Introduction to hair bleaching
What is hair bleaching?
Hair bleaching is a chemical process designed to lighten the natural or already colored color of your hair. This is usually done by using chemical agents to remove pigments from hair strands, leaving behind a blonde or pale yellow base. This process is often used as a first step before more vivid coloring, such as pastel shades or bright colors.
The importance of understanding bleaching before you start
Before embarking on do-it-yourself hair bleaching, it's crucial to understand what's involved. Improper handling can lead to irreversible hair damage, such as breakage, excessive dryness or even hair loss. What's more, incorrect use of chemicals can cause scalp burns and other skin damage. That's why it's essential to learn about the steps involved, the precautions to take, and to use products suited to your hair type.
Why choose to bleach your own hair?
The advantages and disadvantages of home bleaching
There are several advantages to bleaching your own hair. Firstly, it saves you a lot of money, as the cost of salon bleaching can be quite high. Secondly, it offers greater flexibility in terms of timing and process, as you can do it at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.
- Advantages :
- Save money.
- Process and timing control.
- Experimentation with different products and techniques.
- Disadvantages :
- Risk of capillary damage through incorrect handling.
- Possibility of an unexpected result.
- Need to have a good understanding of products and their use.
By weighing up the pros and cons, it's possible to understand why some people choose to take responsibility for their hair bleaching. However, this requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the chemicals used.
Preparation for home hair bleaching
Assess the condition of your hair
Before embarking on the bleaching process, it's essential to assess the current health of your hair. Examine the texture, thickness and strength of your strands to determine whether they can withstand bleaching. If your hair is already weakened, chemically damaged or damaged, it's advisable to restore it with nourishing treatments before starting bleaching.
Test your hair's resistance to bleaching
A strand test is a crucial step in anticipating how your hair will react to chemical treatment. Select a small section of your hair, apply a small amount of bleach and check the result after the recommended exposure time. This test not only assesses color change, but also hair strength after bleaching.
Choice of bleaching products
How to choose the right bleach?
The choice of bleach is crucial to the success of the bleaching process. Look for a product suited to your hair type and desired shade. Bleaching powders are often used in combination with a developer to effectively lighten hair. Make sure the product you choose is of good quality and formulated to minimize damage.
Selecting the right developer
Developer is another key element in the bleaching process. It is available in different strengths, expressed in volumes, ranging from 10 to 40. A low-volume developer (10 to 20) is ideal for subtle lightening or fine hair, while a stronger developer (30 to 40) may be needed for thicker or darker hair. It's important to choose a developer that works in harmony with your bleach to achieve the best results while limiting damage.
It's imperative to invest in quality products and carry out all preparatory tests to ensure a smooth bleaching process. By taking the time to prepare your hair and carefully select your products, you'll greatly increase your chances of achieving a harmonious result and protecting the health of your hair.
See also: How do I bleach my hair brown?
The fading process
Steps to follow for hair bleaching
Mixing bleach and developer
The first step to successful bleaching is to prepare the mixture correctly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on mixing ratios between bleach and developer. Use a non-metallic bowl and a brush to ensure even mixing. Mix to a smooth, creamy consistency. This base must be applied quickly for the chemical process to work effectively.
Application of bleach
Before you start, protect your skin with moisturizer or Vaseline around the hairline and over the ears to avoid irritation. Then separate your hair into sections to facilitate application. It's best to start at the back of the head, where hair is often thicker, then work your way forward. Use a brush to apply the mixture, ensuring that each section is evenly covered.
Treatment and rinsing times
Application time is crucial and must be carefully monitored. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal processing time, which can vary according to hair type and desired level of clarity. Regularly check progress by gently lifting strands to assess color. Once you've reached the desired shade, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove any product residue. Then use a neutralizing shampoo to stop the chemical process and a moisturizing conditioner to soothe and restore moisture to your hair.
How can I reduce the risk of discoloration errors?
What if the result isn't as expected?
Sometimes, the result of bleaching is not what you expected. If your hair appears yellowish or coppery instead of the desired blonde shade, a toner can be used to neutralize these undesirable tones. Choose a purple toner to counteract yellow tones, or a blue toner for orange tones. Apply toner as indicated on the packaging and rinse as instructed.
In the event that bleaching has weakened your hair too much, it's crucial not to attempt to correct it immediately by bleaching again, as this could exacerbate the damage. Instead, opt for restorative treatments such as nourishing masks, and avoid heated instruments to help your hair recover.
By taking a meticulous approach and being ready to intervene quickly if a problem arises, you can correct or improve the unexpected results of at-home discoloration. Remember, it's always best to consult a professional if the damage is extensive or if you're unsure of the steps to take. Good preparation and product knowledge will enable you to turn your hair ideas into satisfying results.
After-care
The importance of after-care
After the bleaching process, it's essential to adopt a proper care routine to restore the integrity and health of your hair. Bleaching can leave hair porous, dry and fragile, so it's important to mitigate these effects with nourishing, moisturizing care.
Products to include in your hair routine
To maintain the health of your bleached hair, opt for a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for colored or bleached hair. These products contain ingredients that promote moisture retention and strengthen the hair fiber. Regular use of hair masks enriched with proteins or natural oils is recommended to nourish and repair weakened strands.
Techniques to minimize damage
Reduce the use of heat
Avoid using heated tools such as straightening or curling irons, as they can aggravate dryness and breakage in bleached hair. If you must use these tools, be sure to apply a thermal protector to limit damage, and use moderate heat.
Continuous hydration
Moisturizing is the key to keeping hair soft and supple after bleaching. Regularly apply lightweight hair oils, such as argan or coconut oil, to seal in moisture and promote shine.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hair bleaching
- Is it possible to recolor hair that has just been bleached?It's generally not advisable to repeat a bleaching treatment too quickly, as this could cause serious damage. Wait at least a few weeks and assess the health of your hair before retreatment.
- Is it possible to bleach hair that has already been chemically treated?It's possible, but you have to be careful. Hair that has already undergone chemical treatments may be more sensitive. A strand test is recommended to assess your hair's tolerance.
- How do I know how much developer to use for my first fade?The choice of volume depends on the shade of your hair and the desired effect. For first-time bleaching or fine hair, a 20-volume developer is generally sufficient.
- Is it necessary to use a toner after bleaching?The use of a toner depends on the final result of bleaching. If your hair has undesirable tones such as yellow or orange, a toner can help neutralize them.
- How can I avoid brittle hair after bleaching?To prevent breakage, use moisturizing and nourishing products regularly. Limit exposure to heat and avoid over-handling your hair, especially when wet.
