How do I bleach my hair quickly?

Introduction

Why bleach your hair?

Hair bleaching is a popular way to change your look. Whether it's to adopt a new trend or simply to lighten your hair, bleaching your hair quickly can radically transform your appearance. The reasons why people choose to bleach their hair are varied. For some, it's a way of keeping up with fashion trends or standing out from the crowd. For others, it's a way of expressing their individuality or rediscovering a new facet of their personality. In particular, bleaching prepares hair for other treatments, such as the application of bright, unique colorations.

Advantages and disadvantages of bleaching

Bleaching hair has several advantages. First, it offers an immediate and spectacular transformation. You can go from dark brown to radiant blonde, or prepare your hair for a vibrant blue or pastel pink. What's more, a good bleach can enhance your complexion and highlight your features.

• Advantages :
  • Multiple coloring styles possible.
  • Ideal preparation for bold colors.
  • Improved visual appearance.
• Disadvantages :
  • May damage hair structure.
  • Can lead to excessive dryness if poorly maintained.
  • Requires regular maintenance to maintain color and hair health.

However, bleaching also has its drawbacks. The chemical process can weaken hair structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and dryness. It's crucial to maintain a proper care routine to keep hair as healthy as possible after bleaching. What's more, the process can be more or less aggressive, depending on the product used, so particular attention must be paid to product choice.

Choosing the right products

Types of bleach

When it comes to bleaching hair, choosing the right product is crucial to achieving the desired result while minimizing potential damage. There are two main types of bleach: natural and chemical. Each has its own characteristics, advantages and challenges to overcome.

Natural bleaches

Natural bleaches use ingredients of plant or mineral origin to lighten hair color. They are appreciated for their gentleness and respect for the hair fiber. Natural methods include the use of lemon juice, honey, cinnamon or chamomile. These elements gradually lighten hair without significantly damaging it. However, the major drawback is that their effect is often limited and requires several applications to see noticeable results. They are best suited to naturally light hair and for subtle lightening.

Chemical bleaches

Chemical bleaches are the most commonly used to achieve fast, spectacular results. They work by breaking down the hair's natural pigments, enabling lightening. The formulas often used include powerful agents such as hydrogen peroxide. Although effective, these products require careful handling to avoid hair damage, such as dryness or breakage. In addition, it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take into account the pause time to avoid over-treating the hair.

How do I choose a bleach?

Depending on natural hair color

The choice of bleach depends in part on your hair's natural color. Darker hair often requires stronger formulas to achieve platinum blonde, while lighter hair can be lightened with milder products. Commercial dyes usually indicate the possible stages of lightening on the packaging, making your decision easier.

Depending on hair type

Hair type also plays an important role in the choice of bleach. Thick, rough hair can tolerate stronger products, while fine, fragile hair requires gentler care to avoid damage. For example, natural bleaches are recommended for hair that has already been sensitized or has undergone several treatments. Virgin hair, on the other hand, can better withstand more intensive chemical processes. It's also a good idea to consider testing different brands to find the one that best suits your hair texture.

Ultimately, the choice of bleach must be made with care, taking into account the specific needs of your hair and your color goals. Don't hesitate to consult a professional, especially if you're considering a radical change, to ensure that your choice of product and application technique are appropriate for your hair type and desired results.

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See also: How to restore natural hair after coloring?

The fading process

Preparation stages

Do a wick test

Before proceeding with the complete bleaching of your hair, it's essential to perform a strand test. This step allows you to check your hair's reaction to the bleaching product. To perform a strand test, apply a small amount of the product to a discrete strand of hair and observe how it reacts after the recommended exposure time. This will help you adjust the exposure time and assess any allergies or adverse reactions.

Preparing the hair and scalp

Before applying bleach, prepare your hair by avoiding washing it 24 to 48 hours before treatment. The natural oils present on the scalp act as a protective layer against chemical agents. Untangle your hair well to facilitate even application of the product. You can also protect your scalp with a light oil or cream to limit potential irritation.

Bleach application

Application techniques

The application of bleach must be methodical to avoid uneven areas. Divide your hair into sections for even product distribution. Use a brush to apply the bleach from the ends to the roots. This method ensures that the ends, which are often drier, receive special attention. Make sure each strand is well saturated to avoid streaks and unbleached areas.

Break time

To achieve the desired result without damaging the hair, it is essential to respect the resting time. Resting time varies according to the manufacturer's recommendations, hair type and desired lightening level. Generally speaking, it's between 20 and 45 minutes. Exceeding this time can lead to significant breakage and hair fragility. Don't cover your hair to avoid excessive heat build-up, which could interfere with the process.

After bleaching

Washing and caring for bleached hair

After rinsing out the bleach, wash your hair with a mild shampoo specifically for color-treated hair. A good conditioner or moisturizing mask is recommended to restore lost moisture. Avoid hot water, which can further dry out your hair. Warm water is ideal for maintaining the integrity of hair fibers.

Maintains hair color and health

Careful maintenance of bleached hair is crucial. Use sulfate-free products, which are gentler and protect the color. Regular care with nourishing masks and hair oils helps preserve hair health and shine. Limit the use of heat and protect your hair from the sun and aggressive elements. To prolong the freshness of your color, consider regular touch-ups, but respect a reasonable time interval to avoid weakening your hair. Intensive keratin care or protein treatments can also strengthen hair after intensive bleaching.

Precautions and advice for bleaching hair

Risks associated with hair bleaching

Hair bleaching is not without risks. The chemicals used to break down natural pigments can compromise the integrity of the hair, leaving it vulnerable to breakage and dryness. It's important to consider your hair's current health before starting the process. If your hair is already fragile or damaged, bleaching could worsen its condition. A prior consultation with a professional can be beneficial to assess the condition of your hair and determine whether bleaching is a viable option.

Often, invisible damage can occur to the hair cuticle, making hair more porous. This can lead to faster moisture loss and increased vulnerability to external aggressors, such as heat and UV rays. To mitigate these risks, choosing a gentle, high-quality product is fundamental, as is strict adherence to instructions and application times.

Tips to avoid common mistakes

Don't neglect pre- and after-care

Proper hair care before and after bleaching is crucial. Before bleaching, be sure to moisturize your hair regularly with conditioning masks to minimize damage. After bleaching, the use of protein-enriched products can help restore hair strength.

Test skin tolerance

Before getting started, it's a good idea to perform a skin sensitivity test to avoid allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of bleach to the skin on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation or redness. This will prevent unpleasant skin reactions when applied to the scalp.

Consult a professional

For novices or those contemplating radical changes, it may be wise to call in a professional colorist. An expert can adjust formulas to suit your hair and expectations to ensure the best possible result with minimum damage.

Frequently asked questions

Is discoloration permanent?

Yes, bleaching is a permanent process that removes the hair's natural color. The color will only return to its natural state with the growth of new strands.

What are the common side effects of bleaching?

Side effects include hair dryness, breakage and possible scalp irritation. Proper moisturizing and maintenance can help minimize these effects.

How long does it take between fades?

It is generally recommended to wait at least six to eight weeks between bleaching sessions to allow the hair to recover.

How can I protect my color-treated hair from everyday damage?

Use sulfate-free hair care products containing nourishing ingredients. Avoid excessive sun exposure and limit the use of heating appliances.

Can I bleach dyed hair?

Yes, it's possible, but it requires special attention. It's advisable to consult a professional to make sure your hair can withstand another chemical procedure.