Impact of Hair Product on Bleaching
Applying bleach to hair that contains product can significantly hinder the chemical process, leading to undesirable outcomes. Hair products, such as styling gels, conditioners, and oils, create a physical barrier on the hair shaft. This coating prevents the bleach mixture from fully saturating the hair strands and initiating the lightening reaction uniformly. The presence of these barriers means some sections may lighten effectively while others remain darker, resulting in an uneven or patchy color.
Different types of products interfere with bleaching in distinct ways. Silicones, often found in styling and conditioning products, form a water-resistant film that can repel the bleach solution, creating inconsistencies in lift. Natural oils or heavy butters also coat the hair, impeding bleach penetration. Waxes and polymers can trap the bleach, potentially leading to intensified, localized reactions in certain spots while leaving other areas untouched.
The interaction between bleach and residual hair products can elevate the risk of damage to the hair structure. Bleaching is an exothermic reaction, generating heat as it breaks down melanin pigments. When products are present, they can trap this heat against the hair shaft, intensifying the chemical process. This localized heat buildup, combined with the strong oxidative action of bleach, can lead to excessive protein degradation, resulting in increased breakage, dryness, and a compromised texture.
Chemical compounds within hair products can react unpredictably with bleach components. Dyes, pigments, or natural ingredients might undergo unexpected color changes when exposed to strong oxidizers. This can manifest as unwanted greenish, orange, or brassy tones that are difficult to correct. These unknown chemical interactions make the final color result highly unpredictable.
Beyond the risk of damage and unpredictable color, product residue can reduce the overall efficacy of the bleach. When bleach cannot properly penetrate the hair due to product interference, it may not achieve the desired level of lift. This often necessitates multiple applications to reach the target lightness, which further stresses the hair and increases the likelihood of severe damage. Each reapplication exposes the hair to more harsh chemicals, weakening its structural integrity.
Essential Steps Before Bleaching Hair
Preparing hair properly before bleaching is fundamental to achieve an even lift and minimize potential damage. The most important initial action involves thoroughly washing hair with a clarifying shampoo one to two days before the session. This shampoo is formulated to remove product buildup, excess oils, and environmental residues. By stripping away these layers, it ensures a clean canvas, allowing bleach to penetrate uniformly and interact directly with natural pigments.
After washing, hair must be completely dry before any bleach application. Bleach formulations are balanced to work most effectively on dry hair; water can dilute the mixture, reducing its potency and affecting its ability to lighten consistently. Diluted bleach may not achieve the desired lift, requiring longer processing times or multiple applications, which increases the risk of damage. Ensuring dry hair helps maintain the integrity and strength of the bleach solution.
Prior to applying bleach to the entire head, performing a patch test is a crucial safety measure. This involves applying a small amount of the mixed bleach solution to a discreet skin area, such as behind the ear, and leaving it for the recommended processing time. The purpose of this test is to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities to the chemical ingredients, which can manifest as redness, itching, or swelling. Waiting 24 to 48 hours after the patch test allows sufficient time to observe any adverse skin responses, ensuring user safety.
An equally important preparatory step is conducting a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of hair. This test involves applying the bleach mixture to a hidden strand, often from the nape of the neck, and monitoring its lightening progress. The strand test provides valuable insight into how quickly hair lifts and what the final color result will be, allowing for an accurate prediction of the processing time needed. This helps prevent over-processing, which can severely damage hair, or under-processing, which leads to an undesirable yellow or orange tone.
Following the thorough clarifying wash, avoid applying any additional conditioners, oils, or styling products until after the bleaching process is complete. Introducing these products before bleaching would counteract the cleansing efforts of the clarifying shampoo, re-creating the barriers that were just removed. Keeping the hair free of external coatings ensures that the bleach can work efficiently and predictably, contributing to a more successful and less damaging lightening experience.