Whether you have decided to go blonde or just want to lighten your hair, you’ll need to become familiar with the do’s and don’ts before bleaching. Hair is delicate, so you’ll want to avoid choices that damage it.
Use our guide to make your checklist and stick to it.
Things You Should Know Before Bleaching
- Natural hair color is important. Dark hair may take multiple sessions.
- Your hair will be drier after bleaching.
- Consider your skin tone before bleaching. You’ll want to make sure your hair complements your skin.
- You may want to change your makeup to complement your new hair color.
- Bleaching hair may change the texture of your hair. Curly hair may be straighter and straight hair might end up with some waves.
- The bleaching process can burn sensitive skin.
- It can be expensive to maintain; you’ll need to continue bleaching to keep up with roots and to keep your hair a healthy shade of blonde.
What to Do Before Bleaching Hair
Once you’ve decided that you’re going blonde, you might be in a rush to get it done! A change like that is exciting, but take a little time to review some of our do’s before bleaching your hair.
Do Consult Your Stylist
You’ve seen kits for bleaching your hair at stores and online. Bleaching your hair isn’t something you should do at your bathroom sink.
You could burn your skin or fry your hair to the point you’ll need a professional to fix it. The money you think you’re saving by doing it yourself could very well be matched by the money you have to pay a stylist to fix your hair.
Do Take Your Natural Hair Into Account
Everyone’s hair is different. This is especially important for people with dark hair; bleaching may take more than one session to get the desired result. Are you prepared for that kind of time or money investment?
Do a Trial Run First
Before you bleach your entire head blonde, see if you can test a small patch of your hair first. Or speak with your stylist about just doing highlights or an ombre style, giving you some of that sweet sunny look without going full blonde.
Do Moisturize
The process of bleaching hair can damage your luscious locks. Curly hair needs extra time, love, and attention.
In the days and weeks leading up to your salon visit, make sure to use moisturizing products to get your hair in the best possible shape.
Do Consider Hair Health
What’s your overall hair health? Did you recently receive another chemical treatment? Bleaching hair isn’t gentle and can damage hair that’s already been mistreated. Consider how healthy your hair is overall.
What Not to Do Before Bleaching Hair
Now that we’ve covered what you should do before bleaching hair, let’s cover what you shouldn’t do.
Don’t DIY
It might seem easy, but it’s not! There’s a reason professionals are paid to do this. Put down the home bleaching kit and head to a salon.
Trust us, it will be worth the money to do it right the first time. A poor bleaching job can lead to damaged hair and cash down the drain to have it corrected.
Don’t Shampoo
This recommendation goes hand in hand with moisturizing. You didn’t spend all the days before the appointment moisturizing your hair and scalp to get it in the best condition, just to wash it all away with shampoo.
Put the shampoo down. That oil on your hair shaft won’t hurt anything and might even protect your scalp from burning during the bleaching process.
Don’t Use Heat
By now, you’re probably picking up a theme: moisturize your hair, don’t strip it with shampoo, and don’t use heat the week you’re going to bleach.
It can dry and damage the hair shaft, which is precisely what you’ve been trying to avoid.
Don’t Use Harsh Products
Don’t use harsh products on your hair leading up to your appointment. You want hair to be in tip-top shape when it comes time to bleach it. Anything that can leave the hair shaft damaged or vulnerable should be avoided.
Don’t Underestimate Bleach
Before sitting in the chair (or attempting this at home), don’t underestimate bleach. It’s a product that will suck the color right out of your hair.
It’s harsh and damaging and can change your hair texture and irritate your skin. Keep all of that in mind before you undergo a bleaching session.
Bleached Hair Aftercare
After bleaching hair, the texture may be dry and potentially a bit damaged. But you can mitigate some of those side effects.
- Moisturize. Your hair will need it, so don’t scrimp.
- Invest in products meant for hair that’s bleached. They might cost more, but they’ll be worth it.
- Not immediately after, but as part of your routine, purchase a purple shampoo to combat brassy tones.
- Try moisturizing hair masks for bleached hair.
- Avoid styling with heat immediately after having your hair bleached.
Going blonde or making your hair lighter can be exciting, but it should be an informed decision. After checking our do’s and don’ts before bleaching hair, we hope you better understand what you’re getting yourself into.
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