Buzz
Bleaching not only removes the hair's natural color but also breaks down the fatty acids on the hair shaft, leaving it dry and brittle. While the damage caused to hair is irreversible, you can take steps to make your hair more manageable and encourage the growth of new, healthy strands. Nourish your hair after bleaching by replenishing moisture and protein immediately after the process, followed by regular conditioning and avoiding any further damage to restore your hair's health.
Steps
Hair Care
Avoid shampooing for the first 24-48 hours after bleaching. Your hair will be extremely dry post-bleaching, so refrain from stripping away its natural oils with shampoo. Try to avoid shampooing for as long as possible, but you can still rinse your hair and use a nourishing conditioner.
Note: The hair cuticle will be very swollen and fragile immediately after bleaching. This may make your hair appear thicker, but washing it can further damage the already weakened strands.
Use deep conditioning treatments instead of regular conditioner every two washes. Apply a hair oil or hair mask to dry hair before stepping into the shower. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual.
- Try making your own hot oil treatment using olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil to deeply moisturize your hair.
- You can also wrap a towel around your head and leave the oil in your hair overnight. Rinse it out the next morning in the shower, shampoo, and style as usual.
- If oil-based products feel too heavy, try using a store-bought hair mask from a salon or pharmacy.
Use a leave-in conditioner daily to add moisture to your hair. Enhance the effects of your regular conditioner by applying a leave-in conditioner after showering. Use it to make styling easier and reduce frizz.
Tip: Leave-in conditioners are especially helpful for maintaining your hairstyle in extreme hot or cold weather.
Use a homemade protein hair mask to nourish your hair without breaking the bank. Homemade protein hair masks are an excellent way to give your hair a deep treatment without spending a fortune at the salon. These products are often available at pharmacies or online.
- Look for products containing keratin, a protein that benefits hair.
- Make your own protein mask by mixing 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Add 1 or 2 more tablespoons of yogurt if you have hair longer than shoulder length. Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water to avoid cooking the egg in your hair.
- Use a protein mask every night for the first week after bleaching if your hair is extremely dry and brittle.
Be gentle with your hair, especially when it's wet. Hair is most fragile when wet, so always wait until it's completely dry before brushing. Be careful when drying your hair as well. Use a soft microfiber towel to gently pat your hair dry, as rubbing or wringing can cause breakage.
- If you don't have a soft towel, try using an old cotton t-shirt!
Trim away as much damaged hair as possible. Ask your stylist to remove split ends. If your hair is breaking in the middle, consider a haircut that blends with the length of the broken sections.
- Split ends occur when the tips of your hair strands split into smaller strands. This can travel up the hair shaft, causing further damage and frizz. Trimming split ends helps prevent the damage from spreading.
- If you're not ready for a major haircut, ask your stylist to trim about 1 cm and then gradually trim more each month to remove damaged hair.
Opt for a professional protein treatment at a salon if possible. Protein treatments strengthen hair and reduce breakage. The most intensive protein treatments are done at salons. Consult with your stylist to find the best option for you. The sooner you do this, the better your chances of preventing further breakage and damage.
- Salons often offer products with different formulas and concentrations for various needs. After the initial treatment, you can continue with moisturizing and/or protein treatments every few months to maintain healthy hair. Discuss a plan with your stylist.
Take hair-strengthening vitamins to promote healthy new hair growth. Omega-3-rich fish oil capsules can restore hair from within. Try taking these supplements for six months to see if they improve hair growth.
- Vegetarians can substitute fish oil with flaxseed oil supplements.
Protect your hair from further damage
Limit shampooing to 1-2 times a week. Shampoo strips away the natural oils from your hair. After bleaching, your hair produces less oil, so it's best to shampoo less frequently. Aim to shampoo only once a week if possible.
- If shampooing once a week isn't enough, try reducing it to 2-3 times a week. You can also alternate with dry shampoo to keep your hair fresh between washes.
- Avoid shampoos containing sulfates, as they can further dry out your hair.
- Consider using a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo for a gentler cleanse and nourishment. Your stylist can recommend a good option. You can switch entirely to cleansing conditioners or alternate between sulfate-free shampoo and cleansing conditioner.
Protect your hair from the sun. Bleached hair is highly susceptible to UV damage, and prolonged exposure can even lead to a sunburned scalp. If you plan to be outside for more than an hour, bring a hat or use an umbrella for shade.
Tip: To enhance hair protection, consider using a natural sunscreen spray made with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter.
Avoid chemicals like chlorine. When swimming after bleaching your hair, avoid submerging your head or wear a swim cap to protect your hair from pool chlorine. Since bleached hair is more fragile, you need to be cautious with prolonged chemical exposure.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming to remove chlorine as soon as possible.
- If you plan to shampoo after chlorine exposure, use a chlorine-removal shampoo. Ask your stylist for recommendations or find one at a pharmacy. Clarifying shampoos can also help remove chlorine buildup.
Avoid heat styling or treatments. Opt for low-maintenance hairstyles. Let your hair air dry naturally and embrace its natural texture to avoid using flat irons or curling tools.
- Bleached hair is already dry and brittle, so heat styling can lead to breakage.
- If you occasionally need to use heat, apply a heat protectant and keep styling tools on the lowest heat setting.
Keep your hairstyle simple. Avoid brushing or styling techniques that pull, twist, or break your hair. Allow your hair to recover by leaving it down naturally whenever possible. Avoid tight ponytails or using bobby pins that can cause damage.
- If you need to tie your hair up, use a soft hair tie that doesn’t leave marks. Hair ties that leave indentations can make your hair more prone to breakage.
Bleach new hair growth gently. Ask your stylist to use a gentler approach. Consider styles that don’t require bleaching from root to tip. Inquire about techniques that leave the roots darker than the ends to minimize the need for harsh bleaching on new growth.
Tip: If you need to bleach your hair again, prepare and protect it by applying coconut oil overnight before the bleaching process the next day.
Warning
- Bleaching can cause burns if not done correctly, so it’s best to have it done by a professional.
