Bleaching your hair at home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful preparation and the right tools to achieve the best results. Whether you want to go platinum blonde, lighten your natural color, or try a bold pastel shade, bleaching is a great way to achieve that dramatic transformation. However, choosing the right products and knowing how to use them safely is crucial for getting the results you want without causing damage to your hair.
In this article, we will cover what you should use to bleach your hair at home, how to use them effectively, and tips to minimize hair damage during the process. So let’s dive in!
Essential Products for Bleaching Hair at Home
Hair Bleach Powder
When it comes to bleaching your hair, the most crucial product you’ll need is hair bleach powder. This powder, when mixed with a developer, lightens your hair by breaking down the natural pigment. Bleach powders come in various strengths and formulations, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your hair type and desired results.
Types of Bleach Powder
Blue Bleach: Ideal for darker hair, as the blue tint helps neutralize orange or red undertones that may appear during the lightening process.
White Bleach: Best for light hair colors or those who want to go very light. It doesn’t have the same toning effect as blue bleach, so you may need to tone your hair afterward.
Developer
Developer, also known as hydrogen peroxide, is a liquid that activates the bleach powder. The strength of the developer you choose will determine how quickly the bleach lightens your hair. Developers are typically available in 10, 20, 30, and 40 volumes.
10 Volume Developer: Lightens hair by one level. It’s best for subtle changes or if you have sensitive hair.
20 Volume Developer: Lightens hair by two levels. It’s the most commonly used developer for at-home bleaching.
30 Volume Developer: Lightens hair by three levels. Suitable for darker hair and achieving more significant color changes.
40 Volume Developer: Lightens hair by four levels. Best for very dark hair, but should be used with caution due to the higher risk of damage.
Mixing Bowl and Brush
To mix your bleach and developer, you will need a non-metallic mixing bowl and a tinting brush. Avoid using metal bowls, as metal can react with the bleach and cause unwanted chemical reactions.
Why Use a Brush?
A brush allows for precise application of bleach, ensuring that the product is evenly distributed across each section of your hair. This helps avoid patches of uneven color.
Plastic Cap or Wrap
Once the bleach is applied, you’ll need a plastic cap or wrap to cover your hair. This helps to trap heat and speed up the lightening process. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight, as your scalp needs to breathe.
Gloves and Protective Clothing
Bleach can be harsh on the skin, so it’s essential to protect your hands and body. Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals. Additionally, wear old clothes or a cape to avoid staining your clothes.
Shampoo and Conditioner
After bleaching, your hair will need extra care. A sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner are essential for restoring moisture and strength to your hair after the bleaching process. Look for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated or damaged hair.
Toner
After bleaching, you may find that your hair has unwanted yellow or orange tones. This is where a toner comes in. A toner is a product that helps neutralize brassiness and adjust the tone of your bleached hair.
Purple Toner: Helps neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair.
Blue Toner: Helps neutralize orange tones in dark or medium hair.
How to Bleach Your Hair at Home
Step 1: Choose the Right Products for Your Hair Type
Before starting the bleaching process, it’s essential to choose the right products for your hair. If your hair is fine or damaged, you may want to use a lower-volume developer (10 or 20) to minimize damage. For coarser or thicker hair, a higher-volume developer (30 or 40) may be necessary.
Step 2: Prepare Your Hair
Your hair should be in the best condition possible before bleaching. Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours before bleaching. This allows your scalp’s natural oils to build up, which can protect your skin from the harsh chemicals in the bleach.
Step 3: Mix the Bleach and Developer
Carefully follow the instructions on the bleach powder and developer packaging. Typically, you will mix the bleach powder and developer in a 1:2 ratio (one part bleach to two parts developer), but always check the manufacturer’s directions for the exact ratio.
Stir the mixture with your brush until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into small, manageable sections. This will make it easier to apply the bleach evenly and avoid missing any areas. Use clips to hold each section in place.
Step 5: Apply the Bleach
Starting from the ends of your hair (the most resistant to lightening), apply the bleach mixture using your brush. Work your way upwards, making sure each section is fully coated with the bleach. Be quick but thorough to avoid uneven results.
Step 6: Check the Processing Time
After applying the bleach, place a plastic cap over your hair to keep it warm. Leave the bleach on for 30-45 minutes, but check your hair every 10-15 minutes to see how it’s lightening. The exact processing time depends on your hair’s natural color, texture, and the developer strength used.
Step 7: Rinse and Shampoo
Once your hair has reached the desired lightness, rinse out the bleach thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow up with a moisturizing shampoo to remove any leftover bleach residue.
Step 8: Tone Your Hair
If you notice yellow or orange tones in your hair, apply a toner to neutralize them. Follow the toner instructions carefully and rinse it out when the desired tone is achieved.
Step 9: Condition and Treat Your Hair
Bleaching can leave your hair dry and fragile, so it’s important to use a deep conditioning treatment after the process. Apply a nourishing hair mask or conditioner, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Tips to Minimize Hair Damage During Bleaching
Bleaching can be damaging to your hair if not done properly. Here are some essential tips to help minimize damage:
Deep Condition Beforehand: Use a deep conditioning treatment a few days before bleaching to prepare your hair.
Use the Right Developer: Avoid using a 40-volume developer unless absolutely necessary. A lower-volume developer will reduce the risk of excessive damage.
Don’t Over-Process: Bleach your hair in stages if necessary. You may need to bleach it more than once to reach your desired color, but do not leave the bleach on for too long during each session.
Moisturize: Use plenty of hydrating products post-bleach, including deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and oils.
Give Your Hair a Break: Don’t bleach your hair too frequently. Allow your hair to recover before doing another round of bleaching.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While bleaching at home can be an affordable and convenient way to lighten your hair, it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. Here are some common errors to avoid:
Not Doing a Strand Test: Always do a strand test before applying bleach to your entire head. This ensures that your hair will react well to the bleach and helps you determine the right processing time.
Skipping the Toner: Bleaching can leave unwanted brassiness behind, so always use a toner to achieve the perfect blonde or lightened shade.
Bleaching Wet Hair: Don’t bleach your hair when it’s wet. Wet hair dilutes the bleach and can result in uneven lightening.
When to Seek Professional Help
While bleaching your hair at home can be successful, it’s not always the best option for everyone. If you have very dark or resistant hair, or if you’re unsure about how to apply bleach properly, it might be best to visit a professional stylist. They can ensure that your hair is lightened evenly and safely.
Additionally, if you’re aiming for dramatic color changes or if you’re worried about damaging your hair too much, a professional can help achieve the look you want while minimizing damage.
Conclusion
Bleaching your hair at home is a rewarding process that can yield beautiful results when done properly. By using the right products and taking the necessary precautions, you can achieve lighter, brighter hair without the hefty salon price tag. Remember to always perform a strand test, follow the instructions carefully, and condition your hair after bleaching to maintain its health. With patience and the right tools, you’ll be able to safely lighten your hair to your desired shade.
Related topics:
- Top 5 Hair Oils for Fast Hair Growth: A Complete Guide
- Why Is My Thick Hair So Flat? A Full Analysis
- What Should I Put on My Hair Before Flat Ironing?
