Caring For Bleached Hair
At some point or another in our lives, we’ve all wanted to be blonder. Even the darkest of girls, with the darkest of bases. We’re not sure what it is. Do we think we’ll all look a little more bad-ass once our hair is bleached within an inch of its life? You know, that f*cked up French girl look we all love? Probably.
But the thing is, and we’ve all been there; we usually want what we don’t have. And we all know that when we dance with the devil, someone (or something… aka your hair) is bound to get hurt.
So today, we’re dedicating this post to all the girls who’ve bleached their hair within an inch of its life. Yes, you. Fragile, dry, damaged, split hair that’s screaming out for love? This post is for you.
And what do we do when we need to get the inside word or the best tip out there? We ask an expert. This time, we speed dialled Diane Gorgievski (Editorial hairstylist and Founder of Koda) who is about to be your personal hair stylist for the day (thank us later).
So we wanted to know, what actually happens when we bleach our hair?
“Regardless of the hair type, damage does happen”. Explained Gorgievski. “Bleached hair is effectively damaged hair.” You need to care for your hair like your skin – down to the brushing to the pre and post care. It’s important if you don’t want it to snap off because it will if it’s not cared for.”
Ok, we’re listening. Here are Di’s 7 steps for how to avoid your hair snapping off post bleach.
Brushing
Tip #1
“Always brush your hair with a moisturising product in the hair, especially if you have fine hair. This avoids the hair being too dry and snapping in the brush (yes, seriously). The timing of the brushing is important. For fine haired girls try not to brush it every day when bleached. You want to brush it just before you wash it.
The best product for this is Oribe Detangling Primer pre and post brush. Or for extremely dry hair with lots of breakage use Oribe Royal Blowout (it has 7 essential oils and helps get all the knots out).”
Olaplex
Tip #2
“Olaplex is the first treatment on the market that’s been proven to re-bond broken hair. It can be used whilst colouring in the salon or just on damaged hair that you can’t grow. Use it once a week between salon treatments. If you have bleached hair this is non-negotiable.”
Moisture
Tip #3
“After bleaching your hair, it’s thirsty and it’s dry if you don’t put moisture back into the hair, the reality is, it gets dry and snaps. Often girls will reach for protein treatments because they strengthen hair, but it’s actually a big no-no, because when protein crystallises in weak hair, it makes the hair snap. It’s very important that if you use any protein treatment you’re balancing it out with a great moisturising treatment and leave-in conditioner, otherwise you could be doing more damage than good.”
It’s also non-negotiable that you use a nourishing conditioner and a leave-in treatment.”
My picks for conditioners are; Oribe Conditioner for intense moisture and control (rinse out) and Tigi Hair Reborn Conditioner
For leave-in treatments; Oribe Super Shine Moisturising Cream, WELLA Colour Save , Redken Extreme Anti-snap Leave-In Treatment , Kerestatse Leave-in Resistance Ferment Therpmique .”
Toner
Tip #4
“Ok, this one sounds technical but it’s not. When your hair is bleached it’s important that you’re replacing the hair cuticle with an ammonia free conditioning semi-permanent.
Hair that’s bleached looses its cuticle and therefore it’s shine. It’s therefore really important that you’re replacing the cuticle with conditioning semi permanents every 3 weeks.
I recommend the Schwarzkopf Live Colour Toner which you can buy yourself. Just consult your hairdresser first to select which toner is right for you.”
Treatments
Tip #5
“I highly recommend frequent in-salon visits. The treatments we do in the salon are so much more intense than what you can do at home. The results are much more immediate because we use concentrated formulas.
Colour shine treatments (soy based colour protein treatments) that add a lipgloss effect to the hair are really good for fine colour treated and damaged hair. A keratin-based treatment is also recommended to fill in all the potholes that come about after bleaching.
You really do need to figure our what’s more important, spending a little bit every 4-6 weeks at the hairdresser for a treatment or losing your hair. Seriously, it’s worth it.”
Ditch the tools
Tip #6
“Stop blow drying and mechanically damaging your hair by using tongs and irons. The intense heat, coupled with stretching and pulling the weak hair creates damage.
Instead, let it dry naturally for a while whilst restoring the health of the hair. To avoid frizzy or unruly appearance of naturally dry hair, I recommend adding Christophe Robin Lavender pre or post colour treatment cream. It will nourish and smooth.
If It’s unavoidable and you must dry your hair (better be an emergency!) be gentle and you must use a heat protectant. Oribe Balm D’OR Heat Styling Shield is incredible.
If the hair still looks dull and lifeless after drying naturally try using Christophe Robin Brightening Hair Finishing Lotion. The chamomile extracts penetrate the hair and lift the hairs appearance.”
Silk Pillow Case
Tip #7
“It’s very important at night that your hair doesn’t tangle or matte up. Again, this is going to lead to breakage. Do yourself a favour and buy a SLIP silk pillow case. The silk stops the hair from tangling and matting.
I also recommend plaiting the hair or twisting into two low buns at the nape of the neck and fastening with a good bobby pin.”
