Bleaching is a powerful process that requires special handling to ensure safety and optimal results. Here's how to use it safely:
Physical Safety Measures
Protect Your Skin: Always wear gloves to prevent the bleach from coming into contact with your skin. Wear clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting stained and use a towel around your neck and shoulders for extra protection.
Strand Test: Before applying bleach to your entire head, perform a strand test. This helps you gauge how your hair will react and adjust the processing time accordingly to avoid under processing which leads to a darker colour than wanted or over-processing which can lead to damage and breakage.
Who Should Avoid Bleaching?
Coloured Hair: If you have recently coloured your hair dark (levels 1 to 5) or used henna, bleaching may not give you the desired result. Dark pigments can be challenging to lift as additional pigments on top of your natural melanin have been deposited into your hair fiber, making it difficult to lift the colour.
We strongly advise against the use of bleach or any permanent colour treatments for anyone who has used semi-permanent, demi-permanent, permanent colour, and/or henna in the past three months. Bleaching after using any hair colour can lead to unpredictable results, including unwanted colours and uneven tones that stray far from the vibrant look you love.
Chemically Treated Hair: Hair that has been relaxed, permed, or recently bleached within 4 to 6 weeks, is too fragile for another round of processing with bleach. This can lead to excessive damage or breakage.
Sensitive Scalp: Individuals with sensitive scalps or existing scalp conditions should consult a health care professional before bleaching to avoid irritation or adverse reactions.
Tips for Using Bleach
Bleaching can be a daunting process, but these tips can help make it smoother and more effective:
Prepare Properly
Hydrate Your Hair: In the weeks leading up to your bleaching session, use deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair hydrated. Well-moisturised hair can withstand the bleaching process better. For intense shine and smooth hair, try the Fructis Hair Food Macadamia Mask.
Avoid Shampooing: Don’t shampoo your hair for at least 24 hours before bleaching. Natural oils protect your scalp during the bleaching process.
Gather Supplies: Ensure you have all necessary supplies ready, including gloves, a timer, a cape or old towel, and the bleach kit.
Application Techniques
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections to ensure even application and thorough saturation. Start applying the bleach one inch away from the roots. For best & precise how to - please always refer to the product instructions.
Monitor the Process: Keep an eye on your hair as it lightens. Check every 10-15 minutes to see how it's progressing and avoid over-processing.
Aftercare Tips
Conditioning: Use a deep conditioner or mask post-bleaching to restore moisture and strength to your hair. To smoothen frizzy hair, try the Fructis Hair Food Macadamia Conditioner.
Avoid Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from heat styling tools for a few days to prevent additional stress.
Regular Touch-Ups: Root touch-ups are necessary to maintain your new colour. Be mindful of overlapping bleach on previously treated hair to avoid breakage. For best & precise how to - please always refer to the product instructions.
