Are you looking to switch up your look and go for a bold, edgy hairstyle? Bleaching your hair might just be the change you’re looking for! While getting your hair bleached at a salon can be costly, it’s also possible to achieve salon-worthy results at home with the right tools and techniques.
Bleaching your hair at home may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and steps, you can safely and effectively lighten your hair to your desired shade.
In this post, I’ll provide you with expert tips and step-by-step instructions to help you achieve beautiful, blonde locks in the comfort of your own home.
So, whether you’re a seasoned hair bleacher or a first-timer, get ready to learn the best practices for a successful at-home hair bleaching experience. With a little patience and the right guidance, you’ll be rocking a stunning new look in no time!
Getting ready to bleach your hair at home
Before you begin the bleaching process, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bleach powder
- Developer (usually 20 or 30 volume)
- Gloves
- Mixing bowl
- Applicator brush
- Sectioning clips
- Petroleum jelly
Next, it’s important to choose the right shade of bleach for your hair type and desired result. If you have dark hair, you’ll need a stronger bleach to achieve a lighter result. On the other hand, if you have lighter hair, a gentler bleach will do the trick. Consider also the undertones of your hair and what kind of blonde you want to achieve (e.g. cool blonde, warm blonde, platinum blonde).
Before applying the bleach all over your hair, it’s important to do a patch test to check for any allergies or sensitivity to the product. Apply a small amount of the mixture to a discreet area of your skin and wait 24-48 hours to see if you have any adverse reactions.
Once you’re ready to begin the bleaching process, section your hair and apply petroleum jelly to your hairline and ears to protect your skin from the bleach. This will also make it easier to clean up any excess bleach that may get on your skin. With these steps complete, you’re ready to move on to actually bleaching your hair.
A step-by-step guide to bleaching your hair at home
Now that you’ve prepped your hair and materials, it’s time to bleach! Here’s what you need to do:
1. Mix the bleach and developer according to instructions.
Use a plastic bowl and applicator brush to mix the two components until they form a smooth, creamy consistency.
2. Apply the bleach to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up.
Use your applicator brush to coat your hair evenly with the bleach mixture, making sure to saturate each section thoroughly. Work quickly and methodically to ensure that the bleach is applied evenly.
3. Keep a close eye on your hair’s color as it lightens to avoid overprocessing.
Check your hair every 5-10 minutes to see how much it has lightened. Avoid leaving the bleach on for too long, as this can damage your hair and cause it to become brittle and dry.
4. Rinse the bleach out thoroughly and apply a toner if desired.
Once you’ve achieved the desired level of lightness, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove all traces of bleach. If you’re going for a cooler, ashy blonde tone, you may want to use a toner to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to achieve a beautiful, salon-worthy blonde look from the comfort of your own home.
However, it’s important to take proper care of your hair after bleaching to maintain its health and vibrancy. Let’s move on to the next section to learn more about post-bleach hair care.
Caring For Your Bleached Hair
Here are the tips and tricks for maintaining healthy, vibrant locks.
After bleaching your hair, it’s important to take good care of it to keep it looking and feeling healthy. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent further damage.
Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it even more prone to dryness and damage.
Look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair and contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil or keratin.
2. Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair.
Bleaching can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, so it’s important to replenish its moisture regularly.
Choose a deep conditioning treatment that is rich in protein and moisture to help repair and strengthen your hair.
3. Avoid excessive heat styling and sun exposure.
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can further damage your hair, so try to limit your use of them as much as possible. When you do use heat styling tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray first.
Similarly, exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause your hair to become even more dry and brittle, so wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outside.
4. Touch up your roots as needed to maintain your desired color.
Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks to keep your blonde looking fresh and vibrant.
Use the same bleach and developer mixture that you used initially, and be sure to apply it only to your roots to avoid overprocessing your hair.
By following these aftercare tips, you can help your bleached hair stay healthy, shiny, and beautiful for weeks and months to come.
Final Thoughts,
In conclusion, bleaching your hair at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow the right steps and take good care of your hair afterward.
Remember to gather all necessary supplies, choose the right shade of bleach, and do a patch test before bleaching. Section your hair, apply petroleum jelly to protect your skin, and keep a close eye on your hair’s color as it lightens.
After bleaching, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week, avoid excessive heat styling and sun exposure, and touch up your roots as needed to maintain your desired color.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve salon-worthy results at home and enjoy your beautiful, blonde locks for weeks and months to come. If you have any questions or concerns about bleaching your hair at home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional hairstylist or consult additional resources online.
I hope this guide has been helpful and that you feel confident in your ability to bleach your hair at home. Remember, with the right guidance and a little bit of patience, you can achieve the hair of your dreams!
