Hair Rescue: How to Make Bleached Hair Soft and Silky Again
Bleaching your hair can leave it feeling dry, brittle and straw-like. While this is a normal part of the bleaching process, there are several ways to revive your hair and make it soft and silky once again.
In this post, we’ll explain how to hydrate your dry hair after hair bleaching and what tips you need to keep in mind for nourishing your hair back to health.
Why Does Hair Feel Like Straw After Bleaching?
It is perfectly normal for hair to become dry and brittle after being exposed to bleach. The bleach strips away the natural oils from the hair cuticle that protect the hair shaft from damage, leaving it vulnerable and prone to breakage.
It’s important that you take steps immediately after bleaching to add moisture back into your strands so that they can be revived back to health.
What Does Bleaching Actually Do to Your Hair?
When it comes to bleaching your hair, you're playing with fire - and the results can be unpredictable.
On one hand, bleaching can lighten up dark strands or give a dramatic makeover to previously dyed tresses; but on the other hand, it can be incredibly damaging and lead to breakage or brittleness.
But don't worry - if done correctly and safely, bleaching has its place in hairstyling!
Bleach is basically a powerful agent that works through oxidation.
This naturally occurring process causes color molecules in your hair shafts to break down - allowing lighter shades of pigment (and sometimes even white) to take over.
That's why bleach helps turn deep brown locks into shade of golden blonde and beyond! The stronger the bleach formula used, the more intense lightening effect will be achieved.
However, there are some serious risks associated with bleaching hair due to its highly corrosive properties and drying nature.
High levels of peroxide might cause severe damage as well as scalp irritation since scalp is extra sensitive by nature.
Additionally, improperly handled creamy textured formula implies strong alkaline solution which might permanently burn off cuticles from top layer of each strand leaving them lifeless and prone to split ends & knots (especially if applied incorrectly).
Therefore it’s recommended you get an experienced professional who knows how much time should elapse between different stages.
How Can I Hydrate My Hair After Bleaching?
After bleaching, your hair needs instant hydration. To moisturize your dry hair, try one or all of the following methods:
1) Use a Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
Choose shampoo and conditioner products specifically designed for dry or damaged hair and avoid sulfates at all costs.
These products will help restore moisture into your locks while also protecting them from further damage. Look for products with natural ingredients such as coconut oil or argan oil, which are both known for their hydrating properties.
Additionally, use a deep-conditioning treatment at least once a week to infuse extra moisture into your strands.
There are some amazing hair masks that can penetrate your hair strands and keep your hair healthy. Be sure to read the directions on the hair mask container so you know how long to leave the deep conditioner on your hair.
2) Avoid Heat Styling Tools
Heat styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons will only exacerbate the dryness of your locks by stripping away any remaining moisture that may be left in them.
If you must use these tools, make sure that you apply a heat-protecting spray beforehand so that it can form a barrier between the tool’s heat and your strands.
Also avoid blow-drying your hair if possible; instead let your hair air dry. Opt for air-drying it so that it has more time to absorb the natural oils from its scalp before drying up completely.
3) Use An Oil Treatment
Oils are great for restoring moisture into dry strands since they are naturally rich in fatty acids which help lock in hydration.
The best oils for bleached hair include coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado oil, and olive oil—all of which should be applied directly onto damp hair (not wet!) before showering or sleeping overnight.
This way they have time to penetrate deeply into the shafts of each strand before rinsing out completely with shampoo and conditioner the next day.
4) Trim Split Ends Regularly
Split ends can quickly lead to more breakage if not taken care of properly—so make sure you trim them off regularly.
This will help keep any further damage from occurring while also keeping your overall look looking neat and healthy-looking!
Keeping it Soft & Silky
Taking proper care of bleached hair is essential in order for it to feel soft and silky again after being exposed to bleach.
Follow these tips on how to hydrate damaged tresses with natural oils or specialized shampoos and conditioners formulated specifically for colored/damaged locks!
With regular trimming and maintenance coupled with weekly deep conditioning treatments – your new hair care routine will restore life back into even the most severely dried out mane. Have faith in yourself -you’ve got this!
Looking for a great hair mask to penetrate your dry hair? We have a few suggestions! Tap the button below for our list of the best hair masks to deeply moisturize your hair.