Bleaching is a popular way to lighten hair, but will there be any unwanted side effects?
When you bleach your hair, it becomes more porous and absorbs moisture from the air causing it to expand and become frizzy.
If your frizzy hair worries you, this article will tell you what causes it, and how to repair it.
Frizzy Hair as a Common Effect after Bleaching
When you bleach your hair, the bleach interacts with the hair cuticle. It strips your hair’s natural moisture and oils. Hair bleaching often results in dry, frizzy hair.
What Causes Frizzy Hair After Bleaching?
The bleaching process removes your hair’s natural colors. This makes the hair weaker and messes up the outer layer of the hair.
Here are detailed reasons why bleach causes frizz:
- Damaged hair curticle
- Humidity
- Split ends
Damaged Hair Cuticle
The hair cuticle is the protective outer layer of your hair like a shield. When this shield gets damaged, your hair can’t hold onto moisture well, making it frizzy.
Frequent Detangling of Your Hair
One of the consequences of damaged bleached hair is excessive tangles and knots. So, you need to untangle it more. But doing this a lot can actually make your hair weaker and frizzier.
Humidity
If you’re in a place with lots of humidity or damp air, your hair can puff up and get frizzy. Bleached hair makes it even more likely to frizz up when it’s humid.
Split Ends
Split ends can also lead to frizz. These problems often stem from the dryness caused by bleaching.
12 Ways to Repair Frizzy Hair After Bleaching
If you’re worried about your frizzy hair after bleaching, follow these 12 ways to repair frizzy hair:
- Moisturize your hair
- Apply a weekly deep conditioning
- Rinse with cool water
- Use a wide-tooth comb
- Avoid overwashing
- Use silk or satin pillowcase
- Choose the right products for bleached hair
- Be patient with your hair
- Do regular trimming
- Protect hair with sunscreen
- Switch out your cotton bath towel
- Keep out from chlorine and salt water
1. Moisturize Your Hair
Keep your hair hydrated by applying a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Use a gentle shampoo and a special deep conditioner made for hair that’s colored or bleached.
Check for things like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin on the label. These can help bring back and keep your hair’s moisture.
2. Apply a Weekly Deep Conditioning Mask
Use a deep conditioning mask to provide intense hydration for your hair. It helps replenish lost moisture, repair damaged cuticles, and enhance your hair.
3. Rinse With Cool Water
Instead of hot water, use cool water when you wash your hair. This helps close the cuticle, reducing frizz and locking in moisture.
4. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. Start from the end and work your way up. This prevents breakage and minimizes frizz.
5. Avoid Overwashing
Overwashing your hair can strip its natural oils, leading to frizz. Limit shampooing to once or twice a week to maintain healthy hair.
Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil without drying out your hair.
6. Use Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Silk or satin pillowcases are less likely to cause friction that can lead to frizz. They are gentler on your hair than cotton ones.
7. Choose the Right Hair Products for Bleached Hair
Use products that are for bleached hair. So, when you shop for products, check the label and look for these ingredients to help repair your damaged hair.
Type of Ingredient | Benefits |
Argan Oil | Has tiny fatty acids that can fix the holes in your hair’s outer layer. Help rebuild your hair’s structure and make it healthier. |
Olive Oil | Makes your hair stronger, thicker, and smoother. |
Coconut Oil | Seals your hair and prevent protein loss. |
Jojoba Oil | Seals your hair and prevents protein loss. |
Moroccan Oil | Nourishes and protects your hair from frizz and pollution. |
Shea Butter | Adds definition and shine to frizzy hair. |
Keratin | Makes hair smoother, stronger, shinier, and can reduce frizz. |
Aloe vera | Helps heal the damaged and inflamed scalp. |
Hyaluronic Acid | Restores some of the natural strength and moisture lost during the bleaching process and prevents future breakage. |
8. Be Patient with Your Hair
Hair may take time to recover after bleaching. Be patient and remain consistent with your hair care routine.
9. Regular Trimming
Regular hair trimming helps remove damaged and split ends. This prevents further frizz and breakage.
10. Protect Hair with Hair Sunscreen
Bleached hair is more prone to sun damage and fading. Use a hair sunscreen to shield your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause dryness and frizz.
11. Switch Out Your Cotton Bath Towel
Bamboo is gentler and smoother than cotton, so it won’t tug on your hair and cause it to break or become frizzy.
You can also use a microfiber towel to reduce frizz. Microfiber is gentler on hair, preventing breakage and frizz.
12. Keep Out from Chlorine and Salt Water
Avoid exposure to chlorine and saltwater. These can strip the natural oils of the hair, leading to dryness and frizz.
Also, chlorine can make your hair turn green. Damaged hair and bleaching make it even drier and more likely to break.
10 Ways to Avoid Frizzy Hair After Bleaching
Worried that you might develop frizzy hair after bleaching? Do these 10 ways to avoid it:
- Overusing heat styling tools
- Washing your hair too often
- Skipping regular trims
- Using harsh shampoos
- Aggressive towel-drying
- Skipping conditioner
- Neglecting hydration
- Skipping professional consultation
- Experimenting with DIY remedies
- Using hot water to shower
1. Overusing Heat Styling Tools
Limit the use of flat irons, curling irons, and hairdryers after bleaching. This allows your hair to air dry, and use heat protectants when necessary.
2. Washing Your Hair Too Often
Don’t wash your hair every day, as this can strip away your hair’s natural oils, leading to frizz. Stick to washing your hair 2-3 times a week with gentle, sulfate-free shampoos.
3. Skipping Regular Trims
Regular trims help prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to maintain its health and appearance.
4. Using Harsh Shampoos
Harsh shampoos can damage your hair after bleaching. Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos instead. It cleanses and moisturizes your hair without causing more damage.
5. Aggressive Towel-Drying
Be gentle when towel-drying your hair. Vigorous rubbing on hair can lead to breakage and frizz. Use a soft microfiber towel or an old t-shirt and do a gentle squeeze to drain excess water
6. Skipping Conditioner
Always use a conditioner after shampooing to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. Deep conditioning treatments or hair masks also provide extra hydration for bleached hair.
7. Neglecting Hydration
Keep your hair hydrated and nourished. Use leave-in conditioners, serums, or natural oils like argan or olive oil. This helps to prevent frizz and keep your hair healthy.
8. Skipping Professional Consultation
Consult with a hairstylist or colorist before and after bleaching. Make sure you’re taking the right steps to maintain your hair’s health.
9. Experimenting with DIY Remedies
While some DIY remedies may be helpful, others can cause damage. It’s best to stick to tried-and-tested treatments or consult your hairstylist for guidance.
10. Using Hot Water to Shower
Hot water strips your hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz. Use lukewarm water, and finish with a cold rinse. This is to seal your hair’s cuticles, reducing frizz and adding shine.
When Should You Be Worried about Frizzy Hair After Bleaching?
Frizzy hair after bleaching is a common issue. Bleach disrupts the hair cuticle, leading to a reduction in moisture retention. Usually, a little frizz is not life-ending and you can handle it by following certain hair care methods.
Seek professional advice if you are experiencing the following hair problems:
- Frequent hair tangles
- Brittle hair
- Hair is difficult to manage even after using hydrating treatments
Frequent Hair Tangles
Excessive tangles can lead to more frequent detangling sessions and worsen hair damage. Try using gentle detangling methods using wide-tooth combs.
Brittle Hair
Brittle hair may also be prone to breaking and developing split ends. It will result in revealing your hair’s frayed appearance.
In this case, you should consult a hairstylist or a trichologist. Ask for professional advice about managing your hair’s health.
Hair is Difficult to Manage
If you notice that your hair is still difficult to manage even after using hydrating treatments. It might be a sign of severe damage.
At this point, you should seek professional guidance on how to repair your hair.
Professional Help for Frizzy Bleached Hair
Consulting with a professional hairstylist can give personalized treatments to those who are dealing with hair problems after bleaching. Professional hairstylists can assess the damage done to your hair.
Professional hairstylists can help you with the following options:
- Olive oil and Argan oil
- New styling techniques
Olive Oil and Argan Oil
Professional hairstylists recommend shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments. They can also guide you on how you can incorporate natural oils. Such as olive oil or argan oil to help your hair maintain its moisture.
New Styling Techniques
They can provide instructions that are less damaging to your hair. They can guide you on heat-free styling methods that will give your bleached hair a break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can frizzy hair be repaired?
Yes, frizzy hair is possible to repair by providing proper hydration and nourishment. Do a regular use of deep conditioning treatments designed for frizzy hair. It will help your hair become smoother and easier for you to handle.
Can coconut oil help with frizz in bleached hair?
Yes, coconut oil can be an effective natural treatment for frizzy hair. It helps to hydrate and smooth hair, making it more manageable and reducing frizz.
Are there any natural options to fix frizzy hair?
Yes, there are several natural options you can try to help fix frizzy hair. Apart from coconut oil, you can also try olive oil, avocado masks, or even aloe vera gel. These natural ingredients provide hydration, and nourishment to your hair.
What are the most effective treatments for frizzy hair?
Effective treatments for frizzy hair include deep conditioning treatments, using leave-in conditioners. Applying hair oils or serums is also helpful. It makes your hair well-hydrated, protecting it from heat styling and environmental factors.
What remedies are available for hair breakage after bleaching?
To remedy hair breakage after bleaching, try using protein treatments and deep conditioning. Cut down heat styling and be gentle with your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, and consider wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night.