Interested in hair bleaching? Want your hair to turn from dull blonde to fabulous blonde? Or are you a brunette who wants to try the life of those who have "more fun"? Yes that is all possible with bleaching. Bleaching applications lighten your hair by up to eight shades whether your natural hair color is medium blonde or light brown. Special bleaching applications for very dark hair can also lighten hair by two or three shades without undesired red tinges. So here now are some hair bleaching tips for all of you who want to try.
How It Works
The process of bleaching involves, first, making the hair’s smooth cuticle layer more permeable to the bleaching solution. This then allows the hydrogen peroxide in the bleaching application to penetrate deep into the hair shaft where it oxidizes the existing pigments. This renders the pigments colorless. The bleaching occurs in several steps and the hair color changes gradually as well. In the process, the hair changes from its natural color via various shades of red and yellow before it reaches the final blonde color.
Keep Your Hair Healthy
The first set of preparations you need to do involve keeping your hair healthy. Just how do you do it though? Don't dye or otherwise process your hair in the months leading up to the bleaching. Bleaching your hair will work much better if your hair is relatively strong and unprocessed. Strengthen your hair by using natural shampoo and conditioner. Also, avoid using chemical-laden hair sprays, gels, and straightening products.
What You Need
- Bleach powder
- Red Gold Corrector
- Developer
- Hair dye brush
- Shampoo
- Mixing bowl
- Gloves
- Tin foil
- Giant hair clip
Preparing the Mixture
Following the instructions that came with the bleach powder, place some powder in a mixing bowl. Mix in the correct ratio of developer using a spatula or spoon. Mix in the red gold color corrector according to the instructions on the bottle. Because for most of you, this is the first time, strictly follow instructions for now. Eventually, you will find the correct mixture that works for you.
Applying the Mixture
Then, apply the bleach to completely dry hair. You'll want to bleach the rest of your hair quickly so start from the bottom and work your way up your scalp. If you have dark hair wait 20 minutes after applying the bleach to your ends before putting it on the roots. Then, cover your hair with a sheet of plastic wrap and allow the bleach to work. Be very careful not to let the bleach sit for too long. Never let it stay in your hair for more than an hour. It will cause your hair to start falling out. The bleach will cause your head to feel warm, and may begin to sting. If you start to feel pain, wash it out immediately.
Finally...
Wash the bleach from your hair and make sure to rinse your hair until the water runs clear. Use a deep conditioner or hair masque only and avoid shampooing for 24 to 48 hours if possible. Towel your hair and allow it to air dry and remember not to blow dry! You will then start noticing the difference and if you're satisfied, you've just done a successful hair bleaching all by yourself.
Some Precautions
Bleaching hair can dry it out and if you don't do it properly your hair can actually break. These tips are all just suggestions so if you're not so sure about them, then don't do it. If you're willing to take the risk, then go ahead. Proceed with caution though! You are, after all, experimenting with your hair. It's not like you can reverse any damages that may occur in an instant.
