Bleaching can give you stunning blonde shades and vibrant colors, but it also poses a risk of severe hair damage.
Bleach works by stripping the hair of its natural pigments, which can weaken the hair shaft, causing dryness, breakage, and split ends. However, with proper care, you can minimize damage while achieving your desired look.
Here are the top tips to keep your hair strong and healthy during the bleaching process.
1. Prepare your hair in advance
Healthy hair handles bleaching better. Begin preparing your strands a few weeks before bleaching by deep conditioning regularly and avoiding heat styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers. Use protein treatments to strengthen your hair, as bleach can break down the hair’s protein structure.
2. Choose a professional stylist
Consider seeking a professional stylist for bleaching, especially if it’s your first time or you’re making a drastic color change. Stylists can assess your hair’s condition, use high-quality products, and apply bleach properly to reduce damage.
3. Use a bond builder
Bond builders, like Olaplex or K18, are designed to repair and protect hair during the bleaching process. These products work by reconnecting broken disulfide bonds in the hair, minimizing structural damage and keeping strands stronger throughout the lightening process.
4. Avoid overlapping bleach applications
When touching up roots, be careful not to overlap bleach on previously lightened hair. Overlapping can lead to over-processing and excessive damage, making hair more prone to breakage and dryness.
5. Moisturize and condition post-bleach
After bleaching, hydration is crucial. Use sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners designed for color-treated hair. Incorporate weekly deep conditioning masks and leave-in treatments to restore moisture and elasticity to your hair.
6. Limit heat styling
Bleached hair is more fragile, so limit heat styling tools like curling irons and straighteners. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature as low as possible.
7. Space out bleaching session
Avoid frequent bleaching sessions to give your hair time to recover. Stretch the time between touch-ups and use color-preserving products to maintain your shade longer.
By following these steps, you can enjoy beautiful, bleached hair while keeping your strands healthy and resilient.
