We thoroughly assess all products before recommending them. We may be compensated if you choose to buy through links on our site.
Question: What to Do Immediately After Bleaching Hair?
Answer: Things to do immediately after bleaching your hair inlcude rinsing your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the bleach. Follow up with a deep conditioner specifically designed for color-treated or bleached hair to replenish moisture.
Immediate Post-Bleach Hair Care
You just bleached your hair. Now, what? Bleaching strips hair of its natural pigment, leaving it vulnerable. Proper care immediately following bleaching is important for maintaining hair health and achieving your desired color results. This guide explains essential steps for caring for freshly bleached hair.
Best Shampoo for Bleached Hair
Shampoo for Bleached Hair
From gentle toning to intense color correction, these shampoos for bleached hair offer targeted solutions for blonde and highlighted hair...
Rinsing and Neutralizing
Thoroughly rinse your hair with cool water after the process. Cool water helps to close the hair cuticle, sealing in moisture and reducing further damage. Use a neutralizing shampoo designed for bleached hair. This shampoo helps to restore the hair’s pH balance, crucial for minimizing breakage and color fading. Rinse the neutralizing shampoo thoroughly, ensuring no residue remains.
The importance of this step cannot be overstated. A proper rinse removes any remaining bleach, stopping the chemical reaction and preventing further damage. Neutralizing the hair’s pH helps to rebuild the hair’s protective layer, promoting shine and manageability.
Observe the water’s clarity as you rinse. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating all bleach and shampoo are removed. This diligent rinsing contributes significantly to the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Related Article: How Do You Rehydrate Your Hair After Bleaching?
Related Article: What’s the Difference Between Bleaching and Lightening Hair?
Deep Conditioning Treatment
After rinsing, apply a deep conditioning treatment specifically formulated for bleached hair. Deep conditioners contain rich ingredients like proteins and oils that penetrate the hair shaft, repairing damage and restoring moisture. Apply the treatment evenly from root to tip, ensuring every strand receives adequate hydration.
Leave the deep conditioner on for the recommended time, usually indicated on the product packaging. This allows ample time for the beneficial ingredients to penetrate and repair the hair. While the conditioner sits, consider using a heat cap or warm towel to enhance absorption. The heat opens the hair cuticle, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeper.
After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Again, cool water helps to seal the cuticle, locking in the moisture and nutrients provided by the deep conditioner. Your hair should feel softer and more manageable after this treatment. Regular deep conditioning is essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of bleached hair.
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Clarifying
Best Overall
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Hair Hydrating
Best for Blonde Hair
Vegamour HYDR-8 Hydrate and Repair
Best for Brown Hair
Gentle Drying and Detangling
Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel after washing. Gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. These materials are gentler on the hair than traditional towels, reducing friction and breakage. Wet hair is particularly susceptible to damage, so handle it with care.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up, gently removing any knots or tangles. Avoid using brushes, especially those with bristles that can snag and pull on fragile, bleached hair. Patience is key when detangling your hair. Rushing the process can lead to unnecessary breakage and damage.
If possible, allow your hair to air dry completely. If you must use a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a heat protectant spray. Excessive heat can further damage already-stressed bleached hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Prioritizing air drying or low heat settings is crucial for preserving the health and integrity of your hair.
Avoiding Heat Styling
Minimize heat styling for at least a week after bleaching. This includes using flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers. Bleaching weakens the hair, making it more susceptible to heat damage. Giving your hair a break from heat styling allows it time to recover and regain strength.
If you must style your hair, use heat protectant products. These products create a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimizing damage. Even with heat protectant, try to limit the frequency and duration of heat styling. Consider alternative styling methods like braids, air drying, or using heatless curlers.
Healthy bleached hair requires consistent care. By avoiding excessive heat, you contribute significantly to its long-term health and appearance. This break from heat styling allows the hair to recover from the chemical process, minimizing dryness and breakage, and promoting overall hair health.
Maintaining Hair Health with Products and Practices
Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners designed for bleached hair. These products help to maintain the color and prevent fading. They often contain ingredients that replenish moisture and strengthen weakened hair. Avoid products with sulfates and parabens, as these can strip the color and dry out hair.
Incorporate a protein treatment into your hair care routine once or twice a month. Bleaching removes protein from the hair, making it weaker. Protein treatments help to restore the hair’s structure, improving its strength and elasticity. Look for products containing hydrolyzed proteins like keratin, collagen, or silk.
Protect your hair from sun exposure. UV rays can damage bleached hair, causing further dryness and color fading. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending extended periods in the sun. This proactive approach will help to maintain the vibrancy and health of your hair.
Follow-Up Care and Maintenance
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy bleached hair. Trimming removes split ends and breakage, preventing further damage and promoting healthy growth. Consult with your stylist to determine a trimming schedule appropriate for your hair type and bleaching frequency.
Continue deep conditioning treatments weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your hair’s needs. This consistent hydration is crucial for maintaining the health and manageability of your hair. Adjust the frequency based on how your hair feels and looks. If your hair feels dry or brittle, increase the frequency of deep conditioning treatments.
Listen to your hair. Pay attention to its texture and appearance. If you notice excessive dryness, breakage, or color fading, adjust your hair care routine accordingly. Consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice and recommendations. They can assess your hair’s condition and suggest appropriate products and treatments.
Conclusion
Taking these steps immediately after bleaching and maintaining a consistent hair care routine will contribute significantly to the long-term health, vibrancy, and manageability of your hair. Bleached hair requires special attention and care. With the right approach, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy blonde locks.