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Lighten Up! A Complete Guide to Hair Bleach and Tips for First-Timers

Comprehensive guide on the best practices on how to bleach and the science behind lightening your hair!

Are you thinking about lightening your hair for the first time? You've come to the right place! Bleaching your hair can be a thrilling transformation, but it can also be a little intimidating if you're new to the process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bleach, how it works, and the best practices to ensure you get the look you desire without damaging your hair.

How Does Bleach Lighten Hair?

Bleaching your hair is a popular way to achieve a lighter hair colour, perfect for those who want to switch up their look. But how does bleach actually work on your hair? Let's explore!

The Chemistry Behind Bleaching: Bleach works by breaking down the melanin in your hair, which gives it its natural colour. This process is called oxidation. When bleach is applied, it penetrates the hair fiber and reacts with the melanin, turning it colourless. The longer you leave the bleach on, the lighter your hair will become. However, it's essential to understand that hair can only handle so much lifting before it becomes damaged. Always follow product instructions to avoid over-processing.

Why Lighten Hair?: You heard the saying “Blondes have more fun!”? Well if you want to become blonde, bleaching is often the best way to achieve it as it can lighten your hair from 8+ levels depending on the product used! Bleaching is also crucial for achieving certain vibrant colour results, especially if you have dark hair to start with.

Safely Using Bleach

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.

 

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Try Before You Dye!

Feeling shade-curious? Garnier’s Virtual Hair Colour Try-On Tool takes all the worry out of wondering how a different hair colour will look. In just a few clicks, you can zero in on the perfect shade for a total hair makeover or a quick upgrade. Whether you have a buzz cut or ringlets down to your knees, this inclusive online hair colour changer works on everyone–no matter your type of hair, length, or your gender.

Live Try On

Olia B+++ Bleach

Garnier Olia B+++ Bleach Blonde is an ammonia-free formula powered by 60% oils that provides intense lifting for up to 8 levels with high-shine results. It's best for natural hair between soft black to dark brown hair.

Key Features

  • Ammonia-free formula that does not compromise in performance and ensures a more pleasant experience for maximal scalp comfort and without the harsh smell.
  • High-shine and luminous long-lasting results with zero brassiness, leaving hair hydrated and silky.
  • Enriched and powered by 60% oils with maximum colour performance, it achieves extreme lightening for an intense blonde.

Olia Max Bleach
Olia B+++ bleach

Kick Off Your New Look with Confidence

Bleaching your hair can be a transformative and exciting experience allowing you to achieve a fresh, new look and express your style; to unlock your new character! By understanding the basics of how bleach works, taking necessary safety precautions, and following insider tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dream hair colour. Garnier's products, offer reliable and nourishing solutions for your hair-lightening needs.

Ready to start your hair transformation? Explore Garnier's bleach and blonde products and find the perfect option for your desired look. Your perfect shade awaits!

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