Bleaching your hair can give you a stunning new look, but it also takes a toll on the health of your hair. Bleached hair is often dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. However, with the right at – home treatments, you can restore some of its health and luster. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to treat bleached hair effectively.
Understanding the Damage Caused by Bleaching
Chemical Process
Bleaching involves using strong chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to remove the natural pigment from your hair. This process not only strips away the color but also disrupts the hair’s cuticle structure. The cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, becomes lifted and damaged during bleaching. This allows moisture to escape more easily, leading to dryness.
Loss of Moisture and Nutrients
Bleached hair loses a significant amount of its natural moisture. Additionally, the chemicals can also deplete the hair of essential proteins and oils. This makes the hair more vulnerable to damage from heat styling, environmental factors, and even simple combing or brushing.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Store – Bought Deep Conditioners
There are many deep conditioners available in the market specifically formulated for bleached or damaged hair. Look for products that contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, shea butter, or panthenol.
Keratin is a protein that helps to repair and strengthen the hair shaft. It fills in the gaps in the damaged cuticle, making the hair more resilient.
Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It provides intense moisture, helping to restore the hair’s softness and shine.
Shea butter is a great moisturizer and can also help to soothe the scalp, which may be irritated from the bleaching process.
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, penetrates the hair shaft, adding moisture and improving the hair’s elasticity.
When using a store – bought deep conditioner, apply it generously to clean, damp hair. Focus on the mid – lengths to the ends, as these are the areas that are usually the most damaged. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended amount of time, usually around 15 – 30 minutes. You can cover your hair with a shower cap to help the conditioner penetrate better.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Homemade Deep Conditioning Masks
Avocado and Olive Oil Mask
Mash a ripe avocado until it forms a smooth paste. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Avocado is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that nourish the hair. Olive oil provides deep moisture.
Apply the mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes. The mask will help to repair and moisturize the damaged hair. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a gentle shampoo if needed.
Banana and Honey Mask
Mash a banana and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Banana contains potassium, which helps to strengthen the hair, and honey is a natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture.
Apply this mask to your hair, covering all the strands. Let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes before rinsing. This treatment can make the hair softer and more manageable.
Protein Treatments
Importance of Protein for Bleached Hair
Since bleaching can strip the hair of protein, adding it back is crucial. Protein treatments help to rebuild the hair’s structure and make it stronger.
Using Protein – Rich Products
You can use a protein – based hair mask. Look for masks that contain hydrolyzed proteins. These are proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules, making them easier for the hair to absorb.
Another option is to use a protein – rich conditioner. Apply it to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. This can help to improve the hair’s strength and reduce breakage.
DIY Protein Treatment
Mix an egg with a tablespoon of yogurt. The egg is a great source of protein, and the yogurt contains lactic acid, which can help to smooth the hair cuticle. Apply this mixture to your hair, avoiding the roots if your scalp is oily. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Be careful not to use hot water as it can cause the egg to cook in your hair.
Avoiding Heat and Harsh Chemicals
Heat Styling
Minimize the use of heat – styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. When you do need to use them, set the heat to a lower setting. High heat can further damage bleached hair.
If you must use a blow dryer, use a diffuser attachment and keep the dryer at least 6 – 8 inches away from your hair. You can also use the cool – air setting to help set your style without adding heat damage.
Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using hair products that contain sulfates, as these can strip the hair of its remaining moisture. Sulfate – free shampoos are a better choice for bleached hair.
Also, be cautious with hair dyes. If you want to change the color of your bleached hair further, wait at least a few weeks to allow your hair to recover. When you do dye it, choose a gentle, ammonia – free dye.
Gentle Haircare Practices
Combing and Brushing
Use a wide – toothed comb to detangle your bleached hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This helps to prevent breakage. Avoid using a regular brush, especially when your hair is wet, as it can cause more damage.
When your hair is dry, you can use a soft – bristled brush to gently smooth it.
Trimming Regularly
Get regular trims every 6 – 8 weeks. This helps to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause further breakage. Trimming also keeps your hair looking healthy and neat.
Hydrating from the Inside Out
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential for the health of your hair. Water helps to transport nutrients to the hair follicles and keeps the hair shaft moisturized from within. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for hair health. For example, foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries, help in the production of collagen, which is important for strong hair.
Omega – 3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds can also improve the health of your hair by providing essential oils.
Protein – rich foods like chicken, eggs, and beans are necessary for building and repairing the hair structure.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can effectively treat and care for your bleached hair at home, restoring its shine, softness, and strength. Remember that consistency is key, and it may take some time to see significant improvements, but with patience and proper care, your bleached hair can look and feel its best.