How to Take Care of Bleach Damaged Hair

As beautiful as the results of achieving your desired hair color can be, it's not all fun and games. Case in point, bleach damaged hair is no fun to deal with. From the dry and brittle strands to the hair breakage, it can be enough to make your head spin. However, there is a way to keep your bleached hair in tip-top shape. Whether your hair is bleached or color-treated, you should always follow a solid hair care routine to prevent and manage damage. And if you’ve slacked on the bleached hair care front, there is no need to fret. As always, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to care for bleach damaged hair, including using our best shampoo for bleached hair and other products that can help get your strands back to a healthy state.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BLEACH YOUR HAIR?

First things first, let’s establish precisely why bleached hair requires special care. We’re not against coloring your hair—just the opposite, actually! However, doing so requires you to adjust your hair care routine slightly. It’s widely known and confirmed by the Cleveland Clinic that bleaching your hair can strip it of its protective fibers and oils. The result is hair that’s more susceptible and prone to becoming dry and damaged.

Because hair bleach has to reach deep down into the hair shaft to serve its purpose of lifting the color, it can also cause the hair shaft to become thinner. Again, the result here is hair that’s more prone to damage. This is precisely why it’s essential to take a few extra steps to care for your bleached strands.

DOES BLEACHING YOUR HAIR DAMAGE IT FOREVER?

Now, what happens if your hair does become damaged from bleaching? Does bleaching your hair damage it forever? Good question. The truth is, once your hair is damaged, you can’t exactly turn back time and undo it—but that doesn’t mean your mane is damaged forever. If you have bleach damaged hair, you’ll need to give your hair some extra TLC and allow the damage to grow out over time. If your ends are super damaged, it may be time for a cut! As your new hair grows in, you may deal with stark roots, but your strands won’t be damaged and you can start fresh.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF BLEACH DAMAGED HAIR

Wondering exactly what you can do to help minimize damage and care for your bleached hair? Add these seven tips to your hair care routine ASAP.

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #1: USE COLOR-SAFE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

This first tip may seem obvious, but we’re listing it first because it’s essential for your hair health. In order to maintain your new hue for as long as possible, and also help keep your bleached hair from becoming damaged, you’ll need to use the right shampoo and conditioner.

If you’re a blondie and you’re planning to keep your hair lightened for the long term, use a blonde-boosting shampoo and conditioner system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner. Conditioner is a key part of how to hydrate bleached hair, so don't skimp on conditioning!

As for those who don’t have blonde hair but have still used bleach to achieve another hair color, try a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner system that’s targeted at preventing damage, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner.

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #2: USE A DEEP CONDITIONER FOR EXTRA TLC

Another way to help ward off damage and keep your bleached hair hydrated and healthy is to incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine. While switching up your shower routine may sound like a hassle, using a deep conditioner to hydrate bleached hair doesn’t have to be tedious. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, for example, works in just sixty seconds. Swap it into your routine in place of your regular conditioner, applying it after you shampoo for hair that’s hydrated, silkier, and shinier. Bonus: It will also help enhance and revive your new hair color.

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #3: FIGHT BRASSINESS WITH TINTED SHAMPOO

Bleached strands can have a tendency to become brassy, which we’re guessing isn’t on your wish list. So, what can you do about it? Well, there’s actually one pretty easy way to defend your mane against brassiness: You can use our best purple shampoo for bleached hair to get the job done. It’s time to get acquainted with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Purple Shampoo for Color Treated Hair. Not only does this shampoo work to keep brassiness at bay, but it also helps with keeping your color job vibrant in between coloring sessions. Be sure to follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Purple Conditioner for Color Treated Hair to reap all the benefits. 

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #4: TURN DOWN YOUR WATER TEMPERATURE

As nice as a hot shower feels, it can also strip your hair (and skin) of its natural oils, which can lead to fading color and dryness. But there’s an easy fix—simply turn down the water temperature when you shower. Lukewarm is ideal, and even though it doesn’t feel quite as good, we promise it’ll be worth it.

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #5: USE HEAT-PROTECTANT BEFORE STYLING

This tip goes for hair of all types—even virgin hair—because using hot tools without a heat protectant is a recipe for causing damage. Whatever hairstyle you’re about to create, start by spritzing on the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray before you even think about picking up your blow-dryer or hot tools.

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #6: USE A LEAVE-IN TREATMENT

After you’ve shampooed and conditioned, applying a leave-in hair treatment to damp strands will help seal in moisture and keep your hair hydrated. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment Serum, which works to hydrate and nourish hair for soft, shiny, and lightweight strands. To use, apply a small amount of product onto your damp hair making sure to concentrate on the ends. That’s it! Don’t rinse it out; just go about styling your hair as usual. You can also use this treatment as a pre-shampoo treatment or as a finishing oil.

BLEACHED HAIR CARE TIP #7: SHIELD YOUR STRANDS FROM THE SUN 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the sun can make hair weak, brittle, and dry, and this is especially true for hair that’s been bleached. If you’re planning to spend an extended amount of time outdoors, bring a wide-brimmed hat with you, and seek shade as often as possible. 

Next up: Want to lighten things up but not ready to commit to a full-head of lighter locks? Here’s How to Highlight Your Hair at Home.