If you're planning on bleaching your hair, it's important to prepare your hair properly beforehand to ensure the best results possible. In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about prepping your hair before bleaching.
Table of Contents
- How to Prep Your Hair Before Bleaching
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Prepping Your Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hair Care After Bleaching
How to Prep Your Hair Before Bleaching
Before you start bleaching your hair, it's important to make sure it's in good condition. Bleaching can be very damaging to your hair, so you want to make sure your hair is healthy enough to withstand the process. Here are some steps you should take to prep your hair before bleaching:
Cleanse Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any buildup on your hair and scalp, making it easier for the bleach to penetrate your hair. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing.
Deep Condition
After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair. This will help to moisturize your hair and prevent it from becoming too dry during the bleaching process. Leave the conditioner on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
Avoid Heat Styling
Before bleaching your hair, try to avoid using heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons. This will help to prevent any additional damage to your hair.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the basics of prepping your hair before bleaching, here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing.
Step 2: Deep Condition
After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair. Leave the conditioner on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
Step 3: Avoid Heat Styling
Before bleaching your hair, try to avoid using heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons.
Step 4: Protect Your Scalp
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil to your scalp and hairline to protect your skin from the bleach.
Step 5: Mix Your Bleach
Follow the instructions on your bleach kit to mix the bleach. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Step 6: Apply the Bleach
Apply the bleach to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Make sure to saturate your hair completely with the bleach.
Step 7: Check Your Hair
Check your hair every 10-15 minutes to see how it's processing. Once your hair has reached the desired level of lightness, rinse it out with cool water.
Step 8: Condition Your Hair
After bleaching your hair, apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair. This will help to restore moisture to your hair and prevent it from becoming too dry.
Tips for Prepping Your Hair
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when prepping your hair for bleaching:
- Do a strand test before bleaching your entire head of hair to make sure you like the color.
- Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours before bleaching it.
- Use a toner after bleaching your hair to help remove any brassy tones.
- Avoid using clarifying shampoo too often, as it can be drying to your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to bleach my hair after washing it?
It's best to wait at least 24 hours after washing your hair before bleaching it. This will give your scalp time to produce natural oils that can help to protect your hair during the bleaching process.
Can I bleach my hair if it's already colored?
Yes, you can bleach your hair if it's already colored. However, keep in mind that bleaching can be more damaging to colored hair, so you'll need to take extra care to ensure your hair stays healthy.
How many times can I bleach my hair?
It's generally recommended that you don't bleach your hair more than once every 4-6 weeks. Over-bleaching can cause serious damage to your hair, so it's important to take breaks between treatments.
Hair Care After Bleaching
After bleaching your hair, it's important to take extra care of your hair to keep it healthy. Here are some tips for caring for your hair after bleaching:
- Avoid heat styling tools as much as possible.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair moisturized.
- Avoid washing your hair too often, as this can strip your hair of its natural oils.
- Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to avoid damaging your hair.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your hair healthy and looking great after bleaching.
