A. How to (Safely) Bleach Your Hair At Home
We were there: one day you wake up and find that you changed from blonde to ombré accidentally. The truth is that in nine out of ten cases you want to go to a professional to find a solution – even if you have to wait for an appointment longer than desired. That’s because dyeing hair can be done successfully at home. However, bleaching is a different story.
“Bleaching hair is a very complete process”, explains the famous colorist and Hush & Hush brand ambassador, Ryan Pearl. “Many factors influence the use of the bleach, such as the general condition of the hair, the processing time and also the pattern of the locks”. Shvonne Perkins, Madison Reed’s colorist, agrees: “Bleach can be extremely harmful to the health of the scalp. From the results point of view, it is extremely difficult to predict the results of the bleach, as the color of your hair is usually between orange and yellow. ”
In general, it is better to make a root correction than to try a complete makeover of platinum. “I would recommend dyeing the roots well before bleaching all hair,” says Perkins. “A total bleach is such a complicated and unique process – there is no single process that is suitable for everyone. Time and usage can vary depending on the color and type of hair.” If you just can’t resist, the experts are here to teach you about it. Read tips on whitening Pearl, Perkins, and celebrity colorist and #mydentity founder Guy Tang.
1. When to lighten – and when not
The first step is to determine if your hair is healthy enough to bleach. If your hair is super thin or you have porosity problems, such as: B. Frizz, dryness and breakage, leave the bleaching to your professional colorist who will be able to use the most appropriate products and tonics for your hair. “The big questions to ask are: How hydrated is my hair? That’s disgusting? When was the last time my hair was dyed, bleached or combed in the salon? “Advises Tang. Your answers should determine whether you should move on or not.
If your hair color is naturally blonde or light brown, you can probably win with a store-bought color. “For those with light or light brown hair, you can use permanent blonde dyes to enhance your roots. You may not get the same boost or hue that you get with lightening highlights, but at least it’s not a gradation of color that is waiting to be done, ”explains Perkins. The same goes for those who want to touch up adult highlights. “The Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Kit contains enough bleach to lighten the hair, but allows for a much more controlled and smooth application, keeping it away from its roots. A toner and binding cleaning treatment is also included to prevent emergencies with highlights at home. ”
2. The preparation
“When it comes to bathroom decor, I always like to treat mine as a small ritual space,” says Perkins. “I would recommend putting parchment paper and distributing everything you need. So once you start the process, you will no longer have to look for things. Think of it as a mise en place [for cooking ingredients], but for your hair. . ”
You will need:
- Hair bleach of your choice
- Old T-shirt
- Old towel
- Hair Clips
- Shampoo
“Hair should almost always be a little clean and dry – that is, without dry shampoo, styling products and excessive oils, although a little natural oil is good,” says Perkins. Remember that bleaches are known to damage tissues. So choose what you wear wisely. “Remove the carpets from the bathroom to ensure that nothing drips. If a product accidentally spills on the floor, clean it to make sure it doesn’t damage, ”adds Tang. “Another great tip is to wear clothes that allow you to wash your hair easily. Whether you are taking a shower or asking a friend for help with dishes, when the time is up, get a shampoo immediately ”, he adds.
3. The process
- Divide the hair into four quadrants to apply the product perfectly. You should also apply the bleach to smaller segments in each section to make sure it has completely saturated the hair.
- Then, apply bleach 2.5 cm from the scalp and work the hair area. It is important not to start with the scalp, as body heat processes it more quickly. After the rest of the hair is ready, go back and apply bleach to the root.
- Leave the bleach to act for 20 to 45 minutes depending on the color of your hair, the desired results and the packaging instructions. “I recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions on the back of the bottle to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed,” says Tang.
- When the time runs out, wash immediately and thoroughly.
4. The maintenance
One of the most important aspects to lighten hair, whether at home or in the salon, is post-treatment. “Hair care is essential before and after coloring,” says Pearl, who recommends the Hush & Hush DeeplyRooted hair supplement to keep hair healthy before and after coloring, and the Leave-In Redken Frizz Dismiss Cream. Tang is also a fan of deep conditioning, saying that if a hair mask doesn’t work on its own, “apply a hair dryer to make sure the hair cuticle absorbs all the nutrients to hydrate your hair.”
When you are ready to return to the salon, Tang recommends asking your stylist about #mydentity #myhero collagen treatment to improve hair elasticity and an Olaplex treatment to strengthen it. In the meantime, Perkins is a fan of shine to make the painting look new. “People usually dye their hair very often because they see it opaque when they don’t necessarily need permanent coloring,” says the experienced colorist. “Glossy inks are a great way to refresh your color without causing damage.”
B. How To Bleach Hair At Home – Step By Step Guide With Pictures
Women often feel the need for a review. They crave a change that usually starts with the hair. However, dark hair can be a serious limitation when trying to try different hair colors. However, this does not mean that you can never experience it. Bleaching hair can help. In this post, we discuss how you can bleach your hair at home. Keep reading.
1. Prepare your hair
The bleach breaks the hair shaft and oxidizes the melanin granule that gives color to the hair. This process causes hair damage and, for the same reason, your hair needs to be in good condition to be bleached. If your hair is dry or damaged, wait a month or two before lightening. In the meantime, you can prepare your hair, returning it to health. You can prepare your hair at least two weeks before whitening.
2. To prepare your hair
a. Work with virgin (or almost virgin) hair
Hair is damaged by chemicals. Hair discoloration can cause more damage as it makes the hair more penetrable. Do not process your hair for at least three months before the whitening treatment. If you have edited or colored your hair, wait three months before lightening. The bleach is best for virgin and unprocessed hair. Your hair is also more prone to damage if you reprocess it too early.
b. Take a break from styling
Stop using heat to comb your hair and don’t use shampoos and products that contain sulfates and alcohol. This can help prevent hair moisture loss.
c. State how your life depends on it
You need to start conditioning your hair two weeks before bleaching. Instead of using store-bought conditioners, opt for deep conditioning masks at least twice a week. You can make homemade masks out of ingredients like coconut oil, egg, olive oil, banana and avocado. Make sure you never wash your hair before looking at it first. This can prevent the shampoo from drying out your hair.
d. Coconut oil is your best friend
Wetting your hair with oil the night before whitening can make a big difference. Coconut oil forms a protective barrier over the hair strands and prevents moisture loss. The oil does this without interfering with the bleaching process. Although whitening can help improve your appearance, the process has some side effects.
3. Side effects of whitening: when to see your doctor
The bleach contains an alkaline agent (ammonium hydroxide) and an oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide). Both elements penetrate the hair shaft to decrease the natural color of the hair and break the melanin in your cuticles. This leads not only to loss of hair color, but also to significant damage to hair, including scalp burns, easy permeability of hair strands, significant loss of protein, severe damage to hair due to decreased porosity and skin irritation .
4. Pick up your supplies
a. Bleach powder
Buy bleaching powder from a good brand like Wella, Blondor, Matrix, or Salon Care. Compromising and using skin bleach will likely result in catastrophic hair. Opt for a blue or purple bleach to reduce the brass.
b. Developer / peroxide
This is the peroxide liquid that activates the bleach to lighten the hair. It is available in different volumes: 10, 20, 30, and 40. This indicates the strength of the peroxide. Use the information below to select the ideal volume for your needs. There are 10 levels of hair, 1 of which is the darkest – black and 10 is the lightest – light blonde. Depending on how much buoyancy you want, choose the ideal peroxide from the list below.
- Vol 10 – This volume does not work for dark hair. It is ideal for light fading of colored hair or for lifting 1-2 shades of color in already light hair.
- Vol 20 – If you have light brown hair and don’t want to lift too many colors, a 20-volume developer should do the trick. This increases approximately 2-3 levels of color.
- Vol 30 – A Volume 30 developer will help to raise 3-4 levels of hair color, but should not be left on the scalp for too long, as this can cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, it is best not to let bleach come into contact with your skin or scalp when using this volume. If you want to bleach your hair to the lightest blonde, using this developer in 2-3 sessions is ideal.
- Vol 40 – Volume 40 can provide high lift, but it can also damage your hair. When using it, make sure that it does not remain on the hair for more than 10-15 minutes to minimize damage.
You will also need the following tools:
- Hue brush
- Cutting clips
- Plastic/latex gloves
- Mixing bowl made of plastic/glass
- Shower cap / plastic bag
- Balancing shampoo
- Protein balance conditioner
- Old clothes and a towel
- Toner (optional)
5. Bleach hair at home
For best results, avoid washing your hair for at least 2 to 3 days before bleaching. Install it in a well-ventilated area with good lighting, a mirror and a table to place all your tools.
a. Put on old clothes and put on your gloves
Make sure to put on old clothes that you don’t mind when applying the bleach. Put on your gloves.
b. Split your hair
Divide the hair so that the crown section is secured. That way, you can work freely with the back of the hair first. The crown section is difficult to access, so it is best to reserve it for the last.
c. Mix the bleach powder and the developer
Mix the bleach and the developer. You need to add two parts of the developer to one part of the bleach. Make sure that there are no lumps and that the mixture is consistent.
d. Apply the bleach
When you’re done with the sections below, undo the section you saved and start applying. After all your hair is covered with bleach, cover it with a shower cap or plastic bag.
Tip: apply the color to the ends and middle of the hair first, as it will take longer to lighten than the roots. Let the bleach rest for at least 20 minutes before applying the color to the roots. This can guarantee a uniform color (not lighter roots and darker tips).
e. Bleach the tallest sections
When you are finished with the sections below, undo the section you saved and start applying. After all your hair is covered with bleach, cover it with a shower cap or plastic bag.
f. Esit back and wait for the magic
It’s time to sit and wait for the magic! Do not leave the bleach for more than 30-45 minutes. Check your hair regularly to see if the color is at the desired levels. Don’t worry if your hair turns orange. It is normal for dark hair to turn orange when lightened.
Note: Keep an eye on your hair and the skin around it. If you notice any redness, itching or burning sensation after spending time with the bleach in your hair, wash it off and see a doctor.
g. Wash your hair and let it dry
After 45 minutes, soak in the shower and rinse the bleach thoroughly. Wash your hair with a balancing shampoo to balance the pH of the scalp. Follow with a protein balancing conditioner. Let your hair air dry.
h. Toner (optional)
If you don’t want warm tones in your hair, you can bleach it with toner. Replace the bleach with toner and follow all the steps above. Alternatively, you can use a toning shampoo to remove warm tones from your hair.
6. Hair care after bleaching
- Minimize the use of conditioner: most conditioners contain concentrated amounts of chemicals to improve the appearance of your hair. After bleaching hair, it may be more prone to chemical damage. Reduce the amount of conditioner you use and do not apply conditioner to your scalp. Also, limit the use of the conditioner to once a week until the hair regains strength.
- Use natural / organic products: chemicals damage your hair, especially after you’ve bleached it. Since your hair is very fragile, choose only natural hair care products. You can buy them at the store or try homemade recipes.
- Do not use styling tools: styling tools use heat, which can damage your hair. This damage can be more aggressive after a whitening session. After lightening your hair, stay away from styling tools for at least two weeks.
- Oil your hair: Research shows that oils (like coconut oil) can penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen the hair from the inside. Your hair needs this deep nourishment after lightening. Oil your hair and leave it for at least an hour. Repeat this twice a week.
- Dilute your shampoo: Your shampoo contains chemicals that can damage bleached hair. Instead of using it as is, add a little water.
Note: bleaching works best on virgin hair. If you have really dark or color-treated hair and want a strong facelift, it may take a few sessions to get the color you want. It is best to separate these sessions every few weeks or a month. That way, you won’t overload your hair.
If your hair is extremely dark, long, very processed, thin, very thick, curly/curly, colored, wavy or damaged, do not bleach it at home. Instead, do it professionally to get the results you expect.
