The desire to transform black hair into a stunning blonde can be strong. Although achieving blonde hair is simpler for those with lighter shades, it's certainly achievable with black hair, though it demands significant time, patience, and meticulous care to prevent irreversible damage. This comprehensive guide provides a structured approach to safely and effectively lighten black hair, incorporating essential pre-treatment, bleaching techniques, and post-treatment care.
The bleaching process can be harsh, so preparing your hair beforehand is crucial.
Prior to bleaching, deep condition your hair every 2-3 days for two weeks. This proactive step can significantly mitigate potential damage, as the multiple bleaching sessions required to transition from black to blonde hair can deplete moisture and weaken the hair structure.
For intensive conditioning, consider using a DIY hair mask. Combine 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil, and 2-4 tablespoons (30-59 mL) of honey in a bowl. Apply this mixture to dry or slightly damp hair, ensuring thorough coverage. Wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap, and allow the mask to penetrate for 15-30 minutes. This mask provides essential hydration and nutrients, bolstering your hair's resilience.
If your hair has been previously color-treated, begin by using a clarifying shampoo to strip away existing dye and color. While it won't completely remove the color, it can lighten it enough to facilitate the bleaching process. However, refrain from using clarifying shampoo on the same day as your initial bleach treatment.
Read also: Safe Hair Dyeing Practices to Prevent Hair Loss
When transitioning from black to blonde, quality products are essential. Purchase supplies from a salon or cosmetics store rather than a grocery store. Bleach is the most effective option for lightening dark hair, but it's imperative to use bleach specifically designed for hair.
Warning: Never use household bleach for cleaning and disinfecting on your hair because it is too powerful and will likely burn your skin and completely ruin your hair.
Before committing to a full bleaching session, conduct a strand test. This crucial step allows you to assess how your hair responds to the bleach, determine the appropriate processing time, and identify any potential scalp sensitivity. If your scalp becomes red or irritated, discontinue the process, as this may indicate an allergy or sensitivity to the chemicals.
Divide your dry hair into four sections using elastics or clips. Part your hair down the middle, and then split each side into two sections, one high and one low. This ensures even application and prevents missed spots.
Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the harsh chemicals in bleach. Apply bleach to each section of your hair, starting with the ends first, avoiding the roots. Start with a bottom section and undo it from its elastic or clip. Take a 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece of hair and use the applicator brush to spread the bleach from the tips to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your scalp, leaving the roots untouched. After you've bleached the lengths of your hair, it's time to go back and tackle the roots. Start at the back of your head and work your way forward in sections, applying the bleach just to the 1 inch (2.5 cm) you left untouched previously.
Read also: Home Hair Dye Guide
Your strand test should provide a good indication of how long to leave the bleach on your hair. Keep in mind that this is only the first bleaching session. After the appropriate time has elapsed, rinse the bleach out of your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow up with a bleach-specific moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, which is often included in the bleaching packet.
After bleaching, hair often exhibits brassy or orange tones. Toner is essential for neutralizing these unwanted hues and achieving a more desirable blonde shade.
Wait 1-2 days after bleaching before applying toner. This allows your hair to recover slightly from the bleaching process. You're going to be walking around for a few weeks with your hair in an in-between state, so using toner at this stage will help you feel less self-conscious about any potential orange or brassy shades.
You can use toner every few weeks to touch up your hair, but avoid daily use, as it can be drying. Additionally, use purple shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for blonde hair 1-2 times per week to maintain the desired tone.
The violet in purple shampoos and toners neutralizes the brassy tones in hair after bleaching. It helps make the hair appear more blonde and platinumish rather than orangey or coopery.
Read also: Enhance Black Hair Color
Multiple bleaching sessions are typically required to achieve the desired blonde shade when starting with black hair.
If your hair isn't light enough after the second bleaching session, wait another 1-2 weeks before proceeding with a third session. Limit yourself to a maximum of three bleaching sessions to minimize damage. When it’s time to apply the next round of bleach, use either the same or a lesser-volume developer than you did before. A 20-volume developer will lift your hair another 1-2 shades, while a 30-volume developer will lift your hair another 2-3 shades. Section your hair into 4 quadrants. Apply the bleach to the tips and mid-sections of your hair first, and then go back and apply it to the roots. After the time has passed, go ahead and get in the shower to rinse away all of the bleach. Apply toner to your hair to get a brighter blonde. Without toner, your blonde locks might look brassier than you’d like.
Bleaching can leave hair dry and brittle, making intensive hydration crucial. Use a deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner every other day for 2-4 weeks after bleaching. Do a hydrating mask once per week to keep your locks healthy.
Hairdryers, straighteners, and curlers use high heat to style your hair, and that heat can damage your locks even more. There are a few different ways you can either straighten or curl your hair without heat. Bleached hair tends to be more brittle and breaks more easily than unbleached hair. There are some great anti-breakage products out there.
The process to do your roots is very similar to the regular bleaching process, but you won’t need to apply the bleach to your entire head of hair. Section your hair like you normally would, but apply the bleach only to your roots. Don’t forget to apply toner to your hair 1-2 days after your touch up if that’s a part of your process. It can be really difficult to get your roots the same shade as the rest of your hair.
If you have a hard time applying the bleach to your hair yourself, ask a friend to help.
Avoid starting this process before a big event.
Avoid putting 40-vol developer with powder bleach on your scalp or roots. Be cautious when working with bleach. Wear gloves and avoid getting it on your skin.
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