Hair bleach is a chemical lightening agent specifically formulated to remove natural pigment from your hair strands. It works by oxidizing melanin, the natural color in your hair, effectively breaking down the color molecules to reveal a lighter shade. When it comes to hair coloring, hair bleach is essential for anyone looking to achieve significant lightening. It’s the foundational step for dramatic changes, allowing for vibrant fashion colors or ultra-light blondes that wouldn't be possible on darker natural hair.

Bleach for hair works by initiating a chemical reaction that removes natural hair pigments. When applied, the bleaching agents penetrate the hair shaft, oxidizing the melanin granules (the natural color). This process breaks down the color molecules, causing them to become colorless, which in turn lightens the hair. Since this process can expose underlying warm tones and potentially leave hair feeling dry or porous, follow-up steps are important. Toning with products like purple shampoo helps neutralize unwanted yellow or brassy tones, while deep conditioning treatments restore moisture and improve hair health after the lightening process.

Bleaching hair is a chemical process that requires careful execution to achieve optimal results and minimize damage. It typically involves sectioning the hair, applying a precisely mixed developer and bleach formula, and adhering to strict timing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using hair bleach:

•Preparation: Always start with dry, unwashed hair. Perform a strand test and patch test beforehand to assess processing time and check for allergic reactions. Gather all necessary tools: gloves, non-metallic bowl and applicator brush, clips, and old towels.

•Mix: Carefully follow the instructions provided with your hair bleach kit to mix the developer and lightener. Ensure a consistent, lump-free paste. Always wear your gloves when handling and mixing hair bleach.

•Section: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. This ensures even application and saturation.

•Apply: Working quickly, apply the bleach mixture evenly to each section, starting about an inch from the scalp (as scalp heat accelerates processing) and working down to the ends. Then finish with your roots last. If doing a root touch-up, apply only to the new growth.

•Process: Allow the bleach to process according to the strand test results and product instructions. Do not exceed the maximum recommended time on your hair bleach kit. Check the hair frequently for desired lift.

•Rinse & Wash: Once the desired lightness is achieved, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until all bleach is removed. Follow with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like the EverPure Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner.

•Post-Treatment: To help strengthen and repair hair after bleaching, consider using a strengthening post-treatment like the EverPure Bond Repair Collection, which can help reinforce weakened hair bonds.

Always refer to the instructions on your specific bleach hair color kit for the most accurate information. To learn more, check out our guide to how to bleach your hair.

Yes, you can bleach dyed hair, but it comes with significant risks and considerations. Previously colored hair, especially hair that has been dyed with permanent hair color, often contains artificial pigments that can react unpredictably with bleach, leading to uneven lifting, patchy results, or unwanted brassy tones. The hair may also be more porous and fragile from previous chemical treatments, making it susceptible to damage, breakage, and extreme dryness when bleached again. If you decide to bleach already dyed hair, it's important to perform a strand test to assess how your specific dyed hair will react.

To minimize damage when bleaching hair, preparing your hair before bleaching and treating it afterward are both important. Always perform a strand and patch test beforehand to determine processing time and sensitivity. Pre-condition your hair in the weeks leading up to bleaching with nourishing hair treatments to build strength. Use a high-quality bleach kit and strictly follow the instructions, avoiding over-processing. Incorporate bond-reinforcing hair care, such as the EverPure Bond Repair Shampoo, Conditioner, and Serum, into your routine before and after bleaching. These products help to restore and strengthen the hair's internal bonds, significantly reducing breakage and maintaining hair integrity for a healthier, more vibrant result.

You should usually use at-home hair bleach while your hair is dry. If hair is wet during bleaching, the results may be uneven, since water can dilute the bleach. Bleach on wet or damp hair processes faster, leaving less room for error. Finally, wet hair is more fragile, making it more susceptible to damage.

It’s best to bleach hair that hasn’t been freshly washed, since natural oils will help protect your scalp during the bleaching process and help your hair retain moisture. Wait a day or two after washing to bleach your hair. Use gentle shampoos and deeply moisturizing conditioners in the days leading up to your hair bleaching to help fortify and nourish your hair.

How long you should leave bleach in your hair depends on your hair type, your starting color, your desired shade, and the product used. Usual times run from about 15 minutes to half an hour, but it’s most important to check your specific hair bleach kit for instructions. Over-processing can lead to breakage, damage, and uneven tone, so it’s essential to follow instructions for the length of processing. Learn more in our guide to how long to leave bleach in your hair.

Hair may not lift with bleach for one or more of the following reasons:

•Improper application: One common reason is improper application; uneven saturation or not applying enough product can lead to patchiness or no lift.

•Developer strength: The developer’s strength also matters. If the product is improperly mixed or if its strength is too low for your hair's starting color or texture, it may not provide enough power to lighten effectively. Expired or improperly stored bleach can also lose its potency, becoming ineffective.

•Incorrect processing time: Be sure to follow processing times indicated on the box.

•Previously dyed hair or product buildup: Previous treatments with hair dyes with metallic salts, excessive product buildup, or hair that is heavily coated with silicones can create a barrier, preventing the bleach from penetrating and lifting the pigment.

Always use fresh products, ensure thorough application, and consider your hair's history.

You should avoid bleaching your hair if it's already significantly damaged, brittle, or dry. Bleaching compromised hair can lead to severe breakage, a gummy texture, or even chemical burns. If you have open sores, cuts, or a highly sensitive scalp, it's also best to postpone bleaching until your scalp has healed. Additionally, refrain from bleaching immediately after other intensive chemical treatments like perms or relaxers, as your hair needs time to recover. If you've previously used dyes with metallic salts, bleach can react unpredictably and lead to hair damage. Always prioritize your hair’s health over immediate color changes; sometimes, waiting or opting for less aggressive lightening methods is the best course of action. In the meantime, use nourishing hair care products and hair treatments to restore health to your hair.

It’s best to bleach your lengths first, leaving about an inch closest to your scalp for last. This is because the heat from your scalp will accelerate lift. To maintain even tone from roots to ends between sessions, we recommend a toning gloss such as Le Color Gloss.

Leaving hair bleach on for too long can cause damage to your hair and scalp. Your hair can become brittle, gummy, and straw-like, leading to significant breakage and even melting. Prolonged contact with bleach for hair can cause chemical burns to your scalp, leading to pain, blistering, and even hair loss in affected areas. Always adhere strictly to the recommended processing times and never exceed them. Be sure to follow up with post-treatment hydration with nourishing hair products. If you are dealing with bleach damage, check out our guide on how to care for bleach damaged hair.

If you’re bleaching your hair at home, make sure to follow our safety tips to help prevent damage:

•Always wear protective gloves throughout the entire process.

•Ensure you're in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling chemical fumes.

•Always perform both a strand test to determine the optimal processing time for your hair and a patch test 48 hours beforehand to check for any allergic reactions.

•Carefully read and follow all instructions provided in your bleach kit, including mix ratios and processing times, and never exceed the maximum recommended duration.

•Afterward, deeply moisturize your hair with a nourishing treatment like Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm to replenish moisture and help repair any damage.

The primary differences between bleach and high-lift color are how they work and the results they produce.

•Bleach for hair is a chemical agent designed to strip away natural or artificial hair pigment through oxidation, making the hair lighter. It doesn't deposit any color itself, and the level of lift depends on the developer strength and processing time. This makes it ideal for achieving significant lightness, including platinum blondes, or for preparing hair for vibrant fashion colors.

•High-lift color is a specialized hair dye that combines a strong developer with pigments to lighten the hair while simultaneously depositing a new tone. High-lift color is suitable for achieving lighter blonde shades or toning while lifting. However, it can’t achieve the same level of lightness as bleach, especially on very dark hair, and it's generally not used for extreme transformations.

Explore all L’Oreal Paris hair color products to find the best hair coloring option for you.

Hair bleach most commonly comes in powder, cream, or oil-based formulas.

•Powder bleach, the most common type, is typically mixed with a developer to create a paste. It's known for its powerful lifting capabilities, making it suitable for significant lightening, including achieving very light blondes or preparing hair for vivid fashion colors.

•Cream bleach often contains conditioning agents, making it a gentler option for those with delicate hair or sensitive scalps. While it may not offer the same intense lift as powder bleach, it provides a more controlled and often less damaging lightening process.

•Oil-based bleach contains oils to moisturize and protect hair during the bleaching process, which is helpful for dry or damaged hair. However, this type of bleach usually does not achieve the same level of lightening as powder bleach.

The right type of bleach hair color kit for you depends on your hair type, hair color, and hair color goal.

It’s generally best to wait at least 6-8 weeks between full bleaching sessions to allow your hair time to recover from the chemical process, but how often you should bleach your hair largely depends on your hair's health, growth rate, and the type of look you're trying to maintain. Bleaching is a taxing process for your hair, and frequent applications can lead to severe damage, breakage, and dryness. If you're only bleaching your roots, you might be able to touch them up every 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how noticeable your roots become. Prioritize your hair's health with ongoing care with strengthening systems like EverStrong Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner and deep conditioning hair treatments, and take a break from bleach if your hair feels brittle or dull.

You can purchase L’Oréal Paris hair bleach kits in-person at your local drugstore, at grocery chains, large retailers like Walmart and Target, or online through retailers like Amazon and Ulta Beauty. Click the “Buy Online” button on the hair bleaches' individual pages to see where to purchase online, or use our Store Locator to find an in-store option to shop for a bleach kit for hair near you.