Wondering if bleaching damages your hair? Not sure how to take care of them after the process? We answer the 5 most frequently asked questions about hair bleaching.

➜What is hair bleaching?

Bleaching is a chemical treatment that makes the natural shade of hair one or more tones lighter. The alkaline substance in the bleaching mixture opens the hair’s cuticle so that the oxidizier can penetrate the hair’s structure. The oxidizing agent penetrates deep into the hair and dissolves the natural pigment – melanin.

➜ Does bleaching damage hair?

Our hair strands are not indifferent to a treatment such as bleaching. Frequent, too intensive and professional bleaching treatments can permanently damage the hair cuticles that protect the hair shaft from damage. The result is dry, dull, brittle strands. To avoid permanent damage DO NOT bleach your hair yourself. Seek out a professional to advise you, determine your hair’s condition, perform a safe procedure and take good care of its condition after bleaching.

➜ Should you wash your hair before bleaching?

It is important to remember that hair should not be washed just before applying bleach. It is best to wash them 1-2 days before the procedure. A natural protective film in the form of a thin layer of sebum will appear on them. Thoroughly clean your scalp and strands to get rid of any leftover stylers and dirt. Go ahead and apply conditioner, which will further strengthen the hair before the treatment.

➜ How to take care of bleached hair?

On a daily basis, the most important thing is to protect your hair. Bleached hair becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage. Right after treatment, give up the hair dryer and straightener. Wash them with gentle shampoos for light hair, without SLS and other strong detergents. Use conditioners and masks rich in emollients, proteins or natural moisturizers such as oils and butters. Before washing, treat your strands to an oil treatment, which will deeply moisturize them. Bleached hair will like coconut, flaxseed or evening primrose oil. Avoid castor, rosemary or amla oil! They can darken or change the color of blonde hair.

➜ Yellow hair after bleaching – how to prevent it?

If your hair takes on yellow and green tones after bleaching, the reason may be inadequate hair care, swimming in the pool, prolonged sun exposure or polluted water. To avoid this, wash your scalp and strands thoroughly with a cleansing shampoo once a week. On a daily basis, reach for color toning masks – purple or blue. They will maintain the cool shade of blonde and prevent yellowing of hair. Purple, pink or blue rinses are also popular options, which can be added to shampoos, masks or mixed with water.