Deciding to bleach your hair is a big step, and one of the most common questions is about timing. Leaving bleach on for too little time means you might not reach your desired level of lightness, but leaving it on for too long can lead to serious damage. It’s a delicate balance that depends on several key factors, not just a single stopwatch number.
It’s More Than Just a Timer
The exact time bleach should be left in your hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The most important factor is your hair’s starting level and color. Dark, coarse hair or hair that has been previously colored with dark dye will require more processing time than fine, virgin, light brown hair. The developer volume you use also plays a huge role. A 20-volume developer works more slowly than a 30 or 40-volume, directly influencing how long the bleach needs to stay on.
How to Check Your Hair’s Progress
Instead of blindly following a set time, the safest method is to check the bleach’s progress frequently. After the first 20 minutes, gently wipe away a small section of the bleach mixture to see how light your hair has become. Your goal is a pale yellow color, like the inside of a banana peel. If it’s not light enough, you can reapply the bleach and check again every 5-10 minutes. It’s crucial to never exceed the maximum recommended time on your bleach product’s instructions.
Signs You Should Rinse Immediately
Your hair and scalp will tell you when enough is enough. If you feel a persistent, intense burning sensation on your scalp, it’s time to rinse the bleach out immediately. You should also watch for any significant color changes in the bleach mixture itself. If it turns a dark purple or blue, this often indicates the bleach is no longer active and is just sitting on your hair, causing unnecessary stress. Continuing to process at this point offers no benefit and only increases the risk of breakage.
Caring for Your Hair After Bleaching
Once you’ve rinsed the bleach out completely, the care begins. Always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment or a bond-building treatment to help restore moisture and strength. For the first few days, avoid hot tools and harsh shampoos to give your hair a chance to recover. Using a purple or blue shampoo can help neutralize any remaining brassy or yellow tones.
Bleaching is a chemical process that requires careful attention. By focusing on your hair’s unique needs and watching its reaction, you can achieve a beautiful lightened result while keeping your hair as healthy as possible.