How Long To Leave Bleach In Hair: Let’s Talk Damage Control!

Been there, done that! Lightening the deep black hue of my hair was the top priority on my agenda when I hit 18. I figured it would complement my blue contacts perfectly! But I was worried about how long to leave bleach in hair.

A sign of freedom and rebelliousness- hair coloring is embraced at different ages. It can also aid in the giant makeover scheme as having the color of the hair lighter can change your appearance big time.

Why Learn How Long To Leave Bleach In Hair?

Hair lightening and bleaching is the first step toward hair coloring. Some may be okay with bleaching a strand or two and won’t bother to hit a salon for that. In this rush, how to bleach hair at home without damage may be the least of concern for many. Trust me, it hits you hard soon enough. Hair damage from bleaching is real. There may be immediate damage or it may hit you later.

Bleaching is a process used on dark hair to lighten it, allowing hair coloring to show more prominently. Here’s how it works: when bleach is applied to your hair, it penetrates the cuticle, reaches the cortex, and breaks down the melanin present. This reduces the pigment in your hair, resulting in a lighter shade. The duration for which bleach should be left in the hair for highlights depends on factors such as hair type and desired lightness, and it is best determined by a professional hairstylist.

Can You Leave The Bleach In Your Hair Too Long?

The longer the better does not apply to the duration of bleach on the hair as it can cause serious damage to your hair. Thirty minutes is the maximum time you can leave the bleach on your hair. You may risk losing all your hair pigment and end up with white hair from the oxidation process of the bleach.

You may have heard a thing or two about hair porosity which determines how the hair retains moisture and looks voluminous. Bleaching the wrong way can tamper with the porosity of the hair making the cuticles widely spaced, making it impossible for the strands to retain moisture. Excessive porosity can cause irreparable damage to the hair shaft as well, alarmingly leading to hair loss. 

Bleaching without knowing how long to leave bleach in hair will compromise the keratin levels in your hair. Keratin is a kind of protein that builds your hair. If your hair loses Keratin it makes the hair brittle and difficult to manage. This is why mothers warn their young kids that bleaching their hair can lead to hair thinning.

How Long Are You Supposed To Keep Bleach On Your Hair?

Your hair color and texture will determine how long to keep the bleach in hair. For dark and coarse hair, you can keep the bleach on for 30 minutes in two sessions, and that’s how you bleach black hair like a pro.

Another factor that determines how long to leave bleach in hair is the color you want to achieve in your hair coloring makeover or if you have colored your hair before.

It also depends on the potency of the bleach. 20 and 10 volumes are relatively less strong and less damaging. Wondering how long to leave bleach in hair 30 vol? 15-30minutes maximum, as it is strong enough. 

How To Tell When It Is Time To Remove The Bleach?

How long to leave bleach on black hair? It is advisable to apply the bleach to a strand and observe how long it takes to achieve your desired color. However, it’s crucial not to exceed thirty minutes of application time. Typically, you’ll notice a change in hair color within ten to fifteen minutes. Allow an additional ten minutes before rinsing it off.

On a bad note, if you feel any irritation or burning sensation on your scalp after applying the bleach, wash it off immediately with cold water. You should not hesitate to visit a doctor if the irritation persists.

Factors Influencing Bleaching Time

The nature of the hair and the color that you want to achieve are the main factors that influence bleaching time. That is to say that if you want to go golden brown from dark, it will require a full thirty minutes of bleach on your hair.  Also if your hair is thick and coarse, it will take a full thirty minutes; while blonde or fine hair takes shorter stints. Bleach for dark hair will take a full thirty minutes.  If you have colored your hair previously, it may shorten the duration again. 

Things To Keep In Mind While Bleaching Your Hair

• Prepare your hair for bleaching by giving it some extra care a week before the session. Consider using keratin treatments and high-quality hair serums to maintain moisture.
• Avoid washing your hair right before bleaching. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage, and bleaching can exacerbate this. While wet balayage is trendy, it typically involves bleaching only the hair tips, minimizing damage. Salons often use water sprays on strands instead of directly on the scalp during wet balayage to reduce bleach damage. If attempting at-home bleaching, consider this method for subtle strand highlights. Wondering how long to leave bleach in hair for highlights? Aim for a maximum of twenty minutes, depending on your desired lightness.
• If your hair or scalp is fragile or damaged, address these issues before attempting to bleach your hair.
• Avoid applying bleach near the hair roots unless you’re prepared for potential damage. Bleach can interfere with the melanin in your hair, causing irreversible harm.
• Consult your stylist to determine how many days before bleaching you should refrain from washing your hair.
• When considering how long to leave bleach in hair at home, limit it to thirty minutes, ideally in two sessions to prevent damage. If you experience a burning sensation or detect a burnt odor, rinse off the bleach immediately with cold water.

What Happens If You Leave Bleach In Your Hair Too Long?

Leaving bleach in your hair for too long can compromise its integrity by damaging proteins like Keratin. This can result in various issues such as hair turning white due to oxidation and becoming brittle. The severity of damage varies, but if you notice a burnt smell emanating from your hair, it may indicate that the bleach was left in for an excessive duration.

What To Do If You Leave Bleach In Your Hair For Too Long?

You will need to address the damages done. You will have to resort to hair-fortifying and healing methods like using Olaplex and other serums that help you deal with your damaged hair. Keratin treatment after waiting for a while can also be relied upon. Homemade masks with egg yoke, aloe Vera gel, avocado, and milk will also help if you are consistent enough. You can pamper your tresses with coconut oil or virgin coconut oil as well.

 Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Hair Post-bleaching

• Avoid sun exposure, especially at peak times.
• Avoid chlorinated water and harsh dyes.
• Avoid heat styling of hair.
• Weekly oil your mane with almond, coconut, or olive oil.
• Use deep-conditioning hair masks twice a week.
• Follow a healthy diet and take the necessary supplements for a healthy mane.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Bleaching Your Hair At Home

• Using shampoo to clean off the bleach.
• Skipping the strand test 
• Not reading the instructions on the pack.
• Leaving the bleach for too long or reapplying the bleach frequently
• Using the wrong volume of developer
• Not heeding developer expiry 
• No follow-up deep conditioning of hair

Winding Down…

Whatever the motivation behind your bleaching of hair is, always keep the health of your hair as a high-priority agenda. Make sure you do not ignore using products and undergoing treatments that make the hair damage less grave and noticeable. I would say play with it carefully as healthy tresses sure make you look youthful! Cheers!

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