Similarly, stop using heat-styling tools for a few weeks before bleaching to limit damaging heat exposure.
Similarly, stop using heat-styling tools for a few weeks before bleaching to limit damaging heat exposure.
Avoid using clarifying shampoo the same day you apply your first bleach treatment. It could cause your hair to get excessively dry.
Clip the rest of your hair back so that it doesn’t accidentally come into contact with the bleach. Wear gloves and follow the directions to mix the bleach powder and developer. Leave the bleach on your hair for 30-45 minutes before rinsing it out. If your scalp gets red or irritated, that could indicate you have an allergy or sensitivity to the chemicals. If this happens, don’t proceed with bleaching your entire head. Visit a professional colorist to see what your next steps should be instead.
If you have a lot of hair, you may want to separate it into even more sections so that it’s easier to work with.
You may also want to lay down some old towels to protect the space you’re working in. If bleach gets on the furniture, it can cause irreparable stains.
A 20-volume developer will lift your hair 1-2 shades; this would be a good option if you’re working with hair that has been previously colored and is damaged or dry. A 30-volume developer will lift your hair 2-3 shades; this is a great option if your hair is in its natural state. A 40-volume developer will lift your hair about 4 shades, but it can be very damaging; if your scalp is sensitive, avoid using this high of a developer as it could cause major irritation. You may need to use a higher volume developer to make up for the underlying pigments in your dark hair. [6] X Expert Source Charlie AdamsProfessional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist Expert Interview. 21 July 2021. Because your hair is so dark, using bleach is the best option for lightening your hair. Other methods, like using peroxide or sun-in spray, will give your hair a coppery tone and will probably never give you the shade you actually want.
The heat from your scalp can make the bleach act faster, which sometimes results in what is called “hot roots,” meaning that your roots are significantly lighter than the rest of your hair.
If at any point the bleach starts burning your scalp, rinse it out immediately.
Don’t leave the bleach in your hair for more than 45 minutes. Keep in mind that this is just the first bleaching session in your process. You’ll need to do at least one more to get your hair to the right shade of blonde, so don’t get upset if the color isn’t looking perfect just yet.
Don’t be surprised if your hair looks a little orange or coppery. [11] X Expert Source Charlie AdamsProfessional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist Expert Interview. 21 July 2021. The first bleach is enough to lighten your hair 2-3 shades, but it most likely won’t be blonde yet.
If you don’t want to apply toner at this stage, at least switch to using purple shampoo, which will also help get rid of brassy tones and make your hair color look ashier.
If after the second bleaching session your hair still isn’t as light as you want, wait another 1-2 weeks and then do a third session. Or, you may want to visit a professional colorist at that stage to get some help before doing any more damage to your hair. Don’t do more than 3 bleaching sessions maximum. It will be extremely hard for your hair to come back from that much exposure to a harsh chemical.
Similarly, limit how often you use heat styling tools during this time, as the excess heat will just damage your hair further.
A 20-volume developer will lift your hair another 1-2 shades. With the right toner, it may be enough to get your hair to the bright blonde color you want. A 30-volume developer will lift your hair another 2-3 shades. This is a good choice if your hair isn’t horribly brittle and dry from the first round of bleach.
Remember to wear your rubber gloves and an old T-shirt while using the bleach.
If you have to use a hairdryer, run it on the lowest heat setting possible.
You can use toner every few weeks to touch up your hair, but avoid using it every day. It can dry out your hair if used too frequently.
For the best results, use a purple shampoo 1-2 times per week. If you wash your hair more than that, opt for a deep-moisturizing shampoo on the other days.
There are a few different ways you can either straighten or curl your hair without heat. Check them out and see if any will work for you.
There are some great anti-breakage products out there. Look for hair elastics made of fabric, satin, or ribbon or ones that resemble a spiral ring
Don’t forget to apply toner to your hair 1-2 days after your touch up if that’s a part of your process. Otherwise, your roots will still be a different shade of blonde than the rest of your hair.
These products won’t hurt your hair at all, so feel free to use them more than once a week if you feel it would be beneficial to your hair.
