Going blonde is fun, but it is not without its risks to the health of your hair. That goes double for anyone thinking about bleaching hair that is naturally curly, coily or wavy, or hair that has been chemically processed or colored frequently. You need to prepare your hair before color processing, and the preparation is often the difference between minimal damage and severe damage.
Get a color consultation
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This is important because the stylist needs to see the condition of your hair and determine how much bleach is needed to get the desired color you want. A good colorist will tell you directly and inform you of what is going to happen during and after the color session. They may also have some specific tips and products to use before and after bleaching and when it will be time for a touch-up. This is a vital step and should not be overlooked or skipped and a good colorist will insist on it.
Read more: 4 Signs You Need to Walk Out of a Salon
Pump up your hair’s moisture
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The bleaching process is harsh, and the biggest problem you will face afterward is moisture retention. Bleach dries out your hair, and many suffer from straw-like strands that are brittle, frizzy, and dry. Using moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and treatments before the appointment will help hair get into the best possible condition, which is necessary.
Don’t shampoo hair a few days prior to bleaching
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There is this common misconception that dirty hair will not bleach properly, but according to American Board Certified hair colorist and hairstylist Monaè Everett that is simply not true:
“While the natural oils produced in the hair act as a very thin buffer between the hair strands and the bleach, it is actually healthier for the hair to be dirty and have a little oil on the shaft. I have never seen hair with a normal amount of oil on the shaft not be able to be lighting with bleach. Also keep in mind that many of the top hair color lines add essential oils to their hair bleach in order to help keep the hair healthy while lightening.”
Not only is this not true, but the natural oils in your hair actually help coat the scalp and make the bleaching session less painful. When you wash your hair the day of or even the day before, you remove barriers from it, making your scalp susceptible to irritation from chemical processing.
Reduce your heating tools about one week prior to bleaching
Eliminate heat a few days to the appointment. Heat styling could cause heat damage or, at the very least, dryness. You want your hair as moisturized and healthy as possible to combat damage that may or may not occur during the bleaching session.
Buy products specifically for bleached or color-treated hair
These products are specifically created to prolong hair and prevent fading. They also contain extra moisturizers, proteins, and ceramides to keep hair healthier and stronger. Ask your colorist if they are using Olaplex with your color. It is a bond rebuilder that gets added to bleach and allows the color to be truer without compromising the integrity of your hair.
