They make the hair dry and lifeless and cause protein and cysteine loss in hair fibers (1), (2). They reduce the hair’s brightness, softness, and manageability (3). The chemicals like ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide in bleaching product open up the hair fibers, causing inter-fiber friction (4). Bleaching also damages the hair cell membrane complex and endocuticle (inner layer of the cuticle) (4). Bleaching weakens the bonds in the hair, affecting its structural integrity (5). This makes your hair prone to further damage during combing and similar grooming processes. It also increases hair porosity.
If you have recently bleached your hair, there is no need to panic. There are ways you can repair the damage. Scroll down to know more.
Tips To Hydrate And Repair Hair After Bleaching
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil penetrates the hair fibers and fortifies the hair from within. It also protects the hair from UV damage (6). A study showed that coconut oil could reduce protein loss in bleached hair. Using coconut oil as a pre-wash regimen before bleaching can reduce inter-fiber swelling (7). Moreover, coconut oil acts as a protein shield, reduces hair loss, and promotes hair growth (8).
Argan Oil: Argan oil can reduce protein loss by minimizing cuticle swelling and chipping (3). It also prevents hair loss and reduces dryness as it is rich in tocopherols, squalene, and oleic acidi XAn anti-inflammatory monounsaturated acid that lowers cholesterol and prevents heart disease. and has antioxidant properties (9), (10). Argan oil can also help treat skin and scalp issues like eczemai XA chronic and autoimmune disorder that results in dry, itchy, and swollen skin during flare-ups. and psoriasisi XA non-contagious autoimmune disorder in which skin cells accumulate and develop into scales and dry, itchy areas. .
Olive Oil: Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, carotenoidsi XA group of naturally occurring pigments that give many plants their yellow, orange, and red hues. , and squalene and has antioxidant properties that can hydrate the hair and prevent damage (11). It also decreases hair breakage and improves shine. A study also found that consuming olive oil might prevent hair loss by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that produces DHT, an androgen causing hair loss (12) (13).
Almond Oil: Almond oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acid and is an excellent hair tonic and lotion (14). Traditionally, almond extracts have shown to promote hair growth and have anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe an irritated scalp (15).
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a natural wax ester that is similar to sebum. It is often used to nourish dry scalps. Jojoba oil helps unclog pores, remove excess sebum from the scalp, and restore hair health. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe scalp inflammation in cases of eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Avocado: Avocado is one of the best natural conditioners for dry and damaged hair. It contains omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids that coat the hair fibers to seal in moisture and improve texture. Avocado is rich in biotin that can stimulate hair growth. Yogurt: Yogurt is another moisturizing and protecting natural hair care ingredient. It contains probiotic bacteria that improve hair density and extend the anagen phase. Yogurt also improves scalp health, reduces hair damage, regulates sebum production, and maintains the scalp pH.
Rosemary Oil: A study showed that rosemary oil could reduce dandruff (25). This oil can also help stimulate hair growth and unclog pores (26), (27). It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflamed and irritated scalp and improve alopecia. Onion Juice: Onion juice helps improve hair growth in people with alopecia (28). It enhances hair appearance and also prevents hair loss and scabies (14). Peppermint Oil: A study showed that peppermint oil could stimulate hair growth without any adverse reactions (29). It has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that protect, cleanse, and soothe the scalp. Witch Hazel: Witch hazel can be used to treat a sensitive, inflamed, or burned scalp (30). It contains tocopherols that have high antioxidant properties (31). It also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and prevents hair color oxidation.
Use Custom Blends: Opt for shampoos and conditioners that you can customize to suit your hair care needs. Brands like SkinKraft develop customized hair care products catering to your needs. Hair bleaching can cause dryness and hair fall. Choosing products that answer all your hair needs without stripping the hair or worsening the damage is crucial for recovery. Pre-Bleaching Care: Pre-wash your hair with coconut oil before bleaching. This prevents inter-fiber friction and protein loss. You can also check with a professional stylist for the right hair care products for pre-bleach hair care. These products contain ingredients that coat the hair and prevent severe damage. Choose The Right Products: If you frequently bleach and color your hair, use hair care products specially developed for color-treated hair. You can find umpteen products that treat bleached hair and prevent it from losing its texture and softness. Trim Hair Regularly: While this step might not seem important, it is a very beneficial hair care tip. Bleaching your hair will leave the ends dry and lifeless. Trimming your hair gets rid of split ends.
How long does hair take to recover from bleach? Bleaching agents are used to lighten your natural hair color. Since they penetrate the hair shafts, they leave your hair vulnerable to damage like dryness and breakage. This is why it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to hydrate hair after bleaching it. You can hydrate your hair with nutrient-rich oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil. Following a few additional tips, such as avoiding chemicals and applying hair packs, can preserve your hair health. You may also want to consider using natural conditioners like avocado and avoiding heat styling tools to promote your hair health. After you bleach your tresses, if you feel scalp inflammation, burning, hair loss, or breakage, you should consult a doctor immediately. It may take a month for your hair to completely recover from the effects of bleaching. Does bleached hair need protein or moisture? It needs both. Bleaching agents penetrate your hair strands, drying out your tresses and leaving them weak. Protein and moisturization can improve and repair hair. What happens if you use purple shampoo right after bleaching? Using purple shampoo right after bleaching your hair can close the hair cuticles. This makes it difficult for toner to enter the cuticles, which makes it hard to neutralize the brassy tones. How long does it take to rehydrate hair? This depends on your hair type, hair issues, and if you follow a hair care routine. Extremely dry hair may take weeks to completely rehydrate. Is hot oil good for bleached hair? Yes, hot oil can be good for moisturizing bleached hair. However, just make sure the oil is warm and not scalding hot to avoid burning your scalp. Is castor oil good for bleached hair? Yes, castor oil has emollienti XSkin care ingredients that moisturize and soften the skin while reducing itchiness and flaking. properties that can moisturize bleach hair. Does conditioner hydrate the hair? Yes, conditioners contain moisturizing ingredients that can hydrate the hair from within.
