Bleaching hair can give you a trendy and stylish look, but it also takes a toll on the health of your hair. The bleaching process strips the hair of its natural moisture and oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. However, with the right care and attention at home, you can effectively hydrate and restore your bleached hair. This article will guide you through various methods and products to bring your hair back to a healthy and hydrated state.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioning is essential for replenishing moisture in bleached hair.
Store-Bought Deep Conditioners:
Choosing the Right Product: Look for deep conditioners specifically formulated for damaged or bleached hair. These often contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Read the labels carefully and select a conditioner that suits your hair type and needs. For example, if your hair is extremely dry and porous, a conditioner with a high concentration of oils may be more beneficial.
Application: After shampooing, squeeze out excess water from your hair. Apply a generous amount of the deep conditioner, starting from the mid-lengths and working your way down to the ends. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute the product. Make sure all the bleached areas are well-coated. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, usually 15 – 30 minutes. You can cover your hair with a shower cap to enhance the conditioning effect. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
DIY Deep Conditioning Masks:
Avocado and Olive Oil Mask: Mash half an avocado and mix it with two tablespoons of olive oil. The avocado is rich in vitamins and healthy fats, while the olive oil provides deep hydration. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the bleached parts. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Honey and Yogurt Mask: Combine two tablespoons of honey with three tablespoons of plain yogurt. Honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, and yogurt contains lactic acid that helps to smooth the hair cuticle. Apply this mask to your hair and let it sit for 20 – 25 minutes before rinsing.
Using Hair Oils
Hair oils can seal in moisture and add shine to bleached hair.
Coconut Oil:
Pre-Wash Treatment: Take a small amount of coconut oil, about two to three tablespoons depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Warm it up in your hands until it melts. Apply it to your dry hair, starting from the roots and working down to the ends. Massage it gently into the scalp to improve blood circulation. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for a more intensive treatment. Then, shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and hydrating the hair.
Leave-In Treatment: You can also use a small amount of coconut oil as a leave-in treatment. Apply a few drops to the ends of your damp hair to prevent frizz and add shine.
Argan Oil:
Styling Aid: A few drops of argan oil can be added to your styling products or applied directly to the hair after styling. It helps to smooth the hair cuticle, making it look sleek and healthy. It also provides protection against heat damage if you use styling tools like flat irons or curling irons.
Daily Moisturizer: Use argan oil as a daily moisturizer for your bleached hair. Rub a small amount between your palms and then run your hands through your hair, focusing on the areas that need the most hydration.
Adjusting Your Shampoo and Conditioner Routine
The right shampoo and conditioner can make a big difference in maintaining hydrated bleached hair.
Moisturizing Shampoo:
Avoid Harsh Sulfates: Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and further dry out bleached hair. Instead, choose a shampoo with gentle cleansing agents and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or panthenol. These ingredients help to attract and retain moisture in the hair.
Frequency of Shampooing: Reduce the frequency of shampooing your bleached hair. Washing it too often can lead to excessive dryness. Try to shampoo every 2 – 3 days or even less frequently if possible. On the days when you don’t shampoo, you can use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil at the roots.
Hydrating Conditioner:
Regular Use: Use a hydrating conditioner every time you shampoo. Apply it generously to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Look for conditioners that contain ceramides, which help to repair the damaged hair cuticle and retain moisture.
Rinse with Cold Water: After conditioning, rinse your hair with cold water. Cold water helps to close the hair cuticle, sealing in the moisture from the conditioner and making the hair look shinier.
Protecting Hair from Environmental Damage
Environmental factors can further dehydrate bleached hair, so protection is key.
Heat Protection:
Using Heat Protectant Sprays: If you use heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons, always apply a heat protectant spray to your hair first. These sprays create a barrier between the hair and the heat, reducing damage and preventing moisture loss. Spray the product evenly on your hair, especially on the bleached areas, and then style as usual.
Limiting Heat Usage: Try to limit the use of heat styling tools. Let your hair air-dry whenever possible. If you must use a blow dryer, use it on a low heat setting and keep it at a reasonable distance from your hair.
UV Protection:
Wearing Hats or Scarves: When you are out in the sun, protect your hair by wearing a hat or a scarf. The sun’s UV rays can damage bleached hair, making it more dry and brittle. A wide-brimmed hat provides the best coverage and protection.
Using UV Protection Products: There are also hair products available that contain UV protection. These can be in the form of leave-in conditioners or serums. Apply them to your hair before going out in the sun to shield it from UV damage.
Conclusion
Taking care of bleached hair and keeping it hydrated at home requires a combination of proper treatments, the right products, and lifestyle adjustments. Deep conditioning, using hair oils, choosing suitable shampoos and conditioners, and protecting your hair from environmental damage are all crucial steps. By following these guidelines, you can gradually improve the health and appearance of your bleached hair. Remember, consistency is key, and it may take some time to see significant results. But with patience and dedication, you can have soft, shiny, and hydrated hair even after the bleaching process. So, don’t let the damage from bleaching get you down. Take action and give your hair the love and care it deserves.