Everything You Need to Know About Hair Bleaching

Black is black, there is no more hope? Wrong! When you have brown, raven black or even (too) dark blond hair, it is entirely possible to cheat a little to lighten your natural color. This is called bleaching. Let's take stock.  

 Want to go from brunette to light, luminous brown, from jet black to intense red, or from dark blonde to platinum blonde? Then bleaching is a must. Here's what you need to know before you get started.  

 What exactly is hair bleaching?  

 Bleaching involves introducing hydrogen peroxide into the hair fiber. The goal is to lighten hair up to eight tones below its natural color. This process is essential if you want to lighten your hair by more than two tones.  

 Hair bleaching, in the salon or at home?  

 Both are possible! However, bleaching is not a trivial technique that requires a certain amount of expertise. It is therefore preferable to trust a professional. The latter is able to assess the needs of the hair in the blink of an eye and determine the most suitable technique.  

 Does bleaching hair weaken the hair fiber?  

 Let's not lie to ourselves, the answer is yes, and it's inevitable. That's why it's important to have healthy hair fibers before getting started, and not to overdo bleaching. Note, however, that the shorter the hair, the less aggressive the bleaching.  

 In addition, a suitable technique can limit the effect of dry and brittle hair, and dermatological reactions on the scalp. Hence the interest in calling on a professional!  

Hair bleaching, how does it work?  

 The colorist proceeds gradually, starting with low oxidation levels, i.e. 10 volumes, then gradually increasing to 30 or 40 volumes. A low volume corresponds to naturally light or already bleached hair, and a high volume corresponds to naturally dark hair. He works with a brush, in two stages, first on the mid-lengths and ends, then on the roots.  

 If you really want to bleach your hair yourself, you first need to equip yourself with professional products (oxidant, shampoo, patina, mask), you select the right dosage of oxidation, you act in two stages, lengths then roots, and above all you respect the indicated application times.  

 Does bleaching hair mean re-coloring?  

 Yes! This is what professionals call "pastellization". When it is bleached, the hair is yellowish. A color is then necessary to give it shine, beautiful highlights and body. Colorists tend to use cool, pearly, pink, blue and gray shades.  

If you are going for a home recolor, first apply the dye to the roots, then spread evenly to the ends. Leave on for the indicated time and rinse with water.  

 Does hair bleaching require any special maintenance?  

 Here again the answer is yes. The hair has been weakened so it is appropriate to pamper it. We use a repairing shampoo for damaged or colored hair , favoring products with blue or silver textures to magnify its new color. We apply a conditioner to soften the hair, and we rely on a hair oil or a weekly mask to restructure the hair fiber in depth. For hydration, we can also integrate leave-in treatments into our morning routine.  

 Finally, forget about heating appliances (or use cold mode for the hair dryer) for two weeks after bleaching. After fifteen days, always apply a heat-protective treatment before using a heating appliance.  

 So, are you ready to take the plunge? If you're still hesitant, you can start gradually by opting for partial bleaching on a few strands here and there. You just have to make sure to stay between two and three tones below your natural color to obtain a harmonious result.