When it comes to lightening your hair, there are several things you need to take into account the color of your hair, the type of lightener you’re using, and your pain tolerance. Here is a guide that will take you through the process step by step, from prepping your hair to maintaining your new lighter color.
You Should Also Read: How Long To Leave Bleach In Hair
How to lighten hair at home
If you’re looking to lighten your hair at home, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, prep your hair correctly by shampooing and using a clarifying treatment. Then, apply the lightener according to the instructions on the product. Be sure to check the progress every few minutes, and remove the lightener when your hair has reached the desired level of lightness. Finally, apply a toner and dry and style your hair as usual. To keep your hair looking its best, use shampoo and conditioner for colored hair and avoid using heat styling tools too often.
Seven stages of lightening hair
Hair lighting can be a long and frustrating process, but it can be a little less daunting with the right products and instructions.
Here are the seven stages of lightening hair, from prepping to toning:
1. Prepping your hair for lightening.
This step is crucial to ensuring that your hair-lightening process goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll want to start by shampooing your hair and then using a clarifying treatment to eliminate any buildup.
Before you begin the lighting process, it’s essential to make sure your hair is in good condition. If your hair is damaged, it will be more challenging to achieve the desired color and more likely to suffer from breakage during the lighting process. Use a deep conditioning treatment before lightening your hair to ensure that it’s healthy and strong.
2. Applying the lightener.
Once your hair is prepped, you can apply the lightener. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully, and avoid getting any lightener on your skin or clothing.
There are various hair lighteners available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your hair type. You’ll need a stronger lightener than someone with lighter hair if you have dark hair. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using any hair lightener.
3. Checking the progress.
After applying the lightener, you’ll need to check on its progress every few minutes to see how light your hair is becoming.
4. Removing the lightener.
Once your hair has reached the desired level of lightness, you’ll need to remove the lightener. Be sure to do this carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
5. Applying a toner.
A toner can help to even out the color of your hair and give it a more natural look.
After bleaching your hair, it will likely be quite yellow or orange. To achieve a more natural-looking lighter shade, you’ll need to apply toner to your hair. Toners come in various shades, so be sure to choose one that’s suitable for your desired look.
6. Drying and styling your hair.
Once you’ve applied the toner, you’ll need to dry and style your hair.
7. Maintaining your lightened hair.
To keep your hair looking its best, you’ll need to use shampoo and conditioner for colored hair and avoid using heat styling tools too often.
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Once you’ve achieved the desired lightness, it’s essential to take care of your hair to maintain the color. Use a shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, and avoid washing your hair too often. Be sure to use a heat protectant before using any heated styling tools, and avoid over-processing your hair to prevent damage.
Following these steps, you’ll be on your way to achieving the perfect lighter shade for your hair. Just be sure to take your time and be careful not to damage your hair. With a little bit of care, you’ll have beautiful lightened hair.
What you need to know before lightening your hair
Bleaching your hair can be tricky, but you can achieve the color tone you desire with suitable precautions.
If you’re looking to lighten your hair at home, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
Here are some important things to keep in mind before bleaching your hair:
- Avoid washing your hair before bleaching them because this will remove all the natural oil produced by your scalp, which is responsible for protecting your hair from scalp irritation after bleaching.
- Bleaching greasy hair is recommended because, in this condition, your hair is well protected against the bleaching process. It is recommended not to wash your hair for at least 72 hours before the bleaching process.
- You should also avoid bleaching your wet hair because it will not be as effective as it will be on dry hair. Applying bleach to your dry hair will help you more effectively remove your current hair color.
- The time limit to leave bleach in your hair depends upon which hair bleach brand you are using. The time limit recommended for leaving bleach in your hair is 45 minutes. More than this time limit will leave your hair looking burned.
- It is also recommended to deep condition your bleached hair to maintain its moisture. After bleaching your hair, you should avoid heat treatment like blow drying, flat iron, or curling your hair every day. Use color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner and a microfiber towel to maintain your hair’s natural texture.
- Avoid shampoo and hair products containing sulfates and alcohol because they will drive away all the moisture from your hair, making it look drier and frizzier. Try to use hair masks once a week. Dry your hair gently after washing them, and use cooler water when you wash your hair. Sleep on a pillow made of silk as it will be much gentler than a cotton pillowcase. You should also trim your hair regularly.
The best products for lightening hair
If you’re looking to lighten your hair at home, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, prep your hair correctly by shampooing and using a clarifying treatment. Then, apply the lightener according to the instructions on the product. Be sure to check the progress every few minutes, and remove the lightener when your hair has reached the desired level of lightness. Finally, apply a toner and dry and style your hair as usual.
To keep your hair looking its best, you’ll need to use shampoo and conditioner for colored hair and avoid using heat styling tools too often.
The best products for lightening hair contain hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. Some popular products that fit this description include:
- L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Hair Color
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Original Permanent Hair Color
- Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color Creme
When using any of these products, be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing so will help you achieve the best results and avoid damaging your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many levels can I lighten my hair?
When it comes to lightening your hair, there are a few things to consider. The first is how light you want your hair to be. The second is how blonde your hair is, to begin with. You can go up to three levels lighter if you have dark hair. You can go up to six levels lighter if you have light hair.
What are the stages of hair bleaching?
There are four stages of hair bleaching: the preparation stage, the lightening stage, the toning stage, and the maintenance stage.
You need to make sure that your hair is healthy and strong enough to bleach in the preparation stage. If it’s not, you’ll have damaged hair that is more prone to breakage.
In the lightening stage, bleach is applied to your hair and breaks down the melanin that gives your hair its color.
In the toning stage, a toner is applied to your hair to counteract any yellow or orange tones the bleach may have left behind.
In the maintenance stage, you need to ensure that you’re using the right products to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. It would help if you were careful not to over-bleach your hair, as this can damage it beyond repair.
How long should you wait between hair lightening?
If you want to lighten your hair more than once, you must wait at least two weeks between each session. This will give your hair time to recover and avoid any damage.
How long does it take to lighten dark hair?
It can take a few hours to lighten dark hair to a lighter shade, depending on the starting color of your hair and the bleach used. It may take multiple applications if you have very dark hair to achieve the desired results.
How long does it take to lighten hair with highlights?
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to highlight your hair, depending on the type of highlights you’re getting and your hair color.
If you’re getting Highlights:
If you’re getting foiled highlights, it will take about an hour.
If you’re getting balayage highlights, it will take about two hours.
If you have dark hair:
It will take longer to lighten your hair if you have dark hair. This is because the bleach is harder to penetrate through the darker strands. It can take multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
Last Thoughts
Bleaching your hair can be a great way to lighten it to your preferred color. The main ingredient used in bleaching hair is hydrogen peroxide, which helps to strip melanin from the hair. When melanin is oxidized, oxygen gas is released, which can help to lighten your hair. However, it is vital to be aware of the different shades of lightening hair before bleaching to determine the exact stage of lightening your hair.
Another Interesting Read: Bleaching Pink Hair At Home DIY Guide