Bleaching your hair can be a transformative process, whether you’re looking to lighten your locks for a new look or prepare them for vibrant colors. However, selecting the right bleach is crucial to achieving your desired results while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair. With a myriad of options available in the market, it’s essential to understand the different types of bleach, their strengths, and how they interact with your hair type. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which bleach is best suited for your hair.
Understanding the Types of Bleach
Before delving into specific bleach products, it’s vital to understand the different types of bleach available:
1. Powder Bleach: Powder bleach is a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike. It typically comes in a powdered form and requires mixing with a developer to activate its lightening properties. Powder bleach offers versatility in terms of strength, allowing for customized lightening effects.
2. Cream Bleach: Cream bleach, as the name suggests, comes in a creamy consistency, making it easier to apply and control. Cream bleach often contains conditioning agents, which can help mitigate damage to the hair during the bleaching process.
3. Oil-Based Bleach: Oil-based bleach formulations are relatively newer to the market but have gained popularity due to their gentler approach to lightening hair. These bleaches contain oils and conditioning agents designed to moisturize and protect the hair while lifting color.
4. Ammonia-Free Bleach: Traditional bleach formulas contain ammonia, which aids in opening the hair cuticle to allow for color removal. However, ammonia can be harsh on the hair and cause significant damage. Ammonia-free bleaches use alternative ingredients to achieve similar lightening effects while being gentler on the hair.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bleach
Several factors should influence your decision when selecting a bleach for your hair:
1. Hair Type and Condition: Consider the current condition of your hair and its natural texture. Fine or damaged hair may require a gentler bleach formulation to minimize the risk of breakage and further damage. Conversely, thicker or coarse hair may tolerate stronger bleach formulations for more dramatic lightening effects.
2. Desired Lightness: Determine how many shades lighter you wish to go and assess whether your chosen bleach formulation can achieve the desired level of lightness. Keep in mind that achieving significant lightening may require multiple bleach applications, so it’s essential to choose a product that can lift the hair safely without compromising its integrity.
3. Developer Strength: The strength of the developer used with the bleach significantly impacts the lightening process. Developers come in various volumes, typically ranging from 10 to 40 volumes, with higher volumes providing more lift but also posing a greater risk of damage. Select a developer strength based on your desired lightness and the condition of your hair.
4. Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list of the bleach product, particularly if you have sensitivities or allergies. Look for formulations that contain nourishing and conditioning ingredients to help mitigate potential damage to the hair.
Top Bleach Products for Different Hair Types
Now that we’ve covered the essential factors to consider let’s explore some top bleach products tailored to different hair types:
1. Best for Fine or Damaged Hair:
- Product: Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier with No. 2 Bond Perfector
- Type: Cream Bleach
- Strength: Gentle
- Benefits: This two-step system by Olaplex is renowned for its ability to protect and strengthen the hair during the bleaching process. The No. 1 Bond Multiplier helps to rebuild broken hair bonds, while the No. 2 Bond Perfector further nourishes and seals the cuticle, leaving the hair feeling softer and healthier post-bleaching.
2. Best for Thick or Coarse Hair:
- Product: Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder Lightener
- Type: Powder Bleach
- Strength: Medium to Strong
- Benefits: Wella’s Blondor Multi Blonde Powder Lightener is a favorite among professionals for its powerful lifting capabilities. It can lighten hair up to seven levels while still maintaining a creamy consistency for easy application. Additionally, its dust-free formula reduces the risk of irritation during the bleaching process.
3. Best Ammonia-Free Option:
- Product: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach
- Type: Cream Bleach
- Strength: Medium
- Benefits: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach offers a gentle yet effective alternative to traditional ammonia-based bleaches. Formulated with conditioning agents and no ammonia, it lifts hair color while leaving it feeling nourished and hydrated. The kit also includes a conditioning mask to further replenish moisture post-bleaching.
4. Best Oil-Based Option:
- Product: Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener 9+
- Type: Oil-Based Bleach
- Strength: Strong
- Benefits: Schwarzkopf’s BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ harnesses the power of oils to protect and nourish the hair while lightening. Its integrated bonding technology helps to strengthen hair fibers and minimize breakage, making it ideal for achieving significant lightening results without compromising hair health.
Tips for Safe Bleaching
Regardless of the bleach product you choose, it’s essential to follow these tips for safe and effective bleaching:
1. Perform a Strand Test: Before applying bleach to your entire head, conduct a strand test to assess how your hair reacts to the product. This will help you determine the optimal processing time and ensure that the bleach achieves your desired lightness without causing excessive damage.
2. Use Protective Measures: Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin irritation and staining during the bleaching process. Additionally, consider applying a barrier cream or oil around your hairline to protect your skin from potential irritation.
3. Follow Instructions Carefully: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the bleach product. Pay close attention to recommended processing times and developer ratios to achieve the best results while minimizing damage to your hair.
4. Moisturize and Repair: After bleaching, it’s crucial to replenish moisture and nourishment to your hair. Use a deep conditioning treatment or mask designed for color-treated hair to help repair damage and restore hydration.
5. Limit Heat Styling: Bleached hair is more susceptible to damage from heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons. Whenever possible, allow your hair to air dry naturally or use heat protectant products before styling with heat.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bleach for your hair is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into account your hair type, desired lightness, and overall hair health. By understanding the different types of bleach available and considering key factors such as developer strength and ingredients, you can achieve beautiful, lightened locks while minimizing damage and maintaining hair integrity. Remember to prioritize safety and follow proper application techniques to ensure a successful bleaching experience. With the right bleach and proper care, you can confidently embark on your hair lightening journey and unveil a stunning new look.
FAQs
Q1: Should I use 20 or 30 developer with bleach?
When deciding between a 20 or 30 volume developer to use with bleach, it’s essential to consider the starting hair color and the desired level of lift. A 20 volume developer is generally recommended for lightening hair by one to two shades, while a 30 volume developer is suitable for lifting hair by two to three shades. However, higher volume developers like 30 can cause more damage to the hair shaft and scalp, so they should be used with caution, especially on already processed or damaged hair. If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to start with a lower volume developer like 20 to minimize potential damage and assess the results before moving to a higher volume.
Q2: What hair bleach is the least damaging?
When searching for the least damaging hair bleach, consider products with conditioning agents and lower levels of harsh chemicals. Bleaches containing ingredients like coconut oil, keratin, or argan oil can help mitigate damage by nourishing the hair during the bleaching process. Additionally, ammonia-free or low-ammonia formulas are gentler on the hair shaft. Look for bleach kits specifically designed for at-home use that prioritize hair health, and always follow the instructions carefully to minimize damage.
Q3: What bleach to use on dark hair?
For dark hair, it’s essential to choose a bleach specifically formulated for darker or resistant hair types. Look for bleaches with higher lifting power, often labeled as “extra strength” or “high lift,” as these formulations are designed to effectively lighten darker hair shades. Cream-based bleach products are often recommended for their ease of application and ability to cling to the hair strands, ensuring even and thorough lightening results.
Q4: How do you bleach dark hair without it turning orange?
To bleach dark hair without it turning orange, it’s crucial to pre-lighten the hair to the desired level and then tone it properly. Begin by applying bleach evenly throughout the hair, focusing on areas that need the most lift. Monitor the bleaching process closely to avoid over-processing, which can result in orange tones. Once the hair reaches the desired lightness, use a toner specifically formulated to neutralize brassy or orange hues. Choose a toner with blue or violet undertones to counteract the warmth in the hair and achieve a more natural-looking blonde or lightened shade. Additionally, consider incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine to help maintain the desired tone and prevent brassiness between toning sessions.
