What Is A Bleach Bath?
The basic process of bleaching involves mixing the bleach powder with the peroxide. This process is effective in lightening your hair, but its after-effects are quite destructive. Bleaching can alter your hair bonds and turn your hair brittle over time. On the other hand, a bleach bath is a much milder procedure. It differs from the regular bleaching process. In this process, a diluted solution that is far gentler on your hair is used. Shampoo is added to the mixture and applied to wet hair. You must be wondering why you should go for a bleach bath when regular bleaching can get the job done just as easily. Scroll down to the next section to find out why.
Why Opt For A Bleach Bath?
Since bleach is an aggressive substance, applying it to your hair often can be risky, especially if you have thin, fragile hair. Thus, the perfect alternative is bleach bath. This process causes no damage and is absolutely safe for all hair types. Now that you know why you should go for a bleach bath, you must be wondering when to use one. Find out in the next section.
When To Use A Bleach Bath
You should opt for a bleach bath when you want to:
Remove the existing permanent hair dye Fix over-toned hair Lighten your hair by one level Lighten fragile hair
If your current hair dye is refusing to come off, don’t worry. A bleach bath can be extremely useful in removing the permanent hair dye and getting rid of its traces. A bleach bath may not be as effective as the regular bleaching process, but it is less damaging to your hair than the latter. If you have fragile hair, this minimum bleaching action is perfect for the look you want to achieve. Now, let’s check out how you can prepare and apply a bleach bath.
How To Prepare A Bleach Bath
To prepare a bleach bath, you need to gather three essential components, i.e., bleach powder, peroxide, and shampoo. This is how you need to prepare the mix:
1. Do An Allergy Test
If this is your first time using a bleach bath, this step is a must to avoid any adverse reaction. Dip a cotton ball into the developer and the bleach and dab it on your hand. If your skin turns red or starts itching, you are most likely allergic to the bleach. But if you are unsure, wait for 48 hours and check for any more changes. If nothing happens, you may proceed with the procedure.
2. Mix The Bleach, Developer, And Shampoo In A Bowl
Start off by mixing the bleach powder and the developer in a 1:2 ratio. The volume of the developer indicates the amount of peroxide in it. The higher the volume, the greater the amount of peroxide. Developers come in different volumes, with 10 being the weakest and 40 being the strongest. For a bleach bath, we recommend 10 volume developer. To this mixture, add one part of shampoo. Add bleach powder and shampoo in equal quantities. You can increase or decrease the intensity of this mixture as per your preference by experimenting with the ratio. Adding shampoo to this mixture will subdue the bleach. You can even add a conditioner to soften your hair.
How To Apply The Mixture
Step 1 – Dampen Your Hair With Cool Water
You should bleach your hair when it is damp, not dripping wet. Wet your hair by running it under warm water. Before you apply the bleach, let your hair air-dry for a few minutes. You can even towel-dry your hair dry it a bit.
Step 2 – Wrap A Towel Around Your Shoulders
In case of accidental drips, the towel can protect your skin and clothes from getting discolored. You can also wear an old T-shirt to avoid any mishaps. Don’t forget to put on rubber/latex gloves to protect your hands from bleach burns.
Step 3 – Apply The Bleach
When applying the bleach, start from the tips of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Once you are done applying it from roots to ends, rub the rest of the mixture on your hair like would apply shampoo while showering. Make sure to soak each strand with the solution.
Step 4 – Secure Your Hair With Clips
Clip your hair up and put on a shower cap. This will prevent the solution from dripping.
Step 5 – Wash Your Hair
Keep checking the color of your hair every 5 minutes. Once you are satisfied with the color, wash out the bleach.
For How Long Should You Leave The Bleach Bath On?
The amount of time that the bleach is left on your hair depends on your natural hair color and the volume of developer used. If you have bleached your hair before, you can leave it on for 10 minutes. If you have dark hair and want to lighten your tresses, leave the bleach on for up to 30 minutes. If you are using 30-40 volume developer, don’t leave the solution on for more than 7-10 minutes. Since bleaching depletes the moisture in your hair, it is mandatory to take good care of your tresses after a bleach bath. Here’s what you need to do. [Read: Ashwagandha For Hair]
How To Take Care Of Bleached Hair
Is it good to bathe in bleach? Yes, a diluted bleach solution is commonly used to treat certain skin conditions. However, undiluted bleach can cause dry skin, rashes, severe skin infections, and even asthma attacks. How many levels does a bleach bath lift? A bleach bath can lift your hair color by 1-4 levels depending on the kind of bleach, the type of hair, and the method of application.
