How To Care For Bleach-Damaged Hair

Hair color comes in handy when it’s time to jazz up your locks, but one misstep during the application process can wreak havoc on your strands, especially while getting bleached hair.When it comes to caring for bleach-damaged hair or bleached, blonde hair, you may experience signs of brittleness, hair breakage, and more, which can be frustrating to tackle. 

That’s why it’s essential to use the proper hair care routine to get your strands back in shape. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s help. If you ever wondered how to make bleached hair soft and silky, ahead, we’re sharing tips on how to care for bleach-damaged hair, including the best purple shampoo and other products to help revive your mane.

How Damaging Is Bleaching Your Hair?

The purpose of bleach on hair is to reach deep down into the hair shaft and lift the color. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, this process can strip all the protective fibers and oils within your strands. The result is hair that’s more susceptible and prone to becoming dry and damaged. Fortunately, bleach damage to your hair won’t last forever. It just requires some extra care and patience to let the damage grow out over time.

How To Care For Bleached Hair With Damage 

With a few tweaks to your routine and the right products, you can totally improve your bleach-damaged hair. Consider our five bleached hair tips below to help you care for your tresses.

1. Use color-safe products

Using color-safe products is key to maintaining your new hue for the long haul and keeping your bleached strands from becoming damaged. Look for sulfate-free formulas as they are gentler on colored hair and won’t strip or dull the color. 

Reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Bond Strengthening Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner. This system for all hair types is specially made for bleached and damaged hair and strengthens hair inside and out by reinforcing weak hair bonds. It’s not your answer for how to fix bleach-damaged hair (only a haircut can do that), but the pair will help your strands feel stronger and healthier. 

Once or twice a week, use a hydrating hair mask like the L’Oréal Paris Total Repair 5 Power Restore Multi-Use Treatment in place of conditioner. This product works as a hair mask for bleached hair and is formulated with repair concentrates and proteins to help strengthen weak, brittle, and damaged hair. You can use it as a rinse-out mask in the shower or as a leave-in to repair current issues and protect against future damage. When it comes to how to fix bleached hair, this is an easy way to do so. 

Editor’s tip: Hot showers may feel like the ultimate delight, but using too much hot water can strip your hair (and skin) of natural oils, leading to fading color and dryness. Play it safe and turn down the water temperature while showering. 

2. Use a leave-in treatment

Bleach-damaged hair needs all the hydration it can get. Once your wash session is complete, follow up with a leave-in product, as it’s one of the best hair treatments to help seal in moisture and keep your strands hydrated. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner, which hydrates and nourishes dry hair. Apply a generous amount of product onto damp hair, massaging it into the lengths and making sure to concentrate it on the ends. 

Another great option is the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Rinse-Out Mask. This indulgent, deep-repairing hair mask can nourish and visibly repair months of damage in a single use. Apply a generous amount to wet hair after shampooing, massage it through the ends, and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. You can use it every day for consistent, visible repair. When looking for the best hair treatment for bleached hair, consider trying one of these.

3. Fight brassiness with a purple shampoo and conditioner

Bleached strands tend to become brassy with warm yellow or orange hues. For blonde hair, reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Conditioner. This color-protecting duo is formulated with purple pigments to neutralize unwanted orange and yellow tones while keeping your bleached blonde hairstrands extra vibrant. 

If your hair is extra dry, try a purple hair mask like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment to banish warm tones while adding an extra bit of hydration to your bleached strands.

4. Use a heat protectant before styling

This applies to hair of all types, as using hot tools without a heat protectant is a recipe for damage and even breakage. Not to mention, it can cause your hair color to fade prematurely. Always make sure to prep your strands with a heat protectant, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, before styling your strands. This one adds shine, tames frizz, softens, and helps detangle—all while protecting hair against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

5. Shield your strands from the sun

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the sun can make hair weak, brittle, and dry, especially hair that is bleached. If you’re planning to spend an extended amount of time outdoors, remember to cover your hair properly and seek shade as often as possible. 

6. Gentle cleansing is key

To maintain bleached hair´s health and shine, gentle cleansing and using products that nourish and hydrate is very important. Start by switching to a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo. It gently cleanses away impurities while helping to boost moisture for soft, hydrated hair. After lathering up, nourish your strands with the coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner to deeply replenish and soften dry, color-treated hair.

7. Trim when needed

Trimming your hair helps remove split ends and prevents further breakage. You don’t need a dramatic chop—just a light dusting of the ends every 6–8 weeks can make a big difference. Keeping the ends fresh helps reduce the risk of damage traveling up the strands, so your hair looks smoother and feels healthier. Make trims part of your routine for a simple, effective way to maintain your bleached hair’s vitality. 

Next Up: What Causes Brassy Orange Hair and How Do You Fix It?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris