Whenever you bleach your hair, it’s important to make sure that you keep it in tiptop condition. That’s the case regardless of the color you start with and the color you end up with.
That’s because bleaching your hair can damage its condition. It can leave hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage. No wonder 49.6% of people are afraid to bleach their own hair at home, according to a recent survey from All Things Hair.
Clearly, if you’ve taken the time to bleach your hair, you want something that ends up looking great – not like straw. Follow the tips in this article to achieve beautiful looking blonde hair, even if your hair is dark to start with.
Tips to care for your dark hair before bleaching it
Before you book your salon appointment or buy that bottle of peroxide, it’s time to give your hair some TLC. Make sure it’s in top condition by using a nourishing, moisturizing hair treatment.
It’s a good idea to plan a cut, as well. If you’re having your hair colored in the salon, you can book a cut for the same time. If you’re bleaching your hair yourself, book a cut for soon after. Cutting hair after bleaching it will get rid of any dry ends that the bleach causes and promote healthy growth.
Bleaching dark hair
The darker your hair is to start with, the longer you’re going to have to leave the peroxide on to lift the color out of the hair before you apply toner. Hydrogen peroxide works by entering the hair cuticle and causing a chemical reaction that changes the color of the hair. The longer you leave it, the greater the difference in color.
If you’re bleaching your hair at home, always follow the instructions on the packet to the letter. This is no time for ignoring the manual! Also, if you’re coloring at home, be sure to have everything you need on hand to start with, including an applicator brush to apply the bleach, a bowl to mix it in and some old towels.
If you’re having your hair colored in the salon, your brisbane hair dresser will check it regularly to ensure that the peroxide is lifting color correctly from your hair. If you’re coloring at home, you need to monitor this yourself – very carefully.
Once you’ve bleached your hair to lift the color from it, it’s time to apply toner. Select the shade that you want beforehand, so that it’s ready to apply immediately after you’ve finished the bleaching process.
Consider what will work with your complexion and your preferred style and color of makeup and clothing to help you identify the right color toner for you. After all, going from dark hair to blonde hair can be quite a dramatic change, so make sure you make the most of your new look.
Tips for caring for your newly bleached hair
After you’ve had your hair bleached, you will likely need different shampoos and conditioners than you used before, particularly if your hair was much darker originally. Your hairdresser will be happy to make recommendations, such as purple shampoos and conditioners to keep your locks looking glossy and bright.
Try to leave your hair for a couple of days before washing it after you’ve bleached it and avoid exposure to chlorine or salt water (as these can cause a change in color).
On an ongoing basis, invest in a nourishing mask treatment to apply for your hair weekly to help keep it in great condition.
