How does bleaching your hair work

The bleach reacts with the melanin in the hair, removing the color through an irreversible chemical reaction. The bleach oxidizes the melanin molecule. The melanin is still present, but the oxidized molecule is colorless. However, bleached hair tends to have a pale yellow tint. The yellow color is the natural color of keratin, the structural protein in hair. Also, bleach reacts more readily with the dark eumelanin pigment than with the phaeomelanin, so some gold or red residual color may remain after lightening.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common lightening agents. The peroxide is used in an alkaline solution, which opens the hair shaft to allow the peroxide to react with the melanin. The outer layer of the hair shaft, its cuticle, must be opened before permanent color can be deposited into the hair. Once the cuticle is open, the dye reacts with the inner portion of the hair, the cortex, to deposit or remove the color. Most permanent hair coloring products use a two-step process usually occurring simultaneously which first removes the original color of the hair and then deposits a new color.

It's essentially the same process as lightening except a colorant is then bonded to the hair shaft. Ammonia is the alkaline chemical that opens the cuticle and allows the hair color to penetrate the cortex of the hair.

It also acts as a catalyst when the permanent hair color comes together with the peroxide. Peroxide is used as the developer or oxidizing agent. The developer removes pre-existing color. Peroxide breaks chemical bonds in the hair, releasing sulfur, which accounts for the characteristic odor of hair coloring products. As the melanin is decolorized, a new permanent color is bonded to the hair cortex.

Various types of alcohols and conditioners may also be present in hair coloring products. The conditioners close the cuticle after coloring to seal in and protect the new color. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Bleaching even has some advantages — the process plumps your individual hair shafts, often making your hair appear thicker and fuller. Furthermore, if you are light-skinned and have thinning hair, bleaching can disguise the contrast between your hair and bare patches of scalp.

Bleach strips the pigment from your hair shaft through the process of oxidation. It is impossible to make your hair a lighter shade without the help of a bleaching or oxidising agent. Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia are the most commonly used bleaching agents. They are often mixed together, for when used separately, they are unstable and very slow in lightening the hair. Bleached hair is also more porous, and therefore more vulnerable to other chemical and non-chemical hazards. These include everything from heat-styling with blow-dryers and tongs, to the effects of sun, rain and wind.

In other words, the more often you bleach or highlight your hair, the more damaged it will be. If you are suffering from damaged hair, our Clinics in London and New York specialise in hair and scalp treatment and are here to help.

Not only does bleaching raise the outer cuticle, it also damages the bonds inside the hair too hair is made up of three types of bonds: hydrogen, disulfide and salt bonds causing them to weaken and break, and when the internal structure of the hair is compromised, strands are more likely to split and snap.

This is why it's imperative to regularly apply treatments like our Bond Builder Restructuring Treatment that strengthens existing bonds while reconnecting broken ones.

Star ingredient Advanced Bond Rebuilding Technology works within the hair shaft, to protect bonds from damage, leaving bleached locks stronger and more resilient. What's more, strength continues to improve use after use, making it a must-have within every hair care regime and particularly if you bleach your hair regularly.

The first check should be after 10 minutes, says Yates, and then again every 5 to 10 minutes until you hit 30 minutes. Apply and follow the same directions.

If you have relaxed, straightened, or chemically-treated hair, Yates says to avoid bleaching. Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing whether to dye your hair at home or at a hair salon. Professionals are also familiar with the bleaching process and can guarantee full coverage.

Another advantage of going to a professional salon is that they can do an after-color treatment, which is a great way to prevent damage. This number depends on the length of the hair, thickness, and current color. For example, Rolon says that people should be prepared for an uncomfortable feeling on the scalp when bleach is applied on the scalp.

Bleaching your hair at home is a tricky process that has to be done right. This includes carefully following directions, wearing protective material, and taking the right precautions. Doing so could cause irreversible damage, which results in brittle strands. If you need more advice on how to bleach your hair at home, you can always speak to a hair professional.

Spend too much time under the blow dryer? Decide to go from deep black to dirty blonde without the help of your stylist? Here's how to repair damaged…. Bleaching your hair can cause breaking, frizz, and dryness.

We've got 22 tips to hydrate your hair and improve texture. Bleaching wet hair is ideal for creating a subtle lightening effect.