Bleach Bath For Shiny Hair: How To Prepare And Apply

A bleach bath is an ideal way to get shiny hair with a light hue — that too without any brassy tones. Moreover, it is a milder and safer option than the actual bleaching process. So, what exactly is a bleach bath? How does it work? We have answered all these questions right here. Also, we have thrown light on the entire process and simple tips to manage your bleached hair. Now let us get started.

What Is A Bleach Bath?

The basic process of bleaching involves mixing the bleach powder with the peroxide. This process is effective in lightening your hair, but its after-effects are quite destructive. Bleaching can alter your hair bonds and turn your hair brittle over time.

On the other hand, a bleach bath is a much milder procedure. It differs from the regular bleaching process. In this process, a diluted solution that is far gentler on your hair is used. Shampoo is added to the mixture and applied to wet hair.

You must be wondering why you should go for a bleach bath when regular bleaching can get the job done just as easily. Scroll down to the next section to find out why.

Why Opt For A Bleach Bath?

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Since bleach is an aggressive substance, applying it to your hair often can be risky, especially if you have thin, fragile hair. Thus, the perfect alternative is bleach bath. This process causes no damage and is absolutely safe for all hair types.

Now that you know why you should go for a bleach bath, you must be wondering when to use one. Find out in the next section.

When To Use A Bleach Bath

You should opt for a bleach bath when you want to:

• Remove the existing permanent hair dye
• Fix over-toned hair
• Lighten your hair by one level
• Lighten fragile hair

If your current hair dye is refusing to come off, don’t worry. A bleach bath can be extremely useful in removing the permanent hair dye and getting rid of its traces.

A bleach bath may not be as effective as the regular bleaching process, but it is less damaging to your hair than the latter. If you have fragile hair, this minimum bleaching action is perfect for the look you want to achieve.

Now, let’s check out how you can prepare and apply a bleach bath.

How To Prepare A Bleach Bath

To prepare a bleach bath, you need to gather three essential components, i.e., bleach powder, peroxide, and shampoo. This is how you need to prepare the mix:

1. Do An Allergy Test

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If this is your first time using a bleach bath, this step is a must to avoid any adverse reaction. Dip a cotton ball into the developer and the bleach and dab it on your hand. If your skin turns red or starts itching, you are most likely allergic to the bleach. But if you are unsure, wait for 48 hours and check for any more changes. If nothing happens, you may proceed with the procedure.

2. Mix The Bleach, Developer, And Shampoo In A Bowl

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Start off by mixing the bleach powder and the developer in a 1:2 ratio. The volume of the developer indicates the amount of peroxide in it. The higher the volume, the greater the amount of peroxide. Developers come in different volumes, with 10 being the weakest and 40 being the strongest. For a bleach bath, we recommend 10 volume developer. To this mixture, add one part of shampoo. Add bleach powder and shampoo in equal quantities. You can increase or decrease the intensity of this mixture as per your preference by experimenting with the ratio. Adding shampoo to this mixture will subdue the bleach. You can even add a conditioner to soften your hair.

How To Apply The Mixture

Step 1 – Dampen Your Hair With Cool Water

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You should bleach your hair when it is damp, not dripping wet. Wet your hair by running it under warm water. Before you apply the bleach, let your hair air-dry for a few minutes. You can even towel-dry your hair dry it a bit.

Step 2 – Wrap A Towel Around Your Shoulders

In case of accidental drips, the towel can protect your skin and clothes from getting discolored. You can also wear an old T-shirt to avoid any mishaps. Don’t forget to put on rubber/latex gloves to protect your hands from bleach burns.

Step 3 – Apply The Bleach

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When applying the bleach, start from the tips of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Once you are done applying it from roots to ends, rub the rest of the mixture on your hair like would apply shampoo while showering. Make sure to soak each strand with the solution.

Step 4 – Secure Your Hair With Clips

Clip your hair up and put on a shower cap. This will prevent the solution from dripping.

Step 5 – Wash Your Hair

Keep checking the color of your hair every 5 minutes. Once you are satisfied with the color, wash out the bleach.

Quick Tip

Apply the formula in a room with proper ventilation. It is important to keep windows and doors open so fresh air can enter because bleach vapors can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

For How Long Should You Leave The Bleach Bath On?

The amount of time that the bleach is left on your hair depends on your natural hair color and the volume of developer used. If you have bleached your hair before, you can leave it on for 10 minutes. If you have dark hair and want to lighten your tresses, leave the bleach on for up to 30 minutes. If you are using 30-40 volume developer, don’t leave the solution on for more than 7-10 minutes.

Quick Tip

If your hair is black, be aware that it will be the most difficult to bleach. The intended result cannot be achieved with a single session of bleach bath. Instead, you will need to use a bleach bath several times over a couple of weeks to considerably lighten the color.

How To Take Care Of Bleached Hair

1. Condition your hair every time you wash it and deep condition it every two weeks to restore the lost moisture.
2. Apply a heat-protectant spray or serum to your hair before using any heat styling tools to prevent heat damage.
3. Avoid using straighteners, hair dryers, and curling irons for a few days after the bleaching process as freshly bleached hair is more susceptible to damage.
4. Frequent use of leave-in conditioners, serums, and hair masks will prevent your hair from drying out.

Infographic: Hairstyles To Try After A Bleach Bath

After lightening your hair using this method, you would surely want to try out some fresh and fun hairstyles to give that final touch to your look. To help you get some style inspo, we have something in store for you. Check out the infographic below for some excellent ideas to rock your mane. Scroll down!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Arshiya SyedaEditor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more