Hair Help
I know what I want, but how do I get there?
If you know what you’d like to achieve but you’re not quite sure how to get there, then just drop us an email at info@bleachlondon.com. Make sure to send us as much information about your hair and the look you’re trying to achieve as possible so they can give you the best advice :)
Why do I have to do a strand test?
We recommend doing a strand test before using any of our Bleach London products. This will give the best indication of the colour result even if you have used the same product in the past.
Your end result will depend on your hair’s current condition and any other products you’ve used, or are currently using, on your hair. Which means the same results aren’t always bound to happen.
This is why a strand test is so important. It is the best way to find out what the end result will look and feel like without risking a seriously bad hair day!
How do I do a strand test?
How do I do a patch / skin sensitivity test?
What’s the difference between a skin and strand test?
A skin test is testing for any sensitivity or allergies to the ingredients in our products. A strand test is testing the condition of your hair and how our products are going to react with anything you may have previously used on your hair. It’s the best indication to find out what colour you’re going to end up with.
I’ve done a patch test and my skin is tingling - is it safe to use the product?
Some slight tingling is completely normal when applying bleach onto your skin. However, if you have signs of an allergic reaction, rinse off with cold water and contact your healthcare provider.
Will pastel Super Cool Colours, Toners or Colour Shampoos work on my darker hair?
No. Our colours need to be applied to the lightest, cleanest base possible for the best results. We recommend using Total Bleach or if you have naturally quite fair virgin hair then No Bleach Bleach, to get your hair to a pale yellow blonde.
White Toner or Silver Shampoo will help knockout the yellow tones to even-out the base before using a pastel colour. It is important to always do a strand test before bleaching to check the condition and colour of the hair.
Sometimes when I use pastel colours, they only pick up on some strands of hair. What am I doing wrong?
This could be due to different porosity levels in the hair or not enough product being used when applying the colour. It’s important to use a very generous amount of colour and gently apply in fluid stroking motions before smooshing into the hair and then combing through. Or you may need to layer more than one application of colour to get an even tone throughout.
I’ve used a colour in my hair and it’s left a blue/green tinge - what can I do to remove it?
Blue and green based colours can be very stubborn to remove due to blue pigment sticking in the hair but the easiest and safest way to remove faded blue or green colour is to neutralise with a red based colour. This is its opposite on the colour wheel. So use a Bleach London Pink Super Cool Colour or Rosé Shampoo and Conditioner to gently neutralise the colour, this will help pull the green tones out and replace them with a pinky lilac colour. After a while, shampooing with a normal non-toning shampoo can resume and the hair should return to a very light blonde!
What does a toner do compared to a Super Cool Colour?
A toner is perfect for use after bleaching to help even out the lightened colour or create a nice base for using Bleach London Super Cool Colours. The toners are mixed with a low level of peroxide (which works like a developer) that oxidises the colour and helps open up the cuticle layer of the hair and deposit the tone into the hair shaft.
Super Cool Colours are non-oxidising and aren’t required to be mixed with peroxide. They are conditioning, direct semi-permanent colours which sit on the surface and just under the cuticle layer of the hair. They vary in vibrancy. The pastel colours last for a shorter amount of time compared to the deeper or blue based colours. They can be used any time you want to add a pop of colour onto light blonde hair.
My hair is naturally grey - will any of the Bleach London Super Cool Colours, Toners or Colour Shampoos show on my hair?
Grey or silver hair is generally quite resistant to temporary or direct non-oxidising semi-permanent colours. This includes our coloured shampoos and our Bleach London Super Cool Colours. Our Bleach London toners may have an effect on natural hair.
The best way to know if your colour of choice will have an effect is to do a strand test, as this will indicate the colour result. The deeper, more vibrant colours will likely have the strongest result. If your hair is quite resistant then it may need to be bleached a bit to allow the cuticle layer of the hair to open up a bit.
The toning Bleach London Silver and Pearlescent shampoos will also help to knock out creeping yellow tones and keep your silver looking bright.
I’m pregnant - is it safe to use any Bleach London products?
While Bleach London products are generally considered safe to use when pregnant, we advise to always do an allergy test before using any of the products (this includes colour shampoos and conditioners) and consulting your doctor.