Are you tired of your gray hair and want to switch up your look? You may have heard about using bleach to lighten hair, but can you bleach gray hair?
Keep on reading to find out if you can use bleach on gray hair, and which factors you need to consider before deciding…
What Makes Gray Hair Different?
Gray hair’s unique characteristics stem from changes in your hair’s pigmentation process as you age.
Melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color, is produced by melanocytes.
Over time, these melanocytes lose efficiency, leading to a reduction in pigment and subsequently, the graying of hair.
Your hair is structured in layers: the outer layer, known as the cuticle, protects the inner structures.
Beneath the cuticle is the cortex, which contains melanin. Gray hair tends to have:
- A thicker cuticle, making it more resistant to hair dye.
- Less natural oil, resulting in a texture that can feel coarser or drier.
Here’s a simple list contrasting gray hair with pigmented hair:
- Melanin Production: Decreased in gray hair.
- Hair Texture: Coarser due to reduced oils.
- Hair Density: Gray hair can sometimes be finer.
- Dye Absorption: Less effective, as the cuticle is often more resilient.
When considering bleaching or coloring gray hair, remember that your hair’s altered structure may affect the outcome of such chemical treatments.
Taking these differences into account will help you better manage your gray hair and achieve desired results.
Can You Bleach Gray Hair?
Yes, you can bleach gray hair. However, the process and outcome may differ from bleaching pigmented hair.
Gray hair lacks melanin, which makes it more resistant to the bleaching agent.
Preparing Your Gray Hair for Bleaching:
- Start with healthy hair: Ensure your hair is in good condition before bleaching to minimize damage.
- Use clarifying shampoo: Remove any buildup with a clarifying shampoo to help the bleach work more effectively.
Bleaching Process:
- Choose the right developer: A lower volume developer (20 or 30 volume) is often sufficient for gray hair.
- Apply carefully: Follow the bleach manufacturer’s instructions meticulously to avoid damage.
- Monitor processing time: Gray hair may process faster or more unevenly.
Aftercare:
- Deep conditioning is essential: Bleached hair, especially gray, needs intense moisture to stay healthy.
- Toning: You may need a toner to avoid any brassiness and to even out the hair color.
- Regular trims: Keep your hair trimmed to prevent split ends and breakage.
Considerations:
- Professional vs. DIY: For best results, consider visiting a professional who has experience with gray hair.
- Be realistic: Gray hair might not lift to a bright white or platinum; shades of blond are more achievable.
How To Prepare Gray Hair for Bleaching
Before you begin the bleaching process, it’s essential to ensure your gray hair is in good condition to minimize damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Assess Your Hair’s Health: Check for signs of damage such as split ends or breakage. If your hair is significantly damaged, consider strengthening treatments before bleaching.
- Clarifying Wash: Use a clarifying shampoo a few days before remove any buildups, such as oils and styling products, ensuring an even bleach application.
- Deep Conditioning: Apply a deep conditioner at least a week before bleaching to nurture your hair. This step is essential for keeping your strands hydrated.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Keep away from heat tools in the days leading up to the bleaching to prevent additional stress on your hair.
- Trimming: If you have split ends, trim them. Bleaching can further fray damaged ends.
- Strand Test: Perform a strand test by applying bleach to a small section of hair. This helps predict the outcome and test for potential damage.
- Gather Supplies: Ready your materials beforehand:
- Bleach powder
- Developer (volume 20 or 30, depending on your hair’s condition)
- Non-metallic mixing bowl
- Applicator brush
- Gloves
- Plastic cap
- Timer
- Protection: Protect your skin and clothes. Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and neck, and wear an old shirt or a cape.
Choosing the Right Bleach for Gray Hair
Gray hair often has a different texture and porosity compared to pigmented hair, which can affect how bleach interacts with your hair.
Hydrogen Peroxide Levels: Choose a bleach with an appropriate volume of hydrogen peroxide. Commonly, a developer of 20 volume (6% peroxide) is sufficient for gray hair, but this can vary depending on the desired level of lightening.
- 20 Volume Developer: Ideal for subtle lightening, especially if your gray hair is fine and delicate.
- 30 Volume Developer: Consider this if your hair is resistant or you desire more significant lightening. However, be cautious as higher volumes can cause more damage.
Quality of Ingredients: Select bleaches that contain quality conditioning agents to minimize hair damage.
- Keratin-enhanced bleaches help maintain hair strength.
- Look for natural oils like argan or jojoba in the ingredients, which can provide essential hydration.
Consistency: The bleach should have a creamy consistency for easy application and even coverage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bleaching Gray Hair at Home
Preparation
- Gather Equipment: Get non-metallic bowls, a hair bleach kit, gloves, an application brush, a timer, a plastic shower cap, and old towels.
- Strand Test: Apply bleach to a small section of hair and time the process to check for the desired lightness level and to test for any adverse reactions.
Mixing
- Safety First: Put on gloves and make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from strong fumes.
- Bleach Mixture: Follow your hair bleach kit’s instructions to mix the bleach and developer. Usually, it’s a 1:2 ratio.
Application
- Section Hair: Divide your hair into sections for an even application.
- Apply Bleach: Using the application brush, evenly apply the bleach mixture, starting from the back of your head and moving toward the front. Avoid the scalp to prevent irritation.
- Timing is Key: Adhere to the timing suggested by the strand test. Check the color every 5-10 minutes.
| Area to Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| Scalp | To prevent irritation |
| Already bleached hair | Over-processing can cause damage |
Processing
- Waiting Period: Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap. This helps retain heat and can speed up the processing time.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After the recommended time, rinse out the bleach until the water runs clear.
Aftercare
- Condition your hair: Immediately apply a deep conditioner or a hair mask to mitigate damage and avoid using heat or harsh shampoos for at least a week.
Aftercare and Maintenance: Protecting Your Bleached Gray Hair
Bleached hair, especially when it’s gray, requires diligent aftercare to maintain its health and color.
Here’s a structured approach to help you protect your bleached gray hair:
Hydration is Key
- Use hydrating shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for bleached or color-treated hair.
- Apply deep-conditioning treatments weekly to replenish moisture.
Minimize Heat Damage
- Limit the use of heat styling tools to avoid further stress on your hair.
- If you must use them, always apply a heat protectant beforehand.
Protect Against UV Rays
- Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to prevent the sun from altering the color and condition of your hair.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Reduce the frequency of touch-ups to limit chemical exposure.
- Opt for sulfate-free products which are gentler on your hair.
Healthy Diet and Supplements
- Maintain a diet rich in protein and antioxidants to support hair health.
- Consider supplements like biotin or omega-3s, which can aid in maintaining hair strength.
Yes, you can bleach gray hair to achieve a lighter shade. However, be mindful of the bleaching process’s impact on the structure and texture of your hair.
Bleach carefully by adhering to timings and taking steps to protect your hair from damage. Always opt for professional help for best results or especially if you have highly resistant gray hair.
After bleaching, regularly deep-condition and protect your hair from heat and UV rays. With proper care, you can rock those enviable blonde hair.