Bleaching your hair can give it a beautiful, vibrant look, but it’s important to do it correctly. The process can damage your hair if not done properly, so choosing the right products and following the right steps is crucial for achieving the best results. In this article, we will explore the products you should use to bleach your hair, how they work, and tips for maintaining healthy hair after bleaching.
Understanding Hair Bleaching
Hair bleaching is the process of lightening your hair by removing the natural pigment, melanin. This can be done to achieve a lighter color, prepare the hair for other colors, or create highlights. Bleaching products work by opening the hair cuticle and breaking down the melanin in the hair, making it lighter.
When bleaching your hair, it’s essential to use the right products to minimize damage. The wrong products can lead to dryness, breakage, and an uneven color. Let’s look at the key products used in bleaching.
What Should I Use to Bleach My Hair?
There are several products involved in the bleaching process. Each product has a specific function to ensure your hair lightens effectively without causing excessive damage. The main products include bleach powder, developer, and hair toner.
Bleach Powder
Bleach powder is the main ingredient used to lighten hair. It is a fine powder that, when mixed with a developer, creates a chemical reaction that lifts the color from your hair. The bleach powder typically contains persulfates, which help open the hair cuticle and break down melanin.
Types of Bleach Powder:
Regular Bleach Powder: This is the most common type used for lightening hair. It works effectively but may cause damage if left on too long.
Blue Bleach Powder: This is a more gentle option and works well on darker hair. It contains blue pigments that help counteract the yellow tones in dark hair.
Violet Bleach Powder: Violet bleach powder is great for lifting lighter hair tones. It helps neutralize brassy or yellow tones that can appear during the bleaching process.
Developer
A developer is a chemical solution that activates the bleach powder. It comes in different volumes (10, 20, 30, and 40), and the volume you choose depends on how much lightening you want to achieve. The developer is responsible for lifting your natural hair color.
Types of Developer:
10 Volume Developer: This developer is the least strong and is used for subtle lightening or when you want to maintain the natural undertones of your hair.
20 Volume Developer: This is a medium-strength developer and is typically used for lightening the hair by 1 to 2 shades. It is ideal for lightening darker hair to a medium blonde.
30 Volume Developer: This developer is stronger and is used for lightening the hair by several shades. It is great for significantly lightening dark hair.
40 Volume Developer: This is the strongest developer and is used for maximum lightening, often used for very dark hair or for creating drastic changes in hair color.
Hair Toner
After bleaching your hair, you may notice unwanted warm or brassy tones, such as yellow or orange. A toner is used to neutralize these tones and achieve a more natural, cool-toned blonde.
Types of Toners:
Purple Toner: Purple helps cancel out yellow tones in blonde hair. It is often used after bleaching to create a neutral blonde.
Blue Toner: Blue helps cancel out orange and red tones. It is great for darker hair that may have a more orange undertone after bleaching.
Silver or Ash Toners: These toners provide a cooler, more platinum blonde shade by neutralizing warm tones.
Bleaching Kits
If you’re new to bleaching or want a more convenient option, bleaching kits are available. These kits usually come with the necessary bleach powder, developer, and sometimes a toner. They are formulated to be easy to use, with instructions provided for a simple and effective bleaching process.
How to Bleach Your Hair Safely
While it’s tempting to bleach your hair at home, it’s important to do so carefully to avoid damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bleach your hair.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair and Work Area
Start by preparing your hair and the area where you will be working. Make sure your hair is in good condition before bleaching. If your hair is damaged, it may be a good idea to deep condition it for a few days before applying bleach. Also, make sure to wear old clothing or a protective cape to avoid staining.
Step 2: Mix the Bleach Powder and Developer
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). Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Apply the Bleach
Divide your hair into sections and start applying the bleach from the ends, working your way up to the roots. The roots process faster due to the heat from your scalp, so apply bleach to the ends first. Make sure to saturate each section of hair completely with the bleach mixture.
Step 4: Monitor the Bleaching Process
Keep an eye on your hair as it lightens. Depending on how light you want your hair, you may need to leave the bleach on for anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes. Do not leave bleach on for longer than the recommended time, as it can cause hair damage.
Step 5: Rinse and Condition
Once the bleach has lifted your hair to the desired level, rinse it out with lukewarm water. Use a color-safe shampoo and a deep conditioner to restore moisture to your hair. Bleaching can be very drying, so it’s important to use a nourishing conditioner to maintain hair health.
Step 6: Use a Toner
If your hair has unwanted warm tones, use a toner to neutralize them. Apply the toner to damp hair, following the instructions on the packaging. After the toner is applied, let it sit for the recommended amount of time and then rinse.
Step 7: Aftercare and Maintenance
Bleaching can leave your hair dry and brittle, so it’s crucial to give it proper care afterward. Use deep conditioning treatments and nourishing oils to restore moisture and prevent breakage. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, and always use heat protectant if you need to style your hair with hot tools.
Best Products for After Bleaching Your Hair
To keep your bleached hair healthy, use products designed for damaged or color-treated hair. Here are some types of products you should include in your hair care routine after bleaching.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Bleached hair needs moisture, and deep conditioning treatments are essential for repairing and hydrating the strands. Look for products that contain ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and shea butter.
Leave-In Conditioners
A good leave-in conditioner can help detangle your hair and provide moisture throughout the day. It’s also a great product to protect your hair before styling.
Protein Treatments
Bleaching can weaken hair by stripping it of natural proteins. A protein treatment can help rebuild and strengthen your hair, making it more resilient to damage.
Heat Protectant Sprays
If you plan to use heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize further damage. This will help protect your hair from the high temperatures and prevent split ends.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair After Bleaching
Limit Heat Styling: Bleached hair is more prone to damage, so avoid using heat styling tools whenever possible. If you must, always use a heat protectant.
Hydrate Regularly: Keep your hair hydrated with regular deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing oils.
Trim Regularly: Trim your ends every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking fresh.
Protect Your Hair from Sun Exposure: The sun can damage bleached hair, so consider wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection when outdoors.
Conclusion
Bleaching your hair can give you the vibrant look you desire, but it’s essential to use the right products and follow proper techniques to avoid damage. By choosing the right bleach powder, developer, and toner, and following a careful application process, you can achieve beautiful, lightened hair. Don’t forget to give your hair the proper aftercare to keep it healthy and looking its best.
Related topics:
- Why Does Air Drying Make Hair Frizzy?
- How Often Should You Wash Hair with Dry Scalp?
- Why Does Dry Shampoo Make My Hair Greasy?
