If you're considering joining the Air Force and wondering if you can bleach your hair, you're not alone. Many people want to express themselves through their hair color, but military regulations can be strict. In this article, we'll explore the rules surrounding hair color in the Air Force, how to bleach your hair safely, and some tips for maintaining healthy, bleached hair.
Table of Contents:
- Rules for Hair Color in the Air Force
- How to Bleach Your Hair Safely
- Tips for Maintaining Bleached Hair
- FAQs About Bleaching Hair in the Air Force
- Hair Care for Bleached Hair
Rules for Hair Color in the Air Force
The Air Force has strict regulations regarding hair color. According to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, hair must be a natural color and cannot be dyed an extreme or faddish color. This means no bright pinks, blues, or greens. However, highlights and lowlights are allowed, as long as they look natural and blend with the base color of the hair.
If you're considering bleaching your hair, keep in mind that it must still look natural. The Air Force does allow for lighter hair colors, but they should still look like they could be your natural hair color. If your hair is naturally dark, going platinum blonde may not be allowed.
How to Bleach Your Hair Safely
If you've decided you want to bleach your hair, it's important to do it safely. Bleaching can be damaging to your hair, so it's crucial to take proper precautions.
Step 1: Choose the Right Bleach
When selecting a bleach, make sure to choose a high-quality product that's designed for use on hair. Avoid using household bleach or bleach meant for cleaning. These products can cause serious damage to your hair and scalp.
Step 2: Do a Strand Test
Before applying bleach to your entire head, do a strand test. Apply bleach to a small section of hair to see how it reacts. This will help you determine how long to leave the bleach on and whether you need to make any adjustments to the formula.
Step 3: Protect Your Skin and Clothing
Bleach can be irritating to the skin, so it's important to protect your skin and clothing. Wear gloves and an old shirt that you don't mind getting bleach on. Apply petroleum jelly or a similar product around your hairline to prevent bleach from getting on your skin.
Step 4: Apply the Bleach
Follow the instructions on the bleach package to apply the product to your hair. Be sure to apply evenly and avoid getting bleach on your scalp. Leave the bleach on for the recommended amount of time, checking frequently to make sure your hair isn't becoming too light.
Step 5: Rinse and Condition
Once your hair has lightened to the desired shade, rinse the bleach out thoroughly with cool water. Use a deep conditioning treatment to help repair any damage caused by the bleach.
Tips for Maintaining Bleached Hair
After bleaching your hair, it's important to take extra care of it to prevent damage and maintain the color. Here are some tips:
Tip 1: Use a Color-Safe Shampoo
Use a shampoo and conditioner that's specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentler on hair and help maintain the color.
Tip 2: Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage bleached hair. Try to avoid using these tools or use them sparingly. If you do use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to help minimize damage.
Tip 3: Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The sun can cause bleached hair to become dry and damaged. Wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with SPF to help protect your hair from the sun's harmful rays.
FAQs About Bleaching Hair in the Air Force
Q: Can I bleach my hair in the Air Force?
A: Yes, as long as the color looks natural and is not an extreme or faddish color.
Q: Can I go platinum blonde in the Air Force?
A: It depends on your natural hair color. If your hair is naturally very dark, going platinum blonde may not be allowed.
Q: Will bleaching my hair damage it?
A: Bleaching can be damaging to hair, but taking proper precautions and using high-quality products can help minimize damage.
Hair Care for Bleached Hair
To keep your bleached hair looking healthy and vibrant, it's important to take good care of it. Here are some tips:
Tip 1: Deep Condition Regularly
Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help repair any damage caused by the bleach.
Tip 2: Trim Regularly
Regular trims can help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
Tip 3: Avoid Over-Washing
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. Try to wash your hair every other day or every few days.
In conclusion, while the Air Force has strict regulations regarding hair color, it is possible to bleach your hair as long as it looks natural and is not an extreme or faddish color. Take proper precautions when bleaching your hair, and take good care of it afterwards to keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
