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Bleaching your hair is a fantastic way to achieve a striking look, but it can also lead to significant damage. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect and restore your hair to minimize harm, whether you're lightening dark hair or going blonde. The bleaching process isn't overly complicated, but it requires patience and care to avoid mistakes. A great approach is to condition your hair thoroughly before applying bleach. Additionally, post-bleaching care is essential to restore moisture and maintain hair health.
Steps
Preparing Your Hair Before Bleaching
Use a deep conditioning hair mask daily for a week before bleaching your hair. The bleaching process strips moisture from your hair, so it's crucial to hydrate your hair in the days leading up to the treatment. Purchase a deep conditioning hair mask and apply it as directed. Spread the mask evenly across your hair and leave it on for the recommended time. Rinse it out with cool water.
- Repeat this process daily for the entire week before bleaching.
- Cool water helps seal the hair cuticles, leaving your hair looking shinier and smoother.
- You can leave the mask on for about 30 minutes.
Perform a bleach patch test 48 hours before application. Mix a small amount of bleach 48 hours prior to your planned hair bleaching session. Combine 1 part bleaching powder with 2 parts developer/peroxide. Apply a dab of the mixture to your skin and a few strands of hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse and evaluate the results.
- Check the color of the strands to see if it meets your expectations. This will give you an idea of how your hair will look after bleaching. Adjust the processing time if you need a lighter or darker shade.
- Ensure the bleach doesn’t irritate your skin. If irritation occurs, consider avoiding the product or reducing the processing time.
Warning: If your skin starts to itch or burn, rinse the bleach off immediately. If the irritation persists, consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Wash your hair 24 hours before bleaching to allow natural oils to build up. The natural oils on your scalp will help protect it from bleach damage. To give your scalp enough time to produce oil, wash your hair 24 hours before bleaching. Use conditioner after washing to keep your hair moisturized.
- If preferred, you can wash your hair 48 hours before bleaching instead.
Minimizing Damage from Bleaching
Visit a salon for the best bleaching results. Professional salons use higher-quality bleaching formulas than over-the-counter products, which helps reduce damage during the process. Additionally, professional stylists know how to apply bleach in a way that minimizes harm. Schedule an appointment with a stylist to bleach your hair at a salon and prevent unnecessary damage.
- Ask your stylist how light your hair can safely go in one session. They can guide you on the best approach to achieve your desired results.
Look for bleach products with hair-nourishing ingredients if you plan to bleach your hair at home. Choose a bleach formula designed for your hair type. Opt for high-quality bleach that includes ingredients to improve hair quality and maintain its health. Check the product label for terms like 'damage prevention' to ensure you're selecting the right product.
- For example, Brazilian Bond Builder and Olaplex can be mixed into bleach to help minimize hair damage.
Use a 10- or 20-volume developer to reduce damage. Lower-strength developers create a milder bleach mixture, which is less harsh on your hair. While it may take longer to achieve your desired hair color with a 10- or 20-volume developer, it significantly reduces the risk of damage. Select a bleach product with a low-volume developer or purchase bleach powder and developer separately for more control.
- You can find 10- or 20-volume developers at beauty supply stores or online retailers.
Lighten dark hair gradually to minimize damage. Removing pigment from dark hair takes more time and can be more damaging. To reduce harm, bleach your hair in multiple sessions until you reach your desired shade. Space each session at least 10 days apart to allow your hair to recover. During this time, use a deep conditioning treatment daily to restore moisture and strength.
- For instance, you might bleach your hair three times over six weeks, with two weeks between each session.
Limit bleach processing time to 30 minutes or less if your hair has been previously dyed. While you can bleach dyed hair, it is more prone to damage. Additionally, dyed hair often doesn’t lighten as effectively as natural hair. If your hair has been dyed, keep the bleach on for no more than 30 minutes per session.
- It’s best to visit a salon for bleaching if your hair has been dyed.
- Your hair may develop uneven patches after bleaching if it was previously dyed. If this happens, consult a professional stylist to fix the issue without causing further damage.
Warning: If your hair has been dyed a very dark color, it’s essential to visit a salon for bleaching. Otherwise, your hair may suffer irreversible damage.
Mixing Bleach at Home
Drape an old towel over your shoulders to protect against bleach spills. Bleach can drip as you apply it to your hair. To safeguard your skin and clothing, wrap an old towel around your shoulders before starting.
- Choose a towel you don’t mind staining, as bleach may discolor it.
- Consider using a hairdressing cape for added protection. These are affordable and available at beauty supply stores or online.
Wear gloves to protect your hands. Bleach can irritate the skin and cause chemical burns, so it’s essential to shield your hands with disposable plastic gloves.
- Put on gloves before mixing the bleach ingredients.
Add 1 part blue or purple bleach powder to a plastic mixing bowl. Follow the product instructions to measure the correct amount of powder and pour it into a plastic bowl.
- Blue or purple bleach powder helps neutralize brassy tones in your hair after bleaching.
- You can purchase bleach powder and plastic mixing bowls at beauty supply stores or online.
- Always use a plastic bowl, as bleach can react with metal.
Tip: An easy alternative is to purchase a bleach kit that includes both bleach powder and developer/peroxide. These kits are widely available at beauty stores and online.
Pour 2 parts developer/peroxide into the bowl. Measure the developer/peroxide according to the instructions on the packaging and add it to the mixing bowl with the bleach powder. You may notice the mixture fizzing as the ingredients combine.
- For blonde hair, use a 10-volume developer.
- For light brown hair, opt for a 20-volume developer.
- For dark brown or black hair, you might need a 30- or 40-volume developer. However, sticking to a 20-volume developer is recommended to minimize damage.
Use a plastic dye brush to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Dip the brush into the mixture and stir to blend the developer/peroxide with the bleach powder. Continue stirring until the bleach is smooth and free of lumps.
- Plastic dye brushes are available at beauty supply stores or online. Avoid using metal tools, as they can react with the bleach.
Applying Bleach to Your Hair
Bleach your entire head for an even color. Part your hair vertically down the middle, then horizontally to create four sections. Secure the upper sections with plastic clips. Start applying bleach to one of the lower sections, working from the ends toward the roots. Repeat with the other lower section, then move to the upper sections. Ensure the bleach is evenly distributed from roots to tips.
- If your hair is very thick, divide it into six sections for easier application.
- If a section feels too thick, split it into smaller parts to ensure even coverage. Don’t miss any spots.
- Avoid getting bleach on your scalp, as it can cause burns or irritation.
Warning: Always use plastic clips when bleaching your hair. Metal clips can react with bleach and cause additional damage.
Use a highlighting cap for bleach highlights. Place the highlighting cap over your head, then pull strands of hair through the holes. You can pull hair through all the holes or just a few, depending on how many highlights you want. Apply bleach to the exposed strands using a brush, ensuring you only coat the hair and avoid getting bleach on the cap.
- If bleach gets on the cap, it may seep through the holes and create uneven patches on your hair.
Alternative Method: Section your hair into 4 parts if you want full-head highlights or 2 parts for just the top. Release the first section, then use the tail of a comb to separate a small strand for highlighting. Place a piece of foil under the strand, apply bleach, and fold the foil to wrap the strand, preventing bleach from touching other hair. Repeat this process around your head for all desired highlights.
Bleach different-sized sections for a balayage effect. Clip the top sections of your hair and start with the lower sections. Pull hair over your shoulder and use your fingers or a brush to apply bleach. Move to the other side, take a thin section, and apply bleach. Alternate this process to create highlights.
- Wrap bleached sections in foil to isolate them, then release the top sections. Apply bleach to thin strands at the top and wrap them in foil to complete the highlights.
- Balayage creates a more natural highlight effect compared to caps or foils, with varying strand thicknesses.
Wrap your hair in plastic wrap or a shower cap. Covering your hair helps retain heat, enhancing the bleaching process. Use plastic wrap or a regular shower cap to trap natural heat.
- While optional, this step improves the bleaching results.
Check your hair color every 5-10 minutes. After 5-10 minutes of applying bleach, wipe off a small section to check the color. If the desired shade isn’t achieved, leave the bleach on for another 5-10 minutes. Continue checking until you’re satisfied or reach the 40-minute limit.
- Remember, shorter processing times reduce hair damage.
Leave the bleach on for up to 40 minutes. Bleach starts working immediately but needs time to achieve the desired shade. Allow it to process for up to 40 minutes, then rinse it out.
- Do not leave bleach on for more than 40 minutes, even if the desired lightness isn’t achieved, as this can cause severe damage and breakage.
- If you’re unsatisfied with the color, you can re-bleach after 10 days or visit a salon for professional assistance.
Wash your hair with shampoo to remove the bleach. Rinse the bleach out with cool water, then apply a coin-sized amount of shampoo. Massage it into your hair and scalp to thoroughly cleanse the bleach. Finish by rinsing with warm water.
- Ensure all bleach is completely removed. If necessary, shampoo a second time for a thorough cleanse.
Use a deep conditioner to restore moisture. After shampooing, apply a deep conditioner to your hair. Leave it on for at least 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
- Cool water helps seal the hair cuticles, making your hair appear smoother and shinier.
Air-dry your hair to prevent further damage. Bleach can weaken your hair due to its chemical nature. After bleaching, avoid heat-styling tools to minimize additional harm. Let your hair dry naturally after rinsing out the bleach.
- If desired, use a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to reduce frizz.
Alternative: If you must use heat styling, apply a heat protectant to your hair beforehand to reduce damage. Use a low or medium heat setting when blow-drying.
Caring for Bleached Hair
Use a deep conditioning hair mask daily for a week after bleaching. Bleaching strips moisture from your hair, so it’s essential to replenish it with deep conditioning treatments. For optimal results, apply a deep conditioning mask daily for a week post-bleaching. Spread the mask evenly through your hair and leave it on for the recommended time on the product packaging, then rinse with cool water.
- Always rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticles and enhance shine.
- You can leave the mask on for up to 30 minutes for deeper conditioning.
Tip: You don’t need to shampoo your hair daily. Using a deep conditioning mask is sufficient to maintain hair health.
Apply a weekly hair repair treatment. Hair repair treatments restore damaged hair and add shine. Look for products that mention bond repair or restoration. Apply the product evenly from roots to ends and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before shampooing. This should leave your hair feeling softer and looking shinier.
- For best results, leave the treatment on for several hours or overnight using a shower cap.
- Repair treatments are available at salons and retail stores. While salon treatments are more effective, at-home options can still improve hair health.
Use purple shampoo once a week to neutralize brassy tones. Bleached hair can develop brassy or orange tones, but purple shampoo can counteract this. Choose a purple shampoo formulated for your shade of blonde. Use it once a week in place of your regular shampoo.
- Consult your stylist for recommendations on the best purple shampoo for your hair.
- Purple shampoo is available online or at hair salons.
Touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks to maintain consistent color. It’s best to bleach your roots before they grow too long and become noticeable. Waiting too long may require re-bleaching your entire head for an even blonde shade. Touch up your roots every 4 weeks if your hair grows quickly or every 6 weeks if it grows slowly.
- Aim to avoid letting your roots grow longer than 2 cm.
Tips
- There’s no way to bleach hair without causing some damage, but you can minimize harm.
Warnings
- Bleach can irritate the skin. If your scalp feels itchy or burns, rinse the bleach off immediately to reduce damage.
