Thinking about changing your hair color? A bleach bath is a gentle way to do it. It mixes bleach with shampoo for a milder effect. This method is excellent for fixing color mistakes or lightening your hair. It’s less harsh than complete bleaching and helps fade color evenly.If your hair looks dull or you’ve got too much color, a bleach bath can help. It’s also good for hair that’s been colored too many times. This guide will show you how to do a bleach bath. We’ll cover everything from preparation to aftercare. Plus, we’ll talk about the pros and cons.
What Is Bleach Bathing?
A bleach bath is a gentler way to lighten or remove hair color. It is compared to traditional bleaching. It involves diluting bleach with shampoo, reducing its strength. This method is ideal for those looking to fade their color or correct a dye job gone wrong.
Why Choose A Bleach Bath?
- Less Damaging: It’s gentler than full-on bleaching.
- Controlled Lightening: Offers more control over the degree of color removal.
- Even Fading: Helps in achieving a more uniform fade-out.
When To Use A Bleach Bath For Your Hair?
A bleach bath can be handy for various hair needs. It’s good for slightly lightening your hair. It fixes hair that’s been toned too much. Or when you have a tricky color that won’t wash out. It’s also helpful if your blonde hair looks dull and needs a refresh. If your hair is damaged from too much bleaching or other treatments, a bleach bath can help without causing more harm. It’s a softer option than full bleaching.
The Science Behind Bleaching
Bleaching hair changes its chemical structure. It removes the pigment from hair fibers, making them lighter. This process can also affect hair’s strength and moisture.
What You Need
- Bleach powder
- Developer (20 volumes is ideal for most cases)
- Clarifying shampoo
- Gloves
- Plastic bowl
- Brush for application
- Timer Towel and old clothes
- Hair clips (optional)
Step 1: Preparation
First, make sure you’re wearing old clothes and have your gloves on. Protect your skin and work area because bleach can be messy and damaging. Mix the bleach powder with the developer in a plastic bowl. The ratio must be 1:1, but check the bleach powder’s instructions. Then, add an equal part of clarifying shampoo. This mixture is what makes it a “bleach bath.”
Step 2: Application
Apply the mixture to damp hair. If you’ve recently washed your hair, just dampen it with water. Divide your hair into sections for an even application. Use a brush or your hands (with gloves) to apply the mixture thoroughly. Remember, the aim is to coat your hair evenly.
Step 3: Monitoring
Once your hair is covered, keep an eye on the color. This procedure can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Don’t leave the bleach too long, as it can damage your hair. Check every 5 minutes to see how the color is lifting.
Step 4: Rinsing
When you reach your desired level of color removal, rinse your hair thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and make sure all the bleach is out. Then, shampoo your hair and follow up with a deep conditioner. Bleaching can be drying, so conditioning is crucial.
Aftercare
Post-bleach bath, your hair might feel dry or brittle. Use leave-in conditioners and hair masks to restore moisture. Avoid heat styling for some time, and give your hair a break.
Other options
If weary of using bleach, try color-removing products. Or, fade your hair gradually with frequent shampooing. Natural options like lemon juice or baking soda can also help. But they’re less effective.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Over-processing: Leaving bleach on for too long can cause significant damage.
Skipping Patch Tests: Essential to prevent allergic reactions.
Neglecting Aftercare: Post-bleaching care is crucial for hair health.
Tips For Healthy Bleached Hair
- Moisturize Regularly: Bleaching can dry out your hair.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from the heat.
- Regular Cutting: To prevent split ends and breakage.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Bleach Baths
Advantages
- It’s softer on your hair than complete bleaching.
- Suitable for removing a little bit of color.
- More harmful than other bleach methods.
- Easy to do by yourself at home.
- Works on all hair types.
- Cheap way to prepare hair for new dye.
Disadvantages
- Takes longer than usual bleaching.
- Might not remove color as well.
- Can make your hair dry and weak.
- It won’t make your hair blonde.
- Could irritate your skin and eyes.
- Not for hair that’s already damaged.
When To See A Professional?
It’s best to leave color removal to the pros. This is especially true if your hair is already damaged or if you’re aiming for a significant color change.
A bleach bath can fade or remove hair color. It causes less damage than traditional bleaching. It requires careful execution and follow-up care to maintain hair health. Remember, each hair type reacts differently. So stay cautious and get professional advice for the best results. With these steps, tips, and precautions in mind, you’re well-equipped to tackle a bleach bath at home.
FAQs
Q: How long should I wait between bleach baths?
A: Waiting at least a few weeks between bleach baths is recommended. This gives your hair time to recover and minimizes damage.
Q: Can bleach baths lift natural hair color or only dyed hair?
A: Bleach baths can lighten natural hair color and dyed hair. However, the results depend on your original hair color and the strength of the bleach.
Q: Can I perform a bleach bath on curly or textured hair?
A: Be extra cautious, as curly or textured hair is often more prone to damage. Deep conditioning treatments before and after are pivotal.
Q: How do I know if my hair is too damaged for a bleach bath?
A: If your hair is dried, brittle, or breaking, it might be too damaged for a bleach bath.
Q: How can I stop my hair from drying after a bleach bath?
A: Use intensive hair masks and leave-in conditioners. Reduce heat styling and trim your ends often to keep hair moist and healthy.
