Women often feel the need to put on makeup. They want a change that usually starts with their hair. However, dark hair could set a serious limitation if one wants to experiment with different hair colors.
But this does not mean you can never experiment. Bleaching your hair can help. In this post, we have discussed how you can bleach your hair right at home. Keep reading.
Prepare Your Hair
Bleach works by breaking through your hair shaft and oxidizing the melanin granules that give your hair its color (1). This process causes hair damage, and for the same reason, your hair needs to be in a healthy condition to be bleached.
If your hair is dry or damaged, try waiting a month or two before you bleach it. In the meantime, you can prepare your hair by nursing it back to health. You can start preparing your hair at least two weeks before bleaching it.
To prepare your hair
Work With Virgin (Or Almost Virgin) Hair
Hair gets damaged due to chemicals. Bleaching your hair can lead to more damage, as it makes the hair more penetrable (2).
Do not process your hair for at least three months prior to the bleaching treatment. If you have processed or colored hair, wait for three months before you decide to bleach it. Bleach works best on virgin and unprocessed hair. Your hair is also more susceptible to damage if you re-process it too soon
Take A Hiatus From Styling
Stop heat styling your hair and refrain from using shampoos and products that contain sulfates and alcohol (2). This can help prevent moisture loss from your hair.
Condition Like Your Life Depends On It
You need to start conditioning your hair two weeks prior to bleaching it. Instead of using store-bought conditioners, opt for deep conditioning masks at least twice a week (2).
You can make homemade masks using ingredients like coconut oil, egg, olive oil, bananas, and avocados. Ensure you never wash your hair before oiling it first. This can prevent the shampoo from drying your hair out
Coconut Oil Is Your Best Friend
Soaking your hair in oil a night before you bleach it can make a world of difference. Coconut oil forms a protective barrier over your hair shafts and prevents moisture loss. The oil achieves this without hindering the bleaching process (3).
Though bleaching can help improve appearance, the process does have certain side effects
