Dry hair from bleaching is a common concern for many individuals. Bleaching can strip away natural oils and moisture. This leads to dry, brittle strands.
Understanding the cause and finding solutions is vital. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind dry hair from bleaching and ways to manage it.
Whether you bleach your hair often or are considering it, this information is essential for maintaining healthy hair.
How To Recognize Bleach Damage
If you’re using bleach or hair-lightening products, keep an eye on possible hair damage. Here’s how to recognize bleach damage:
- Excessive Tangles: Bleached hair tends to have more tangles than usual. This makes detangling a frequent necessity.
- Dryness and Brittleness: Damaged hair often feels dry and brittle. It loses its natural softness and smoothness.
- Split Ends: Examine your hair ends for splitting or fraying, which are signs of bleach damage.
- Dullness: Healthy hair shines, while bleached and damaged hair appears dull and lifeless.
- Elasticity Loss: Sretch a few strands of your hair. If they break with ease and don’t bounce back, it’s likely due to bleach damage.
Find out how to prepare for bleaching to avoid damage here: How to Prepare Hair for Bleaching: 11 Ways to Avoid Damage
The Science Behind the Bleaching Process
When you bleach your hair, a chemical called hydrogen peroxide does the work. This powerful substance breaks down the melanin in your hair. Melanin is the pigment responsible for your hair color. As the melanin gets removed, your hair starts to lose its original color and becomes lighter.
Hydrogen peroxide can also damage the protein structure of your hair. This results in protein loss, causing your hair to become weak and prone to breakage.
To help reduce the damage, follow proper bleaching techniques. It’s also important to take good care of your hair afterward.
The effects of bleaching may vary depending on your natural hair color and the strength of the hydrogen peroxide used.
Signs of Dry Hair From Bleaching
There are several signs of dry hair caused by bleaching, and you might notice one or more of these issues in your hair:
- Dryness: Your hair feels rough, dry, and lacks moisture.
- Brittle: Bleached hair can become very fragile and break with ease.
- Split ends: The ends of your hair may split and look damaged.
- Texture: The natural texture of your hair may change after bleaching.
- Breakage: Hair strands that snap or break off with ease.
- Hair breakage: You may find broken hairs on your brush or clothing.
- Breaking: Your hair breaks when you run your fingers through it.
- Falling out: Hair may even fall out from the root.
- Swell: Bleached hair can sometimes swell or become more porous.
- Tangles: Your hair may tangle more than it used to.
- Fading color: The color you applied may fade or become patchy due to dryness, breakage, and damage.
By being aware of these signs, you can take action to help hydrate and repair your hair.
Can Your Hair Recover From Bleach Damage?
Yes, your hair can recover from bleach damage. Bleaching dries out your hair and disrupts the hair cuticle, causing a loss of natural shine and making it prone to tangles. Here is what happens when your hair recovers from dryness:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Absorption | Hair absorbs water, restoring moisture balance lost during bleaching. |
| Cuticle Smoothing | Smoothes and flattens cuticle, improving shine. |
| Elasticity Improvement | Makes hair less brittle, more flexible, reduces breakage. |
| Rehydration and Protein Treatments | Facilitates some protein rebinding, strengthening hair to some extent. |
| Alignment of Hair Fibers | Aligns fibers with natural pattern, reducing tangles, improving texture and appearance. |
How Do You Heal Damaged Bleached Hair and Restore Hydration?
Here are 19 ways to heal damaged, bleached hair and restore hydration:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo
- Apply a deep conditioning mask
- Utilize hair oils like argan or coconut oil
- Avoid heat styling tools
- Limit sun exposure
- Use a leave-in conditioner
- Eat a hair-healthy diet
- Avoid chlorine and saltwater
- Use a wide-tooth comb
- Avoid over-washing
- Opt for natural drying
- Use hair repair treatments
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase
- Reduce chemical treatments
- Use UV protection for hair
- Stay hydrated
- Opt for low-heat drying
- Take hair supplements
- Trim the damaged ends
1. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping its natural oils. Sulfates are harsh detergents that exacerbate dryness and damage.
Choose a mild shampoo designed for color-treated hair to preserve moisture and protect it from further damage.
2. Apply a Deep Conditioning Mask
Deep conditioning masks are essential for bleached hair. They replenish moisture, strengthen hair, and restore elasticity.
Look for masks with keratin, proteins, and antioxidants to repair and nourish your hair.
Apply the mask to damp hair once a week, allowing it to sit for at least 20 minutes before rinsing out.
3. Use Hair Oils Like Argan or Coconut Oil
Using hair oils like argan oil or coconut oil helps to seal in moisture, improve hair health, and protect against damage.
Apply to your hair on a regular basis, concentrating on the tips, to keep your hair nourished and hydrated.
You can also massage your scalp with these oils to support lth.
4. Avoid Heat Styling Tools
Limit your use of heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers. These tools can strip moisture and cause breakage.
When necessary, opt for low-heat settings and protect your hair with a heat-protectant spray.
5. Limit Sun Exposure
Excessive sun exposure can further damage bleached hair. Wear a hat to protect your hair from harsh UV rays, or apply a UV protection hair product before going outside.
6. Use a Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners add an extra layer of hydration and protection.
Apply to damp hair after washing to seal in moisture and smooth frizz.
Look for products containing vitamins, amino acids, and natural oils.
7. Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals helps promote healthy hair growth. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants to support your hair’s health.
8. Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water
Swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water can strip your hair’s natural oils and cause dryness.
Wear a swim cap or apply a protective hair serum before swimming, and rinse with fresh water afterward.
9. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Untangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to avoid causing stress and breakage. Start from the tips and work your way towards the roots, being extra cautious around the delicate bleached strands.
10. Avoid Over-Washing
Overwashing damages the hair’s natural oils and exacerbates dryness. Wash your hair every few days with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to help preserve its natural moisture.
11. Opt for Natural Drying
Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry to limit heat-induced damage. Towel-dry your hair or use a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture, then let it dry on its own.
12. Use Hair Repair Treatments
Consider using hair repair treatments such as Olaplex to rebuild broken bonds in bleached hair. These treatments nourish, strengthen, and restore damaged hair.
13. Reduce Chemical Treatments
Limit chemical treatments like perms, relaxing, and extra bleaching to prevent further damage. Seek professional advice and opt for gentler, less frequent treatments.
14. Use UV Protection for Hair
Protect your hair from harmful UV rays with a specialized hair sunscreen or leave-in conditioner with SPF. This will help prevent sun-induced damage and color fading.
15. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
As mentioned earlier, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to avoid causing stress and breakage.
Always start from the tips and work your way towards the roots.
16. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for health, including your hair. Adequate hydration helps maintain the moisture balance in your hair and scalp.
17. Opt for Low-Heat Drying
If you must use a hair dryer, choose the lowest heat setting possible. Keep the dryer at a safe distance from your hair to limit heat damage.
18. Take Hair Supplements
Consider taking hair supplements with biotin and other hair-healthy nutrients. This supports growth and hair health. Always consult a professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
19. Trim the Damaged Ends
Trim the damaged ends of your hair to promote healthy growth and manage split ends. A professional trim will help your hair look healthier and more manageable.
10 DIY Remedies for Dry Hair from Bleaching
Natural ingredients and masks treat dry hair after bleaching. This is due to their gentle, nourishing properties.
Unlike harsh chemicals, they replenish lost moisture and essential oils. All this without causing further damage.
The following remedies can restore the hair’s natural luster and health, offering a gentle approach to hair care.
| Recipe Name | Ingredients | Instructions | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado and Banana Mask | 1 ripe avocado, 1 ripe banana | Mash and mix, apply for 30 minutes | Nourishes and hydrates hair |
| Coconut Oil Treatment | 2 tablespoons coconut oil | Warm and massage into hair overnight | Restores moisture and adds shine |
| Olive Oil and Honey Mix | 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey | Blend and apply for 20 minutes | Softens and adds gloss |
| Aloe Vera Gel Treatment | 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel | Apply and leave on for 30 minutes | Soothes scalp and moisturizes hair |
| Egg and Yogurt Protein Pack | 1 egg, 2 tablespoons yogurt | Mix and apply for 30 minutes | Strengthens and adds protein to hair |
| Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse | 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar | Use as a rinse after shampooing | Balances pH and enhances shine |
| Mayonnaise Deep Conditioner | 1 cup mayonnaise | Apply and leave on for 20 minutes | Deep conditioning and hydration |
| Beer Hair Rinse | 1 cup flat beer | Use as a final rinse after conditioning | Adds volume and shine |
| Hibiscus Flower and Oil Mask | 2 hibiscus flowers, 2 tablespoons coconut oil | Blend and apply for 30 minutes | Promotes growth and reduces hair fall |
| Chamomile Tea Soak | 1 cup chamomile tea (cooled) | Use as a final rinse for shine and hydration | Calms the scalp and adds a light, golden glow |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can keratin or protein treatments help with dryness from bleaching?
Yes, keratin and protein treatments can be beneficial for hair that has become dry due to bleaching. When you bleach your hair, it loses some of its natural proteins and moisture. This can lead to dryness and brittleness. Keratin and protein treatments can help to replenish these lost proteins. They improve your hair’s health and moisture retention.
What salon treatments are recommended for recovering from bleach damage?
Deep conditioning treatments are a great choice. They infuse the hair with moisture and nourishment, restoring softness and elasticity. Olaplex treatment is famous for repairing damaged hair and restoring strength. You can use it alongside bleaching services to reduce harm. Keratin treatments are also beneficial. They aid in rebuilding and strengthening the hair, making it more resilient to future damage.
How can you prevent hair from drying out due to bleaching in the future?
To avoid drying out your hair due to bleaching in the future, consider taking several proactive measures. Opt for a high-quality bleach containing gentle ingredients to limit potential hair damage. Try to limit how often you bleach your hair. This provides ample time for recovery between sessions. Minimizing heat styling is advisable, as excessive heat can further weaken bleached hair.
