Have you ever bleached your hair only to find it dry, brittle, and split at the ends? Now you might want to get a new look. It’s a common problem that can make you wonder: can you dye damaged bleached hair? The good news is, yes, you can!
But before you start applying color, it’s crucial to understand the impact bleaching has on your hair and learn how to prepare and protect your strands to avoid any further damage. Keep reading, and learn the secrets to restoring color to your weakened locks!
Is It Safe to Dye Bleach Damaged Hair?
Yes! You can definitely dye your hair despite the damage. However, it’s essential to take some precautions and repair treatment to avoid causing any further damage.
The best choice for coloring damaged bleached hair is a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye because these dyes don’t contain harsh chemicals and are less likely to strip away the natural oils and proteins your hair needs to stay healthy.
When choosing a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye for bleached hair, look for one that contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil or shea butter. These ingredients help replenish lost moisture and protect your hair from heat styling tools.
Moreover, remember to check the label to make sure the product you choose is alcohol-free, as alcohol can be drying to the scalp and should be avoided whenever possible.
What Are the Effects of Bleaching on Hair?
Bleaching can have several effects on hair, including:
- Damage to the hair cuticle: Bleaching opens up the hair cuticle to remove pigment, weakening the hair shaft and making it more prone to breakage and split ends.
- Dryness and brittleness: Bleaching can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to tangling.
- Porosity: Bleached hair can become more porous, meaning it absorbs and loses moisture more easily and can be more prone to frizz and damage from heat styling.
- Changes in texture: Bleaching can alter the texture of hair, making it feel coarser or more fragile.
- Color changes: Bleaching removes pigment from the hair, making it appear lighter or more yellow. It can also make hair more porous and prone to taking on unwanted tones from other hair products or environmental factors.
How Should You Prepare Bleach-Damaged Hair Before Coloring?
Preparing your hair beforehand is vital to protect it from damage during coloring and make your new hair dye job last longer. Here are some tips for preparing your hair before dyeing it:
- Deep condition your hair before dyeing it to keep it moisturized and prevent breakage. However, avoid using conditioner when you plan to dye your hair, as it could prevent the color from penetrating your hair shaft.
- Consider using a protein treatment if previous chemical treatments have damaged your hair.
- Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup that could interfere with color absorption.
- Don’t wash your hair right before dyeing it, as freshly washed hair can be more susceptible to over-saturation of pigment. Wait at least 48 hours after washing your hair before dyeing it.
- Use semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes, which contain fewer harsh chemicals and are gentler on the hair, even if your hair has been previously damaged by bleaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’ll answer common questions about how to care for and restore bleached and damaged hair.
It’s important to wait a week or two after bleaching your hair before attempting to dye it. The longer you wait, the better your chance of achieving the desired color without further damaging your hair.
The best option when coloring previously damaged hair is a clear demi-permanent color. Demi-permanent color is ideal for those who want to add shine and luster to their locks without making drastic changes.
It’s also perfect for people with sensitive scalps or allergies, as it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like permanent dyes.
It’s not uncommon for hair to become damaged from the bleach. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies you can try to restore the strength and flexibility of your hair strands:
– Apply aloe vera to the scalp
– Massage the scalp with coconut or argan oil
– Use wide tooth combs instead of brushes
– Use sun protection
– Cool water washes
– Cut back on shampoo
– Apply leave-in conditioner
– Avoid heat styling
– Trim your hair regularly
You should trim your bleached, damaged hair regularly. When it comes to bleached and heat-damaged hair, split ends are a common problem.
If left untreated, these split ends can travel up the length of your hair shaft, further damaging your hair.
So, Can You Dye Bleach Damaged Hair?
Yes, you can dye your hair even if it’s damaged from bleaching, but it’s essential to prepare and protect your strands to avoid further damage. Here are some key takeaways:
- Before dyeing your damaged hair, take steps to restore and protect your strands, such as deep conditioning treatments and using a heat protectant.
- Opt for a professional stylist, if possible, who can help you choose the right color and technique to minimize damage and achieve the desired results.
- Be gentle with your hair and avoid over-processing by spacing out dyeing sessions and using sulfate-free, color-safe hair products to maintain the health of your locks.
