Once all the necessary materials and prep have been done (and you’ve fully committed to going blonde) you’re ready to make the bleach mixture. “You want it to absorb into your hair for at least one hour, even longer if possible and then you can pre-light or bleach.” Step 4: Mixing the product “Using coconut oil before lightening hair can be very beneficial for the condition of the hair,” adds Kandasamy.

For added protection, rub coconut oil from the root to tip within sectioned hair to hydrate hair. When beginning to prep your hair Kandasamy recommends sectioning your hair in four parts. $18 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $13 at JCPenney Credit: COURTESY Step 3: Prep! Prep! Prep!

Toner: Like purple shampoos, these will neutralize brassy hair on a chemical level.

Purple Shampoo: This will help tone the brassiness in your hair and neutralize unwanted yellow and orange hues.

Lightener: Usually found in a powder form, this is the second part to a bleach mixture that causes the actual lightening in the hair.

Developer (30v and 20v): This is the liquid base to your bleach (and toner) mixture, when combined it creates what we all know to be bleach.

You’re going to need a few items in your tool kit before you begin. If your hair is already processed, if you have used any type of box dye, or if you have virgin, unprocessed hair, these can cause variations in how your hair will lift with the bleach. If the wet hair stretches more than usual, or the texture turns a bit gummy, it is not safe to dye, if the hair goes back to its natural state, it’s in good condition to bleach.” He also recommends doing a patch test with a bleach mixture to see how your hair will react using the same method afterward with the small area of processed hair.Īdditionally, it’s important to understand your current hair color situation. “Spray some water on a piece of hair, and let it absorb-stretch the wet hair very gently.

“Conduct an elasticity strand test,” he says. How does your hair feel? Can it truly handle the damage that you’re about to do to it? Kandasamy recommends beginning with a test. Let's go blonde! Step 1: Check your situation

We’ve also made sure to feature a number of hair care products that you’ll need in the process, including bleaching kits, shampoos, and leave-in creams. Ahead, you’ll notice a 12-step bleaching process, along with tips and tricks from hair colorist and R+ Co Collective member Richy Kandasamy and Wella Colorcharm and Clairol Professional Top Artist Oliver Adams. To make your at-home bleach journey a bit easier, we’ve consulted a few experts to help you achieve healthy-looking blonde strands.

Since bleach is a harsh chemical, you could run the risk of irritating your scalp or damaging your hair strands, so it’s essential to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re prioritizing the health of your hair. However, if you’re trying to save a few coins or if you simply don’t have time to spend all day in a salon chair, perhaps you've come to the conclusion that bleaching your hair at home is the only option left.Īlthough you’re probably aware of this, we feel compelled to remind you that there are a few caveats that come along with DIY bleaching. So, you’ve decided to switch up your look and go full-fledged blonde, now what? For one, you could book a professional hair appointment- which honestly might be the most sensible solution.

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