Bleaching your hair can be a great way to change up your look, but it can also be damaging if you don’t take the necessary precautions. As such, many wonders if they should use a leave-in conditioner before bleaching.
The answer is yes! One of the most vital steps in preparing for bleaching is using a leave-in conditioner. Let’s explore why this is key and how to use it properly.
Should I Use Leave-In Conditioner Before Bleaching?
Yes! Using a leave-in conditioner before bleaching helps protect your hair from damage caused by the bleaching process. The bleach strips away natural oils and moisture from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
By using a leave-in conditioner before bleaching, you can help restore some of that moisture and protect your hair from further damage. This will ensure that your bleached locks look healthy and vibrant for as long as possible.
However, you should not use a leave-in conditioner or wash your hair in general during the 24 hours before bleaching your hair because the process works better on oily hair rather than freshly cleaned.
Instead, you should prep your hair with a leave-in conditioner the week preceding your hair appointment to nourish it before the chemical process.
The type of leave-in conditioner you choose makes a difference too. Look for products specifically designed for color-treated or damaged hair.
These specialized products tend to contain more intensive hydrating ingredients, such as argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and other natural oils that help lock in moisture and nourish your strands. They also help seal in color vibrancy after bleaching treatments.
How Do I Use Leave-in Conditioner Prior to Bleaching?
Leave-in conditioner is a type of conditioning product that you apply to damp or dry hair, then leave the product in your hair without rinsing.
Leave-in conditioners work differently than standard conditioners because they are designed to provide long-term hydration and protection without making your hair feel greasy or weighed down.
Applying a leave-in conditioner is easy. You only need to work a small amount through your lengths (avoiding any contact with your scalp to prevent oiliness) and then go about your day as you usually would since there’s no need to rinse the product.
If you have particularly long or thick hair, you may consider using more products to ensure maximum hydration and an even coating. Similarly, if you have fine or thin hair, you may want to use a small amount to avoid over-saturation.
So, Should I Use Leave-In Conditioner Before Bleaching?
Using a leave-in conditioner before bleaching can be a great way to ensure that your strands stay healthy and hydrated throughout the process.
By helping protect against breakage while providing an extra layer of defense against harsh chemical processing, using this product can help keep your locks looking fresh and vibrant even after lightening them significantly.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding leave-in conditioners.
Unlike regular conditioners, you apply leave-in conditioners after showering or washing and leave the product in your hair until the next shampoo.
This method provides an additional moisture boost throughout the day and makes your hair look shinier and healthier.
No. Bleach works best on hair that is oily, and having conditioner or leave-in conditioner in your hair during the process will alter the results because the bleach will not penetrate the hair enough.
The risks of bleaching include dry or brittle hair, dryness, irritation, hair loss, breakage, and brittle or weak hair.
It’s important to note that these risks are heightened if you choose to use an at-home bleaching product instead of booking a professional appointment.
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