Navigating the world of hair transformations can feel like traversing a complex labyrinth. When you’re aiming for a lighter, brighter hue, the question of whether to use hair color remover followed by bleach often arises. It’s a seemingly straightforward inquiry, but the answer is nuanced and depends heavily on several factors. Understanding these factors is crucial to achieving your desired results while minimizing damage to your precious locks.
Understanding Hair Color Remover
Hair color removers, often marketed as color strippers or correctors, are designed to reduce the artificial pigment molecules within the hair shaft. Unlike bleach, which lifts both natural and artificial pigments, color removers primarily target the artificial dyes. This makes them a potentially less damaging option for initial color correction.
How Hair Color Remover Works
The magic behind hair color remover lies in its chemical composition. Most removers contain reducing agents that shrink the artificial color molecules. These shrunken molecules can then be washed away from the hair shaft, lessening the color’s intensity. It’s important to remember that hair color remover may not completely eliminate all traces of dye, especially with stubborn or heavily deposited colors like red or black.
Types of Hair Color Removers
There are typically two main types of hair color removers: those containing sulfates and those that are sulfate-free. Sulfate-containing removers are often more effective at removing a wider range of colors, but they can also be more drying and potentially damaging. Sulfate-free removers are generally gentler, but they might require multiple applications to achieve the desired result. The choice depends on your hair’s condition and the type of dye you’re trying to remove.
Decoding Bleach and Its Effects
Bleach, scientifically known as hydrogen peroxide, is a powerful oxidizing agent. When applied to hair, it opens the hair cuticle and penetrates the cortex, where it breaks down the melanin (natural pigment) and artificial dye molecules. This process lightens the hair, but it also weakens the hair structure, making it more prone to breakage and dryness.
The Science Behind Bleach
The strength of bleach is determined by its volume (developer strength). Lower volumes (10 or 20) lift less color and are gentler, while higher volumes (30 or 40) lift more color quickly but are significantly more damaging. Selecting the appropriate volume is crucial to minimize damage while achieving the desired level of lightness.
Potential Damage from Bleach
Bleach, if used improperly, can cause significant damage, including dryness, breakage, split ends, and even chemical burns to the scalp. Over-processed hair becomes porous, losing its elasticity and shine. Therefore, it’s vital to assess your hair’s health and strength before embarking on a bleaching journey.
The Combination: Hair Color Remover Followed by Bleach
The question remains: can you use hair color remover and then bleach? The answer is a cautious “yes,” but with several caveats. It’s generally safer to use hair color remover before bleach than to bleach directly over artificial color. This approach reduces the amount of artificial pigment that the bleach needs to lift, potentially minimizing damage.
Why This Order Matters
When bleach is applied directly to heavily dyed hair, it has to work harder to break down both the natural and artificial pigments. This prolonged exposure to bleach increases the risk of damage. By using a color remover first, you lighten the load for the bleach, making the process less harsh.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Even with a color remover, bleaching always carries inherent risks. Previously damaged hair is more susceptible to further damage from bleach. It’s crucial to assess your hair’s condition before proceeding. Also, be aware that some color removers can leave behind residue that can interfere with the bleach’s effectiveness, leading to uneven results or unexpected color changes. A strand test is absolutely essential.
Steps to Take Before Combining Hair Color Remover and Bleach
Before even thinking about applying either product, you need to assess your hair’s health. Check for signs of damage like split ends, breakage, and excessive dryness. If your hair is already in poor condition, consider postponing the color transformation and focusing on repairing its health with deep conditioning treatments and protein masks.
Perform a strand test. This involves applying both the color remover and bleach to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to see how it reacts. This will give you an indication of the potential results and any potential damage.
Wait at least a few days (ideally a week) between using the color remover and the bleach. This gives your hair time to recover and allows you to properly assess the results of the color remover.
Minimizing Damage: Tips and Tricks
Regardless of the order you choose, prioritizing hair health is paramount. Here are some strategies to minimize damage during the coloring process.
Pre-Treatment for Hair Health
Prioritize hydration and protein. Use deep conditioning treatments and protein masks in the weeks leading up to the color transformation. This will strengthen your hair and make it more resilient.
Avoid heat styling. Excessive heat can further damage already stressed hair. Minimize the use of heat tools like flat irons and curling irons.
During the Process: Best Practices
Use a low-volume developer. Opt for a lower volume developer (10 or 20) when bleaching to minimize damage. It may take longer to achieve the desired result, but it’s gentler on your hair.
Apply coconut oil or another protective barrier to your scalp. This can help protect your scalp from irritation and chemical burns.
Monitor the hair closely. Keep a close eye on your hair during the bleaching process. Check it frequently to ensure it’s not becoming overly damaged.
Post-Treatment: Repair and Maintenance
Deep condition regularly. Use deep conditioning treatments at least once a week to replenish moisture and repair damage.
Use a bond-building treatment. Bond-building treatments like Olaplex or similar products can help repair broken bonds in the hair shaft, strengthening and protecting it.
Avoid heat styling. Continue to minimize the use of heat styling tools to allow your hair to recover.
Trim regularly. Regular trims will help remove split ends and prevent further breakage.
When to Seek Professional Help
While DIY hair transformations can be tempting, there are situations where seeking professional help is crucial.
Severe Hair Damage
If your hair is already severely damaged, it’s best to consult a professional stylist. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best course of action to achieve your desired results while minimizing further damage.
Complex Color Corrections
Correcting significant color discrepancies or lifting extremely dark colors requires expertise. A professional stylist has the knowledge and experience to navigate these complex situations safely and effectively.
Uncertainty and Anxiety
If you’re feeling unsure or anxious about the process, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance. A qualified stylist can provide personalized advice and ensure that your hair transformation is a success.
Alternative Approaches to Lightening Hair
Beyond the color remover and bleach combination, other options exist for lightening hair. Exploring these alternatives might be beneficial, especially if you’re concerned about potential damage.
Highlighting or Balayage
These techniques involve lightening strands of hair rather than the entire head. This can create a lighter, brighter look while minimizing the overall damage.
Gradual Lightening
Using a series of gentle lightening treatments over time can be less damaging than a single, intense bleaching session.
Natural Lightening Methods
Some natural remedies, such as lemon juice and chamomile tea, can gradually lighten hair over time. While these methods are less effective than chemical treatments, they are also much gentler.
Making the Right Decision for Your Hair
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use hair color remover and then bleach depends on your individual circumstances. Carefully consider your hair’s health, the type of dye you’re trying to remove, and your comfort level with the process. By educating yourself and making informed decisions, you can achieve your desired hair color while minimizing the risk of damage. Remember that patience and prioritizing hair health are key to a successful and beautiful transformation.
Understanding Product Ingredients
Knowing what’s inside your hair products is vital. Always read the labels of both color removers and bleaches. Look for ingredients that can cause dryness or irritation, and be aware of potential allergens. Products with moisturizing ingredients can help mitigate some of the damage.
Patch Testing: A Must-Do Step
Before applying any chemical to your hair, perform a patch test on your skin. This helps identify any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the product. Apply a small amount of the color remover and bleach to a discreet area of skin, such as behind your ear, and wait 24-48 hours. If you experience any redness, itching, or irritation, do not use the product.
Frequently Asked Question 1: What is the main difference between hair color remover and bleach?
Bleach, on the other hand, is an oxidizing agent that actually lifts both artificial color and your natural hair pigment by breaking down the melanin. This process is significantly more damaging to the hair because it disrupts the hair’s protein structure.
Frequently Asked Question 2: Is it generally safe to use hair color remover and then bleach?
The success and safety of this process heavily depend on the condition of your hair, the type of dye you are removing, and the strength of the bleach you intend to use. It is strongly recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist to assess your hair’s suitability for such a procedure.
Frequently Asked Question 3: How long should I wait between using hair color remover and bleach?
During this two-week break, focus on deep conditioning treatments and avoiding heat styling. Observe your hair for any signs of damage, such as increased dryness or breakage. If your hair shows signs of distress, postpone the bleaching process and continue with restorative treatments.
Frequently Asked Question 4: What types of hair dyes respond best to hair color remover before bleaching?
Permanent hair dyes, on the other hand, penetrate deeper into the hair cortex and are more challenging to remove. While hair color remover can still help fade permanent dye, you might not achieve a completely blank canvas, and bleaching may still be necessary to achieve your desired lighter shade.
Frequently Asked Question 5: What precautions should I take if I decide to use hair color remover and bleach?
Always follow the instructions on both the hair color remover and bleach packaging carefully. Use a lower volume developer for the bleach to minimize damage. Avoid overlapping the bleach onto previously lightened areas. Deep condition your hair immediately after bleaching and continue with regular moisturizing treatments.
Frequently Asked Question 6: What alternatives are there to using bleach after hair color remover?
Another alternative is to use multiple rounds of hair color remover, allowing your hair to rest and recover between each application. While this may take longer, it is a less damaging approach to lightening your hair after removing artificial color.
Frequently Asked Question 7: How can I tell if my hair is too damaged to use bleach after hair color remover?
A simple test is to gently stretch a wet strand of hair. Healthy hair should stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Damaged hair will either snap immediately or stretch excessively without returning to its original shape. If your hair exhibits these symptoms, avoid bleach and focus on repairing your hair with protein treatments and moisturizing masks.