The desire for a fresh, bold look has driven many to explore the world of hair bleaching from the comfort of their own homes. While salon treatments remain an option, the DIY approach can be both cost-effective and empowering. Before you embark on your hair bleaching journey, it’s important to equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of home hair bleaching, ensuring a successful and satisfying transformation.
What to use to bleach hair?
Before diving into the bleaching process, gather the essential supplies to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
1. Bleach Powder:
The core of the process, bleach powder is mixed with developer to lift the natural color from your hair.
2. Developer:
Also known as bleach activator, developer comes in different strengths (10, 20, 30, and 40 volume). The volume you choose depends on your current hair color and the level of lift you’re aiming for.
3. Mixing Bowl and Brush:
These tools help you blend the bleach and developer to create a smooth and consistent mixture.
4. Gloves:
Protect your hands from the potent chemicals by wearing latex or nitrile gloves.
5. Sectioning Clips:
These are useful for dividing your hair into manageable sections, ensuring even coverage.
6. Old Shirt and Towel:
Bleaching can get messy, so wear an old shirt and place a towel around your shoulders to catch any drips.
7. Plastic Wrap or Foil:
Use these to wrap sections of bleached hair, preventing them from touching other hair and promoting more effective bleaching.
8. Toner (Optional):
After bleaching, you might need a toner to achieve your desired shade. Toners help neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones.
Pre-Bleach Preparations
Before applying the bleach, take these preparatory steps:
1. Patch Test:
Perform a patch test on a small section of hair to ensure you’re not allergic to the bleach and developer mixture.
2. Unwashed Hair:
Bleach works best on unwashed hair because natural oils act as a protective barrier for your scalp.
3. Protective Barrier:
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent the bleach from coming into contact with your skin.
What is The Method Of Mixing Bleach?
Carefully follow these steps to mix the bleach and developer:
1. Ratio:
Follow the instructions on the bleach powder and developer packaging for the correct mixing ratio. Generally, it’s a 1:2 ratio of bleach powder to developer.
2. Consistency:
Aim for a smooth, yogurt-like consistency that’s easy to apply.
3. Avoid Metal:
Use a non-metallic bowl and brush, as metal can react with the chemicals and alter the mixture’s effectiveness.
Application Techniques for Bleaching Hair
Proper application ensures even and consistent results:
1. Sectioning:
Divide your hair into sections using clips. Start with the back sections and work your way to the front.
2 .Roots Last:
Begin applying the bleach to your ends first, as they require more processing time. Then, move to the roots, which are closer to your scalp and heat source, causing them to process faster.
3. Balayage or Full Coverage:
Depending on the look you’re going for, you can either apply the bleach freehand for a balayage effect or use a brush for full coverage.
4. Even Distribution:
Make sure the bleach is evenly distributed to avoid splotchy results.
Timing and Washing
The processing time varies based on your current hair color and desired level of lightness. Monitor the color closely:
1. Frequent Checks:
Check your hair every 10 minutes to gauge the level of lightening. Keep in mind that the processing time might be shorter for the roots.
2. Brassy Tones:
If your hair turns brassy or yellow after bleaching, consider using a toner to achieve the desired shade.
3. Rinse and Shampoo:
Once you’ve achieved your desired level of lightness, rinse the bleach thoroughly with lukewarm water. Shampoo and condition your hair to restore moisture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving a bleached hair look at home is a feasible and exciting endeavor. By gathering the necessary supplies, following proper application techniques, and being patient during the processing time, you can achieve impressive results. Remember that bleaching does cause some damage to your hair, so be prepared to invest in deep conditioning treatments to maintain its health and luster. With the right knowledge and approach, you can confidently transform your hair and enjoy a fresh new style that reflects your unique personality.
