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The Bleach Lab: Home Hair Colour Deconstructed
Bleach and dye with confidence with the help of our co-founder Alex Brownsell and the Bleach stylists. Learn the science, techniques and top tips behind the style in our brand new video series.
Just want the highlights?
Here's everything you need to know about bleaching before you open the box!
WHAT IS BLEACH?
Hair bleach is typically made up of a peroxide developer (We use 30 vol, 20 vol and. 13 vol) and a bleach powder. Combining the two creates the magical mix that lightens your hair!
SHOULD I BLEACH MY HAIR BEFORE COLOURING?
Yes! Lightening your hair with bleach should be the first step in your hair colour journey. By lightening your hair, you're creating a clean blonde canvas for colour – whether you're after a pearly blonde sheen, mermaid green or anything in between.
Not sure about bleaching? Don't worry! As long as you follow the instructions and correct timings for your hair.
HOW DOES BLEACH WORK AND WHAT DOES IT DO TO HAIR?
Each strand of hair is made of protective cuticles and a cortex at the centre – which is where your natural colour pigment lives.
When you apply bleach, the hair strand swells and expands, lifting the cuticles so the bleach can enter and pull the pigment out.
This leaves the hair porous and ready to absorb your toner and semi-permanent hair dye.
HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE BLEACH ON MY HAIR FOR?
You can’t leave bleach on forever, waiting for it to get the colour you want. This will stress your hair out.
The width and shape of your individual hair strands define how long you can leave the bleach on for. Hair that is coily or fine (whether it's straight, wavy or curly) will lift a lot faster than thicker, coarse hair strands.
However long the instructions that come with your bleach kit say that you can leave the bleach on for your hair type is the lightest you can go in one session at home.
HOW LIGHT WILL MY HAIR GO?
Check the before and after swatches on your Bleach Kit and carry out a strand test to get an idea of what colour your hair will go after bleaching
Naturally dark hair may not lighten as much as fairer hair. Some people can get to a platinum blonde shade in one session, while others get to a much warmer bleach base.
WHY SHOULD I USE A TONER?
Alex and the Bleach stylists recommend always using a toner after bleaching to even out your blonde and create an even finish or base for adding colour!
Not sure which toner to choose? Watch our toner video to get help with picking the best toner for your bleached hair.
HOW TO CARE FOR BLEACHED HAIR
Use a nourishing mask once a week to keep your hair in great condition. Alex's go-to is our award-winning Reincarnation Mask (obviously). It's packed with proteins, sunflower seed oil, amino acids and more to help strengthen and restore bonds weakened during bleaching.
