Raise your hand if you have never had the desire to be blonde. While it's easier with already light hair, it's not an impossible feat when it's black. Of course, it takes more time, patience and attention to avoid damaging them irreparably, but it can be done! To dye your hair blonde you need a few weeks of preparation, during which you will have to organize yourself to hydrate it, bleach it and take care of it after lightening.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the Hair
Step 1. Hydrate them deeply every 2-3 days for 2 weeks before bleaching them
This treatment is not essential, but useful if you have the time and patience to do it. The transition from black to blonde proceeds in stages and requires the use of bleaching substances that easily dry out and damage the hair. So, try to keep them healthy so as not to compromise the final result.
Likewise, stop using thermal styling tools a few weeks before bleaching to limit the damage caused by exposure to heat
How to make a hair mask at home:
Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil and 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml) of honey in a small bowl. With the comb, apply the mixture to dry or slightly damp hair. Wrap them in a towel or shower cap and let the mask work for 15-30 minutes. Rinse your head in the shower without using shampoo, just conditioner. Finally, let your hair air dry.
Step 2. Remove the residue of the previous dye with a clarifying shampoo
Note that if your hair is not colored, you can skip this step. Clarifying shampoo doesn't completely get rid of the dye, but it lightens the hair so it's easier to bleach. Use it 2-3 times before moving on to the actual bleaching.
Avoid using it on the day you decide to do the first bleaching treatment. It could dry out the hair excessively
Step 3. Test a strand to see the final effect of the bleaching
It will help you determine the processing times and will tell you if the scalp is too sensitive for the bleaching process. Take a small section of hair at least 3 cm wide, in a hidden spot.
- Gather the rest of your hair so it doesn't accidentally come into contact with the bleaching substance.
- Put on a pair of gloves and follow the instructions to mix the bleaching powder and activator. Leave the mixture on your hair for 30-45 minutes before rinsing.
- If your scalp becomes red or irritated, you may be allergic or sensitive to these chemicals. In that case, avoid bleaching the whole head. Instead, consult your hairdresser to understand how you should proceed.
Step 4. Divide the hair into 4 parts with the help of rubber bands or clips
Once you are ready to start your first bleaching session, separate the hair into 4 quadrants: divide them in the center and then each side into 2 sections, one high and one low. Use rubber bands or clips to keep them apart.
If you have a fairly thick mass of hair, you may want to divide it into several parts so that it is easier to work with
Step 5. Protect your skin and clothing by wearing gloves and an old shirt
The bleach is an aggressive chemical agent, capable of burning the skin, so you should protect the parts of the body that can come into contact with this substance. Put on a pair of rubber gloves before mixing and applying the bleaching powder and activator. Change your clothes and wear clothes that you can ruin: if the bleach falls on the shirt, it is inevitable that it gets stained.
Use old towels to protect the space you work in as well. If the bleach comes into contact with furniture, it can cause irreparable stains
Part 2 of 4: Bleaching the Hair
Step 1. Mix the activator and the powder in a small plastic bowl
When you go from black to blond, don't skimp on the products to buy: get what you need at a beauty salon or perfumery rather than at the supermarket. Read the following information to determine how many volumes the activator should be:
- If it has 20 volumes, it lightens the hair color by 1-2 tones and is a great option if it is not already dyed, but is damaged or dry.
- If it has 30 volumes, it lightens the hair color by 2-3 tones and is indicated if you have never treated them.
- If it has 40 volumes, it lightens the hair color by about 4 tones, but it can damage them; if you have a very sensitive scalp, avoid using it as it could severely irritate the skin.
- Since the hair is very dark, the bleach is the best choice for lightening it. Other methods, such as hydrogen peroxide or lightening spray lotions, impart auburn undertones and will likely never give you the shade you actually want.
Warning:
for the hair never use the common bleach intended for cleaning and sanitizing the house. It is too powerful: it risks burning the skin and completely ruining the hair. Always use the appropriate bleaching powder.
Step 2. Apply the bleach to all strands, starting from the ends
Start with part of your hair up, preferably near the nape of your neck, by removing the elastic or clip. Take a 3 cm section of hair and use the applicator brush to distribute the bleach from the ends up to about 2 cm from the scalp, excluding the roots. Repeat the treatment with the rest of the hair belonging to the same section, then move on to the next quadrant and start over (always excluding the roots).
The heat emanating from the head makes the bleach act faster, favoring a more evident lightening at the roots than the rest of the hair
Step 3. Apply the bleach to the roots
Once you have bleached your hair for the entire length, you need to move on to the roots. Start from the nape of the neck and proceed in sections, distributing the bleach only on the 2 cm previously excluded. If you prefer, gather the hair of each quadrant with a rubber band or a clip to proceed with order.
If your scalp starts to burn, rinse it off immediately
Step 4. Leave for 30-40 minutes
The test performed on the initial strand should have given you a clearer idea of how long it takes for the hair to start bleaching. If you want, put on a shower cap during this step of the treatment to prevent the bleach from accidentally falling on furniture and other objects, staining them.
- Do not leave the bleach on your hair for more than 45 minutes.
- Keep in mind that this is only the first bleaching session. You'll need to do at least one more to get your hair the right shade of blonde, so don't worry if the color still doesn't look perfect.
Step 5. Rinse, shampoo, conditioner and let your hair air dry
After 30-40 minutes, use lukewarm water to carefully remove the bleach. Use a specially formulated moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for bleached hair (often included in bleaching kits). Let them air dry instead of using a hairdryer. Remember that they have undergone aggressive treatment, so it is important to limit the use of thermal tools at this time.
Don't be surprised if the color turns orange or has auburn highlights. The first bleaching is enough to lighten the hair by 2-3 tones, but not to make it perfectly blonde
Step 6. Use a toner after 1-2 days to soften the reddish undertones
For a few weeks the hair will be in an intermediate state, so with the toning you have the possibility to soften the orange or auburn reflections of this phase. Choose a silver, pearl or light ash one to limit warm tones.
If you don't want to apply the toner, use at least purple shampoo to get rid of the auburn undertones and give your hair a shade closer to ash blonde
Part 3 of 4: Apply the Second Dose of Bleach
Step 1. Wait 2-4 weeks before repeating the treatment
It is the most important step because it allows you to keep your hair healthy during the transition from black to blonde. If your hair is brittle and dry, postpone the second bleaching to 3-4 weeks after the first. If it seems to respond well to revitalizing treatments, wait 1-2 weeks.
- If after the second bleaching your hair is still not as clear as you want, wait another couple of weeks to perform a third treatment. Alternatively, try consulting a hairdresser for some advice before doing any more damage.
- Do not perform more than 3 bleaches, otherwise it will be rather difficult for the hair to recover after such prolonged exposure to very aggressive chemicals.
Step 2. Use deep-acting conditioner or leave-in conditioner every other day for 2-4 weeks
Try to take care of your hair between bleaches. If you don't want to use an industrial product, apply coconut oil and leave it on for 20-30 minutes: it helps rehydrate bleached hair.
Likewise, limit the use of thermal styling tools during this time, as excessive heat damages the hair further
Step 3. Choose a 20-30 volume activator for the second bleaching
When it's time for the second bleaching, apply the same activator or one of a lower volume than the one you used the first time. The higher the volume, the more it risks ruining the hair.
- If it has 20 volumes, it further lightens the hair by 1-2 tones. The right toner may be enough for you to get the blonde you want.
- If it has 30 volumes, it further lightens the hair by 2-3 tones. It's a great choice if your hair hasn't become too brittle and dry after the first bleaching.
Step 4. Repeat the treatment from the first time
Separate the hair into 4 quadrants. Distribute the bleach on the tips and middle sections of the head first, then on the roots. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
Remember to wear rubber gloves and an old shirt when applying
Step 5. Rinse and wash your hair
After the exposure time, throw yourself in the shower to remove the bleach. Then use a deep-acting shampoo and conditioner, and finally let your hair air dry.
If you can't help but use the hair dryer, select the lowest temperature
Step 6. Apply the toner for a cooler blonde
Without toning, the hair can take on auburn reflections. Wait a couple of days after the second bleaching, otherwise the toner could make them even drier. Choose one with a low ammonia concentration or use a purple shampoo and follow the instructions.
You can apply the toner every 2-3 weeks to touch up your hair, but not every day. If used frequently, it risks drying them out
Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of Bleached Hair
Step 1. Use purple shampoo and a balm for the care of blond hair.
When you go to perfumery, look for a product formulated for your needs. The purple shampoo and conditioner prevent the hair from taking on warmer tones over time.
For best results, apply the purple shampoo a couple of times a week. If you wash your hair more often, opt for a deep moisturizer on the other days
Step 2. Limit the use of thermal styling tools
Since the blow dryer, straightener and curling iron use heat to shape the strands, they risk further ruining the hair. If you can't do without it, select the lowest temperature to minimize damage.
There are several ways in which you can straighten or curl your hair without using heat. Take a look at the links above to see if the proposed methods meet your needs
Step 3. Avoid the high ponytail and tight bun
Bleached hair is more brittle and breaks more easily than untreated hair. In these cases, any hairstyle that requires the use of sturdy rubber bands poses a threat, so avoid them if possible.
There are great solutions to try. Buy hair ties made of fabric, satin, ribbon, or in a spiral shape
Step 4. Touch up the roots every 4-6 weeks
The retouch treatment is very similar to the normal bleaching process, but does not involve the discoloration of the entire hair. Part your hair as usual, but only apply the bleach to the roots. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and then rinse it off.
If you do touch-up periodically, don't forget to apply the toner 1-2 days later. If not, the roots will have a different shade of blonde than the rest of the hair
Advise:
you may find it difficult to even out the roots to the lengths. You may want to go to the hairdresser from time to time so that he can take care of the problem.
Step 5. Apply a moisturizing mask once a week to keep your hair healthy
Just because the bleaching is over doesn't mean you're done taking care of your hair. Buy a deep-action mask or use a homemade one.
These products do not harm your hair, so you can use them more than once a week if you notice any benefits
Advice
- If you have trouble applying the bleach, ask a friend to help you. She might distribute it on the back of her head better than you would on her own.
- Do not start treatment before a big event as it will take a few weeks for the discoloration to complete. Of course, you won't want to be photographed when you haven't gotten the color you want yet!
- If you have graying black hair and want to go blonde, you can use a ready-made hair dye or mix a natural dye using cassia obovata powder (natural henna).
Warnings
- If the scalp starts to burn, stop the discoloration immediately and wash the head.
- Be careful when applying the bleach. Wear gloves and avoid dropping it on your skin. If it comes into contact with your eyes, immediately rinse them with cold water for 15 minutes.
