There are many reasons women go through makeovers, but the most important is that it is a form of self-care where women find balance and happiness.
Women also find happiness by expressing themselves through their appearance—in their makeup, clothes, and sometimes their hair. The hair is said to be a reflection of one’s identity. There is a deep and personal relationship between one’s hair and self-esteem, which is why many women color their hair to suit their personalities and styles, make them look younger and softer, or enhance their features.
For some, this includes bleaching. Hair bleaching is a chemical hair dye technique that strips the natural color of your hair strands. If you have dark hair color, bleaching will give you lighter colored hair, in turn, giving you a more standout look.
However, bleaching your hair at salons can be pricey. Fortunately, at-home options allow you to easily bleach your hair—provided you do it the right way! Here are some hair color hacks to achieve gorgeous locks:
How to Prep Your Hair and Space
- Do your research. Know what can happen when you bleach your hair, the side effects, the products and tools you will use, and the like. Get the correct kind of toner for your hair shade and color.
- Determine if your hair can withstand the bleaching process. If your hair is super-fine or prone to frizziness, dryness, and breakage, do not bleach your own hair. Go to a professional who knows the right products and strengtheners for your hair.
- Prepare your hair for the bleaching process. Bleach works best on virgin and unprocessed hair, but if your hair has been processed or colored before, do not process it for at least three months. If you introduce bleach too soon, it becomes more susceptible to damage.
- Stop styling and heating your hair. Stop using shampoos and products that contain sulfates and alcohol, and heat styling your hair for at least a month before bleaching, as both of these strip moisture from your hair.
- Always use conditioner. Condition your hair two weeks before the day of bleaching. Use deep conditioning masks twice a week.
- Do not wash hair for up to three days before bleaching. Your hair should be clean, dry, and free from any products. However, you can use coconut oil to help protect your hair and scalp from damage. Leave it on for one to two hours before bleaching. Do not rinse your hair; instead, use just enough oil to saturate your hair.
- Learn to manage your expectations. If this is your first time and you have jet-black hair, do not expect to have platinum blonde hair after 30 minutes of bleaching.
- Conduct an allergy test. Do not skip this step. Most people are not allergic to bleach, but if you are using bleach with color in it, do a patch test a day before the bleaching. Apply a small amount on your elbow or at the back of your ear. Wait for it to dry to see if a reaction will occur. It is normal for the bleach to heat up, but if the stinging sensation starts to burn, wash immediately with water. Do not continue with the bleaching until you find the product that will not harm you.
- Prepare the room. Choose a well-ventilated room with good lighting, a mirror, and a table. Clear the floor of any textiles so that if any bleach falls, it will not cause damage. Wear old clothes that you won’t mind getting bleached on and that you can shower in immediately. Prepare hair clips, combs, shower cap, mixing bowl, and gloves. Make sure the tools you use are made of plastic, as the bleach will burn metallic tools.
- Enlist a helping hand. Ask for the assistance of a friend, roommate, family member, or significant other to help you apply the bleach on your hair, as there are some parts that will be hard to reach.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Bleaching
- Section hair to four segments. This allows you to apply the bleach neatly and efficiently. Apply the bleach into one segment, and then further divide a segment into smaller sections to ensure full saturation.
- Prepare the bleach. Mix a 1:2 ratio of the bleach and developer—two parts developer to one part bleach. Mix well to remove lumps and ensure that the mixture is consistent.
- Do not start at the scalp. Apply the bleach at the tips first and work your way up the hair. Only when the rest of the hair is done do you apply bleach to the roots. This is important as the roots are closest to the scalp, and the bleach can be processed faster due to the body heat. Leave the bleach on for 20 minutes before applying it to the roots.
- Keep an eye on your hair. Always read the directions from the manufacturer to make sure you aren’t over-processing your hair. Cover it with a shower cap or plastic bag. Check hair and skin periodically. If you have dark hair, it is normal for it to turn orange when bleached. If you notice redness, itching, or burning in the skin, wash off the bleach and visit a doctor.
- Leave the bleach on for 20–45 minutes. Keep a timer nearby. If you exceeded 45 minutes, the bleach will stop lifting your hair color and start cooking the hair strands, making them dry and brittle or cause the hair to fall out. Once the alarm goes off, shampoo immediately and thoroughly. Use a balancing shampoo to balance your scalp’s pH levels and follow with a protein balancing conditioner. Air-dry your hair.
- Do not double process. If you see any patches that were not processed correctly, do not bleach again so soon. If you have dark hair and want a heavy lift, it will take a couple of bleaching sessions to get the desired effect. Give your hair time to heal, as double processing will damage it, sometimes irreparably. Do it every couple of weeks or a month apart.
Post-Bleaching Hair Care and Upkeep
- Minimize the use of conditioners. Bleached hair is more susceptible to damage from chemicals from conditioners. Do not apply conditioner to the scalp. Use it only once a week until your hair becomes strong again.
- Switch to natural or organic products. Switch to natural or organic hair products post-bleaching or make these yourselves from homemade recipes.
- Refrain from using styling tools. Don’t style your hair for at least two weeks, as the heat will damage your hair further.
- Make friends with coconut oil. Your hair will need deep nourishment after bleaching. Coconut oil gets into the hair shaft and strengthens it from within. Apply and leave it on for an hour, twice a week.
- Dilute shampoo. Dilute the shampoo with some water to minimize the chemicals in it.
A Right Way to Bleach
Avoid making common bleaching mistakes. Take careful steps to avoid damaging your hair. Do your research to know which products are the best for you based on the color, texture, and condition of your hair. If the desired look is still not achieved, go to the professionals instead to have it done.
Lisa Garcia is a content marketing specialist for L’Oreal Paris – an everyday, luxury beauty brand that empowers women to effortlessly be their most beautiful and confident selves through its hair, skin, and makeup products. As an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, she is passionate about beauty and fashion as a form of art and self-expression. Outside the beauty world, you can find Lisa jamming to her favorite tunes, going on an online shopping spree, or spending time with her friends.
