Thinking about going blonde or trying a vibrant fashion color? Bleaching is often the necessary first step to lighten your natural hair pigment. While it’s an exciting process, it’s also one that requires care and preparation to keep your hair healthy and strong. Approaching it with the right knowledge can make all the difference between a beautiful result and a hair disaster.
Preparing Your Hair and Workspace
Before you even open the bleach kit, preparation is key. It’s best to have unwashed hair; the natural oils will help protect your scalp. Gather your tools: a bleaching powder and developer, a tint brush and bowl, clips, gloves, and an old towel. Always perform a strand test 24-48 hours before to see how your hair reacts and to gauge the timing needed for your desired level of lightness.
The Importance of Developer Volume
The developer is what activates the bleach. Its volume (10, 20, 30, 40) refers to its lifting power. For dark hair aiming for a light blonde, a higher volume like 30 might seem necessary, but it’s also more damaging. A gentler approach is to use a lower volume developer, like 20, and process your hair longer or do multiple sessions over several weeks. This is much safer for your hair’s integrity.
Applying the Bleach Mixture Correctly
Section your dry hair into four parts. Starting with the back sections, apply the bleach mixture about an inch away from your scalp first. Your body heat makes the roots process faster, so applying to the mid-lengths and ends first ensures even color. Once those are covered, go back and apply to the roots. Set a timer and check your hair every 5-10 minutes. It should become a pale yellow, like the inside of a banana peel, for most fashion colors.
Caring for Your Hair After Bleaching
Once you’ve rinsed out the bleach (do not use shampoo!), deep conditioning is non-negotiable. Use a rich, reparative mask to help restore moisture. Going forward, your hair will need extra love. Incorporate purple shampoo to combat brassiness, use heat protectants religiously, and limit how often you wash your hair to maintain its health and your color.
Bleaching your hair at home is a big step, but with careful preparation and a focus on hair health, you can achieve a beautiful light base for your new color. Remember, patience is your best friend throughout this process.