Hair
Repeat the bleaching process to enhance hair lightness. After the first application of hydrogen peroxide, your hair will only lighten slightly. To achieve a brighter shade, you may need to repeat the process one or more times.
- Your hair will lighten more effectively if you apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide daily over a week, rather than using an entire bottle in one session.
- The results depend on your hair's current color when you apply the hydrogen peroxide.
- When bleaching dark hair for the first time, you may notice an orange tint. Continue the process until your hair reaches a more golden yellow shade.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Licensed Cosmetologist
Wait at least a week between bleaching sessions. Licensed cosmetologist Laura Martin advises: "With each bleaching session, your hair will lighten by 1 to 3 shades. It may take 1 to 2 months to achieve your desired result, as you need to wait a week between sessions to avoid damaging your hair."
Use low heat to speed up the bleaching process. Applying a blow dryer on a low heat setting to slightly warm your hair can accelerate the bleaching process. Use the dryer on low heat, moving it from the roots to the ends of your hair. Continue until you achieve the desired color.
- It's best to use heat only if you've previously bleached your hair with hydrogen peroxide and have an idea of the expected outcome. If unsure, avoid using a blow dryer. Let the hydrogen peroxide work naturally as your hair dries.
Reduce the frequency of hair washing. Avoid washing your hair daily. Daily washing strips away natural oils that protect your hair from breakage. Try washing your hair once or twice a week and use dry shampoo (a powder applied while brushing) to keep your hair fresh between washes.
Use purple conditioner once or twice a week. This helps control brassy tones in your hair. You can find purple conditioner at supermarkets or stores like Medicare or Guardian.
Limit the use of heat styling tools. Avoid excessive blow-drying or straightening. Heat tools can worsen the damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, so use them no more than once a week or, ideally, avoid them altogether. Try heat-free styling methods or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting.
Handle your hair gently. Air-dry your hair regularly and avoid wringing or rubbing it harshly with a towel after washing. Instead, gently squeeze your hair with a towel and let it down for a while. Additionally, when brushing, start from the ends and work your way up slowly to prevent breakage.
Tips
- Since hydrogen peroxide can turn hair orange or copper-toned, consider using purple shampoo to counteract this effect.
- A deep moisturizing conditioner is essential when bleaching your hair at home or in a salon. Massage the conditioner into your scalp (your hair won't get oily if rinsed properly).
- Be careful not to spill hydrogen peroxide while bleaching, as it can cause stains.
- Immediately rinse any skin that comes into contact with hydrogen peroxide.
Warnings
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide around small children, as it can cause burns and pain if it gets into the eyes or is swallowed. Use it carefully and responsibly.
- Do not pour the entire bottle of hydrogen peroxide onto your hair. Use cotton swabs or a spray bottle for application.
- Avoid scrubbing your scalp aggressively while washing your hair.
- Do not wash your hair before the recommended time, or you may not achieve the desired results.
- Be cautious when bleaching your hair, as the effects of this process are more immediate and noticeable compared to other treatments.
What You'll Need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Cotton swabs and/or a spray bottle
- Deep moisturizing conditioner
- Cold water
- Round comb or wide-tooth comb
