Bleaching your hair is a popular way to achieve a lighter or brighter hair color, but it also comes with some drawbacks. Bleaching is a chemical process that strips away the natural pigment (melanin) from your hair, leaving it more vulnerable to damage and dryness. Bleaching can also affect your scalp, hair follicles, and overall health. In this article, we will explore X side effects of bleaching your hair and how to prevent or treat them.

What Is Hair Bleach and How Does It Work

Hair bleach, also known as hair lightener, is a chemical product used to lighten or remove the natural color pigment from hair strands. It is commonly used to achieve lighter hair shades, such as blonde or platinum, or as a preparation step before applying vibrant or pastel hair dyes.

Hair bleach typically contains one or more active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide or ammonium persulfate, which help break down the melanin, the natural pigment responsible for hair color. When the bleach is applied to the hair, it oxidizes the melanin, causing it to lose its color and become lighter.

The process of bleaching hair involves mixing the bleach powder or granules with a developer, which is usually a cream or liquid containing hydrogen peroxide. The strength of the developer, measured in volume (e.g., 10 volume, 20 volume, etc.), determines the level of lift or lightening that can be achieved. Higher volume developers have a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide and can lighten the hair more effectively, but they also carry a higher risk of hair damage.

It’s important to note that hair bleach is a powerful chemical and should be used with caution. It can potentially cause damage to the hair, including dryness, breakage, and brittleness, especially if not used correctly or if the hair is already damaged or chemically treated. It’s advisable to follow the instructions provided with the bleach product and consider consulting a professional hairstylist for proper application and maintenance.

After bleaching, it’s common to follow up with a toning process to achieve the desired hair color. This involves using toners or hair dyes with specific shades to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones and create a more desirable, even hair color.

Side Effects of Bleaching Your Hair

1. Scalp irritation or burns

One of the most common side effects of bleaching your hair is scalp irritation or burns. This can happen if the bleach is too strong, left on for too long, or applied incorrectly. The bleach can cause inflammation, redness, itching, burning, or stinging sensations on your scalp. In severe cases, it can also cause blisters, sores, or scabs that can bleed or ooze.

To prevent scalp irritation or burns, you should:

• Choose a reputable and licensed salon or stylist who follows proper safety and hygiene protocols
• Do a patch test on a small area of your scalp before applying the bleach to your entire head
• Follow the instructions on the bleach kit and do not exceed the recommended processing time
• Use a lower volume of developer (the liquid that activates the bleach) or a milder bleach formula
• Protect your scalp with petroleum jelly or a barrier cream before applying the bleach
• Rinse off the bleach thoroughly with cool water and use a soothing shampoo and conditioner

To treat scalp irritation or burns, you should:

• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain
• Use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen) or topical steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone) to ease inflammation and itching
• Apply aloe vera gel or honey to moisturize and heal your scalp
• Avoid scratching, picking, or rubbing your scalp
• Seek medical attention if you have signs of infection (such as pus, fever, or increased pain) or severe burns (such as blisters, sores, or scabs)

2. Hair breakage or loss

Another common side effect of bleaching your hair is hair breakage or loss. This can happen because the bleach weakens the protein bonds (called disulfide bonds) that hold your hair together, making it more brittle and prone to snapping. The bleach can also damage the hair follicles (the structures that produce hair) and cause them to shrink or die, leading to hair thinning or balding.

To prevent hair breakage or loss, you should:

• Avoid bleaching your hair more than once every 6 to 8 weeks
• Avoid overlapping the bleach on previously bleached hair
• Use a protein treatment (such as keratin) before and after bleaching to strengthen your hair bonds
• Use a moisturizing treatment (such as coconut oil) before and after bleaching to hydrate your hair
• Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner formulated for bleached hair
• Avoid heat styling tools (such as blow dryers, curling irons, or flat irons) or use them on low settings with heat protectant products
• Avoid brushing your hair when wet or use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush
• Trim your hair regularly to get rid of split ends and maintain a healthy look

To treat hair breakage or loss, you should:

• Use a deep conditioning mask (such as avocado) once a week to nourish and repair your hair
• Use a leave-in conditioner (such as argan oil) daily to smooth and protect your hair
• Use a scalp massage (such as rosemary oil) daily to stimulate blood flow and hair growth
• Use supplements (such as biotin) daily to support healthy hair growth
• Consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss (more than 100 strands per day) or signs of an underlying condition (such as thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies)

3. Hair color changes

A less common but possible side effect of bleaching your hair is hair color changes. This can happen because the bleach removes not only the melanin from your hair but also other pigments that give your hair its natural hue. Depending on your original hair color and the type of bleach you use, you may end up with unwanted tones in your hair, such as yellow, orange, green, or purple.

To prevent hair color changes, you should:

• Choose a bleach that is suitable for your natural hair color and level of lightening you want to achieve
• Use a toner (a product that neutralizes unwanted tones in your hair) after bleaching to correct any brassiness or dullness in your hair color
• Use a purple shampoo and conditioner (products that deposit purple pigments in your hair) once a week to maintain a cool-toned blonde color
• Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner (products that preserve your hair color) every time you wash your hair
• Avoid chlorine, salt water, or sun exposure that can fade or alter your hair color

To treat hair color changes, you should:

• Use a color remover (a product that strips away the artificial color from your hair) to get rid of any unwanted tones in your hair
• Use a color corrector (a product that adds the missing pigments to your hair) to restore the natural balance of your hair color
• Use a semi-permanent or permanent hair dye (products that deposit color in your hair) to change your hair color to your desired shade
• Seek professional help if you have severe or uneven color changes in your hair

4. Scalp sensitivity or allergies

A rare but serious side effect of bleaching your hair is scalp sensitivity or allergies. This can happen if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients in the bleach, such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or persulfate salts. The bleach can cause an allergic reaction on your scalp, which can manifest as itching, swelling, rash, hives, or blisters. In extreme cases, it can also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that involves difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

To prevent scalp sensitivity or allergies, you should:

• Do a patch test on a small area of your scalp 48 hours before applying the bleach to your entire head
• Read the label of the bleach carefully and avoid any products that contain ingredients you are allergic or sensitive to
• Use a hypoallergenic or organic bleach (products that contain fewer or natural ingredients) if you have a history of scalp sensitivity or allergies
• Stop using the bleach immediately and rinse it off with cool water if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction

To treat scalp sensitivity or allergies, you should:

• Apply an antihistamine cream (such as Benadryl) to reduce itching and inflammation
• Take an oral antihistamine (such as Claritin) to relieve allergy symptoms
• Use a corticosteroid spray (such as Flonase) to reduce nasal congestion and inflammation
• Use an epinephrine injector (such as EpiPen) to reverse anaphylaxis symptoms
• Seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction

5. Hair dryness or frizz

Another common side effect of bleaching your hair is hair dryness or frizz. This can happen because the bleach strips away the natural oils and moisture from your hair, leaving it dehydrated and rough. The bleach can also damage the cuticle (the outer layer of your hair) and make it more porous and prone to frizz. Frizzy hair is hair that has lost its smoothness and curls up into small knots or tangles.

To prevent hair dryness or frizz, you should:

• Use a moisturizing treatment (such as coconut oil) before and after bleaching to hydrate your hair
• Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner formulated for bleached hair
• Use a leave-in conditioner (such as argan oil) daily to smooth and protect your hair
• Avoid heat styling tools (such as blow dryers, curling irons, or flat irons) or use them on low settings with heat protectant products
• Avoid brushing your hair when wet or use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush
• Avoid washing your hair too often or use cold water when you do

To treat hair dryness or frizz, you should:

• Use a deep conditioning mask (such as avocado) once a week to nourish and repair your hair
• Use a serum or oil (such as jojoba oil) daily to seal in moisture and add shine to your hair
• Use an anti-frizz spray or cream (such as John Frieda Frizz Ease) daily to tame and control frizz
• Use a humidifier (a device that adds moisture to the air) in your room to prevent dryness and static in your hair
• Use a silk pillowcase (a pillowcase made of silk fabric) to reduce friction and damage to your hair

Conclusion

Bleaching your hair is a great way to change up your look and have some fun with your hair color. However, before you try this technique, you should be aware of the possible side effects and how to prevent or treat them. By following this guide, you can achieve the best results and enjoy your new look.