Are you looking to lighten your hair or remove stubborn dye? A bleach wash might be the solution you need. This technique involves mixing bleach with shampoo to create a gentler alternative to traditional bleaching. Read on to learn how to do a bleach wash at home.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following supplies:
- Bleach powder
- Developer (20 or 30 volume)
- Shampoo (clarifying or non-moisturizing)
- Bowl
- Brush or comb
- Gloves
Step 1: Choose Your Developer
The strength of your developer determines how light your hair will become. Use 20 volume developer for a slight lightening effect or 30 volume for more dramatic results. Note that higher volumes can also cause more damage to your hair.
Step 2: Mix the Bleach and Developer
In your bowl, mix one part bleach powder with two parts developer. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add Shampoo
Add an equal amount of shampoo to your bleach mixture. Use a clarifying or non-moisturizing shampoo to ensure that the bleach can penetrate your hair more easily.
Step 4: Put on Gloves
Before applying the bleach wash, put on gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals.
Step 5: Apply to Hair
Using your brush or comb, apply the bleach mixture to your hair. Make sure to saturate your hair evenly from root to tip.
Step 6: Wait
Wait for the bleach to process. The amount of time will depend on your hair type and the strength of the developer. Check your hair every 5-10 minutes to see how light it’s becoming.
Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly
Once your hair has reached the desired lightness, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Make sure to remove all of the bleach mixture.
Step 8: Condition Your Hair
Bleach can be very drying to your hair, so it’s important to use a deep conditioning treatment after you’ve washed it out. This will help to restore moisture and prevent breakage.
FAQs
1. Is a bleach wash damaging to hair?
Like any bleaching process, a bleach wash can cause damage to your hair. However, because the bleach is diluted with shampoo, it’s generally less damaging than traditional bleaching.
2. How often can I do a bleach wash?
It’s generally best to wait at least 4-6 weeks between bleach washes to allow your hair to recover.
3. Can I use any shampoo for a bleach wash?
No. It’s important to use a clarifying or non-moisturizing shampoo to ensure that the bleach can penetrate your hair effectively.