FACTS: You must use bleach to lighten your natural hair to achieve lighter hair colour.
But no matter what type of hair you have, if you bleach you hair, there maybe some risk of hair damage such as hair breakage and split ends, and after bleached, you hair may become dry and brittle. We’ve all heard sort of horror tales. Yikes! But is this really the case? Can bleach be used safely to create stunning and sassy appearances that attract attention and compliments, or it may damage your hair?
Let’s find out!
Is bleach bad for hair?
Yes, bleach may harm your hair.
Too much bleach on your hair may have extremely negative effects!
Bleach may cause dryness (sometimes severe), breakage, split ends, discolouration, and even loss of pigment if it is not applied correctly according to your hair type.
However, this does not imply that you CANNOT bleach your hair. You may take certain steps to avoid frazzling your hair permanently.
What is bleach for hair?
Hair bleach is simply a chemical compound that takes the colour out of hair, revealing the natural pigmentation in all its beauty.
It generally consists of ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which together will disintegrate the bonds that keep natural colour pigments together.
The end effect is lighter, brighter bleached hair that may be worn alone for a cool appearance or used as a base for lighter hair colour.
You’ll need to bleach your hair if you want to sport colours like platinum blonde, ash blonde, white hair, silver, and the majority of light pastels.
What is the science behind the bleach ?
It’s crucial to comprehend the physics and chemistry behind the bleach process to comprehend what it does to your hair.
Your hair’s cuticle layer is opened up by bleach, which also lightens the colour of the pigment cells in the cortex of each strand.
Any significant hair colouring procedure requires some degree of oxidation, although it may seem frightening.
In other words, bleach can harm your hair to some extent, but so do the majority of other colouring techniques (including highlights).
The main distinction is that bleaching shouldn’t cause more damage than other colouring techniques when carried out properly and with professional-grade products and certified colourists.
What does bleach do?
The cuticles of the hair lift and open when alkaline hydrogen peroxide is used. In the hair cortex, when bleach enters through the cuticle, melanin is oxidised and loses its colour. Here is a fantastic video that demonstrates the damage that a two-process bleach produces to the hair as well as how the colour is totally removed and then reintroduced.
The benefits and drawbacks of hair bleaching
Bleaching has benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, if done properly, it yields stunning effects. You’ll have access to a wide variety of brilliant colours that are otherwise unattainable via natural means. But bleach also makes your hair strands more porous, making them more vulnerable to damage from heat styling equipment and other harsh chemicals included in most styling products. This may eventually cause breakage, dryness, flyaways, and split ends if neglected.
Don’t forget to take preventative steps like using colour-safe shampoos and conditioners since bleached hair also tends to fade fast when exposed to direct sunshine or chlorinated swimming pools!
Pros
- The benefits and drawbacks of hair bleaching
- When properly executed, it produces stunning effects.
- provides access to a variety of brilliant colours that are not feasible to obtain naturally.
Cons
- The benefits and drawbacks of hair bleaching
- As a result of heat styling equipment and harsh chemicals included in styling solutions, hair strands become more porous and more vulnerable to damage.
- Can result in breakage, dryness, and split ends if not properly cared for.
- When exposed to chlorine from swimming pools or bright sunshine, colour may fade fast.
Why harm your hair with bleach?
In essence, when you bleach your hair, the pigment in the strand is removed and replaced with something new. Any natural proteins or oils that make your hair thick and healthy are removed throughout this procedure. Because of this, many individuals who bleach their hair discover that it is drier, brittle, and more prone to breaking following the procedure. Bleach may make your hair strands more porous in addition to removing natural oils and proteins from them.
The term “hair porosity” describes how readily liquids may travel through the structure of each hair strand. This porosity typically ranges from low to medium in normal hair, but when bleach is applied to your strands, it drastically rises since the underlying structure has been harmed by the chemical reaction that occurs during bleaching. Moisture will escape from each strand considerably more rapidly than previously because of the increased porosity.
Therefore, even if you regularly use moisturizing products after bleaching, you can still have further dryness and breakage since the cuticles won’t be able to retain moisture or hair colour as effectively as they previously could.
Is it safe to bleach your hair?
Yes, theoretically bleaching your hair is completely safe as long as you use the proper care and precautions.
It might be a terrific way to make a big difference to bleach your hair, but you need to know what you’re doing to make sure it’s done properly.
The majority of hairdressers will practice safety measures including evaluating the colour’s intensity and strength before bleaching and using moisturizing treatments to prevent breakage.
Finding at-home kits for lightening that are made precisely for your hair type and come with use instructions is a terrific option.
You may also attempt a bleach bath if you merely want to raise your hair by one or two levels or if you want to get rid of any undesired hair colour or brassy tones.
This method makes bleach kinder and gentler on your hair by diluting it with shampoo.
If you follow the appropriate procedures, bleaching your hair may give you the desired appearance without any hazards.
Five best suggestions for preventing bleach damage to your hair.
Understanding bleach’s limits and taking the proper precautions to safeguard it and reduce any harm are crucial to using bleach without hurting your hair.
Before bleaching your hair, bear the following in mind:
#1 Run a strand test first.
Always do a strand test on your hair before using any product.
This will enable you to determine if the product may result in any unanticipated or unfavourable effects.
Apply the product as directed on a tiny segment of hair from an unobtrusive region (such as behind the ear); this will give you a sense of how your hair will respond to the procedure.
#2 Don’t overdo it
It’s important to avoid using a lot of bleach on your full head of hair since it might harm your hair badly.
Use tiny quantities in thin layers instead, building up progressively until desired lightness is attained. You won’t have to be concerned about over-processing or seriously harming your hair this way.
#3 Intense and deep condition your hair
Make sure to do deep conditioning treatments as soon as you finish bleaching to replenish moisture in the strands and avoid dryness and breakage.
Olive oil or coconut oil work well for this since they thoroughly enter the follicles and aid with repairing any harm done by bleaching agents.
Just watch your usage—too much may weigh down delicate hair and give it a greasy appearance.
#4 Select the appropriate hair products
Try searching for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners as well as products intended for bleached hair when purchasing items particularly formulated for hair that has been coloured.
They are made with mild components that won’t strip the strands of moisture or colour while yet leaving them feeling clean and revitalized.
To avoid having all of your hard-earned colour fried out by heat styling equipment, you should also think about investing in heat protectant sprays!
Just keep in mind that getting high-quality items doesn’t necessarily need spending more money; there are many inexpensive solutions available that perform just as well!
#5 Consult a colour specialist for guidance.
Research online and visit a salon and talk to a qualified colourist if you have any concerns about bleaching your hair at home.
They may provide further advice on how to get the desired appearance without doing long-term harm.
What to do with bleached hair.
Your bleached hair will need a little more care to keep it looking healthy and bright for as long as possible.
Start by making an investment in high-quality shampoo and conditioner made especially for hair that has been coloured or bleached. These will nurture delicate strands with the vital moisture balance they need while assisting in preventing fading.
Use preventive sprays before AND after heat styling your hair with anything like flat irons or straighteners to prevent significant damage. Heat styling should also be kept to a minimum.
Additionally, make sure you receive frequent trims every few months to keep split ends at bay and maintain the finest possible appearance for your hair.
Parting words
Yes, bleaching your hair has hazards, but with the right upkeep and care, you may reduce the harm done while still achieving the desired hair colour.
By investing in high-quality products made expressly for coloured or bleached hair, you can keep your mane healthy and extend the life of the dye job.
So feel free to use bleach without concern! You’ll be able to flaunt whatever colour you select with confidence if you keep these suggestions in mind.
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