Bleaching is a fast and effective way to lighten your hair color. To achieve a toned down look, hydrogen peroxide is typically used in combination with ammonia to alter the hair’s pigmentation. While bleaching can help you obtain a multitude of hair colors, the effects of the harsh chemicals can be extremely damaging. If your tresses are fried from bleaching, try these simple tips to repair your hair, and remember to invest in the right products.
1. Discontinue Harsh Hair Treatments
If your hair is suffering from the consequences of bleaching, discontinue any further treatments until your hair has time to recover. This includes avoiding any chemical hair dyes, bleaching your hair, or chemically straightening or curling your hair.
2. Handle with Care
If your hair is already damaged from bleach, you’ll want to use caution when washing and styling. When towel drying your hair after a shower, do not rub or wring the water out. Instead, use a towel to pat your hair dry. Avoid combing or brushing your hair when it’s wet, as wet hair stretches and breaks more easily than dry hair.
3. Limit How Often You Shampoo
When you shampoo your hair, you’re essentially stripping it of its natural oils. These oils are what give your hair hydration, which is essential for bleach-damaged hair. As your hair is recovering, limit your shampoo sessions to once or twice a week. You may notice that your hair is oilier at first, but after about a week, the oiliness will subside.
4. Undergo Deep Conditioning Treatments
Bleach-damaged hair is usually dry and in great need of moisture. Deep conditioning treatments penetrate the hair follicles with hydration for healthier hair. Opt for a deep conditioning treatment at a spa or salon, or perform a do-it-yourself version at home with some almond or coconut oil.
5. Switch to a Better Brush
Many types of brushes cause damage to the hair by tearing the strands. Consider switching to a boar bristle brush or other stylist-quality brush to drastically decrease damage. Constructed of natural fibers, boar bristle brushes pull sebum from the roots to the tips to help distribute your hair’s natural oils.
While going to a professional salon to get your hair colored can significantly reduce the risk of major damage, mistakes can happen. If you’re dealing with bleach damaged hair, take the time to properly care for your hair to restore optimal health.
