Bleached hair is a trendy and stylish look, but it can also be damaging to your hair. If you’re not happy with the way your bleached hair looks or feels, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. One option is to use a color-correcting shampoo. These shampoos are designed to neutralize the brassy tones that can occur in bleached hair. Another option is to use a hair mask. Hair masks are deep conditioners that can help to repair and restore damaged hair.
If you want to get rid of your bleached hair more quickly, you can cut it off. This is the most drastic option, but it’s also the most effective. If you’re not ready to cut your hair, you can try using a gradual lightening spray. These sprays are designed to lighten your hair over time, so you can avoid the harsh damage that can come with bleaching.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to take care of your hair after you bleach it. Bleaching can damage your hair, so it’s important to use products that are designed to repair and restore it. You should also avoid heat styling and chemical treatments, as these can further damage your hair.
Identifying the Cause of Bleached Hair
Bleached hair can be a result of various factors, including chemical treatments, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle habits. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
1. Chemical Treatments
Chemical hair treatments, such as bleaching and hair dyes, use harsh chemicals that break down the natural pigments in the hair, resulting in a lighter color. Bleaching agents contain hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes the melanin (the pigment responsible for hair color) and lightens it. The extent of hair lightening depends on the strength of the bleaching agent, the duration of the treatment, and the hair’s natural color.
Other chemical treatments, like relaxers and perms, can also contribute to hair bleaching. Relaxers contain sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, which break down the disulfide bonds that give hair its structure, leading to a softer texture and a lighter appearance. Perms use a chemical solution to reshape the hair’s structure, and the process can include a bleaching step to lighten the hair before applying the permanent wave.
| Chemical Treatment | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Bleach | Oxidizes melanin with hydrogen peroxide |
| Relaxer | Breaks down disulfide bonds with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide |
| Perm | Reshapes hair structure, may include a bleaching step |
Preventing Further Damage
Once your hair has been bleached, it is crucial to take extra precautions to prevent further damage. Here are some essential steps to follow:
1. Use Gentle Hair Care Products:
Opt for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated with milder cleansers and nourishing ingredients that help repair and strengthen damaged hair.
2. Limit Heat Styling:
Heat from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can further weaken bleached hair. Allow your hair to air-dry as often as possible, and when using heat, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
3. Deep Condition Regularly:
Deep conditioning masks provide intense nourishment and hydration to bleached hair. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to help repair and restore hair’s strength and elasticity. Leave the mask on for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly.
4. Avoid Over-Processing:
Resist the temptation to re-bleach your hair too soon. Wait at least six months to a year between bleaching sessions to give your hair time to recover.
5. Trim Split Ends:
Split ends are a common problem for bleached hair. Regular trims will remove damaged ends and prevent further breakage.
| Hair Care Routine | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Use gentle hair care products | Daily |
| Deep condition | 1-2 times per week |
| Trim split ends | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Limit heat styling | As often as possible |
Using Hair Masks and Treatments
Hair masks and treatments are effective ways to restore moisture and repair damaged bleached hair. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil. These ingredients help to hydrate and strengthen hair, reducing breakage and frizz.
Start by applying a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week. Leave it in for the recommended time, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner to further hydrate and protect your hair.
Homemade Hair Masks
You can also create your own homemade hair masks using natural ingredients. Here are a few popular recipes:
| Mask | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Mask | 1 ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon olive oil | Mash avocado and olive oil together. Apply to hair, leave in for 30 minutes, then rinse. |
| Coconut Milk Mask | 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon honey | Mix coconut milk and honey together. Apply to hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave in for 1 hour. Rinse and shampoo. |
| Banana Mask | 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey | Mash banana and mix with yogurt and honey. Apply to hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave in for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo. |
Toning Down the Bleach
If you’ve bleached your hair and you’re not happy with the results, or if you just want to tone down the brassiness, there are a few things you can do. One option is to use a toner. Toners are semi-permanent hair dyes that can be used to correct color problems or to add subtle highlights or lowlights. Another option is to use a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner. These products contain pigments that can help to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair.
Use a toner
Toners are available in a variety of shades, so you can choose one that will best suit your hair color. If you’re not sure what shade to choose, you can consult with a professional hairstylist. Toners are typically applied to damp hair and left on for 10-20 minutes. Once the toner has been rinsed out, your hair will be left with a more even, natural-looking color.
Use a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner
Color-correcting shampoos and conditioners are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair. These products contain pigments that can help to cancel out brassiness, yellowness, or orange tones. Color-correcting shampoos and conditioners are typically used once or twice a week. Leave them on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
Other options
In addition to using a toner or a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner, there are a few other things you can do to tone down bleached hair. These include:
- Using a purple shampoo. Purple shampoos are designed to neutralize yellow tones in bleached hair. They can be used once or twice a week.
- Using a blue conditioner. Blue conditioners are designed to neutralize orange tones in bleached hair. They can be used once or twice a week.
- Adding a cool-toned hair mask to your hair care routine. Cool-toned hair masks can help to tone down brassiness and add shine to your hair.
Table of Toners and Their Uses:
| Toner | Use |
|---|---|
| Purple | Neutralize yellow tones |
| Blue | Neutralize orange tones |
| Green | Neutralize red tones |
| Pink | Add warmth to cool-toned hair |
Coloring over Bleached Hair
Bleached hair can be a canvas for vibrant colors, but it requires special care to ensure the color takes evenly and lasts. Here are some tips for coloring over bleached hair:
- Choose the right color: Select a color that is close to your natural hair color or slightly darker. Avoid using colors that are too light or too dark, as they may not show up well on bleached hair.
- Use a pre-pigmenting shampoo: This will help to even out the porosity of your bleached hair and ensure that the color takes evenly.
- Apply a protein treatment: This will help to strengthen your bleached hair and prevent it from becoming damaged.
- Use a demi-permanent or permanent hair color: These types of hair color will last longer on bleached hair than semi-permanent or temporary hair color.
- Follow the instructions on the hair color box carefully: This will help to ensure that the color is applied correctly and the results are as expected.
Applying Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural bleaching agent that can be used to remove bleach from your hair. It is also a great way to add shine and body to your hair.
To use apple cider vinegar to remove bleach from your hair, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto your hair, focusing on the bleached areas.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water.
- Repeat this process once or twice a week until the bleach is gone.
- Apple cider vinegar may cause your hair to smell like vinegar. To get rid of the smell, rinse your hair with a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon baking soda.
| Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Remove Bleach from Hair |
|---|
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Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural ingredient that can help to remove bleached hair. It is a mild abrasive that can gently lift the bleach from the hair without damaging it. To use baking soda, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the bleached hair and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water and shampoo as usual.
Benefits of Using Baking Soda
There are several benefits to using baking soda to remove bleached hair, including:
- Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help to lift the bleach from the hair without damaging it.
- Baking soda is a natural ingredient that is safe to use on the hair.
- Baking soda is inexpensive and easy to find.
Things to Consider When Using Baking Soda
There are a few things to consider when using baking soda to remove bleached hair, including:
- Baking soda can be drying, so it is important to condition the hair after using it.
- Baking soda can cause the hair to become lighter, so it is important to use it sparingly.
- Baking soda can be irritating to the skin, so it is important to avoid getting it in the eyes or on the scalp.
Overall, baking soda is a safe and effective way to remove bleached hair. By following the tips above, you can minimize the risk of any negative side effects.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for using baking soda to remove bleached hair:
- Mix the baking soda paste with water until it forms a smooth, even consistency.
- Apply the paste to the bleached hair using a brush or your fingers.
- Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out.
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with water and shampoo as usual.
- Condition the hair to help restore moisture.
By following these additional tips, you can help ensure that you remove the bleached hair successfully and without damaging your hair.
Trimming Away Damaged Hair
Once you’ve bleached your hair, the damage is often irreversible. The only way to truly get rid of bleached hair is to trim it off. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that healthy hair will grow back in time. Here are a few tips for trimming away damaged hair:
1. Start small. Don’t try to trim off all of your bleached hair at once. Start by trimming off just a few inches. You can always trim more later if needed.
2. Use sharp scissors. Dull scissors will tear your hair, causing more damage. Invest in a good pair of hairdressing scissors.
3. Trim in sections. Divide your hair into sections and trim each section individually. This will help you to avoid accidentally trimming too much hair.
4. Trim at an angle. Hold the scissors at an angle to your hair when you trim it. This will help to create a more natural look.
5. Don’t over-wash your hair. Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, making it more prone to damage. Wash your hair every 2-3 days, or as needed.
6. Use a heat protectant. When you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant to your hair first. This will help to protect your hair from damage.
7. Get regular trims. Once you’ve trimmed away the damaged hair, it’s important to get regular trims to keep your hair healthy. Trims will help to remove any split ends that may form.
8. Consider a keratin treatment. A keratin treatment can help to smooth and strengthen bleached hair. This can make your hair look healthier and less damaged.
| Pros of a keratin treatment: | Cons of a keratin treatment: |
|---|---|
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Protecting Hair from Sun Damage
Bleached hair is particularly vulnerable to sun damage due to the removal of natural pigments that protect it. To safeguard your hair, follow these measures:
- Cover Up: Wear a hat or headscarf when exposed to sunlight to shield your hair from direct UV rays.
- Use UV-Protective Products: Opt for hair products specifically designed with UV filters to block and absorb harmful rays.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid spending excessive time in the sun, especially during peak hours. Stay in shaded areas whenever possible.
- Rinse with Cool Water: After swimming or spending time in chlorinated water, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove any residue that may exacerbate sun damage.
- Regular Deep Conditioning Treatments: Deep condition your hair regularly to restore moisture and strengthen it against environmental aggressors like the sun.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Heat styling tools can further weaken bleached hair, making it more susceptible to sun damage. Air-dry or use heat protectants if necessary.
- Use Leave-In Conditioners: Leave-in conditioners create a protective layer on the hair, shielding it from sun exposure.
- Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall hair health and resilience against sun damage.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can further compromise the hair’s integrity and make it more vulnerable to sun damage.
| Avoid these common bleaching mistakes: |
|---|
| – Overlapping bleach |
| – Using too high of a developer |
| – Not using a toner |
| – Not deep conditioning regularly |
| – Not using heat protectant |
Consulting a Hair Professional
Seeking guidance from a qualified hair professional is crucial for safely and effectively removing bleached hair. They possess the knowledge and experience to assess your hair’s condition, determine the best course of action, and guide you through the process. Here are 10 key aspects to consider when consulting a hair professional:
1. Discuss Your Goals: Clearly communicate your hair removal preferences, whether it’s restoring your natural color or achieving a specific style.
2. Review Hair History: Provide the professional with a thorough history of your hair’s chemical treatments, including bleach applications.
3. Hair Assessment: The professional will examine your hair’s texture, porosity, and damage level to determine its resilience.
4. Determine Removal Method: Based on your hair’s condition, the professional will suggest suitable removal methods, such as color correction, stripping, or shaving.
5. Hair Care Plan: Discuss post-removal care recommendations, including products and treatments to nourish and repair damaged hair.
6. Timeframe and Cost: Understand the estimated time and cost for the removal process to plan accordingly.
7. Professional’s Expertise: Choose a hair professional who specializes in color correction or hair removal techniques.
8. Prioritize Hair Health: Prioritize the health of your hair by opting for a gradual removal process over aggressive methods.
9. Follow Instructions: Adhere to the professional’s instructions for at-home care and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal results.
10. Professional Support: Establish open communication with the professional throughout the process for any questions or concerns.
How To Get Rid Of Bleached Hair
There are a few ways to get rid of bleached hair. One way is to simply cut it off. This is the most drastic option, but it will also get rid of the bleached hair the fastest. Another way to get rid of bleached hair is to dye it a darker color. This will cover up the bleach and make it less noticeable. Finally, you can try using a color remover to remove the bleach. This is a chemical process that can be harsh on your hair, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
If you are trying to get rid of bleached hair, it is important to be patient. It may take some time to get the desired results. However, with a little effort, you can achieve your goal.
People Also Ask
Does bleached hair grow back?
Yes, bleached hair will grow back. The new hair that grows in will be your natural color. However, the bleached hair will still be visible until it is cut off or dyed.
How can I get rid of bleached hair fast?
The fastest way to get rid of bleached hair is to cut it off. However, you can also try dyeing it a darker color or using a color remover.
Is it bad to bleach your hair?
Bleaching your hair can damage it. It can make it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. However, if you follow the instructions carefully and take care of your hair, you can minimize the damage.
