Professional Hair Bleach

Yes, bleaching can be damaging to the hair. Here are some reasons why:

1. Chemical Damage: Bleaching involves using strong chemicals, typically hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, to strip the hair of its natural pigment. This process breaks down the hair's natural fatty acids, leading to a weaker hair shaft
2. Dryness: The bleaching agents can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. This makes the hair more prone to breakage and split ends
3. Elasticity Loss: Healthy hair has a certain amount of elasticity, which helps it bounce back after being stretched. Bleaching can reduce this elasticity, making the hair more brittle and likely to snap
4. Scalp Irritation: The chemicals used in bleaching can cause irritation or even burns on the scalp, particularly if the bleach is left on for too long or applied improperly

However, this damage can be minimised by:

1. Following up with deep conditioning treatments and using products designed for chemically treated hair
2. Avoiding excessive heat styling and other harsh treatments

Hair bleaching is a permanent process this is due to the melanin, which gives your hair its colour being stripped away during the bleaching process. However, new hair growth will be in your natural colour unless the roots are bleached again.

Choosing the least damaging hair bleach involves considering several factors, including the type of bleach, the developer used and the application process. Here are some tips to minimise damage when bleaching hair:

1. Types of Bleach

• Cream Bleach: Generally less damaging than powder bleach as it often contains conditioning agents. It provides more control and is easier to apply
• Oil Bleach: Contains oil to help protect the hair during the bleaching process. It can be less damaging than traditional bleaches

2. Developer Strength

• Lower Volume Developer: Using a lower volume developer (10 or 20 volume) is less damaging than higher volumes (30 or 40 volume). It may require more time but is gentler on the hair

3. Ingredients

• Ammonia-Free Bleach: Ammonia can be harsh on the hair, so choosing an ammonia-free option can reduce damage
• Bond-Building Agents: Products containing bond-builders (e.g., Olaplex, B3) help to repair and protect the hair during the bleaching process

4. Application and Process

• Strand Test: Always perform a strand test to assess how your hair will react to the bleach
• Avoid Overlapping: Avoid applying bleach to already bleached hair to prevent excessive damage
• Monitor Process

5. The Bleach Bath Method

A bleach bath is a gentler alternative to traditional bleaching. It involves diluting the bleach mixture with shampoo, reducing its potency and making it less damaging.

Different types of hair bleaches cater to various needs and hair types. Here are the main types:

1. Powder Bleach

• The most common form, typically mixed with a developer
• Pros: Effective for significant lightening, can be adjusted for various strengths
• Cons: Can be harsh on hair, requires careful mixing and application

2. Cream Bleach

• Thicker consistency, often pre-mixed with a developer
• Pros: Easier to apply, less likely to drip, suitable for precision work
• Cons: May not lighten as much as powder bleach

3. Oil Bleach

• Contains oils that can help protect the hair during the bleaching process
• Pros: Gentler on hair, provides conditioning benefits
• Cons: May not be as strong as other types

4. Gel Bleach

• Gel consistency, is often used for specific techniques like highlights
• Pros: Easy to apply precisely, good for targeted lightening
• Cons: Can be less potent, usually used in combination with other bleaching methods

5. Foam Bleach

• Lightweight, foam consistency
• Pros: Easy to distribute evenly, good for all-over lightening
• Cons: Can be messy, less control over application compared to cream or gel

6. Paste Bleach

• Thick paste consistency
• Pros: Good for scalp applications and highlights, stays in place well
• Cons: Can be difficult to apply evenly over large areas

The developer you choose to use depends on the level of lift you are looking to achieve and the current shade of your hair. Here is a  rough guide

10 Volume: Minimal lift (1-2 levels). For slight lightening or already light hair

20 Volume: Moderate lift (2-3 levels). For natural blondes or grey coverage

30 Volume: Significant lift (3-4 levels). For medium to dark hair

40 Volume: Maximum lift (4-5 levels). For very dark hair; use it with caution

Hair bleaching lightens hair colour by removing natural pigment using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The process involves applying a bleach mixture to the hair, waiting for it to lighten, and then rinsing it out. It can damage hair, making it dry and brittle, so aftercare with conditioners and protein treatments is essential. While it can be done at home, professional help ensures better results and less damage.

Bleaching hair is a harsh chemical process that can significantly damage hair if not done correctly or too frequently. It's recommended to only bleach on new growth and only bleach the hair every 4 - 6 weeks.

1. Hydration and Moisture

• Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to replenish lost moisture. Look for masks with ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter
• Leave-in Conditioners: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to keep your hair hydrated throughout the day

2. Gentle Cleansing

• Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Choose sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping your hair of natural oils. Sulfates can be harsh on bleached hair
• Washing Frequency: Avoid washing your hair every day. Washing 2-3 times a week helps preserve natural oils

3. Protein Treatments

• Protein Masks: Use a protein treatment once a month to strengthen the hair and repair damage. Overuse can cause brittleness, so balance is key

4. Heat Protection

• Heat Protectants: Always use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons
• Lower Heat Settings: Use the lowest effective heat settings on your styling tools to minimise damage

5. Trimming

• Regular Trims: Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to get rid of split ends and prevent further damage

6. Avoiding Further Damage

• Chemical Treatments: Limit additional chemical treatments like perming or further dyeing. Give your hair time to recover between treatments
• Sun Protection: Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to shield your hair from the sun’s damaging rays

7. Gentle Handling

• Wide-Tooth Comb: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair when it’s wet. Avoid brushing wet hair as it’s more prone to breakage
• Microfiber Towels: Use a microfiber towel to gently blot your hair dry instead of rubbing it with a regular towel

On the Scalp: Generally takes 20 to 45 minutes. However, it may take longer depending on the hair's initial colour and condition, and the desired level of lightness

Off the Scalp: For highlights or balayage, the process can take from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the technique and the amount of hair being bleached

Yes, using a toner after bleaching your hair is highly recommended. Here's why:

1. Neutralise Unwanted Tones: Bleaching often leaves hair with yellow, brassy, or orange undertones. Toners help neutralise these unwanted tones, creating a more natural-looking colour
2. Achieve Desired Shade: Toners can help you achieve a specific shade of blonde or other light colours by adjusting the hue of your bleached hair
3. Enhance Shine and Condition: Many toners also contain conditioning agents that can help restore some moisture and shine to your hair, which is especially important after the damaging process of bleaching
4. Longer-lasting Results: Using a toner can help the colour last longer and fade more gracefully compared to bleached hair that isn't toned

When using toner after bleaching, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and choose a toner that suits the shade you want to achieve. Additionally, it's a good idea to use a deep conditioner or hair mask after toning to further nourish and protect your hair.