The reality is that bleach isn’t hair-friendly. It’s an intrusive process aimed at breaking down the melanin responsible for hair color, which involves compromising the hair’s protective barriers. However, it’s crucial to understand that bleaching doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for your hair. Despite its harsh nature, you can still achieve the colorful hair you desire without completely damaging your locks.
Preparation is the key to success in this endeavor. How well you prepare your hair for the impending chemical assault can make a world of difference. The objective is to reinforce your hair’s natural defenses, enabling it to withstand the chemical onslaught. Let’s delve into the essential steps to take before your next bleaching session.
Protect Your Hair with Coconut Oil or Argan Oil Before Bleaching
Coconut and argan oils act as shields for your hair during the bleaching process, utilizing a chemical process known as chelation. Hair bleach contains peroxide, which reacts with the naturally occurring copper and iron in your hair, causing significant damage.
Coconut and argan oils contain specific substances that bind with copper and iron at a molecular level, isolating them and preventing any reaction with peroxide. The oils, however, do not impede the bleach from penetrating the hair shaft and breaking down keratins, ensuring you achieve your desired look without the harmful reactions. You can apply this treatment the night before bleaching your hair.
Avoid Washing Your Hair Before Bleaching
Embrace the natural oils produced by your scalp as your allies. Besides applying coconut and argan oils to safeguard your hair’s length, you should also protect your scalp from the harsh bleach. Fortunately, your sebum, a naturally occurring oil, forms a protective layer between your scalp and the bleach. It’s advisable to refrain from washing your hair for at least three days before your bleaching session to allow sebum to accumulate.
Bleach Gradually and Methodically
Darker hair naturally demands more time to bleach completely due to higher melanin levels. While it may be tempting to expedite the process, doing it all at once can prove detrimental to your hair. Plan your bleaching session in stages, even though it requires more time and patience. The difference in your hair’s health will be significantly noticeable.
Evaluate the Quality of the Bleach
Hydrogen peroxide, the chemical responsible for stripping color from the hair strand, doesn’t always meet high-quality standards. Different countries enforce varying regulations on chemical production. For example, bleach produced in China may not adhere to the same quality standards as that manufactured in Germany. Consequently, lower-quality bleach can be harsher on both your hair and scalp, increasing the risk of damage and irritation during and after the bleaching process.
Make a point of inquiring about the brand of bleach your hair colorist uses to ensure that only top-quality products are applied to your hair.
Conclusion
Coloring your hair is both a precise science and an art form, and achieving the desired results requires a combination of both. Don’t allow fear to deter you from attaining the vibrant and fun hair you dream of. With a bit of research, due diligence, and extra care, you can have it all.
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