How To Bleach Knots: A Step-By-Step Tutorial
Give a natural look to your wig by bleaching the knots with this technique.
Kari EvansCertified Trichologist
Expertise: Natural Hair, Hair Loss, Scalp Disorders, & Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
Experience: 15 years
Kari has been an entrepreneur for over 15 years. She is a Certified Trichologist, Business Mentor, Personal Development Strategist, and Life Coach. She is the owner of Studio Glamour Hair Salon & Restoration Center and mentors and educa... more
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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
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Bleaching the knots is the best way to make your lace wig look more natural. Lace wigs have visible knots tied to secure hair strands from the lace. Bleaching the knots gives more visibility to the natural scalp, and the knots on the lace wig are not visible anymore. But how to bleach knots? Is there any specific procedure to follow? In this article, we present a complete step-by-step guide to bleach the knots. We also discuss the pros and cons and other important tips to follow. Keep reading.
In This Article
How To Bleach The Knots: A Complete Guide
The lace wigs may have two types of knots:
- Single Knot: In this type, each knot has a single hair strand.
- Double Knot: In a double knot, each knot has two or more hair strands.
Single knots are easier to bleach than double knots and give a more natural appearance.
The process of bleaching knots can completely ruin your wig if not done correctly. It is because only human hair wigs can be bleached, and the chemicals in the bleach can easily damage the strands. You have to mix the developer and bleach according to the wig’s size.
If you are bleaching only the frontal hairline, you will require one ounce each of bleach powder and the developer. If you are bleaching the entire base on a full cap wig, it is best to take three ounces each of bleach powder and developer.
Here are the things you will need for bleaching the knots.
Things You Need To Bleach The Knots
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- A good quality powder-based hair bleach (adjust quantity as per the coverage area)
- 20 or 30 volume developer
- Mixing bowl (plastic or glass)
- 1-ounce measuring cup
- Hair color applicator brush
- Disposable gloves
- Aluminum foil
- Styrofoam head with T-pins and mount
Steps-By-Step Procedure For Bleaching The Knots
1. Tightly Secure The Wig
Spritz some water on the hair roots. This helps protect the roots in case the bleach seeps through the lace.
Turn the wig inside out and secure it to the styrofoam head using T-pins. If it has baby hairs, make sure all the strands are secured well.
2. Prepare The Bleach
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Put on your disposable gloves and mix the bleach and the developer. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for correct measurements. In general, the ratio should be 1:1 (one ounce each of bleach and the developer).
Stir the ingredients until the consistency turns thick and creamy. The mixture should not be runny. Otherwise, it may seep through the lace and affect the roots.
3. Apply The Bleach Mixture
Apply the bleach mixture around the entire front hairline. Swipe the brush gently and avoid pressing hard to prevent it from seeping to the roots. Leave the bleach on for 15-20 minutes. Watch the knots closely. The time may vary depending on the hair, so keep a close eye.
4. Rinse The Bleach And Wash The Hair
When the knots turn to your desired color, rinse the wig. You may use a purple shampoo to neutralize any brassiness. Apply a generous amount of conditioner, leave it on for several minutes, and wash off.
5. Dry The Hair
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Squeeze the excess water with a towel and air dry the wig. You may also use a hair dryer to speed up the process.
You may check out this step-by-step video to get an idea about the bleaching process.
Although hair professionals always advise bleaching the wig knots, it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the process.
Pros And Cons Of Bleaching Knots
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Pros
- Bleached knots look natural as the color matches your scalp color.
- Bleached knots help blend the wig seamlessly to create an illusion of a natural hairline.
Cons
- Bleaching may weaken the knots and cause hair shedding.
- The results can be uneven if not done correctly, especially in jet black wigs.
Considering the pros and cons, if you are confused between getting bleached and unbleached knots, scroll through the next section.
Bleached Vs. Unbleached Knots: Which One To Go For?
Wigs with unbleached knots last longer than wigs with bleached knots. Bleaching affects the hair strands and may cause damage, breakage, and hair shedding.
Unbleached knots may appear unnatural as the hair knots are visible. You may use makeup and foundation to conceal the visible knots and create the illusion of bleached knots. However, you have to wash your wig thoroughly and reapply makeup every single time. Otherwise, it may cause scalp buildup and damage to the hair.
Both bleached and unbleached hair wigs come with their set of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, everything boils down to your convenience. If you want your wig to last longer and do not mind reapplying makeup every day, go for wigs with unbleached knots. If you want a natural-looking and realistic wig, go ahead and bleach the knots.
Whether you are new or experienced in bleaching wig knots, it is always recommended to follow certain tips and basic rules to get the desired results.
Important Tips To Keep In Mind When Bleaching The Knots
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- Ensure that you mix the bleach and the developer in accurate proportions. Otherwise, it may create uneven results.
- The bleach mixture should be thick and creamy. If it is runny, the proportions are not right.
- Avoid oversaturating the wig closure with bleach to prevent bleaching the hair strands accidentally.
- Always go for the correct developer volume for bleaching knots. If you are a beginner, do not use a developer over 20 or 30 volumes.
- Brush and pin-up all the baby hair and stray hair strands before bleaching the wig closure.
- Keep an eye on the knots as they develop a lighter shade. Rinse as soon they reach your desired shade.
The Final Word
Bleaching the knots help reduces the visibility of their closure, giving the wig’s hairline a natural finish, resembling the natural scalp. You can follow the tips discussed in the article to bleach knots at home. However, proceed with caution and follow the steps properly while applying bleach to the lace closure. Do not leave the bleach on for more than 20 minutes. This will help avoid the risk of overbleaching and damage to the hair strands on the wig. Also, ensure to wash the bleached wig and use a deep conditioner to make it last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you bleach knots or dye hair first?
You must always bleach before using dye to achieve the desired hair color. Lightened hair will take on color quicker.
Do you bleach knots on HD lace?
No. Most HD lace closures are clear and do not need bleaching.
Can you bleach knots if the hair is wet?
Yes. Although the usual procedure is to bleach dry hair, bleaching is not a problem when the hair on the wig is wet.
Key Takeaways
- If not done correctly, the strands in your wig can get ruined by the chemicals in the bleach.
- Always follow the instructions written on the product packaging to avoid ruining your wig.
- Though a bleached wig may create an illusion of a natural hairline, it may also weaken the knots.
