Bleaching your hair to change its colour is a popular option. After all, it’s fun to adopt a different look. You may even want to test out the theory that blondes have more fun.
However, every time you change the colour of your hair you risk damaging it. That’s because the bleach will cause the cuticles to open and swell, absorbing the colour change or dissolving some of the melanin that creates your hair colour. Unfortunately, this process can also damage the fatty acids on the hair shaft. This weakens it, hence why your hair can be brittle after bleaching and even fall out.
It should be noted, regardless of whether your hair is brittle or not, you should use quality styling products. These will reduce the likelihood of your hair being damaged while styling. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these GHD styling products.
Try Keratin Treatment
The first thing to do after bleaching, whether your hair appears damaged or not, is to use keratin treatment. This is a mask that you put over your hair and leave in place for 10-20 minutes. It contains keratin proteins, that is the main component of hair strands.
In short, it will replenish the hair and can help to restore its health and natural shine.
Get Conditioning
Choose a conditioner designed for your hair type and one that is natural. You can put this on your hair 2-3 times a week, ideally after shampooing.
The conditioner helps to increase the moisture in your hair and adds nutrients. It is important that the shampoo you use before conditioning is pH neutral.
It can help to use a deep conditioning mask, this is left on your hair for longer and will increase its moisture and nutrient uptake.
Add Some Oil
Bleached hair has lost the natural oil produced by your scalp. This oil moisturizes and protects the hair, adding shine at the same time. You can use coconut oil or argan oil to replicate this. Simply put a little oil on your hands and run your hands through your hair. It’s best to do this shortly before bed.
Best of all, these oils are also natural, eliminating the possibility of harm to you, your household members, or your pets.
Change Pillowcases
You should change your pillowcases to either satin or silk. These don’t create friction on your hair, eliminating the stresses of a cotton pillowcase. In short, this can prevent your hair from being damaged or falling out in a tangle as you sleep.
Care When Colouring
After bleaching your hair and damaging it you may want to consider which hair dye is best for your hair. It’s advisable to ignore ones with ammonia in them.
Alongside this, you should consider which parts of your hair actually need dying. If it’s just your roots starting to show then dye just your roots, it will reduce the likelihood of damage as most of your hair won’t be treated.
Above all, don’t panic. Damaging your hair or having it fall out is terrifying but you can return it to health. Just take it one step at a time.
