How to care for bleached hair

Introduction to the care of bleached hair

Bleached hair requires special care to maintain its shine and health. Due to the very nature of bleaching, which modifies the hair structure, careful and regular care is essential. In this article, we'll explore why it's essential to invest time and effort in caring for bleached hair, focusing on essential products and practices to adopt.

Why maintenance of bleached hair is important

Taking care of bleached hair is not just about maintaining its appearance; it's also about preserving its integrity to avoid irreversible damage.

Impact of bleaching on hair structure

• Bleaching makes hair more porous, leaving it vulnerable to external damage.
• Hair cuticles are often lifted, resulting in essential moisture loss.
• Lack of care can lead to breakage, split ends and loss of shine.

Understanding what happens to hair during the bleaching process underlines the importance of providing it with specific care.

Choosing the right products to care for bleached hair

Selecting the right products to care for bleached hair plays a crucial role in its long-term health.

Opt for products specially designed for bleached hair

Shampoos and conditioners for bleached hair

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid excessive drying.
• Choose a moisturizing conditioner that seals cuticles, preserving moisture.

Masks and intensive care for bleached hair

• Opt for protein-rich masks to strengthen hair structure.
• Incorporate skincare products containing natural oils for deep nourishment.

By adopting the use of such products, you help offset the effects of bleaching and prolong the health of your hair.

Adopt a daily maintenance ritual for bleached hair

Washing intervals

Spacing out washes is crucial for bleached hair, as excessive washing can exacerbate dryness and brittleness. By reducing the frequency of washing, your hair has the opportunity to maintain its natural oils, necessary for protection and hydration.

Benefits of reducing washing frequency

• Helps preserve hair's natural moisture, reducing the risk of dryness.
• Prevents hair fiber weakening caused by frequent washing.
• Helps maintain the brightness and brilliance of color obtained by bleaching.

Spacing the washes at around two to three times a week is usually enough to keep bleached hair in good condition.

Alternatives for keeping hair clean between washes

• Use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil without drying out the hair.
• Adopt hairstyles that camouflage greasy roots, extending the time between washes.

Such strategies promote a healthy balance between cleanliness and hair protection.

Minimize heat use

Exposure to heat can seriously damage bleached hair, which is already fragile by nature. It is therefore essential to minimize the frequency of use of heating appliances such as hair dryers, straightening irons and curling irons.

Practices to avoid to avoid worsening hair dryness

• Avoid daily use of heat, preferring to air-dry whenever possible.
• If the use of heated tools is unavoidable, opt for the low temperature setting.

It's a good idea to apply heat protection products before use, to create a protective barrier against high temperatures.

• Use a heat protection spray to minimize heat damage.
• Alternate hairstyles that leave hair looking natural, such as chignons or loose braids.

A gentle approach to styling is essential to preserve the health and texture of bleached hair. Daily maintenance of bleached hair should focus on reducing external aggressions while ensuring continuous hydration and protection.

See also: How to add volume with a hair wax?

Prevent and repair damage caused by discoloration

Using natural oils to strengthen hair

Natural oils are excellent allies for repairing and strengthening bleached hair. By incorporating these ingredients into your hair routine, you add a level of nourishing support that damaged hair greatly appreciates.

The best natural oils for bleached hair

• Argan oil: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, it deeply nourishes and moisturizes without weighing hair down.
• Coconut oil: Known for its ability to penetrate the hair fiber, it helps reduce protein loss.
• Sweet almond oil: Thanks to its high magnesium content, it limits breakage and helps detangle.

Applying these oils once or twice a week in the form of an oil bath can bring suppleness and vitality to hair that has been badly damaged by bleaching.

Regular professional treatments

In addition to your home routine, benefiting from professional salon treatments can truly transform the condition of your hair. These sessions offer quality care tailored to the specific needs of bleached hair.

Main professional treatments for bleached hair

• Keratin treatment: It strengthens the hair cuticle, adding protection and smoothing.
• Oleoplex-based skin care: Designed to restore capillary bonds, they deeply repair internal damage.

Scheduling these treatments every two or three months can make a noticeable difference to the quality and strength of your hair.

Protect hair from environmental damage

In addition to what is applied directly to the hair, it is crucial to protect it from environmental stresses that could aggravate its fragile state.

Tips for limiting external aggression

• UV protection: Use sprays containing a UV filter to prevent the sun from further discoloring your hair and weakening its structure.
• Headgear: Wearing a hat or scarf can offer physical protection on very sunny days.
• Limiting swimming in the sea or pool: Chlorine and salt can dry hair out considerably; remember to rinse with clear water before and after immersion to minimize the effect.

Simple gestures can prevent deterioration of your hair and preserve the investment you've made in its care.

Adapting your diet for stronger hair

Incorporating a balanced diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients will support your external efforts. Eating well helps nourish your hair from the inside out.

Nutrients for healthy hair

• Protein: Essential for growth and repair, consume sources such as chicken, fish, eggs and legumes.
• Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin E, iron and zinc support blood circulation and healthy growth. Include nuts, seeds and green vegetables in your diet.

Modifying your eating habits to include these nutrients will positively impact the appearance and resilience of your bleached hair.

Adopt an adapted haircutting and styling routine

Frequency of cuts to maintain the health of bleached hair

Bleached hair tends to develop split ends faster than untreated hair. Therefore, adopting a regular trimming routine is essential to maintaining a healthy appearance.

Benefits of regular cuts

• Eliminating split ends prevents damage from moving up the hair fiber.
• Encourage healthy growth by reducing breakage, enabling hair to grow stronger.

It is generally recommended to trim the ends every six to eight weeks to maintain a pleasing hairstyle and avoid excessive brittleness.

Protective styling for bleached hair

Opting for hairstyles that minimize hair manipulation can reduce the risk of breakage and further damage. By protecting your hair, you preserve color and structure.

Suggestions for protective hairstyles

• Loose braids: They protect hair without over-tightening, preserving the integrity of fragile hair.
• Soft buns: Wrapping your hair loosely helps protect the ends and avoid tangles.

These styles offer protection while remaining aesthetically pleasing, ideal for low-maintenance days.

FAQ: Caring for bleached hair

How often should I apply a hair mask to bleached hair?

Apply a hair mask once or twice a week to ensure optimal hydration and nutrition without weighing hair down.

Is it safe to re-colour bleached hair?

It is possible to recolor bleached hair, but it's essential to use quality products and consult a professional to minimize the risk of further damage.

What is the best type of comb or brush for bleached hair?

Use a wide-tooth comb or natural bristle brush to gently detangle hair without breaking it.

How do I manage frizz in bleached hair?

To reduce frizz, use silicone-based serums and incorporate natural oils that smooth and add shine without weighing them down.

Is it necessary to use conditioner on bleached hair?

Yes, using a conditioner is crucial to sealing in moisture and smoothing the cuticle after washing.

Conclusion

Although bleached hair requires careful care, with the right routine and the right products, you can preserve the health and shine of your hair. Adopting a regular cutting routine and choosing protective styles will help maintain hair vitality while enjoying the beauty of bleach.