5 Simple Steps to Wash Out Bleach From Hair

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A woman washing out bleach from her hair

It’s easy to damage hair with bleach. I know this because I bleached my hair, and it became like straw. So I did some research on how to wash out bleach from hair without causing even more damage. And guess what? I found some great tips that I’m going to share with you today.

First, you need to understand why bleach damages hair. Bleach contains chemicals that break down the melanin in your hair. Melanin is what gives your hair its color. When the melanin is broken down, your hair becomes lighter. However, the chemicals in bleach can also damage the keratin in your hair. Keratin is a protein that gives your hair its strength and elasticity. When the keratin is damaged, your hair becomes weak and brittle.

Now that you know how bleach damages hair, you can take steps to prevent further damage. First, you should only bleach your hair when necessary. If you can, try to avoid bleaching your hair more than once a month. Second, you should use a low-volume developer when you bleach your hair. A low-volume developer will produce less damage than a high-volume developer. Third, you should bleach your hair in sections. This will help to prevent the bleach from sitting on your hair for too long and causing damage. Following these tips will help to prevent your hair from becoming damaged after bleaching.

Using a Color-Correcting Shampoo

Color-correcting shampoos are specially formulated to deposit a small amount of dye onto the hair, which can help to neutralize the yellow or orange tones caused by bleach. They are typically used once or twice a week, and the amount of time they need to be left in the hair will vary depending on the product.

To use a color-correcting shampoo, follow these steps:

  1. Wet your hair and apply the shampoo.
    • Use a color-correcting shampoo that is designed for your hair type.
    • Apply the shampoo to your hair and massage it in gently.
  2. Leave the shampoo in your hair for the amount of time specified on the bottle.
    • The amount of time you leave the shampoo in your hair will vary depending on the product, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
    • Leave the shampoo in your hair for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
    • Rinse your hair with warm water until the water runs clear.
    • Condition your hair as usual.
Type of Bleach Color-Correcting Shampoo Shade
Warm-toned bleach (yellow or orange) Purple
Cool-toned bleach (ashy or blue) Green

Applying a Purple Mask

Purple masks are specifically formulated to counteract yellow and brassy tones in bleached hair. They work by depositing violet pigments that neutralize the unwanted warm hues. To use a purple mask, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or residue.

  2. Apply the purple mask. Apply the mask generously to damp, towel-dried hair, focusing on the bleached areas. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly.

  3. Let it sit. Leave the mask on for the recommended amount of time, typically 5-15 minutes. The longer you leave it on, the more intense the color correction will be.

  4. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water, as it can open the hair cuticles and cause the color to fade.

  5. Condition. Apply a nourishing conditioner to your hair to restore moisture and protect it from further damage.

    6. Caution: Be careful not to overuse purple masks, as they can cause over-toning and lead to a dull, ashy appearance.

    Mixing a Baking Soda Paste

    To prepare the baking soda paste, you will need:

    Hair Level Processing Time
    Level 8 or above

    		5-10 minutes
    Level 6-7

    		10-15 minutes
    Level 5 or below

    		Not recommended
    Ingredients Quantity
    Baking soda 2-3 tablespoons
    Water 1 tablespoon (or enough to form a thick paste)

    Step-by-step instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and water.
    2. Mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms.
    3. Apply the paste evenly to the bleached hair, covering all affected areas.
    4. Leave the paste in for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to absorb the bleach and neutralize its harsh effects.
    5. Rinse the paste thoroughly with cool water until all residue is removed.
    6. Follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to restore moisture and nourish the treated hair.

    Tips:

    • Test the paste on a small area of hair before applying it to the whole head to ensure it does not cause any irritation.
    • Do not leave the paste in for more than 20 minutes, as prolonged exposure can dry out the hair.
    • Baking soda can be slightly drying, so it is important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner after rinsing.

      • Utilizing a Clarifying Shampoo

      Clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove product buildup, dirt, and oil from the hair. They can also be effective in removing bleach. To use a clarifying shampoo to wash out bleach, follow these steps:

      1. Wet your hair thoroughly.
      2. Apply a clarifying shampoo to your hair and massage it into a lather.
      3. Let the shampoo sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes.
      4. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
      5. Condition your hair as usual.

      It is important to note that clarifying shampoos can be drying, so it is important to use them no more than once or twice a week. If your hair is dry or damaged, you may want to use a gentler shampoo instead.

      Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in using a clarifying shampoo to wash out bleach:

      Step Instructions
      1 Wet your hair thoroughly.
      2 Apply a clarifying shampoo to your hair and massage it into a lather.
      3 Let the shampoo sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes.
      4 Rinse your hair thoroughly.
      5 Condition your hair as usual.

      Conditioning Deeply

      Deep conditioning is a crucial step in restoring softness and moisture to bleached hair. Here’s how to do it:

      1. Choose a Rich Conditioner

      Select a conditioner specifically designed for damaged or bleached hair. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil, which are known for their nourishing and replenishing properties.

      2. Leave It In Longer

      Apply the conditioner to freshly washed hair and leave it in for at least 15 minutes. You can also wrap your hair in a warm towel to enhance absorption.

      3. Comb Through

      Use a wide-toothed comb to gently distribute the conditioner throughout your hair. This helps smooth out tangles and ensures even distribution.

      4. Rinse Thoroughly

      Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any excess conditioner. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip away the natural oils in your hair.

      5. Weekly Treatments

      Aim for weekly deep conditioning treatments to maintain healthy and hydrated hair. Regular deep conditioning helps repair damaged strands and prevents breakage.

      6. Overnight Conditioning

      For an intense conditioning experience, apply your conditioner before bed and leave it in overnight. This extended exposure allows the nutrients to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, resulting in maximum hydration and repair.

      Product Ingredients Benefits
      Deep Reconstructor Keratin, Shea Butter Repairs damage, adds strength
      Hydrating Mask Argan Oil, Coconut Oil Moisturizes and nourishes dry hair
      Bond Builder Amino Acids Strengthens hair from within, reduces breakage

      Using a Blue Toner

      A blue toner is a hair product specifically designed to neutralize the orange and yellow tones created by lifted bleach. They are usually available in liquid or cream form, and their use is quite simple.

      Materials:

      Item Quantity
      Blue toner As per manufacturer’s instructions
      Developer (10 or 20 volume) As per manufacturer’s instructions
      Gloves 1 pair
      Mixing bowl and brush 1 each

      Instructions:

      1. Start by wearing gloves to protect your hands.
      2. Mix the blue toner and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions in a mixing bowl.
      3. Section your hair and apply the mixture evenly to the bleached areas using a brush.
      4. Leave the toner in for the recommended time (usually 5-15 minutes).
      5. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
      6. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
      7. Style your hair as desired.

      Tips:

      • Do a strand test on an inconspicuous part of your hair before applying the toner to check for any unexpected reactions.
      • Use a low-volume developer (10 volume) for a more subtle toning effect or a higher-volume developer (20 volume) for a more intense effect.
      • Don’t leave the toner in for longer than the recommended time, as this can over-tone your hair and result in a dull or muddy color.

      Trying a Hot Oil Treatment

      Hot oil treatments can help to nourish and strengthen hair, while also removing bleach residue. To try this method:

      1. Apply a generous amount of coconut, olive, or argan oil to your hair from root to tip.
      2. Wear a shower cap and wrap your head in a warm towel to create a warm, moist environment.
      3. Leave the oil treatment in for 30-60 minutes.
      4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
      5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
      6. Repeat this treatment once or twice a week until the bleach residue is removed.

      Note: For best results, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining oil residue after the treatment.

      If you have very dark hair, you may need to use a stronger clarifying shampoo or deep cleaning conditioner to remove the bleach residue. However, it’s important to avoid over-washing your hair, as this can damage your hair.

      Seeking Professional Assistance

      If home remedies fail to effectively remove the bleach, it’s highly recommended to seek professional assistance from a skilled hairstylist or colorist. They possess the knowledge, experience, and specialized products to safely and effectively wash out bleach from hair, ensuring minimal damage and optimal hair health. Here’s what to expect during a professional bleach removal session:

      1. Consultation and Assessment: The hairstylist will thoroughly consult with you to understand your hair goals and assess the extent of bleach damage. They will determine the best course of action based on your hair’s condition and desired results.
      2. Strand Test: To ensure the bleach removal process is suitable for your hair, the hairstylist will typically perform a strand test on a small section of hair. This test helps them predict how your hair will react to the removal process.
      3. Bleach Removal Treatment: Using a specially formulated bleach removal product, the hairstylist will carefully apply it to your hair, avoiding the roots to protect the scalp. The removal process can take several hours, depending on the level of bleach penetration.
      4. Neutralization and Conditioning: Once the bleach has been successfully removed, the hairstylist will neutralize your hair to restore its pH balance and apply deep conditioning treatments to repair and strengthen the hair shaft.
      5. Color Correction (Optional): In some cases, after removing the bleach, the hairstylist may recommend color correction services to even out the hair color and achieve your desired shade.

      It’s important to note that professional bleach removal can be more expensive than home remedies, but it offers greater precision and effectiveness. If you’re concerned about the potential damage to your hair, seeking professional assistance is always the wiser choice.

      Pros of Professional Bleach Removal Cons of Professional Bleach Removal
      – Guaranteed results

      – Minimal damage to hair

      – Personalized treatment based on hair condition

      – Access to specialized products      		 – Can be more expensive than home remedies

      – Requires more time for the procedure

      – May not be available in all locations

      Preventing Future Bleach Damage

      1. Use a Purple Shampoo

      Purple shampoos help counteract orange and yellow tones in bleached hair. These shampoos contain violet pigments that neutralize unwanted warmth, keeping your hair looking cool and clean.

      2. Limit Heat Styling

      Heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can damage bleached hair. Avoid using heat as much as possible, or apply a heat protectant spray before styling.

      3. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater

      Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in the ocean can damage bleached hair. Wear a swim cap when swimming, and rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to saltwater.

      4. Deep Condition Regularly

      Deep conditioning treatments provide intense hydration and nourishment to bleached hair. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a month to keep your hair healthy and prevent breakage.

      5. Trim Split Ends

      Split ends are a common problem with bleached hair. Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent them from spreading up the hair shaft.

      6. Avoid Over-washing

      Washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils, leaving bleached hair dry and vulnerable. Wash your hair two or three times a week at most.

      7. Protect Hair from the Sun

      UV rays from the sun can damage bleached hair. Wear a hat or use a hairspray with UV protection when spending time outdoors.

      8. Get Regular Trims

      Regular trims remove damaged hair and help keep your bleached hair healthy. Get a trim every six to eight weeks.

      9. Use a pH-balanced Shampoo

      The pH level of your shampoo can affect the health of your bleached hair. Use a pH-balanced shampoo to maintain the natural pH level of your hair.

      10. Limit Chemical Treatments

      Avoid using chemical treatments, such as perms or relaxers, on bleached hair. These treatments can further damage your hair and make it more difficult to repair.

      How to Wash Out Bleach from Hair

      Are you regretting bleaching your hair? Have you just dyed it bleach blonde only to find out it’s too light, too orange, or just not what you were expecting?

      Bleach cannot be removed from your hair. What you can do, however, is wash some of the bleach out of the hair to darken it and/or reduce the brassy, yellow tones.

      How to Wash Out Bleach from Hair

      1. Wash your hair with a purple shampoo and conditioner. Purple shampoo is designed to tone down yellow and orange tones in hair, so it can help to darken bleached hair.
      2. Use a clarifying shampoo. A clarifying shampoo will remove any product buildup from your hair, which can make it look lighter than it actually is.
      3. Use a deep conditioner. A deep conditioner will help to moisturize your hair and make it look healthier.

      How to Darken Bleached Hair

      In addition to washing out bleach, you can also darken your bleached hair with a few different methods:

      1. Use a semi-permanent hair dye. A semi-permanent hair dye will deposit color onto your hair, but it will not lighten it.
      2. Use a toner. A toner is a type of hair dye that is used to adjust the color of your hair. It can be used to darken bleached hair, or to add warmth to it.
      3. Use a demi-permanent hair dye. A demi-permanent hair dye is a type of hair dye that lasts longer than a semi-permanent dye, but it will not lighten your hair.

      People Also Ask about How to Wash Out Bleach from Hair

      How long does it take to wash out bleach from hair?

      It can take several washes to wash out bleach from hair. The amount of time it takes will depend on the strength of the bleach, the porosity of your hair, and the products you are using.

      Can you use regular shampoo to wash out bleach?

      Yes, you can use regular shampoo to wash out bleach. However, it is not as effective as using a clarifying shampoo.

      How can I make my bleached hair less orange?

      You can make your bleached hair less orange by using a purple shampoo and conditioner. Purple shampoo is designed to tone down yellow and orange tones in hair.