Bleaching natural hair can be a bold and transformative process, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure the health and strength of your hair before undergoing such a chemical treatment.
For Black women with textured or curly hair, this is especially crucial because natural hair tends to be drier and more fragile than other hair types.
Bleaching can cause significant damage if the hair isn’t properly prepared.
Here are essential steps Black women should take to protect their natural hair before bleaching.
- Deep conditioning treatments
One of the most critical steps before bleaching is ensuring your hair is well-hydrated.
Natural hair, particularly curly and coily textures, tends to be naturally dry because the oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft.
A deep conditioning treatment will help to restore moisture, strengthen the strands, and prepare the hair to handle the harsh chemicals in bleach. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil, which are known to provide intense moisture. - Protein treatment
Bleaching strips the hair of its natural proteins, weakening its structure and making it prone to breakage.
A protein treatment before bleaching will fortify your hair, filling in any gaps or weak spots in the cuticle, and providing an extra layer of protection against the damage bleach can cause.
There are various protein treatments on the market specifically designed for natural hair, and they should be used once or twice in the weeks leading up to the bleaching process. - Trim split ends
Before bleaching, it’s a good idea to trim away any split or damaged ends. Bleaching can make existing damage worse, so starting with healthy hair will reduce the risk of severe breakage. A trim helps to prevent further splitting and ensures that your hair is in its best condition to withstand the chemical treatment. - Space out chemical treatments
If you’ve recently relaxed or permed your hair, it’s crucial to give it some time to recover before bleaching. Relaxers and perms already weaken the hair structure, and adding bleach on top of that can result in severe damage, breakage, or even hair loss. Ideally, you should wait at least 4-6 weeks between any chemical treatments and bleaching. - Avoid heat styling
In the weeks leading up to your bleaching appointment, minimize heat styling as much as possible.
Excessive heat from flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers can dry out and weaken the hair, making it more vulnerable to the damaging effects of bleach. Instead, opt for protective styles that don’t require heat, such as braids, twists, or roller sets. - Consult a professional stylist
Bleaching is a complex process that should ideally be done by a professional, especially when dealing with natural hair.
A stylist experienced with natural textures will be able to assess the condition of your hair, recommend the appropriate treatments, and ensure the bleaching process is done safely and effectively. - Conclusion
By following these essential steps, Black women can better prepare their natural hair for bleaching, helping to maintain the health, strength, and vibrancy of their curls even after lightening.”
