How To Prepare Your Hair For Bleaching
Keep all the important pointers in mind before you embark on the journey to go blonde.
Tiffany TaylorHairstylist
Expertise: Hair Color & Multicultural Hair Styling
Tiffany Taylor is a licensed cosmetologist from Paul Mitchell School. She is currently in her second year of being on her own as an independent hairstylist in the Kansas city area, and her business is called Another Hairaholic by Tiffany. ... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care, Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 7 years
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 articl... more
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If you are planning to bleach your hair but are worried about its negative effects, you have come to the right place. Here, we will help you prepare your hair for bleaching through a detailed step-by-step guide. Bleaching is the best way to get a makeover. But the harsh chemicals in the bleach can damage your hair and aggravate the dryness. In this article, we have elaborated on ways to prepare your hair for bleaching. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
How To Prepare Your Hair For Bleaching
1. Consider Your Hair Health
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Consider the overall health of your locks before bleaching. Avoid bleaching dry, brittle, and damaged hair. If you have recently undergone chemical hair treatment, wait for at least two weeks before bleaching. Dyed, permed, and highlighted hair is also not suitable for the bleaching process as it may cause further damage.
This simple graph illustrates how certain treatments make your hair lose strength and reduce mechanical resistance. While straightening and flat ironing straight and curly dark brown hair have caused a decrease in mechanical resistance, the bleaching/dyeing procedures increased the resistance of Afro-ethnic hair by 19%.
Mechanical Resistance Of Different Hair Types
Source: Mechanical Resistance Of Different Hair Types2. Stop Using Heat Styling Tools A Week Before Bleaching
Heat styling tools like rollers, flat and curling irons, and blow dryers strip natural moisture and oils and further damage your hair. Avoid these for at least a week before bleaching. Let your hair recover from the heat damage. Keep the strands moisturized to prevent any damage that may occur during the bleaching session.
3. Avoid Washing Your Hair
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Do not wash your hair a day or two before bleaching. The natural oils in the scalp act as a thin barrier between the strands and the bleach. Shampooing may wash out the natural oils. Moreover, if the hair is a little greasy, it will not affect the bleach results or color payoff. Many of the top hair color brands add essential oils to their bleaches to minimize hair damage while bleaching.
While washing your hair, you may accidentally scratch or cut your scalp, which might lead to irritation during the bleaching process. Hence, hair stylists recommend refraining from washing your hair before a bleaching treatment.
4. Applying Hair Oil
Nourishing the hair with coconut oil before bleaching will add and an extra layer of protection to the hair. Our hair is made of keratin (the hair protein), and coconut oil minimizes protein loss and strengthens the hair (1). Additionally, it also softens the hair and keeps it smooth. Start oil massage at least a week before bleaching. You may even apply a thin coat of coconut oil right before bleaching to minimize damage.
Note: Apply only the recommended amount of oil as mentioned on the product label. Applying too much oil might hinder the bleaching process.
5. Apply Hair Mask For Deep Conditioning
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Hair masks are the best way to deep condition your dry and damaged hair. You can get hydrating hair masks from the store or go the DIY way. Mix nourishing oils like coconut and olive oils and apply to the hair. You may also use a DIY mask by mixing yogurt, honey, banana, avocado, and egg and use it once or twice a week. For best results, start using hair masks at least two weeks before bleaching.
6. Be Honest With Your Stylist
Your hair colorist needs to know how you treated your hair before your salon appointment for hair bleaching. They need to know everything about your previous color experiments or mishaps, the frequency of chemical and color treatments, and all other hair experiments you did. This will help them understand the level of damage and adjust the formula accordingly. Also, be open to your stylist’s advice to achieve your hair color goals.
7. Consult A Professional
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Consult a professional colorist or hairstylist and let the professionals evaluate your hair health. Discuss the potential damage and the number of sessions you may need to get the desired color. Consulting a professional will help you understand if your hair is ready to take the chemical blow that comes with bleaching. This will also give you an idea about pre- and post-bleach hair care and what products to use after bleaching.
Quick TipBefore you bleach your hair, you should be clear about the expectations and how you should treat your hair. Here are a few pointers to remember.
Points To Remember
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- Do not skip any chance to moisturize your hair. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and treatments before your salon appointment.
- Opt for multiple sessions and a gradual blonding process to minimize damage. You can get bright bleached hair in just one session, but it might not be the best decision for your hair.
- Bleached hair needs special shampoos. Purple shampoos work great for toning naturally blonde and bleached hair. Hence, upgrade your hair care routine. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to nourish your hair and prevent dryness.
- People with pale skin tones look fabulous in ashy and platinum shades, while people with warmer skin tones look great in golden hues. Choose your bleaching formula accordingly.
Quick TipInfographic: Easy Tips To Help Prepare Your Hair Before Bleaching
Bleaching is one of the necessary steps before getting your hair colored. However, it often causes hair damage and hair fall. To avoid damage and improve your hair health, you need to prepare your hair the right way. We have compiled some easy tips that you should keep in mind before bleaching your hair. Check out the infographic below to know more. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Bleaching may harm your hair if not done correctly. You must prepare your hair for bleaching hair months in advance to minimize damage. Follow the suggestions discussed above in the article to ensure that the bleaching process does not damage your hair, and get an even color tone. Keep your hair nourished and damage-free by using hydrating hair products and oils. Keep in mind that failing to take the necessary safety measures may make your hair brittle and rough. Always seek the assistance of a hairstylist to understand your hair’s state and be open to any suggestions for maintaining healthy hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I shampoo after bleach?
Yes! To keep your locks healthy and shiny after bleaching, be sure to wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and warm water. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp, avoiding harsh scratching with nails.
Which oil is best for bleached hair?
Coconut oil! Transform your tresses with the power of coconut oil, a wondrous ingredient known for its ability to deeply nourish hair from within. Bleaching can strip hair of its nutrients, but coconut oil penetrates the hair to restore its health.
Key Takeaways
- Do not bleach your hair if it is dry, brittle, or damaged.
- Wash your hair a couple of days before bleaching it, and do not use any heat styling tools for a week before it.
- Inform your hairstylist if you had previously bleached or colored your hair.
Sources
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
