Bleaching Your Hair at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rumor has it that blondes have more fun. If you decide to test this theory, bleaching your hair is the way to go. It can be risky - you run the risk of seriously damaging your hair if the bleaching process is not done properly. This step-by-step guide will safely guide you through the process from start to finish.

Before You Bleach

Let's take a look at things to consider before you begin:

1. Decide on a color. Shades of blonde can range from platinum to dark. You need to decide which shade will look best on you so you have a goal in mind before you begin. You also need to consider the tone you would like to achieve. Blonde hair tones can range from ash - a cool tone, to golden - with gold or red undertones.

2. Consider your natural color. This will have an impact on your bleaching results. If you have very dark brown or black hair bleaching may be challenging. It will most likely take multiple applications to lighten your hair to blonde. If your hair has a reddish tone it's likely that bleaching will turn it orange. Multiple applications may be required to remove any unwanted brassiness.

3. Examine your hair's condition. It is inevitable that bleaching will do some damage to your hair. Performing deep conditioning treatments for a couple weeks beforehand is a good idea. This will make your hair healthier and better prepared for the bleaching process. If your hair has had any chemical treatments, such as a perm or relaxer, it will need at least 4 weeks to recover before bleaching.

Selecting a Product

The bleaching product you select is very important. A good product will go a long way to ensure quality results. Hair bleach is sold in varying strengths called volumes. These range from 10 volume, up to 40 volume. Higher volumes produce stronger and faster bleaching action. These are more effective if you have very dark hair, but they can more readily cause damage. Lower volumes can be effective but will need to be left on for a longer period of time.

Getting Started

1. Read through and familiarize yourself with the product's instructions.

2. Do a strand test as well as a skin test a few days before bleaching. Mix a small portion of the product and apply it to your skin. Watch for any adverse reactions. If no adverse reaction occurs you are all set to begin. Next, apply some of the bleach to a small strand of your hair. This gives you the opportunity to see how your hair will react to the bleach. It also indicates the proper length of time to leave the product on your hair in order to achieve the desired color.

3. Apply a filler conditioner before you begin. Any leave-in spray conditioner will do. The conditioner will fill in any porous areas of your hair that may be more prone to damage.

4. Place a towel around your neck.

5. Put on a pair of plastic or rubber gloves.

6. Place Vaseline around your hairline and ears to prevent the bleach from coming in contact with your skin.

7. Mix together the developer and powdered bleach until they are a pasty consistency. Be sure to use a plastic or glass bowl. Never use a metal bowl.

8. Start at the back of your head and apply the bleach mixture to 1/2 inch sections of hair beginning 1/4 inch from the scalp. You don't want to apply the mixture to your roots yet. The hair closest to your scalp will lighten faster than the rest of your hair. This is because heat from your scalp speeds up the bleaching process. If you apply the bleach to your roots at this point it may result in uneven color.

9. Once you have applied the bleach mixture to all of your hair, place a plastic cap over your head. Set a timer for the length of time indicated by the product's instructions, or the strand test you did earlier.

10. When there are about 5 minutes left on the timer apply the bleach to your roots.

11. When the timer goes off it's time to rinse the bleach out. Use cool water to rinse your hair since it will neutralize the bleaching action. Rinse hair for at least 5 minutes to ensure all bleach is removed.

12. Gently shampoo and condition hair.

After You Bleach

1. It will be especially important to regularly use a good quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to protect and nourish your hair.

2. If additional applications of bleach are necessary to achieve the desired color your hair will need a few days to recover between applications.

3. Avoid exposing hair to chlorine or other harsh chemicals which may damage or discolor bleached hair.

The decision to bleach your hair is a bold one. If done well, it will result in an exciting new look. With these tips you are well on your way to finding out if blondes really do have more fun!